1


Valentine week, 1850


Awake ye muses nine, sing me a strain divine,
Unwind the solemn twine, and tie my Valentine!

Oh the Earth was made for lovers, for damsel, and hopeless swain,
For sighing, and gentle whispering, and unity made of twain
All things do go a courting, in earth, or sea, or air,
God hath made nothing single but thee in His world so fair!
The bride, and then the bridegroom, the two, and then the one,
Adam, and Eve, his consort, the moon, and then the sun,
The life doth prove the precept, who obey shall happy be,
Who wlll not serve the sovereign, be hanged on fatal tree.
The high do seek the lowly, the great do seek the small,
None cannot find who seeketh, on this terrestrial ball;
The bee doth court the flower, the flower his suit receives,
And they make merry wedding, whose guests are hundred leaves;
The wind doth woo the branches, the branches they are won,
And the father fond demandeth the maiden for his son.
The storm doth walk the seashore humming a mournful tune,
The wave with eye so pensive, looketh to see the moon,
their spirits meet together, they make them solemn vows,
No more he singeth mournful, her sadness she doth lose.
The worm doth woo the mortal, death claims a living bride,
Night unto day is married, morn unto eventide,
Earth is a merry damsel, and heaven a knight so true.
And Earth is quite coquettish, and beseemeth in vain to sue.
Now to the application, to the reading of the roll,
To bringing thee to justice, and marshalling thy soul:
Thou art a human solo, a being cold, and lone,
wilt have no kind companion, thou reap'st what thou hast sown.
Hast never silent hours, and minutes all too long,
And a deal of sad reflection, and wailing instead of song?
There's Sarah, and Eliza, and Emeline so fair,
And Harriet, and Susan, and she with curling hair!
Thine eyes are sadly blinded, but yet thou mayest see
Six true, and comely maidens sitting upon the tree,
Approach that tree with caution, then up it boldly climb,
And seize the one thou lovest, nor care for space, or time!
Then bear her to the greenwood, and build for her a bower,
And give her what she asketh, jewel, or bird, or flower -
And bring the fife, and trumpet, and beat upon the drum -
And bid the world Goodmorrow, and go to glory home!


185l


2


There is another sky,
Ever serene and fair,
And there is another sunshine,
Though it be darkness there;
Never mind faded forests, Austin,
Never mind silent fields -
Here is a little forest,
Whose leaf is ever green;
Here is a brighter garden,
Where not a frost has been;
In its unfading flowers
I hear the bright bee hum;
Prithee, my brother,
Into my garden come!


3


"Sic transit gloria mundi,"
"How doth the busy bee,"
"Dum vivimus vivamus,"
I stay mine enemy!

Oh "veni, vidi, vici!"
Oh caput capos-pie!
And oh "memento mori"
'When I am far from thee!

Hurrah for Peter Parley!
Hurrah for Daniel Boone!
Three cheers, sir, for the gentleman
Who first observed the moon!

Peter, put up the sunshine;
Patti, arrange the stars,
Tell Luna, tea is waiting,
And call your brother Mars!

Put down the apple, Adam,
And come away with me,
So shalt thou have a pippin
From off my father's tree!

I climb the "Hill of Science,"
I "view the landscape o'er;"
Such transcendental prospect,
I ne'er beheld before!

Unto the Legislature
My country bids me go;
I'll take my india rubbers,
In case the wind should blow!

During my education,
It was announced to me
That gravitation, stumbling,
Fell from an apple tree!

The earth upon an axis
Was once supposed to turn,
By way of a gymnastic
In honor of the sun!

It was the brave Columbus,
A sailing o'er the tide,
Who notified the nations
Of where I would reside!

Mortality is fatal
Gentility is fine,
Rascality, heroic,
Insolvency, sublime! *

Our Fathers being weary,
Laid down on Bunker Hill;
And tho' full many a morning,
Yet they are sleeping still, -

The trumpet, sir, shall wake them,
In dreams I see them rise,
Each with a solemn musket
A marching to the skies!

A coward will remain, Sir,
Until the fight is done,
But an immortal hero
will take 1115 hat, and run!

Good bye, Sir, I am going;
My country calleth me;
Allow me, Sir, at parting,
To wipe my weeping e' e.

In token of our fnendship
Accept this "Bonnie Doon,"
And when the hand that plucked it
Hath passed beyond the moon,

The memory of my ashes
will consolation be,
Then, farewell, Tuscarora,
And farewell, Sir, to thee!

St. Valentine-'52


4


On this wondrous sea
Sailing silently,
Ho! Pilot, ho!
Knowest thou the shore
Where no breakers roar
Where the storm is o'er?

In the peaceful west
Many the sails at rest -
The anchors fast -
Thither I pilot thee -
Land Ho! Eternity!
Ashore at last!


5


I have a Bird in spring
which for myself doth sing -
The spring decoys.
And as the summer nears -
And as the Rose appears,
Robin is gone.

Yet do I not repine
Knowing that Bird of mine
Though flown -
Learneth beyond the sea
Melody new for me
And will return.

Fast in a safer hand
Held in a truer land
Are mine-
And though they now depart,
Tell I my doubting heart
They're thine.

In a serener Bright,
In a more golden light
I see
Each little doubt and fear,
Each little discord here
Removed.

Then will I not repine,
Knowing that Bird or mIne
Though flown
Shall in a distant tree
BrIght melody for me
Return.

1854 1932.


6


Frequently the woods are plnk-
Frequently are brown
Frequently the hills undress
Behind my native town.
Oft a head is crested
I was wont to see-
And as oft a cranny
Where it used to be-
And the Earth - they tell me -
On its Axis turned!
Wonderful Rotation!
By but twelve performed!　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1858 l891


7


The feet of people walking home
with gayer sandals go -
The Crocus - till she rises -
The Vassal of the snow-
The lips at Hallelujah
Long years of practise bore
till bye and bye these Bargemen
Walked singing on the shore.

Pearls are the Diver's farthings
Extorted from the Sea -
Pinions - the Seraph's wagon
Pedestrian once - as we -
Night is the morning's Canvas
Larceny - legacy -
Death, but our rapt attention
To Immortality.

My figures fail to tell me
How far the Village lies
Whose peasants are the Angels
Whose Cantons dot the skies -
My Classics veil their faces -
My faIth that Dark adores -
which from its solemn abbeys
Such resurrection pours.


8


There is a word
which bears a sword
Can pierce an armed man -
It hurls its barbed syllables
And is mute again -
But where it fell
The saved will tell
On patriotic day,
Some epauletted Brother
Gave his breath away.

Wherever runs the breathless sun
Wherever roams the day -
There is its noiseless onset -
There is its victory!
Behold the keenest marksman!
The most accomplished shot!
time's sublimest target
is a soul "forgot!"　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1858


9


Through lane it lay - through bramble -
Through clearing and through wood -
Banditti often passed us
Upon the lonely road.

The wolf came peering curious -
The owl looked puzzled down -
The serpent's satin figure
Glid stealthily along-

The tempests touched our garments -
The lightning's poinards gleamed
Fierce from the Crag above us
The hungry Vulture screamed-

The satyr's fingers beckoned-
The valley murmured "Come" -
These were the mates -
This was the road
These children fluttered home.


10


My wheel is in the dark!
I cannot see a spoke
Yet know its dripping feet
Go round and round.

My foot is on the Tide!
An unfrequented road -
Yet have all roads
A clearing at the end -

Some have resigned the Loom -
Some in the busy tomb
Find quaint employ:-

Some with new - stately feet -
Pass royal through the gate -
Flinging the problem back
At you and I!

c. 1858 1914


11


I never told the buried gold
Upon the hill- that lies-
I saw the sun - his plunder done
Crouch low to guard his prize.

He stood as near
As stood you here-
A pace had heen between -
Did but a snake blsect the brake
My life had forfeit been.

That was a wondrous booty-
I hope 'twas honest gained.
Those were the fairest ingots
That ever kissed the spade!

Whether to keep the secret -
Whether to reveal-
Whether as I ponder
Kidd will sudden sail-

Could a shrewd advise me
We might e'en divIde-
Should a shrewd betray me -
Atropos decide!　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1858 1914


12


The morns are meeker than they were -
The nuts are getting brown -
The berry's cheek is plumper-
The Rose is out of town.

The Maple wears a gayer scarf -
The field a scarlet gown -
Lest I should be old fashioned
I'll put a trinket on.

c. 1858


13


Sleep is supposed to be
By souls of sanity
The shutting of the eye.

Sleep is the station grand
Down which, on either hand
The hosts of witness stand!

Morn is supposed to be
By people of degree
The breaking of the Day

Morning has not occurred!

That shall Aurora be -
East of Eternity-
One with the banner gay -
One in the red array -
That is the break of Day!

c. 1858


14


One Sister have I in our house,
And one, a hedge away.
There's only one recorded,
But both belong to me.

One came the road that I came -
And wore my last year's gown -
The other, as a bird her nest,
Builded our hearts among.

She did not sing as we did -
It was a different tune -
Herself to her a music
As Bumble bee of June

Today is far from ChillOhood
But up and down the hills
I held her hand the tighter -
which shortened all the miles -

And still her hum
The years among,
Deceives the Butterfly,
Still in her Eye
The Violets lie
Mouldered this many May.

I Spilt the dew -
But took the morn -

I chose this single star
From out the wide night's numbers
Sue - forevermore!　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1858


15


The Guest is gold and crimson -
An Opal guest and gray -
Of Ermine is his doublet -
His Capuchin gay -
He reaches town at nightfall -
He stops at every door -
Who looks for him at morning
I pray him too - explore
The Lark's pure territory -
Or the Lapwing's shore!　　　　　　　NOTES


16


I would distil a cup,
And bear to all my friends,
Drinking to her no more astir,
By beck, or burn, or moor!　　　　　　NOTES

c 1858 1894


17


Baffied for just a day or two-
Embarrassed - not afraid -
Encounter in my garden
An unexpected Maid.

She beckons, and the woods start -
She nods, and all begin -
Surely, such a country
I was never in!

c 1858 1945


18


The Gentian weaves her fringes-
The Maple's loom is red -
My departing blossoms
Obviate parade.

A brief, but patient illness -
An hour to prepare,
And one below this morning
is where the angels are -
It was a short procession,
The Bobolink was there -
An aged Bee addressed us -
And then we knelt in prayer -
We trust that she was willing -
We ask that we may be.
Summer - Sister - Seraph!
Let us go with thee'

In the name of the Bee -
And of the Butterfly -
And of the Breeze - Amen!　　　　NOTES

c. 1858 1891


19


A sepal, petal, and a thorn
Upon a common summer's morn
A flask of Dew - A Bee or two -
A Breeze - a caper in the trees -
And I'm a Rose!

c. 1858


20


Distrustful of the Gentian -
And just to turn away,
The fluttering of her fringes
Chid my perfidy -
Weary for my ---
I will singing go -
I shall not feel the sleet - then -
I shall not fear the snow

Flees so the phantom meadow
Before the breathless Bee -
So bubble brooks in deserts
On Ears that dying lie -
Burn so the Evening Spires
To Eyes that Closing go
Hangs so distant Heaven -
To a hand below.


21


We lose - because we win -
Gamblers - recollecting which
Toss their dice again!

c. 1858 1945


22


All these my banners be.
I sow my pageantry
ln May -
It rises train by train -
Then sleeps in state again -
My chancel - all the plain
Today.

To lose - if one can find again -
To miss - if one shall meet -
The Burglar cannot rob - then -
The Broker cannot cheat.
So build the hillocks gaily
Thou little spade of mine
Leaving nooks for Daisy
And for Columbine -
You and I the secret
Of the Crocus know -
Let us chant it softly-
"There is no more snow!"

To him who keeps an Orchis' heart
The swamps are pink with June.　　　　　　NOTES


23


I had a guinea golden -
I lost it in the sand -
And tho' the sum was simple
And pounds were in the land -
Still, had it such a value
Unto my frugal eye-
That when I could not find it -
I sat me down to sigh.

I had a crimson Robin -
Who sang full many a day
But when the woods were painted,
He, too, did fly away -
time brought me other Robins
their ballads were the same -
Still, for my mlssing Troubadour
I kept the "house at hame."

I had a star in heaven -
One "Pleiad" was its name -
And when I was not heeding,
It wandered from the same
And tho' the skies are crowded -
And all the night ashine -
I do not care about it -
Since none of them are mine.

My story has a moral-
I have a mlssing friend -
"Pleiad" its name, and Robin,
And guinea in the sand.
And when this mournful dItty
Accompanied with tear -
Shall meet the eye of traitor
In country far from here -
Grant that repentance solemn
May seize upon his mind
And he no consolation
Beneath the sun may find.


24


There is a morn by men unseen -
Whose maids upon remoter green
Keep their Seraphic May-
And all day long, with dance and game,
And gambol I may never name -
Employ their holiday.

Here to light measure, move the feet
which walk no more the village street -
Nor by the wood are found-
Here are the birds that sought the sun
When last year's distaff idle hung
And summer's brows were bound.

Ne'er saw I such a wondrous scene
Ne'er such a ring on such a green
Nor so serene array -
As if the stars some summer night
Should swing thelr cups of Chrysolite -
And revel till the day -

like thee to dance - like thee to sing -
People upon the mystic green -
I ask, each new May Morn
I wait thy far, fantastic bells
Announcing me in other dells -
Unto the different dawn!

C. 1858


25


She slept beneath a tree -
Remembered but by me.
I touched her Cradle mute -
She recognized the foot -
Put on her carmine suit
And see!


26


It's all I have to bring today
This, and my heart beside -
This, and my heart, and all the fields
And all the meadows wide -
Be sure you count - should I forget
Some one the sum could tell-
This, and my heart, and all the Bees
which In the Clover dwell.

c. 1858 1896


27


Morns like these - we parted -
Noons like these - she rose-
Fluttering first - then firmer
To her fair repose.
Never did she lisp it -
It was not for me -
She - was mute from transport-
I - from agony -
till- the evening nearing
One the curtains drew -
Quick! A Sharper rustling!
And this linnet flew!

c. 1858 1892


28


So has a Daisy vanished
From the fields today -
So tiptoed many a slipper
To Paradise away-
Oozed so in crimson bubbles
Day's departing tide-
Blooming - tripping - flowing -
Are ye then with God?

c. 1858 1945


29


If those I loved were lost
The Crier' s voice would tell me -
If those I loved were found
The bells of Ghent would ring -
Did those I loved repose
The Daisy would impel me
Philip - when bewildered
Bore hls riddle in!

c. 1858


30


Adrift! A little boat adrift!
And night is coming down!
will no one guide a little boat
Unto the nearest town?

So Sailors say - on yesterday -
Just as the dusk was blown
One little boat gave up its strife
And gurgled down and down.

So angels say - on yesterday
Just as the dawn was red
One little boat - O' erspent with gales -
Retrimmed its masts - redecked its sails -
And shot - exultant on!

c. 1858


31


Summer for thee, grant I may be
When Summer days are flown!
Thy music still, when Whippoorwill
And Oriole - are done!

For thee to bloom, I'll skip the tomb
And row my blossoms o'er!
Pray gather me -
Anemone-
Thy flower - forevermore!

c. 1858 1945


32


When Roses cease to bloom, Sir,
And Violets are done -
When Bumblebees in solemn flight
Have passed beyond the Sun -
The hand that paused to gather
Upon this Summer's day
will idle lie - in Auburn -
Then take my flowers - pray!


33


If recollecting were forgetting,
Then I remember not
And if forgetting, recollecting,
How near I had forgot.
And if to miss, were merry,
And to mourn, were gay,
How very blithe the fingers
That gathered this, Today!


34


Garlands for Queens, may be -
Laurels - for rare degree
Of soul or sword.
Ah - but rememberIng me -
Ah - but remembering thee -
Nature in chivalry-
Nature in charity-
Nature in equity -
The Rose ordained!

1945


35


Nobody knows this little Rose-
It might a pilgrim be
Did I not take it from the ways
And lift it up to thee
Only a Bee will miss it -
Only a Butterfly,
Hastening from far journey-
On its breast to lie -
Only a Bird will wonder -
Only a Breeze will sigh -
Ah little Rose - how easy
For such as thee to die!

c. 1858 1891


36


Snow flakes.
I counted till they danced so
their slippers leaped the town,
And then I took a pencil
To note the rebels down.
And then they grew so jolly
I did resign the prig,
And ten of my once stately toes
Are marshalled for a jig!

c. 1858 194~


37


Before the ice is in the pools -
Before the skaters go,
Or any cheek at nightfall
is tarnished by the snow -

Before the fields have finished,
Before the Christmas tree,
Wonder upon wonder
will arrive to me!

What we touch the hems of
On a summer's day-
What is only walking
Just a brIdge away-

That which sings so - speaks so-
When there's no one here-
will the frock I wept in
Answer me to wear?

c. 1858 1896


38


By such and such an offering
To Mr So and So,
The web of life woven -
So martyrs albums show!

c 1858 1945


39


It did not surprise me -
So I said - or thought -
She will stir her pinions
And the nest forgot,

Traverse broader forests -
Build in gayer boughs,
Breathe in Ear more modern
God's old fashioned vows-

This was but a Birdling -
What and if it be
One within my bosom
Had departed me?

This was but a story -
What and if indeed
There were just such coffin
In the heart instead?

c. 1858 1945


40


When I count the seeds
That are sown beneath,
To bloom so, bye and bye-

When I con the people
Lain so low,
To be received as high -

When I believe the garden
Mortal shall not see -
Pick by faith its blossom
And avoid its Bee,
I can spare this summer, unreluctantly.

c 1858 I945


41


I robbed the Wood! -
The trusting Woods.
The unsuspecting Trees
Brought out their Burs and mosses
My fantasy to please.
I scanned their trinkets curious -
1 grasped - I bore away -
What will the solemn Hemlock -
What will the Oak tree say?

c. 1858 1955


42


A Day! Help! Help! Another Day!
Your prayers, oh Passer by!
From such a common ball as this
Might date a Victory!
From marshallings as simple
The flags of nations swang.
Steady - my soul: What issues
Upon thine arrow hang!

c. 1858 1945


c. 1858


43


Could live - did live -
Could die - did die -
Could smile upon the whole
Through faith in one he met not,
To introduce his soul.

Could go from scene familiar
To an untraversed spot
Could contemplate the journey
with unpuzzled heart-

Such trust had one among us,
Among us not today -
We who saw the launching
Never sailed the Bay!

c. 1858


44


If she had been the Mistletoe
And I had been the Rose -
How gay upon your table
My velvet life to close -
Since I am of the Druid,
And she is of the dew -
I'll deck Tradition's buttonhole
And send the Rose to you.


45


There's something quieter than sleep
within this inner room!
It wears a sprig upon its breast -
And will not tell its name.

Some touch It, and some kiss it
Some chafe its idle hand -
It has a simple gravity
I do not understand!

I would not weep if I were they -
How rude in one to sob!
Might scare the quiet fairy
Back to her native wood!

While simple-hearted neighbors
Chat of the "Early dead" -
We - prone to periphrasis,
Remark that Birds have fled!

c. 1858 1896


46


I keep my pledge.
I was not called -
Death did not notice me.
I bring my Rose.
I plight again,
By every sainted Bee -
By Daisy called from hillside -
By Bobolink from lane
Blossom and I -
Her oath, and mine-
will surely come again.

c. 1858 1945


47


Heart! We will forget him!
You and I - tonight!
You may forget the warmth he gave -
I will forget the light!

When you have done, pray tell me
That I may straight begin!
Haste! lest While you're lagging
I remember him!

c. 1858 1896


48


Once more, my now bewildered Dove
Bestirs her puzzled wings
Once more her mistress, on the deep
Her troubled question flings -

Thence to the floating casement
The Patriarch's bird returned,
Courage! My brave Columba!
There may yet be Land!

C. 1858


49


I never lost as much but twice,
And that was in the sod.
Twice have I stood a beggar
Before the door of God!

Angels - twice descending
Reimbursed my store
Burglar! Banker - Father!
I am poor once more!

C. 1858


50


I haven't told my garden yet
Lest that should conquer me.
I haven't quite the strength now
To break it to the Bee-

I will not name it in the street
For shops would stare at me -
That one so shy - so ignorant
Should have the face to die.

The hillsides must not know it
Where I have rambled so -
Nor tell the loving forests
The day that I shall go -

Nor lisp it at the table -
Nor heedless by the way
Hint that within the Riddle
One will walk today -

1858 1891


51


I often passed the village
When going home from school -
And wondered what they did there-
And why it was so stlll-

I did not know the year then -
In which my call would come -
Earlier, by the Dial,
Than the rest have gone

It's stiller than the sundown.
It's cooler than the dawn -
The Daisies dare to come here -
And birds can flutter down -

So when you are tired -
Or perplexed - or cold -
Trust the loving promise
Underneath the mould,
Cry "it's I," "take Dollie,"
And I will enfold!

c 1858 1945


52


Whether my bark went down at sea -
Whether she met with gales -
Whether to isles enchanted
She bent her docile sails -

By what mystic mooring
She is held today -
This is the errand of the eye
Out upon the Bay.

C. 1858


53


Taken from men - this morning -
Carried by men today-
Met by the Gods with banners -
Who marshalled her away -

One little maid - from playmates
One little mind from school
There must be guests in Eden -
All the rooms are full-

Far - as the East from Even -
Dim - as the border star -
Courtiers quaint, in Kingdoms
Our departed are.


54


If I should die,
And you should live -
And time should gurgle on -
And morn should beam -
And noon should burn -
As it has usual done -
If Birds should build as early
And Bees as bustling go -
One might depart at option
From enterprise below!
'Tis sweet to know that stocks will stand
When we with Daisies lie -
That Commerce will continue-
And Trades as briskly fly-
It makes the parting tranquil
And keeps the soul serene -
That gentlemen so sprightly
Conduct the pleasing scene!

c. 1858 1891


55


By Chivalries as tiny,
A Blossom, or a Book,
The seeds of smiles are planted -
which blossom in the dark.

c. 1858 1945


56


If I should cease to bring a Rose
Upon a festal day,
'Twill be because beyond the Rose
I have been called away -

If I should cease to take the names
My buds commemorate -
'Twill be because Death's finger
Claps my murmuring lip!

c. 1858 1945


57


To venerate the simple days
which lead the seasons by,
Needs but to remember
That from you or I,
They may take the trifle
Termed mortality!

c. 1858 1896


58


Delayed till she had ceased to know -
Delayed till in its vest of snow
Her loving bosom lay -
An hour behind the fleeting breath -
Later by just an hour than Death -
Oh lagging Yesterday!

Could she have guessed that it would be -
Could but a crier of the joy
Have climbed the distant hill -
Had not the bliss so siow a pace
Who knows but this surrendered face
Were undefeated still?

Oh if there may departing be
Any forgot by Victory
In her Imperial round -
Show them this meek appareled thing
That could not stop to be a king -
Doubtful if it be crowned!

c. 1859 1890


59


A little East of Jordan,
Evangelists record,
A Gymnast and an Angel
Did wrestle long and hard -

till morning touching mountain-
And Jacob, waxing strong,
The Angel begged permission
To Breakfast - to return -

Not so, said cunning Jacob!
"I will not let thee go
Except thou bless me" - Stranger!
The which acceded to -

light swung the silver fleeces
"Peniel" Hills beyond,
And the bewildered Gymnast
Found he had worsted God!　　　　　NOTES

c. 1859 1914


60


like her the Saints retire,
In their Chapeaux of fire,
Martial as she!

like her the Evenings steal
Purple and Cochineal
After the Day!

"Departed" - both - they say!
i.e. gathered away,
Not found,

Argues the Aster still -
Reasons the Daffodil
Profound!　　　　　　　　　　NOTES

c: 1859 1932


61


Papa above!
Regard a Mouse
O'erpowered by the Cat!
Reserve within thy kingdom
A "Mansion" for the Rat!

Snug in seraphic Cupboards
To nibble all the day,
While unsuspecting Cycles
Wheel solemnly away!

c. 1859 1914


62


"Sown in dishonor"!
Ah! Indeed!
May this "dishonor" be?
If I were half so fine myself
I'd notice nobodyl

"Sown in corruption"!
Not so fast!
Apostle is askew!
Corinthians I. 15. narrates
A Circumstance or two!

c 1859 1914


63


If pain for peace prepares
Lo, what "Augustan" years
Our feet await!

If springs from winter rise,
Can the Anemones
Be reckoned up?

If night stands first - then noon
To gird us for the sun,
What gaze!

When from a thousand skies
On our developed eyes
Noons blaze!　　　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1859 1914


64


Some Rainbow - coming from the Fair!
Some Vision of the World Cashmere-
I confidently see!
Or else a Peacock's purple Train
Feather by feather - on the plain
Fritters itself away!

The dreamy Butterflies bestir!
Lethargic pools resume the whir
Of last year's sundered tune!
From some old Fortress on the sun
Baronial Bees - march - one by one -
In murmuring platoon!

The Robins stand as thick today
As Rakes of snow stood yesterday -
On fence - and Roof - and Twig!
The Orchis binds her feather on
For her old lover - Don the Sun!
RevisitIng the Bog!

without Commander! Countless! Still!
The Regiments of Wood and Hill
In bright detachment stand!
Behold! Whose Multitudes are these?
The children of whose turbaned seas -
Or what Clrcassian Land? 　　　　　　　　　NOTES

c 1859 1890


65


I can't tell you - but you feel it-
Nor can you tell me-
Saints, with ravished slate and pencil
Solve our April Day!

Sweeter than a vanished frolic
From a vanished green!
Swifter than the hoofs of Horsemen
Round a Ledge of dream!

Modest, let us walk among it
with our faces veiled -
As they say polite Archangels
Do in meeting God!

Not for me - to prate about it!
Not for you - to say
To some fashionable Lady
"Charming April Day"!

Rather - Heaven's "Peter Parley"!
By which Children siow
To sublimer Recitation
Are prepared to go!

c. 1859 1914


66


So from the mould
Scarlet and Gold
Many a Bulb will rise -
Hidden away, cunningly,
From sagacious eyes.

So from Cocoon
Many a Worm
Leap so Highland gay,
Peasants like me,
Peasants like Thee
Gaze perplexedly!

c. 1859 1914


67


Success is counted sweetest
By those who ne'er succeed.
To comprehend a nectar
Requires sorest need.

Not one of all the purple Host
Who took the Flag today
Can tell the definition
So clear of Victory

As he defeated - dying -
On whose forbldden ear
The distant strains of triumph
Burst agonized and clear!

c. 1859 1878


68


Ambition cannot find him.
Affection doesn't know
How many leagues of nowhere
lie between them now.

Yesterday, undistinguished!
Eminent Today
For our mutual honor,
Immortality!

c. 1859


69


Low at my problem bending,
Another problem comes -
Larger than mine - Serener -
Involving statelier sums.

I check my busy pencil,
My figures file away
Wherefore, my baffled fingers
Thy perplexity?


70


"Arcturus" is his other name -
I'd rather call him "Star."
It's very mean of Science
To go and interfere!

I slew a worm the other day -
A "Savant" passing by
Murmured "Resurgam" - "Centipede"!
"Oh Lord - how frail are we"!

I pull a flower from the woods -
A monster with a glass
Computes the stamens in a breath -
And has her in a "class"!

Whereas I took the Butterfly
Aforetime in my hat -
He sits erect in "Cabinets" -
The Clover bells forgot.

What once was "Heaven"
is "Zenith" now -
Where I proposed to go
When time's brief masquerade was done
is mapped and charted too

What if the poles should frisk about
And stand upon their heads!
I hope I'm ready for "the worst" -
Whatever prank betides!

Perhaps the "Kingdom of Heaven's" changed -
I hope the "Children" there
Won't be "new fashioned" when I come -
And laugh at me - and stare -

I hope the Father in the skies
will lift his little girl-
Old fashioned - naughty - everything -
Over the stile of "Pearl."


71


A throe upon the features-
A hurry in the breath -
An ecstasy of parting
Denominated "Death" -

An anguish at the mention
which when to patience grown,
I've known permission given
To rejoin its own.


72


Glowing is her Bonnet,
Glowing is her Cheek,
Glowing is her Kirtle,
Yet she cannot speak.

Better as the Daisy
From the Summer hill
Vanish unrecorded
Save by tearful rill -

Save by loving surise
Looking for her face
Save by feet unnumbered
Pausing at the place.

c. 1859 1914


73


Who never lost, are unprepared
A Coronet to find!
Who never thirsted
Flagons, and Cooling Tamarind!

Who never climbed the weary league-
Can such a foot explore
The purple territories
On Pizarro's shore?

How many Legions overcome -
The Emperor will say?
How many Colors taken
On Revolution Day?

How many Bullets bearest?
Hast Thou the Royal scar?
Angels! Write "Promoted"
On this Soldier's brow!

c. 1859 1891


74


A Lady red - amid the Hill
Her annual secret keeps!
A Lady white, within the Field
In placid lily sleeps!

The tidy Breezes, with their Brooms -
Sweep vale - and hill- and tree!
Prithee, My pretty Housewives!
Who may expected be?

The Neighbors do not yet suspect!
The Woods exchange a smile!
Orchard, and Buttercup, and Bird -
In such a little While!

And yet, how still the Landscape stands!
How nonchalant the Hedge!
As if the "Resurrection"
Were nothing very strange!


C. 1859


75


She died at play,
Gambolled away
Her lease of spotted hours,
Then sank as gaily as a Turk
Upon a Couch of flowers.

Her ghost strolled softly o'er the hill
Yesterday, and Today,
Her vestments as the silver fleece -
Her countenance as spray.


c. 1859


76


Exultation is the going
Of an inland soul to sea,
Past the houses - past the headlands -
Into deep Eternity -

Bred as we, among the mountains,
Can the sailor understand
The divine intoxication
Of the first league out from land?


77


I never hear the word "escape"
without a quicker blood,
A sudden expectation,
A flying attitude!

I never hear of prisons broad
By soldiers battered down,
But I tug childish at my bars
Only to fail again!


78


A poor - torn heart - a tattered heart -
That sat it down to rest -
Nor noticed that the Ebbing Day
Flowed silver to the West-
Nor noticed Night did soft descend -
Nor Constellation burn -
Intent upon the vision
Of latitudes unknown.

The angels - happening that way
This dusty heart espied -
Tenderly took it up from toil
And carried it to God -
There - sandals for the Barefoot -
There - gathered from the gales -
Do the blue havens by the hand
Lead the wandering Sails.


79


Going to Heaven!
I don't know when-
Pray do not ask me how!
Indeed I'm too astonished
To thInk of answering you!
Going to Heaven!
How dim it sounds!
And yet it wlll be done
As sure as flocks go home at night
Unto the Shepherd's arm!

Perhaps you're going too!
Who knows?
If you should get there first
Save just a little space for me
Close to the two I lost -
The smallest "Robe" will fit me
And just a bit of "Crown" -
For you know we do not mind our dress
When we are going home -

I'm glad I don't believe it
For it would stop my breath -
And I'd like to look a little more
At such a curious Earth!
I'm glad they did believe it
Whom I have never found
Since the mighty Autumn afternoon
I left them in the ground.


80


Our lives are Swiss -
So still - so Cool -
till some odd afternoon
The Alps neglect their Curtains
And we look farther on!

Italy stands the other side!
While like a guard between -
The solemn Alps -
The siren Alps
Forever intervene!


81


We should not mind so small a flower -
Except it quiet bring
Our little garden that we lost
Back to the Lawn again.

So spicy her Carnations nod
So drunken, reel her Bees -
So silver steal a hundred flutes
From out a hundred trees -

That whoso sees this little flower
By faith may clear behold
The Bobolinks mound the throne
And Dandelions gold.

c. 1859


82


Whose cheek is this?
What rosy face
Has lost a blush today?
I found her - "pleiad" - in the woods
And bore her safe away.

Robins, in the tradition
Did cover such with leaves,
But which the cheek -
And which the pall
My scrutiny deceives.

c. 1859


83


Heart, not so heavy as mine
Wending late home -
As it passed my window
Whistled itself a tune -
A careless snatch - a ballad
A ditty of the street -
Yet to my irritated Ear
An Anodyne so sweet -
It was as if a Bobolink
Sauntering this way
Carolled, and paused, and carolled -
Then bubbled siow away!
It was as if a chirping brook
Upon a dusty way -
Set bleeding feet to minuets
without the knowing why!
Tomorrow, night will come again -
Perhaps, weary and sore -
Ah Bugle! By my window
I pray you pass once more.


84


Her breast is fit for pearls,
But I was not a "Diver" -
Her brow is fit for thrones
But I have not a crest.
Her heart is fit for home -
I - a Sparrow - build there
Sweet of twigs and twine
My perennial nest.


85


"They have not chosen me," he said,
"But I have chosen them!"
Brave - Broken hearted statement -
Uttered in Bethlehem!

I could not have told it,
But since Jesus dared -
Sovereign! Know a Daisy
Thy dishonor shared!

c. 1859 1894


86


South winds jostle them -
Bumblebees come -
Hover - hesitate -
Drink, and are gone -

Butterflies pause
On their passage Cashmere -
I - softly plucking,
Present them here!

c. 1859 1891


87


A darting fear - a pomp - a tear -
A waking on a morn
To find that what one waked for,
Inhales the different dawn.

c 1859 1945


88


As by the dead we love to sit,
Become so wondrous dear -
As for the lost we grapple
Tho' all the rest are here -

In broken mathematics
We estimate our prize
Vast - in its fading ratio
To our penurious eyes!

c 1859 1891


89


Some things that fly there be -
Buds - Hours - the Bumblebee-
Of these no Elegy.

Some things that stay there be -
Grief - Hills - Eternity-
Nor this behooveth me.

There are that resting, rise.

Can I expound the skies?
How still the Riddle lies!

c. 1859 1890


90


within my reach!
I could have touched!
I might have chanced that way!
Soft sauntered thro' the village -
Sauntered as soft away!
So unsuspected Violets
within the meadows go-
Too late for striving fingers
That passed, an hour ago!

c. 1859 1890


91


So bashful when I spied her!
So pretty - so ashamed!
So hidden in her leaflets
Lest anybody find -

So breathless till I passed her -
So helpless when I turned
And bore her struggling, blushing,
Her simple haunts beyond!

For whom I robbed the Dingle -
For whom betrayed the Dell
Many, will doubtless ask me,
But I shall never tell!


92


My friend must be a Bird -
Because it flies!
Mortal, my friend must be,
Because it dles!
Barbs has it, like a Bee!
Ah, curious friend!
Thou puzzlest me!


93


Went up a year this evening!
I recollect it well!
Amid no bells nor bravoes
The bystanders will tell!
Cheerful - as to the village -
Tranquil- as to repose -
Chastened - as to the Chapel
This humble Tourist rose!
Did not talk of returning!
Alluded to no time
When, were the gales propitious -
We might look for him!
Was grateful for the Roses
In life's diverse bouquet-
Talked softly of new species
To pick another day;
Beguiling thus the wonder
The wondrous nearer drew -
Hands bustled at the moorings -
The crowd respectful grew -
Ascended from our vision
To Countenances new!
A Difference - A Daisy -
is all the rest I knew!

c. 1859 1891


94



Angels, in the early morning
May be seen the Dews among,
Stooping - plucking - smiling - flying -
Do the Buds to them belong?
Angels, when the sun is hottest
May be seen the sands among,
Stooping - plucking - sIghing - flying -
Parched the flowers they bear along.

c. 1859 1890


95


My nosegays are for Captives-
Dim -long expectant eyes,
Fingers denied the plucking,
Patient till Paradise.

To such, if they should whisper
Of morning and the moor,
They bear no other errand,
And I, no other prayer.

c. 1859 1891


96


Sexton! My Master's sleeping here.
Pray lead me to his bed!
I came to build the Bird's nest,
And sow the Early seed -

That when the snow creeps siowly
From off his chamber door -
Daisies point the way there -
And the Troubadour.　　　　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1859 1935


97


The rainbow never tells me
That gust and storm are by,
Yet is she more convincing
Than Philosophy.

My flowers turn from Forums -
Yet eloquent declare
What Cato couldn't prove me
Except the birds were here!

c. 1859 1929


98


One dignity delays for all -
One mitred Afternoon -
None can avoid thls purple -
None evade this Crown!

Coach, it insures, and footmen -
Chamber, and state, and throng-
Bells, also, in the village
As we ride grand along!

What dignified Attendants!
What service when we pause!
How loyally at parting
their hundred hats they raise!

How pomp surpassing ermine
When simple You, and I,
Present our meek escutcheon
And claim the rank to die!

c. 1859 1890


99


New feet within my garden go-
New fingers stir the sod-
A Troubadour upon the Elm
Betrays the solitude.

New children play upon the green -
New Weary sleep below-
And stili the pensive Spring returns -
And still the punctual snow!

c. 1859 1890


100


A science - so the Savants say,
"Comparative Anatomy" -
By which a single bone -
is made a secret to unfold
Of some rare tenant of the mold,
Else perished in the stone -

So to the eye prospective led,
This meekest flower of the mead
Upon a winter's day,
Stands representative in gold
Of Rose and lily, manifold,
And countless Butterfly!

c. 1859 1929


101


will there really be a "Morning"?
is there such a thing as "Day"?
Could I see it from the mountains
If I were as tall as they?

Has it feet like Water lilies?
Has it feathers like a Bird?
is it brought from famous countries
Of which I have never heard?

Oh some Scholar! Oh some Sailor!
Oh some wise Man from the skies!
Please to tell a little Pilgrim
Where the place called "Morning" lies!


102


Great Caesar! Condescend
The Daisy, to receive,
Gathered by Cato's Daughter,
with your majestic leave!


103


I have a King, who does not speak -
So - wondering - thro' the hours meek
I trudge the day away -
Half glad when it is night, and sleep,
If, haply, thro' a dream, to peep
In parlors, shut by day.

And If I do - when morning comes -
It is as if a hundred drums
Did round my pillow roll,
And shouts fill all my Childish sky,
And Bells keep saying "Victory"
From steeples in my soul!

And if I don't - the little Bird
within the Orchard, is not heard,
And I omit to pray
"Father, thy will be done" today
For my will goes the other way,
And it were perjury!

c. 1859


104


Where I have lost, I softer tread -
I sow sweet flower from garden bed -
I pause above that vanished head
　　　　　And mourn.

Whom I have lost, I pious guard
From accent harsh, or ruthless word -
Feeling as if their pillow heard,
　　　　　Though stone!

When I have lost, you'll know by this -
A Bonnet black - A dusk surplice -
A little tremor in my voice
　　　　　like this!

Why, I have lost, the people know
Who dressed in frocks of purest snow
Went home a century ago
　　　　　Next Bliss!


105


To hang our head - ostensibly -
And subsequent, to find
That such was not the posture
Of our immortal mind -

Affords the sly presumption
That in so dense a fuzz -
You - too - take Cobweb attitudes
Upon a plane of Gauze!


106


The Daisy follows soft the Sun -
And when his golden walk is done -
Sits shyly at his feet
He - waking - finds the flower there-
Wherefore - Marauder - art thou here?
Because, Sir, love is sweet!

We are the Flower - Thou the Sun!
Forgive us, if as days decline -
We nearer steal to Thee!
Enamored of the parting West -
The peace - the flight - the Amethyst -
Night's possIbility!　　　　　　　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1859 1890


107


'Twas such a little - little boat
That toddled down the bay!
'Twas such a gallant - gallant sea
That beckoned it away!

'Twas such a greedy, greedy wave
That licked it from the Coast-
Nor ever guessed the stately sails
My little craft was lost!

c. 1859 1890


108


Surgeons must be very careful
When they take the knife!
Underneath their fine incisions
Stirs the Culprit - life!

c. 1859 1891


109


By a flower - By a letter -
By a nimble love -
If I weld the Rivet faster -
Final fast - above -

Never mind my breathless Anvil!
Never mind Repose!
Never mind the sooty faces
Tugging at the Forge!

c 1859 1932


110


Artists wrestled here!
Lo, a tint Cashmere!
Lo, a Rose!
Student of the Year!
For the easel here
Say Repose!

c. 1859 1945


111


The Bee is not afraId of me.
I know the Butterfly
The pretty people in the Woods
Receive me cordially -

The Brooks laugh louder when I come -
The Breezes madder play,
Wherefore mine eye thy silver mists,
Wherefore, Oh Summer's Day?

c. 1859 1890


112


Where bells no more affright the morn -
Where scrabble never comes -
Where very nimble Gentlemen
Are forced to keep their rooms -

Where tired Children placid sleep
Thro' Centuries of noon
This place is Bliss - this town is Heaven -
Please, Pater, pretty soon!

"Oh could we climb where Moses stood,
And view the Landscape o'er':
Not Father's bells - nor Factories,
Could scare us any more'

c. 1859 1945


113


Our share of night to bear -
Our share of morning -
Our blank in bliss to fill
Our blank in scorning -

Here a star, and there a star,
Some lose their way!
Here a mist, and there a mist,
Afterwards - Day!

c. 1859 1945


114


Good night, because we must,
How intricate the dust!
I would go, to know!
Oh Incognito!
Saucy, Saucy Seraph
To elude me so!
Father! they won't tell me,
Won't you tell them to?

c. 1859 1945


115


What Inn is this
Where for the night
Peculiar Traveller comes?
Who is the Landlord?
Where the maids?
Behold, what curious rooms!
No ruddy fires on the hearth -
No brimming Tankards flow-
Necromancer! Landlord!
Who are these below?

c. 1859 1891


116


I had some things that I called mine -
And God, that he called hls,
till, recently a rival Claim
Disturbed these amities.

The property, my garden,
which having sown wlth care,
He claims the pretty acre,
And sends a Bailiff there.

The station of the partles
Forbids publicity,
But Justice is sublimer
Than arms, or pedlgree.

I'll instltute an "Action" -
I'll vindicate the law -
Jove! Choose your counsel -
I retain "Shaw"!


117


In rags mysterious as these
The shining Courtiers go -
Veiling the purple, and the plumes
Veiling the ermine so.

Smiling, as they request an alms -
At some imposing door!
Smiling when we walk barefoot
Upon their golden floor!

c. 1859 1945


118


My friend attacks my friend!
Oh Battle picturesque!
Then I turn Soldier too,
And he turns Satirist!
How martial is this place!
Had I a mighty gun
I think I'd shoot the human race
And then to glory run!


119


Talk with prudence to a Beggar
Of "Potosi," and the mines!
Reverently, to the Hungry
Of your viands, and your wines!
Cautious, hint to any Captive
You have passed enfranchised feet!
Anecdotes of air in Dungeons
Have sometimes proved deadly sweet!


120


If this is "fading"
Oh let me immediately "fade"!
If this is "dying"
Bury me, in such a shroud of red!
If this is "sleep,"
On such a night
How proud to shut the eye!
Good Evening, gentle Fellow men!
Peacock presumes to die!


C 1859 1945


121


As Watchers hang upon the East,
As Beggars revel at a feast
By savory Fancy spread -
As brook in deserts babble sweet
On ear too far for the delight,
Heaven beguiles the tired.

As that same watcher, when the East
Opens the lid of Amethyst
And lets the morning go -
That Beggar, when an honored Guest,
Those thirsty lips to flagons pressed,
Heaven to us, if true.


122


A something in a summer's Day
As siow her flambeaux burn away
which solemnizes me.

A something in a summer's noon -
A depth - an Azure - a perfume -
Transcending ecstasy.

And still within a summer's night
A something so transporting bright
I clap my hands to see -

Then veil my too inspecting face
Lest such a subtle - shimmering grace
Flutter too far for me -

The wizard fingers never rest -
The purple brook within the breast
Still chafes its narrow bed-

Still rears the East her amber Flag -
Guides still the Sun along the Crag
His Caravan of Red -

So looking on - the night - the morn
Conclude the wonder gay -
And I meet, coming thro' the dews
Another summer's Day!

c. 1859 1945


123


Many cross the Rhine
In this cup of mine.
Sip old Frankfort air
From my brown Cigar.

c. 1859 1945


124


In lands I never saw - they say
Immortal Alps look down -
Whose Bonnets touch the firmament-
Whose Sandals touch the town -

Meek at whose everlasting feet
A Myriad Daisy play -
which, Sir, are you and which am I
Upon an August day?

c. 1859 1891


125


For each ecstatic instant
We must an anguish pay
In keen and quivering ratio
To the ecstasy.

For each beloved hour
Sharp pIttances of years -
Bitter contested farthings-
And Coffers heaped with Tears!

c. 1859 189I


126


To fight aloud, is very brave
But gallanter, I know
Who charge within the bosom
The Cavalry of Woe-

Who win, and nations do not see -
Who fall- and none observe -
Whose dying eyes, no Country
Regards with patriot love -

We trust, in plumed procession
For such, the Angels go -
Rank after Rank, with even feet
And Uniforms of Snow.

C 1859


127


"Houses" - so the wise Men tell me"
Mansions"! Mansions must be warm!
Mansions cannot let the tears in,
Mansions must exclude the storm!

"Many mansions," by "his Father, "
I don't know him; snugly built!
Could the Children find the way there -
Some, would even trudge tonight!

c. 1859 1945


128


Bring me the sunset in a cup,
Reckon the morning's flagons up
And say how many Dew,
Tell me how far the morning leaps
Tell me what time the weaver sleeps
Who spun the breadths of blue!

Write me how many notes there be
In the new Robin's ecstasy
Among astonished boughs -
How many trips the Tortoise makes
How many cups the Bee partakes,
The Debauchee of Dews!

Also, who laid the Rainbow's piers,
Also, who leads the docile spheres
By withes of supple blue?
Whose fingers string the stalactite -
Who counts the wampum of the night
To see that none is due?

Who built this little Alban House
And shut the windows down so close
My spirit cannot see?
Who'll let me out some gala day
with implements to fly away,
Passing Pomposity?


129


Cocoon above! Cocoon below!
Stealthy Cocoon, why hide you so
What all the world suspect?
An hour, and gay on every tree
Your secret, perched in ecstasy
Defies imprisonment!

An hour in Chrysalis to pass,
Then gay above receding grass
A Butterfly to go!
A moment to interrogate,
Then wiser than a "Surrogate,"
The Universe to know!


c. 1859 1935


130


These are the days when Birds come back -
A very few - a Bird or two -
To take a backward look.

These are the days when skies resume
The old - old sophistries of June -
A blue and gold mistake.

Oh fraud that cannot cheat the Bee -
Almost thy plausibility
Induces my belief.

till ranks of seeds their witness bear -
And softly thro' the altered air
Hurries a timid leaf.

Oh Sacrament of summer days,
Oh Last Communion in the Haze -
Permit a child to join.

Thy sacred emblems to partake -
Thy consecrated bread to take
And thine immortal wine!


131


Besides the Autumn poets sing
A few prosaic days
A little this side of the snow
And that side of the Haze -

A few incisive Mornings -
A few Ascetic Eves -
Gone- Mr. Bryant's "Golden Rod"And
Mr Thomson's "sheaves"

Still, is the bustle in the Brook
Sealed are the spicy valves
Mesmeric fingers softly touch
The Eyes of many Elves -

Perhaps a squirrel may remain -
My sentiments to share -
Grant me, Oh Lord, a sunny mind-
Thy windy will to bear!

c. 1859 1891


132


I bring an unaccustomed wine
To lips long parching
Next to mine,
And summon them to drink,

Cracking with fever, they Essay,
I turn my brimming eyes away,
And come next hour to look.

The hands still hug the tardy glass -
The lips I would have cooled, alas -
Are so superfluous Cold-

I would as soon attempt to warm
The bosoms where the frost has lain
Ages beneath the mould -

Some other thirsty there may be
To whom this would have pointed me
Had it remained to speak -

And so I always bear the cup
If, haply, mine may be the drop
Some pilgrim thirst to slake -

If, haply, any say to me
"Unto the little, unto me,"
When I at last awake.

c. 1859 1891


133


As Children bid the Guest "Good Night"
And then reluctant turn -
My flowers raise their pretty lips-
Then put their nightgowns on

As children caper when they wake
Merry that it is Morn -
My flowers from a hundred cribs
will peep, and prance again.

c. 1859 1890


134


Perhaps you'd like to buy a flower,
But I could never sell -
If you would like to borrow,
Until the Daffodil

Unties her yellow Bonnet
Beneath the village door,
Until the Bees, from Clover rows
Their Hock, and Sherry, draw,

Why, I will lend until just then,
But not an hour more!

c. 1859 1890


135


Water, is taught by thirst.
Land - by the Oceans passed.
Transport - by throe -
Peace - by its battles told-
Love, by Memorial Mold -
Birds, by the Snow.

c. 1859 1896


136


Have you got a Brook in your little heart,
Where bashful flowers blow,
And blushing birds go down to drink,
And shadows tremble so -

And nobody knows, so still it flows,
That any brook is there,
And yet your little draught of life
is daily drunken there -

Why, look out for the little brook in March,
When the rivers overflow,
And the snows come hurrying from the hills,
And the bridges often go -

And later, in August it may be -
When the meadows parching lie,
Beware, lest this little brook of life,
Some burning noon go dry!

c. 1859 1890


137


Flowers - Well - if anybody
Can the ecstasy define -
Half a transport - half a trouble -
with which flowers humble men:
Anybody find the fountain
From which floods so contra flow -
I will give him all the Daisies
which upon the hillside blow.

Too much pathos in their faces
For a simple breast like mine -
Butterflies from St. Domingo
Cruising round the purple line -
Have a system of aesthetics -
Far superior to mine.

c. 1859 1945


138


Pigmy seraphs - gone astray -
Velvet people from Vevay-
Belles from some lost summer day -
Bees exclusive Coterie -
Paris could not lay the fold
Belted down with Emerald -
Venice could not show a cheek
Of a tint so lustrous meek-
Never such an Ambuscade
As of briar and leaf displayed
For my little damask maid -

I had rather wear her grace
Than an Earl's distinguished face-
I had rather dwell like her
Than be "Duke of Exeter" -
Royalty enough for me
To subdue the Bumblebee.

c. 1859 1891


139


Soul, wilt thou toss again?
By just such a hazard
Hundreds have lost indeed -
But tens have won an all -

Angel's breathless ballot
lingers to record thee -
Imps in eager Caucus
Raffle for my Soul!

c. 1859 1890


140


An altered look about the hills -
A Tyrian light the village fills-
A wider sunrise in the morn -
A deeper twilight on the lawn-
A print of a vermillion foot -
A purple finger on the slope -
A flippant fly upon the pane -
A spider at his trade again -
An added strut in Chanticleer -
A flower expected everywhere -
An axe shrill singing in the woods -
Fern odors on untravelled roads
All this and more I cannot tell -
A furtive look you know as weIl
And Nicodemus' Mystery
Receives its annual reply'


141


Some, too fragile for winter winds
The thoughtful grave encloses -
Tenderly tucking them in from frost
Before their feet are cold.

Never the treasures in her nest
The cautious grave exposes,
Building where schoolboy dare not look,
And sportsman is not bold.

The covert have all the children
Early aged, and often cold,
Sparrows, unnoticed by the Father -
Lambs for whom time had not a fold.


142


Whose are the little beds, I asked
which in the valleys lie?
Some shook their heads, and others smiled
And no one made reply.

Perhaps they did not hear, I said,
I will inquire again -
Whose are the beds - the tiny beds
So thick upon the plain?

'Tis Daisy, in the shortest -
A little further on -
Nearest the door - to wake the 1st
little Leontodon.

'Tis Iris, Sir, and Aster
Anemone, and Bell -
Bartsia, in the blanket red -
And chubby Daffodil.

MeanWhile, at many cradles
Her busy foot she plied -
Humming the quaintest lullaby
That ever rocked a child.

Hush! Epigea wakens!
The Crocus stirs her lids -
Rhodora's cheek is crimson,
She's dreaming of the woods!

Then turning from them reverent -
Their bedtime 'tis, she said-
The Bumble bees will wake them
When April woods are red.


143


For every Bird a Nest
Wherefore in timid quest
Some little Wren goes seeking round-

Wherefore when boughs are free -
Households in every tree -
Pilgrim be found?

Perhaps a home too high -
Ah Aristocracy!
The little Wren desires -

Perhaps of twig so fine -
Of twine e'en superfine,
Her pride aspires -

The Lark is not ashamed
To build upon the ground
Her modest house -

Yet who of all the throng
Dancing around the sun
Does so rejoice?

c. 1859 1929


144


She bore it till the simple veins
Traced azure on her hand -
till pleading, round her quiet eyes
The purple Crayons stand.

till Daffodils had come and gone
I cannot tell the sum,
And then she ceased to bear it -
And with the Saints sat down.

No more her patient figure
At twilight soft to meet -
No more her timid bonnet
Upon the village street-

But Crowns instead, and Courtiers -
And in the midst so fair,
Whose but her shy - immortal face
Of whom we're whispering here?

c. 1859 1935


145


This heart that broke so long -
These feet that never flagged -
This faith that watched for star in vain,
Give gently to the dead -

Hound cannot overtake the Hare
That fluttered panting, here -
Nor any schoolboy rob the nest
Tenderness builded there.

c. 1859 1935


146


On such a night, or such a night,
Would anybody care
If such a little figure
Slipped quiet from its chair -

So quiet - Oh how quiet,
That nobody might know
But that the little figure
Rocked softer - to and fro -

On such a dawn, or such a dawn -
Would anybody sigh
That such a little figure
Too sound asleep did lie

For Chanticleer to wake it -
Or stirring house below -
Or giddy bird in orchard -
Or early task to do?

There was a little figure plump
For every little knoll -
Busy needles, and spools of thread -
And trudging feet from school-

Playmates, and holidays, and nuts -
And visions vast and small-
Strange that the feet so precious charged
Should reach so small a goal!

c. 1859 1891


147


Bless God, he went as soldiers,
His musket on his breast -
Grant God, he charge the bravest
Of all the martial blest!

Please God, mIght I behold him
In epauletted white -
I should not fear the foe then -
I should not fear the fight!


148


All overgrown by cunning moss,
All interspersed with weed,
The little cage of "Currer Bell"
In quiet "Haworth" laid.

Gathered from many wanderings
Gethsemane can tell
Thro' what transporting anguish
She reached the Asphodel!

Soft fall the sounds of Eden
Upon her puzzled ear -
Oh what an afternoon for Heaven,
When "Bronte" entered there!


149


She went as quiet as the Dew
From an Accustomed Bower.
Not like the Dew, did she return
At the Accustomed hour!

She dropt as softly as a star
From out my summer's Eve
Less skillful than Le Verriere
It's sorer to believe!

c. 1859


150


She died - this was the way she died.
And when her breath was done
Took up her sImple wardrobe
And started for the sun
Her little figure at the gate
The Angels must have spied,
Since I could never find her
Upon the mortal side.


151


Mute thy Coronation
Meek my Vive le roi,
Fold a tiny courtier
In thine Ermine, Sir,
There to rest revering
till the pageant by,
I can murmur broken,
Master, it was I -

c. 1859 1945


152


The Sun kept stooping - stooping - low!
The Hills to meet him rose!
On his side, what Transaction!
On their side, what Repose!

Deeper and deeper grew the stain
Upon the window pane -
Thicker and thicker stood the feet
Until the Tyrian

Was crowded dense with Armies -
So gay, so Brigadier -
That I felt martial stirrings
Who once the Cockade wore-
Charged, from my chimney corner -
But Nobody was there!

c. 1860 1945


153


Dust is the only Secret -
Death, the only One
You cannot find out all about
In his "native town."

Nobody knew "his Father" -
Never was a Boy-
Hadn't any playmates.
Or "Early history" -

Industrious! Laconic!
Punctual! Sedate!
Bold as a Brigand!
Stiller than a Fleet!

Builds, like a Bird, too!
Christ robs the Nest
Robin after Robin
Smuggled to Rest!

c. 1860 1914


154


Except to Heaven, she is nought.
Except for Angels - lone.
Except to some wide-wandering Bee
A flower superfluous blown

Except for winds - provincial.
Except by Butterflies
Unnoticed as a single dew
That on the Acre lies.

The smallest Housewife in the grass,
Yet take her from the Lawn
And somebody has lost the face
That made Existence - Home!

c. 1860 1890


155


The Murmur of a Bee
A Witchcraft - yieldeth me-
If any ask me why -
'T were easier to die -
Than tell-

The Red upon the Hill
Taketh away my will-
If anybody sneer -
Take care - for God is here-
That's all.

The Breaking of the Day
Addeth to my Degree -
If any ask me how -
Artist - who drew me so -
Must tell!

c. 1860 1890


156


You love me - you are sure -
I shall not fear mistake -
I shall not cheated wake -
Some grinning morn -
To find the Sunnse left-
And Orchards - unbereft -
And Dollie - gone!

I need not start - you're sure -
That night will never be -
When frightened - home to Thee I run -
To find the windows dark-
And no more Dollie - mark -
Quite none?

Be sure you're sure - you know -
I'll bear it better now -
If you'll just tell me so -
Than when - a little dull Balm grown -
Over this pain of mine -
You sting - again!

c. 1860 1945


157


Musicians wrestle everywhere -
All day - among the crowded air
I hear the silver strife -
And - waking - long before the morn -
Such transport breaks upon the town
I think it that "New life"!

It is not Bird - it has no nest -
Nor "Band" - in brass and scarlet - drest
Nor Tamborin - nor Man -
It is not Hymn from pulpit read -
The "Morning Stars" the Treble led
On time's first Afternoon!
Some - say - it is "the Spheres" - at play!

Some say that bright Majority
Of vanished Dames - and Men!
Some - think it service in the place
Where we - with late - celestial face -
Please God - shall Ascertain!

c. 1860 1891


158


Dying! Dying in the night!
Won't somebody bring the light
So I can see which way to go
Into the everlasting snow?

And "Jesus"! Where is Jesus gone?
They said that Jesus - always came -
Perhaps he doesn't know the House -
This way, Jesus, Let hIm pass!

Somebody run to the great gate
And see If Dollie's coming! Wait!
I hear her feet upon the stair!
Death won't hurt - now Dollie's here!

c. 1860 1945


159


A little bread - a crust - a crumb -
A little trust - a demijohn -
Can keep the soul alive -
Not portly, mind! but breathing - warm -
Conscious - as old Napoleon,
The night before the Crown!

A modest lot - A fame petite -
A brief Campaign of sting and sweet
Is plenty! is enough!
A Sailor's business is the shore!
A Soldier's - balls! Who asketh more,
Must seek the neighboring life!

c. 1860 1896


160


Just lost, when I was saved!
Just felt the world go by!
Just girt me for the onset with Eternity,
When breath blew back,
And on the other side
I heard recede the disappointed tide!

Therefore, as One returned, I feel
Odd secrets of the line to tell!
Some Sailor, skirting foreign shores -
Some pale Reporter, from the awful doors
Before the Seal!

Next time, to stay!
Next time, the things to see
By Ear unheard,
Unscrutinized by Eye -

Next time, to tarry,
While the Ages steal -
Slow tramp the Centuries,
And the Cycles wheel!

c. 1860 1891


161


A feather from the Whippoorwill
That everlasting - sings!
Whose galleries - are Sunrise -
Whose Opera - the Springs -
Whose Emerald Nest the Ages spin
Of mellow - murmuring thread -
Whose Beryl Egg, what Schoolboys hunt
In "Recess" - Overhead!

c. 1860 1894


162


My River runs to thee-
Blue Sea! Wilt welcome me?
My River waits reply-
Oh Sea -look graciously -
I'll fetch thee Brooks
From spotted nooks -
Say - Sea - Take Me!

c. 1860 1890


163


Tho' my destiny be Fustian -
Hers be damask fine -
Tho' she wear a silver apron -
I, a less divine -

Still, my little Gypsy being
I would far prefer,
Still, my little sunburnt bosom
To her Rosier,

For, when Frosts, their punctual fingers
On her forehead lay,
You and I, and Dr. Holland,
Bloom Eternally!

Roses of a steadfast summer
In a steadfast land,
Where no Autumn lifts her pencil -
And no Reapers stand!

c. 1860 1894


164


Mama never forgets her birds,
Though in another tree -
She looks down just as often
And just as tenderly
As when her little mortal nest
with cunning care she wove -
If either of her "sparrows fall,"
She "notices," above.


165


A Wounded Deer - leaps highest -
I've heard the Hunter tell-
'Tis but the Ecstasy of death -
And then the Brake is still!

The Smitten Rock that gushes!
The trampled Steel that springs!
A Cheek is always redder
Just where the Hectic stings!

Mirth is the Mail of Anguish -
In which it Cautious Arm,
Lest anybody spy the blood
And "you're hurt" exclaim!

c. 1860 1890


166


I met a King this aftemoon!
He had not on a Crown indeed,
A little Palmleaf Hat was all,
And he was barefoot, I'm afraId!

But sure I am he Ermine wore
Beneath his faded Jacket's blue
And sure I am, the crest he bore
within that Jacket's pocket too!

For 'twas too stately for an Earl
A Marquis would not go so grand!
'Twas possibly a Czar petite-
A Pope, or something of that kind!

If I must tell you, of a Horse
My freckled Monarch held the rein -
Doubtless an estimable Beast,
But not at all disposed to run!

And such a wagon! While I live
Dare I presume to see
Another such a vehicle
As then transported me!

Two other ragged Princes
His royal state partook!
Doubtless the first excursion
These sovereigns ever took!

I question if the Royal Coach
Round which the Footmen wait
Has the significance, on high,
Of this Barefoot Estate!

c 1860 1893


167


To learn the Transport by the Pain -
As Blind Men learn the sun!
To die of thirst - suspecting
That Brooks in Meadows run!

To stay the homesick - homesick feet
Upon a foreign shore -
Haunted by native lands, the while -
And blue - beloved air!

This is the Sovereign Anguish!
This - the signal woe!
These are the patient "Laureates"
Whose voices - trained - below -

Ascend in ceaseless Carol -
Inaudible, indeed,
To us - the duller scholars
Of the Mysterious Bard!

c. 1860 1891


168


If the foolish, call them "flowers" -
Need the wiser, tell?
If the Savants "Classify" them
It is just as well!

Those who read the "Revelations"
Must not criticize
Those who read the same Edition -
with beclouded Eyes!

Could we stand with that Old "Moses" -
Canaan" denied -
Scan like him, the stately landscape
On the other side -

Doubtless, we should deem superfluous
Many Sciences,
Not pursued by learned Angels
In scholastic skies!

Low amid that glad Belles lettres
Grant that we may stand,
Stars, amid profound Galaxies -
At that grand "Right hand"!

c. 1860 1896


169


In Ebon Box, when years have flown
To reverently peer,
Wiping away the velvet dust
Summers have sprinkled there!

To hold a letter to the light
Grown Tawny now, with time -
To con the faded syllables
That quickened us like Wine!

Perhaps a Flower's shrivelled cheek
Among its stores to find -
Plucked far away, some morning -
By gallant - mouldering hand!

A curl, perhaps, from foreheads
Our Constancy forgot -
Perhaps, an Antique trinket -
In vanished fashions set!

And then to lay them quiet back -
And go about its care -
As if the little Ebon Box
Were none of aur affair!

c. 1860 1935


170


Portraits are to daily faces
As an Evening West,
To a fine, pedantic sunshine
In a satin Vest!

c. 1860 1891


171


Wait till the Majesty of Death
Invests so mean a brow!
Almost a powdered Footman
Might dare to touch it now!

Wait till in Everlasting Robes
That Democrat is dressed,
Then prate about "Preferment" -
And "Station," and the rest!

Around this quiet Courtier
Obsequlous Angels wait!
Full royal is his Retinue!
Full purple is his state!

A Lord, might dare to lift the Hat
To such a Modest Clay
Since that My Lord, "the Lord of Lords"
Receives unblushingly!

c. 1860 1891


172


'Tis so much joy! 'Tis so much joy!
If I should fail, what poverty!
And yet, as poor as I,
Have ventured all upon a throw!
Have gained! Yes! Hesitated so
This side the Victory!

Life is but life! And Death, but Death!
Bliss is, but Bliss, and Breath but Breath!
And if indeed I fail,
At least, to know the worst, is sweet!
Defeat means nothing but Defeat,
No drearier, can befall!

And if I gain! Oh Gun at Sea!
Oh Bells, that in the Steeples be!
At first, repeat it slow!
For Heaven is a dIfferent thing,
Conjectured, and waked sudden in
And might extinguish me!

c. 1860 1890


173


A fuzzy fellow, without feet,
Yet doth exceeding run!
Of velvet, is his Countenance,
And his Complexion, dun!

Sometime, he dwelleth in the grass!
Sometime, upon a bough,
From which he doth descend in plush
Upon the Passer-by!

All this in summer.
But when winds alarm the Forest Folk,
He taketh Damask Residence -
And struts in sewing silk!

Then, finer than a Lady,
Emerges in the spring!
A Feather on each shoulder!
You'd scarce recognize him!

By Men, yclept Caterpillar!
By me! But who am I,
To tell the pretty secret
Of the Butterfly!

c. 1860 1929


174


At last, to be identified!
At last, the lamps upon thy side
The rest of life to see!

Past Midnight! Past the Morning Star!
Past Sunrise!
Ah, What leagues there were
Between our feet, and Day!

c. 1860 1890


175


I have never seen "Volcanoes"
But, when Travellers tell
How those old - phlegmatic mountains
Usually so still-

Bear within - appalling Ordnance,
Fire, and smoke, and gun,
Taking Villages for breakfast,
And appalling Men-

If the stillness is Volcanic
In the human face
When upon a pain Titanic
Features keep their place -

If at length the smouldering anguish
will not overcome -
And the palpitating Vineyard
In the dust, be thrown?

If some loving Antiquary,
On Resumption Morn,
will not cry with joy "Pompeii"!
To the Hills return!

c. 1860 1945


176


I'm the little "Heart's Ease"!
I don't care for pouting skies!
If the Butterfly delay
Can I, therefore, stay away?

If the Coward Bumble Bee
In his chimney corner stay,
I, must resoluter be!
Who'll apologize for me?

Dear, Old fashioned, little flower!
Eden is old fashIoned, too!
Birds are antiquated fellows!
Heaven does not change her blue
Nor will I, the little Heart's Ease -
Ever be induced to do!

C. 1860 1893


177


Ah, Necromancy Sweet!
Ah, Wizard erudite!
Teach me the skill,

That I instil the pain
Surgeons assuage in vain,
Nor Herb of all the plain
Can heal!

C. 1860 1929


178


I cautious, scanned my little life -
Winnowed what would fade
From what would last till Heads like mine
Should be a-dreaming laid.

I put the latter in a Barn -
The former, blew away.
I went one winter morning
And lo - my priceless Hay

Was not upon the "Scaffold"
Was not upon the "Beam"
And from a thriving Farmer -
A Cynic, I became.

Whether a Thief did it -
Whether it was the wind -
Whether Deity's guiltless
My business is, to find!

So I begin to ransack!
How is it Hearts, with Thee?
Art thou wlthin the little Barn
Love provided Thee?

c. 1860 1929


179


If I could bribe them by a Rose
I'd bring them every flower that grows
From Amherst to Cashmere!
I would not stop for night, or storm -
Or frost, or death, or anyone -
My business were so dear!

If they would linger for a Bird
My Tambourin were soonest heard
Among the April Woods!
Unwearied, all the summer long,
Only to break in wilder song
When Winter shook the boughs!

What if they hear me!
Who shall say
That such an importunity
May not at last avail?
That, weary of this Beggar's face -
They may not finally say, Yes -
To drive her from the Hall?

c. 1860 1935


180


As if some little Arctic flower
Upon the polar hem -
Went wandering down the Latitudes
Until it puzzled came
To continents of summer-
To firmaments of sun-
To strange, bright crowds of flowers-
And birds, of foreign tongue!
I say, as if this little flower
To Eden, wandered in -
What then? Why nothing,
Only, your inference there from!

c. 1860 1890


181


I lost a World - the other day!
Has Anybody found?
You'll know it by the Row of Stars
Around its forehead bound.

A Rich man - might not notice it-
Yet - to my frugal Eye,
Of more Esteem than Ducats -
Oh find it - Sir - for me!

c. 1860 1890


182


If I shouldn't be alive
When the Robins come,
Give the one in Red Cravat,
A Memorial crumb.

If I couldn't thank you,
Being fast asleep,
You will know I'm trying
with my Granite lip!

c. 1860 1890


183


I've heard an Organ talk, sometimes
In a Cathedral Aisle,
And understood no word it said-
Yet held my breath, the While -

And risen up - and gone away,
A more Bernardine Glrl-
Yet - know not what was done to me
In that old Chapel Aisle.

c. 1860 1935


184


A transport one cannot contain
May yet a transport be -
Though God forbid it lift the lid -
Unto lts Ecstasy!

A Diagram - of Rapture!
A sixpence at a Show-
with Holy Ghosts in Cages!
The Universe would go!

c. 1860 1935


185


"Faith" is a fine invention
When Gentlemen can see -
But Microscopes are prudent
In an Emergency.

c. 1860 189I


186


What shall I do - it whimpers so
This little Hound within the Heart
All day and night with bark and start -
And yet, it will not go -
Would you untie it, were you me
Would it stop whining - if to Thee
I sent it - even now?

It should not tease you -
By your chair - or, on the mat -
Or if it dare - to climb your dizzy knee -
Or - sometimes at your side to run -
When you were willing -
Shall it come?
Tell Carlo-
He'll tell me!

c. 1860 1945


187


How many times these low feet staggered -
Only the soldered mouth can tell -
Try - can you stir the awful rivet -
Try - can you lift the hasps of steel!

Stroke the cool forehead - hot so often -
Lift - if you care - the listless haIr -
Handle the adamantine fingers
Never a thimble - more - shall wear -

Buzz the dull flies - on the chamber window -
Brave - shines the sun through the freckled pane -
Fearless - the cobweb swings from the ceiling -
Indolent Housewife - in Daisies - lain!

c. 1860 1890


188


Make me a picture of the sun -
So I can hang it in my room -
And make believe I'm getting warm
When others call it "Day'"

Draw me a Robin - on a stem -
So I am hearing him, I'll dream,
And when the Orchards stop their tune -
Put my pretense - away-

Say if it's really - warm at noon -
Whether it's Buttercups - that "skim" -
Or Butterflies - that "bloom"?
Then - skip - the frost - upon the lea -
And skip the Russet - on the tree -
Let's play those - never come!

c. 1860 1945


189


It's such a little thing to weep
So short a thing to sigh -
And yet - by Trades - the size of these
We men and women die!

c. 1860 1896


190


He was weak, and I was strong - then -
So He let me lead him in -
I was weak, and He was strong then -
So I let him lead me - Home.

'Twasn't far - the door was near -
'Twasn't dark - for He went - too -
'Twasn't loud, for He said nought -
That was all I cared to know.

Day knocked - and we must part -
Neither - was strongest - now -
He strove - and I strove - too -
We didn't do it - tho'!

c. 1860 1945


191


The Skies can't keep their secret!
They tell it to the Hills-
The Hills just tell the Orchards -
And they - the Daffodils!

A Bird - by chance - that goes that way -
Soft overhears the whole -
If I should bribe the little BIrd
Who knows but she would tell?

I think I won't - however -
It's finer - not to know-
If Summer were an Axiom -
What sorcery had Snow?

So keep your secret - Father!
I would not - If I could,
Know what the Sapphire Fellows, do,
In your new-fashioned world!

c. 1860 1891


192


Poor little Heart!
Did they forget thee?
Then dinna care' Then dinna care!

Proud little Heart!
Did they forsake thee?
Be debonnaire! Be debonnaire!

Frail little Heart!
I would not break thee -
Could'st credit me? Could'st credit me?

Gay little Heart -
like Morning Glory!
Wind and Sun - wilt thee array!

c. 1860 1896


193


I shall know why - when time is over -
And I have ceased to wonder why-
Christ will explain each separate anguish
In the fair schoolroom of the sky -

He will tell me what "Peter" promised -
And I - for wonder at his woe -
I shall forget the drop of Anguish
That scalds me now - that scalds me now!

c. 1860 1890


194


On this long storm the Rainbow rose -
On this late Morn - the Sun -
The clouds - like listless Elephants -
Horizons - straggled down -

The Birds rose smiling. in their nests -
The gales - indeed - were done -
Alas, how heedless were the eyes -
On whom the summer shone!

The quiet nonchalance of death -
No Daybreak - can bestIr -
The slow - Archangel's syllables
Must awaken her!

c. 1860 1890


195


For this - accepted Breath -
Through it - compete with Death -
The fellow cannot touch this Crown -
By it - my tltle take -
Ah, what a royal sake
To my necessity - stooped down!

No Wilderness - can be
Where this attendeth me -
No Desert Noon -
No fear of frost to come
Haunt the perennial bloom -
But Certain June!

Get Gabriel - to tell - the royal syllable -
Get Saints - with new - unsteady tongue -
To say what trance below
Most like their glory show -
Fittest the Crown!

c. 1860 1935


196


We don't cry - Tim and I,
We are far too grand -
But we bolt the door tight
To prevent a friend-

Then we hide our brave face
Deep in our hand -
Not to cry - Tim and I -
We are far too grand -

Nor to dream - he and me
Do we condescend -
We just shut our brown eye
To see to the end-

Tim - see Cottages -
But, Oh, so high!
Then - we shake - Tim and I -
And lest I - cry -

Tim - reads a little Hymn -
And we both pray -
Please, Sir, I and Tim-
Always lost the way!

We must die - by and by-
Clergymen say -
Tim - shall - if I - do-
I - too - lf he -

How shall we arrange it -
Tim - was - so - shy?
Take us simultaneous - Lord-
I - "Tim" - and - Me!

c. 1860 1945


197


Morning - is the place for Dew -
Corn - is made at Noon -
After dinner light - for flowers -
Dukes - for Setting Sun!

c. 1860 1896


198


An awful Tempest mashed the air -
The clouds were gaunt, and few-
A Black - as of a Spectre's Cloak
Hid Heaven and Earth from view.

The creatures chuckled on the Roofs -
And whistled in the air -
And shook their fists -
And gnashed their teeth -
And swung their frenzied hair.

The morning lit - the Birds arose -
The Monster's faded eyes
Turned slowly to his native coast-
And peace - was Paradise!

c. 1860 1891


199


I'm "wife" - I've finished that -
That other state -
I'm Czar - I'm "Woman" now
It's safer so -

How odd the Girl's life looks
Behind this soft Eclipse -
I think that Earth feels so
To folks in Heaven - now-

This being comfort - then
That other kind - was pain -
But why compare?
I'm 'Wife"! Stop there!

c. 1860 1890


200


I stole them from a Bee -
Because - Thee -
Sweet plea-
He pardoned me!

c. 1860 1894


201


Two swimmers wrestled on the spar -
Until the morning sun-
When One - turned smiling to the land -
Oh God! the Other One!

The stray ships - passing -
Spied a face -
Upon the waters borne -
with eyes in death - still begging raised -
And hands - beseeching - thrown!

c. 1860 1890


202


My Eye is fuller than my vase-
Her Cargo - is of Dew -
And still- my Heart - my Eye outweighs-
East India - for you!

c. 1860 1945


203


He forgot - and I - remembered -
'Twas an everyday affair-
Long ago as Christ and Peter -
"Warmed them" at the "Temple fire."

"Thou wert with him" - quoth "the Damsel"?
"No" - saId Peter, 'twasn't me-
Jesus merely "looked" at Peter -
Could I do aught else - to Thee?

c. 1860 1945


204


A slash of Blue -
A sweep of Gray-
Some scarlet patches on the way,
Compose an Evening Sky-
A little purple - slipped between -
Some Ruby Trousers hurried on-
A Wave of Gold-
A Bank of Day-
This just makes out the Morning Sky.

c. 1860 1935


205


I should not dare to leave my friend,
Because - because if he should die
While I was gone - and I - too late -
Should reach the Heart that wanted me -

If I should disappoint the eyes
That hunted - hunted so - to see -
And could not bear to shut until
They "noticed" me - they noticed me -

If I should stab the patient faith
So sure I'd come - so sure I'd come -
It listening - listening - went to sleep -
Telling my tardy name-

My Heart would wish it broke before -
Since breaking then - since breaking then -
Were useless as next morning's sun -
Where midinght frosts - had lain!　　　　　NOTES

C 1860 1891


206


The Flower must not blame the Bee -
That seeketh his felIcIty
Too often at her door -

But teach the Footman from Vevay -
Mistress is "not at home" - to say -
To people - any more!

c. 1860 1935


207


Tho' I get home how late - how late -
So I get home - 'twill compensate
Better will be the Ecstasy
That they have done expecting me -
When Night - descending - dumb - and dark -
They hear my unexpected knock -
Transporting must the moment be -
Brewed from decades of Agony!

To think just how the fire will burn
Just how long-cheated eyes will turn -
To wonder what myself will say,
And what itself, will say to me -
Beguiles the Centuries of way!

c. 1860 1891


208


The Rose did caper on her cheek -
Her Bodice rose and fell -
Her pretty speech - like drunken men -
Did stagger pitiful -

Her fingers fumbled at her work -
Her needle would not go -
What ailed so smart a little Maid-
It puzzled me to know-

Till Opposite - I spied a cheek
That bore another Rose -
Just OpposIte - Another speech
That like the Drunkard goes -

A Vest that like her Bodice, danced -
To the immortal tune-
Till those two troubled - little Clocks
Ticked softly into one.

c 1860 1891


209


With thee, in the Desert -
With thee in the thirst-
With thee in the Tamarind wood -
Leopard breathes - at last!

c 1860 1945


210


The thought beneath so slight a film -
is more distinctly seen -
As laces just reveal the surge -
Or Mists - the Apennine

c. 1860 1891


211


Come slowly - Eden!
Lips unused to Thee-
Bashful- Sip thy Jessamines-
As the fainting Bee -

Reaching late his Bower,
Round her chamber hums -
Counts his nectars -
Enters - and is lost in Balms.

c 1860 1890


212


Least Rivers - docile to some sea.
My Caspian - thee.

c. 1860 1945


213


Did the Harebell loose her girdle
To the lover Bee
Would the Bee the Harebell hallow
Much as formerly?

Did the "Paradise" - persuaded -
Yield her moat of pearl -
Would the Eden be an Eden,
Or the Earl - an Earl?

c. 1860 1891


214


I taste a liquor never brewed -
From Tankards scooped in Pearl .....
Not all the Vats upon the Rhine
Yield such an Alcohol!

Inebriate of Air - am I -
And Debauchee of Dew -
Reeling - thro endless summer days -
From inns of Molten Blue -

When "Landlords" turn the drunken Bee
Out of the Foxglove's door-
When Butterflies - renounce their "drams" -
I shall but drink the more!

Till Seraphs swing theIr snowy Hats
And Saints - to windows run-
To see the little Tippler
Leaning against the - Sun -

c. 1860 1861


215


What is - "Paradise" -
Who live there -
Are they "Farmers" -
Do they "hoe" -
Do they know that this is "Amherst"
And that I - am coming - too -

Do they wear "new shoes" - in "Eden" -
Is it always pleasant - there -
Won't they scold us - when we're homesick -
Or tell God - how cross we are -

You are sure there's such a person
As "a Father" - in the sky-
So if I get lost - there - ever -
Or do what the Nurse calls "die" -
I shan't walk the "Jasper" - barefoot
Ransomed folks - won't laugh at me -
Maybe - "Eden" ain't so lonesome
As New England used to be!

1860 1945


216


Safe in their Alabaster Chambers -
Untouched by Morning
And untouched by Noon-
Sleep the meek members of the Resurrection -
Rafter of satin,
And Roof of stone.

Light laughs the breeze
In her Castle above them -
Babbles the Bee In a stolid Ear,
Pipe the Sweet Birds in ignorant cadence
Ah, what sagacity perished here!

version of 1859 1862

Safe in theIr Alabaster Chambers -
Untouched by Morning -
And untouched by Noon-
Lie the meek members of the ResurrectIon -
Rafter of Satin - and Roof of Stone!

Grand go the Years - in the Crescent - above them -
Worlds scoop their Arcs-
And Firmaments - row -
Diadems - drop - and Doges - surrender -
Soundless as dots - on a Disc of Snow -

version of 1861 1890


217


Savior! I've no one else to tell
And so I trouble thee.
I am the one forgot thee so -
Dost thou remember me?
Nor, for myself, I came so far -
That were the little load -
I brought thee the imperial Heart
I had not strength to hold -
The Heart I carried in my own -
Till mine too heavy grew-
Yet - strangest - heavier since it went -
Is it too large for you?

c 1861 1929


218


Is it true, dear Sue?
Are there two?
I shouldn't like to come
For fear of joggling Him!
If I could shut him up
In a Coffee Cup,
Or tie him to a pin
Till I got in -
Or make him fast
To 'Toby's" fist
Hist! Whist! I'd come!

c 1861 1924


219


She sweeps with many-colored Brooms -
And leaves the Shreds behind -
Oh Housewife in the Evening West
Come back, and dust the Pond!

You dropped a Purple Ravelling in -
You dropped an Amber thread -
And now you've littered all the East
With Duds of Emerald!

And still, she plies her spotted Brooms,
And still the Aprons fly,
Till Brooms fade softly into stars -
And then I come away -

C. 1861 1891


220


Could I - then - shut the door
Lest my beseeching face - at last -
Rejected - be - of Her?

C. 1861 1932


221


It can't be "Summer"!
That - got through!
It's early - yet - for "SprIng"!
There's that long town of White - to cross -
Before the Blackbirds sing!
It can't be "Dying"!
It's too Rouge-
The Dead shall go in White -
So Sunset shuts my question down
With Cuffs of Chrysolite!　　　　　　　　　NOTES

C. 1861 1891


222


When Katie walks, this simple pair accompany her side,
When Katie runs unwearied they follow on the road,
When Katie kneels, their loving hands still clasp her pious knee -
Ah! Katie! Smile at Fortune, with two so knit to thee!

c. 1861? 1931


223


I Came to buy a smile - today -
But just a single smile-
The smallest one upon your face
will suit me just as well-
The one that no one else would miss
It shone so very small-
I'm pleading at the "counter" - sir -
Could you afford to sell-

I've Diamonds - on my fingers -
You know what Diamonds are?
I've Rubles -like the Evening Blood
And Topaz - like the star!
'Twould be "a Bargain" for a Jew!
Say - may I have it - Sir?

C. 1861 1929


224


I've nothing else - to bring, You know -
So I keep bringing These -
Just as the Night keeps fetching Stars
To our famIliar eyes -

Maybe, we shouldn't mind them -
Unless they dIdn't come -
Then - maybe, it would puzzle us
To find our way Home-

C. 1861 1929


225


Jesus! thy Crucifix
Enable thee to guess
The smaller size!
Jesus! thy second face
Mind thee in Paradise
Of ours!　　　　　　　　　NOTES

C. 1861 1945


226


Should you but fail at - Sea -
In sight of me-
Or doomed lie -
Next Sun - to die-
Or rap - at Paradise - unheard
I'd harass God
Until he let you in!

1861 1955


227


Teach Him - When He makes the names -
Such an one - to say -
On his babbling - Berry - lips -
As should sound - to me -
Were my Ear - as near his nest-
As my thought - today -
As should sound -
"Forbid us not" -
Some like "Emily."

1861 1894


228


Blazing In Gold and quenchIng In Purple
Leaping like Leopards to the Sky
Then at the feet of the old Horizon
Laying her spotted Face to die
Stooping as low as the Otter's Window
Touching the Roof and tinting the Barn
Kissing her Bonnet to the Meadow
And the Juggler of Day is gone

c. 1861 1864


229


A Burdock - clawed my Gown -
Not Burdock's - blame -
But mine-
Who went too near
The Burdock's Den -

A Bog - affronts my shoe -
What else have Bogs - to do -
The only Trade they know -
The splashlng Men!
Ah, pity - then!

'Tis Minnows can despise!
The Elephant's-calm eyes
Look further on!

1861 1945


230


We - Bee and I - live by the quaffing -
'Tisn't all Hock - with us-
Life has its Ale -
But it's many a lay of the Dim Burgundy-
We chant - for cheer - when the Wines - fail -

Do we "get drunk"?
Ask the jolly Clovers!
Do we "beat" our "Wife"?
I - never wed -
Bee - pledges his - in minute flagons
Dainty - as the tress - on her deft Head -

While runs the Rhine -
He and I - revel -
First - at the vat - and latest at the Vine -
Noon - our last Cup-
"Found dead" - "of Nectar"-
By a humming Coroner -
In a By-Thyme!

1861 1929


231


God permits industrious Angels -
Afternoons - to play -
I met one - forgot my Schoolmates -
All - for Him - straightway -

God calls home - the Angels - promptly
At the Setting Sun -
I missed mine - how dreary - Marbles -
After playing Crown!

1861 1890


232


The Sun - just touched the Morning -
The Morning - Happy thing
Supposed that He had come to dwell
And Life would all be Spring!

She felt herself supremer -
A Raised - Ethereal Thing!
Henceforth - for Her - What Holiday!
Meanwhile - Her wheeling King
Trailed - slow - along the Orchards
His haughty - spangled Hems
Leaving a new necessity!
The want of Diadems!

The Morning - fluttered - staggered -
Felt feebly - for Her Crown -
Her unanointed forehead
Henceforth - Her only One!

1861 1891


233


The Lamp burns sure - within -
Tho' Serfs - supply the Oil-
It matters not the busy Wick -
At her phosphoric toil!

The Slave - forgets - to fill
The Lamp - burns golden - on -
Unconscious that the oil is out -
As that the Slave - is gone.

1861 1935


234


You're right - "the way is narrow" -
And "difficult the Gate" -
And "few there be" - Correct again -
That "enter in - thereat"-

'Tis Costly - So are purples!
'Tis just the price of Breath -
with but the "Discount" of the Grave -
Termed by the Brokers - "Death"!

And after that - there's Heaven -
The Good Man's - "Dividend" -
And Bad Men - "go to Jail" -
I guess-

c. 1861 1945


235


The Court is far away -
No Umpire - have I -
My Sovereign is offended
To gain his grace - I'd die!

I'll seek his royal feet -
I'll say - Remember - King -
Thou shalt - thyself - one day - a Child -
Implore a larger - thing -

That Empire - is of Czars -
As small- they say - as I -
Grant me - that day - the royalty
To intercede - for Thee -

c 1861 1945


236


If He dissolve - then - there is nothing - more -
Eclipse - at Midnight-
It was dark - before -
Sunset - at Easter -
Blindness - on the Dawn -
Faint Star of Bethlehem -
Gone down!

Would but some God - inform Him -
Or it be too late!
Say - that the pulse just lisps -
The Chariots wait -

Say - that a little life - for His
Is leaking - red -
His little Spaniel- tell Him!
Will He heed?

c 1861 1935


237


I think just how my shape will rise -
When I shall be "forgiven"-
Till Hair - and Eyes - and timid Head -
Are out of sight - in Heaven -

I think just how my lips will weigh -
With shapeless - quivering - prayer -
That you - so late - "Consider" me -
The "Sparrow" of your Care -

I mind me that of Anguish - sent -
Some drifts were moved away -
Before my simple bosom - broke -
And why not this - if they?

And so I con that thing - "forgiven" -
Until- delirious - borne -
By my long bright - and longer - trust -
I drop my Heart - unshriven!

c 1861 1891


238


Kill your Balm - and Its Odors bless you -
Bare your Jessamine - to the storm-
And she will fling her maddest perfume -
Haply - your Summer night to Charm -

Stab the Bird - that built in your bosom -
Oh, could you catch her last Refrain -
Bubble! "forgIve" - "Some better" - Bubble!
"Carol for Him - when I am gone"!

C. 1861 1945


239


"Heaven" - is what I cannot reach!
The Apple on the Tree-
Provided it do hopeless - hang
That - "Heaven" is - to Me'

The Color, on the Cruislng Cloud -
The interdicted Land-
Behind the Hill- the House behind -
There - Paradise - is found'

Her teasing Purples - Afternoons -
The credulous - decoy -
Enamored - of the Conjuror -
That spurned us - Yesterday!

C. 1861 1896


240


Ah, Moon - and Star!
You are very far -
But were no one
Farther than you -
Do you think I'd stop
For a Firmament-
Or a Cubit - or so?

I could borrow a Bonnet
Of the Lark-
And a Chamois' Silver Boot -
And a stirrup of an Antelope -
And be with you - Toinght!

But, Moon, and Star,
Though you're very far -
There is one - farther than you -
He - is more than a firmament - from Me -
So I can never go!

C. 1861 1935


241


I like a look of Agony,
Because I know it's true
Men do not sham Convulsion,
Nor simulate, a Throe -

The Eyes glaze once - and that is Death
Impossible to feign
The Beads upon the Forehead
By homely Anguish strung.

C. 1861 1890


242


When we stand on the tops of Things -
And like the Trees, look down -
The smoke all cleared away from it -
And Mirrors on the scene -

Just laying light - no soul will wink
Except it have the flaw -
The Sound ones, like the Hills - shall stand -
No Lightning, scares away -

The Perfect, nowhere be afraId -
They bear their dauntless Heads,
Where others, dare not go at Noon,
Protected by their deeds -

The Stars dare shine occasionally
Upon a spotted World-
And Suns, go surer, for their Proof,
As if an Axle, held -

C. 1861 1945


243


I've known a Heaven, like a Tent
To wrap its shining Yards -
Pluck up its stakes, and disappear -
without the sound of Boards
Or Rip of Nail - Or Carpenter -
But just the miles of Stare -
That signalize a Show's Retreat
In North Amenca -

No Trace - no Figment of the Thing
That dazzled, Yesterday,
No Ring - no Marvel -
Men, and Feats -
Dissolved as utterly -
As Bird's far Navigation
Discloses just a Hue-
A plash of Oars, a Gaiety -
Then swallowed up, of View.

C. 1861 1929


244


It is easy to work when the soul is at play -
But when the soul is in pain -
The hearing him put his playthings up
Makes work difficult - then -

It is simple, to ache in the Bone, or the Rind -
But Gimlets - among the nerve-
Mangle daintier - terrIbler -
Like a Panther in the Glove -

C 1861 1945


245


I held a Jewel in my fingers -
And went to sleep -
The day was warm, and winds were prosy -
I said "'Twill keep" -

I woke - and chid my honest fingers,
The Gem was gone -
And now, an Amethyst remembrance
is all I own-

C 1861 1891


246


Forever at His side to walk -
The smaller of the two!
Brain of His Brain -
Blood of His Blood -
Two lives - One Being - now -

Forever of His fate to taste -
If grief - the largest part -
If joy - to put my piece away
For that beloved Heart -

All life - to know each other -
Whom we can never learn -
And bye and bye - a Change -
Called Heaven -
Rapt Neighborhoods of Men -
Just finding out - what puzzled us -
without the lexicon!

C. 1861 1945


247


What would I give to see his face?
I'd give - I'd give my life - of course -
But that is not enough!
Stop just a minute -let me think!
I'd gIve my biggest Bobolink!
That makes two - Him - and Life!
You know who "June" is-
I'd give her -
Roses a day from Zanzibar
And Lily tubes -like Wells
Bees - by the furlong -
Straits of Blue
Navies of Butterflies - sailed thro' -
And dappled Cowslip Dells -

Then I have "shares" in Primrose "Banks"
Daffodil Dowries - spicy "Stocks" -
Dominions - broad as Dew -
Bags of Doubloons - adventurous Bees
Brought me - from firmamental seas
And Purple - from Peru -

Now - have I bought it -
"Shylock"? Say!
Sign me the Bond!
I vow to pay
To Her - who pledges this -
One hour - of her Sovereign's face"!
Ecstatic Contract!
Niggard Grace!
My Kingdom's worth of Bliss!

C. 1861 1929


248


Why - do they shut Me out of Heaven?
Did I sing - too loud?
But - I can say a little "Minor"
Timid as a Bird!

Wouldn't the Angels try me
Just - once - more -
Just - see - if I troubled them
But don't - shut the door!

Oh, if I - were the Gentleman
In the 'White Robe" -
And they - were the little Hand - that knocked -
Could - I - forbid?

C. 1861 1929


249


Wild Nights - Wild Nlghts!
Were I with thee
Wild Nights should be
Our luxury!

Futile - the Winds -
To a Heart In port
Done wlth the Compass -
Done with the Chart!

Rowing in Eden -
Ah, the Sea!
Might I but moor - Tonight
In Thee!

C. 1861 1891


250


I shall keep singing!
Birds will pass me
On their way to Yellower Climes -
Each - with a Robin's expectation -
I - wlth my Redbreast -
And my Rhymes -

Late - when I take my place in summer -
But - I shall bring a fuller tune -
Vespers - are sweeter than Matins - Signor
Morning - only the seed of Noon -

c. 1861 1935


251


Over the fence -
Strawbernes - grow -
Over the fence -
I could climb - if I tried, I know -
Berries are nice!

But - if I stained my Apron -
God would certainly scold!
Oh, dear, - I guess if He were a Boy
He'd - climb - if He could!

c. 1861 1945


252


I can wade Grief -
Whole Pools of it -
I'm used to that -
But the least push of Joy
Breaks up my feet -
And I tip - drunken -
Let no Pebble - smile -
'Twas the New Liquor
That was all!

Power is only Pain -
Stranded, thro' Discipline,
Till Weights - will hang -
Give Balm - to Giants -
And they'll wilt, like Men -
Give Himmaleh -
They'll Carry - Him!

C. 1861 1891


253


You see I cannot see - your lifetime -
I must guess -
How many times it ache for me - today - Confess -
How many times for my far sake
The brave eyes film -
But I guess guessing hurts -
Mine - get so dim!

Too vague - the face -
My own - so patient - covers
Too far - the strength -
My timidness enfolds -
Haunting the Heart-
like her translated faces -
Teasing the want -
It - only - can suffice!

C. 1861 1929


254


"Hope" is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all-

And sweetest - in the Gale - is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash the little Bird
That kept so many warm -

I've heard it in the chillest land
And on the strangest Sea -
Yet, never, in Extremity,
It asked a crumb - of Me.

C. 1861 1891


255


To die - takes just a little while
They say it doesn't hurt-
It's only fainter - by degrees
And then - it's out of sight-

A darker Ribbon - for a Day
A Crape upon the Hat -
And then the pretty sunshine comes -
And helps us to forget -

The absent - mystic - creature -
That but for love of us -
Had gone to sleep - that soundest time -
Without the weariness-

C. 1861 1935


256


If I'm lost - now
That I was found -
Shall still my transport be -
That once - on me - those Jasper Gates
Blazed open - suddenly -

That in my awkward - gazing - face -
The Angels - softly peered -
And touched me with their fleeces,
Almost as if they cared -
I'm banished - now - you know it -
How foreign that can be-
You'll know - Sir - when the Savior's face
Turns so - away from you -

C. 1861 1945


257


Delight is as the flight
Or in the Ratio of it,
As the Schools would say -
The Rainbow's way-
A Skein
Flung colored, after Rain,
Would suit as bright,
Except that flight
Were Aliment-

"If it would last"
I asked the East,
When that Bent Stripe
Struck up my childish
Firmament -
And I, for glee,
Took Rainbows, as the common way,
And empty Skies
The Eccentricity -

And so with Lives-
And so with ButterflIes -
Seen magic - through the fright
That they will cheat the sight -
And Dower latItudes far on -
Some sudden morn -
Our portion - in the fashion -
Done-

C. 1861 1929


258


There's a certain Slant of light,
Winter Afternoons -
That oppresses, like the Heft
Of Cathedral Tunes -

Heavenly Hurt, it gives us -
We can find no scar,
But internal difference,
Where the Meanings, are-

None may teach it - Any -
'Tis the Seal Despair-
An imperial affliction
Sent us of the Air -

When it comes, the Landscape listens -
Shadows - hold their breath -
When it goes, 'tis like the Distance
On the look of Death-

C. 1861 1890


259


Good Night! Which put the Candle out?
A jealous Zephyr - not a doubt -
Ah, friend, you little knew
How long at that celestial wick
The Angels - labored diligent
Extinguished - now - for you!

It might - have been the Light House spark
Some Sailor - rowing in the Dark -
Had importuned to see!
It might - have been the waning lamp
That lit the Drummer from the Camp
To purer Reveille!

C. 1861 1891


260


Read - Sweet - how others - strove
Till we - are stouter -
What they - renounced -
Till we - are less afraid -
How many times they - bore the faithful witness -
Till we - are helped -
As if a Kingdom - cared!

Read then - of faith -
That shone above the fagot -
Clear strains of Hymn
The River could not drown -
Brave names of Men -
And Celestial Women -
Passed out - of Record
Into - Renown!

c. 1861 1890


261


Put up my lute!
What of - my Music!
Since the sole ear I cared to charm -
Passive - as Granite - laps My Music -
Sobbing - will suit - as well as psalm!

Would but the "Memnon" of the Desert-
Teach me the strain
That vanquished Him -
When He - surrendered to the Sunrise -
Maybe - that - would awaken - them!　　　NOTES

c 1861 1935


262


The lonesome for they know not What -
The Eastern Exiles - be -
Who strayed beyond the Amber line
Some madder Holiday -

And ever since - the purple Moat
They strive to climb - in vain -
As Birds - that tumble from the clouds
Do fumble at the strain -

The Blessed Ether - taught them -
Some Transatlantic Morn-
When Heaven - was too common - to miss -
Too sure - to dote upon!　　　　　　　　　　　　　NOTES

c. 1861 1929


263


A single Screw of Flesh
Is all that pins the Soul
That stands for Deity, to Mine,
Upon my sIde the Veil-

Once witnessed of the Gauze -
Its name is put away
As far from mine, as if no plight
Had printed yesterday,

In tender - solemn Alphabet,
My eyes just turned to see,
When it was smuggled by my sight
Into Eternity-

More Hands - to hold - These are but Two
One more new-mailed Nerve
Just granted, for the Peril's sake-
Some striding - Giant - Love -

So greater than the Gods can show,
They slink before the Clay,
That not for all their Heaven can boast
Will let its Keepsake - go　　　　　　　　　　

C. 1861 1935


264


A Weight with Needles on the pounds
To push, and pierce, besides -
That if the Flesh resist the Heft -
The puncture - coolly tries -

That not a pore be overlooked
Of all this Compound Frame -
As manifold for Anguish -
As Species - be - for name -

C. 1861 1935


265


Where Ships of Purple - gently toss -
On Seas of Daffodil-
Fantastic Sailors - mingle -
And then - the Wharf is still!

C. 1861 1891


266


This - is the land - the Sunset washes -
These - are the Banks of the Yellow Sea -
Where is rose - or whither it rushes-
These - are the Western Mystery!

Night after Night
Her purple traffic
Strews the landing with Opal Bales -
Merchantmen - poise upon Horizons-
Dip - and vanish like Orioles!

c. 1861 1890


267


Did we disobey Him?
Just one time!
Charged us to forget Him -
But we couldn't learn!

Were Himself - such a Dunce -
What would we-do?
Love the dull lad - best -
Oh, wouldn't you?

c. 1861 1945


268


Me, change! Me, alter!
Then I will, when on the Everlasting Hill
A Smaller Purple grows -
At sunset, or a lesser glow
Flickers upon Cordillera -
At Day's superior close!

c. 1861 1945


269


Bound - a trouble -
And lives can bear it!
Limit - how deep a bleeding go!
So - many - drops - of vital scarlet -
Deal with the soul
As with Algebra!

Tell it the Ages - to a cypher-
And it will ache - contented - on -
Sing - at its pain - as any Workman -
Notching the fall of the Even Sun!

c. 1861 1935


270


One Life of so much Consequence!
Yet I - for it - would pay-
My Soul's entire income -
In ceaseless - salary -

One Pearl - to me - so signal-
That I would instant dive -
Although - I knew - to take it-
Would cost me - just a life!

The Sea is full - I know it!
That - does not blur my Gem!
It burns - distinct from all the row -
Intact - in Diadem!

The life is thick - I know it!
Yet - not so dense a crowd -
But Monarchs - are perceptible -
Far down the dustiest Road!

c. 1861 1929


271


A solemn thing - it was - I said -
A woman - white - to be-
And wear - if God should count me fit -
Her blameless mystery-

A hallowed thing - to drop a life
Into the purple well-
Too plummetless - that it return
Eternity - until-

I pondered how the bliss would look -
And would it feel as big -
When I could take it in my hand -
As hovering - seen - through fog -

And then - the size of this "small" life -
The Sages - call it small -
Swelled -like Horizons - in my vest -
And I sneered - softly - "small"!

C. 1861 1896


272


I breathed enough to take the Trick -
And now, removed from Air -
I simulate the Breath, so well-
That One, to be quite sure -

The Lungs are stirless - must descend
Among the Cunning Cells -
And touch the Pantomime - Himself,
How numb, the Bellows feels!

C. 1861 1896


273


He put the Belt around my life -
I heard the Buckle snap -
And turned away, imperial,
My Lifetime folding up
Deliberate, as a Duke would do
A Kingdom's Title Deed-
Henceforth, a Dedlcated sort -
A Member of the Cloud.

Yet not too far to come at call -
And do the little Toils
That make the Circuit of the Rest -
And deal occasional smiles
To lives that stoop to notice mine -
And kindly ask it in -
Whose Invitation, know you not
For Whom I must decline?

c. 1861 1891


274


The only Ghost I ever saw
Was dressed in Mechlin - so-
He wore no sandal on hls foot -
And stepped like Rakes of snow -

His Gait - was soundless, like the Bird-
But rapid - like the Roe -
His fashions, quaint, Mosaic -
Or haply, Mistletoe-

His conversation - seldom -
His laughter, like the Breeze-
That dies away in Dimples
Among the pensive Trees -

Our interview - was transient -
Of me, himself was shy -
And God forbid I look behind-
Since that appalling Day!　　　　　NOTES

c. 1861 1891


275


Doubt Me! My Dim Companion!
Why, God, would be content
With but a fraction of the Life -
Poured thee, without a stint-
The whole of me - forever -
What more the Woman can,
Say quick, that I may dower thee
With last Delight I own!

It cannot be my Spirit -
For that was thine, before -
I ceded all of Dust I knew -
What Opulence the more
Had I - a freckled Maiden,
Whose farthest of Degree,
Was - that she mIght-
Some distant Heaven,
Dwell timidly, with thee

Sift her, from Brow to Barefoot!
Strain till your last Surmise -
Drop, like a Tapestry, away,
Before the Fire's Eyes
Winnow her finest fondness
But hallow just the snow
Intact, in Everlasting flake
Oh, Caviler, for you!

c. 1861 1890


276


Many a phrase has the English language -
I have heard but one -
Low as the laughter of the Cricket,
Loud, as the Thunder's Tongue -

Murmuring, like old Caspian Choirs,
When the Tide's a'lull -
Saying itself in new inflection -
Like a Whippoorwill-

Breaking in bright Orthography
On my simple sleep -
Thundering its Prospective -
Till I stir, and weep -

Not for the Sorrow, done me-
But the push of Joy -
Say it again, Saxon!
Hush - Only to me!

c 1861 1935


277


What if I say I shall not wait!
What if I burst the fleshly Gate -
And pass escaped - to thee!

What if I file this Mortal - off-
See where it hurt me - That's enough -
And wade in Liberty!

They cannot take me - any more!
Dungeons can call- and Guns implore
Unmeaning - now - to me -

As laughter - was - an hour ago -
Or Laces - or a Travelling Show-
Or who died - yesterday!

c. 1861 1891


278


A shady friend - for Torrid days -
Is easier to find -
Than one of higher temperature
For FrigId - hour of Mind -

The Vane a little to the East -
Scares Muslin souls - away -
If Broadcloth Hearts are firmer -
Than those of Organdy -

Who is to blame? The Weaver?
Ah, the bewildering thread!
The Tapestries of Paradise
So notelessly - are made!

C. 1861 1891


279


Tie the Strings to my Life, My Lord,
Then, I am ready to go!
Just a look at the Horses-
Rapid! That will do!

Put me in on the firmest side -
So I shall never fall-
For we must ride to the Judgment
And it's partly, down Hill-

But never I mind the steepest -
And never I mind the Sea -
Held fast in Everlasting Race-
By my own Choice, and Thee -

Goodbye to the Life I used to live -
And the WorId I used to know -
And kiss the Hills, for me, just once -
Then - I am ready to go!

C. 1861 1896


280


I felt a Funeral, in my Brain,
And Mourners to and fro
Kept treading -treading - till it seemed
That Sense was breaking through -

And when they all were seated,
A Service, like a Drum -
Kept beating - beating - till I thought
My Mind was going numb -

And then I heard them lift a Box
And creak across my Soul
With those same Boots of Lead, again,
Then Space - began to toll,

As all the Heavens were a Bell,
And Being, but an Ear,
And I, and Silence, some strange Race
Wrecked, solitary, here -

And then a Plank in Reason, broke,
And I dropped down, and down -
And hit a World, at every plunge,
And Finished knowing - then -

C. 1861 1896


281


'Tis so appalling - it exhilarates -
So over Horror, it half Captivates -
The Soul stares after it, secure -
A Sepulchre, fears frost, no more -

To scan a Ghost, is faint-
But grappling, conquers it-
How easy, Torment, now
Suspense kept sawing so -

The Truth, is Bald, and Cold -
But that will hold -
If any are not sure -
We show them -prayer
But we, who know,
Stop hoping, now -

Looking at Death, is Dying -
Just let go the Breath-
And not the pillow at your Cheek
So Slumbereth -

Others, Can wrestle -
Yours, is done -
And so of Woe, bleak dreaded - come,
It sets the Fright at liberty -
And Terror's free
Gay, Ghastly, Holiday!

C. 1861 1935


282


How noteless Men, and Pleiads, stand,
Until a sudden sky
Reveals the fact that One is rapt
Forever from the Eye -

Members of the Invisible,
Existing, while we stare,
In Leagueless Opportunity,
O'ertakeless, as the Air -

Why didn't we detain Them?
The Heavens with a smile,
Sweep by our disappointed Heads
Without a syllable -

C. 1861 1929


283


A Mien to move a Queen -
Half Child - Half Heroine -
An Orleans in the Eye
That puts its manner by
For humbler Company
When none are near
Even a Tear-
Its frequent Visitor -

A Bonnet like a Duke -
And yet a Wren's Peruke
Were not so shy
Of Goer by-
And Hands - so slight -
They would elate a Sprite
With Merriment -

A Voice that Alters - Low
And on the Ear can go
Like Let of Snow -
Or shIft supreme -
As tone of Realm
On Subjects Diadem -

Too small - to fear-
Too distant - to endear
And so Men Compromise -
And just - revere -

C. 1861 1935


284


The Drop, that wrestles in the Sea
Forgets her own locality-
As I - toward Thee -

She knows herself an Incense small
Yet small - she sighs - if All - is All
How larger - be?

The Ocean - smiles - at her Conceit -
But she, forgetting Amphitrite
Pleads - "Me"?

C. 1861 1945


285


The Robin's my Criterion for Tune
Because I grow - where Robins do
But, were I Cuckoo born
I'd swear by him
The ode familiar - rules the Noon
The Buttercup's, my Whim for Bloom
Because, we're Orchard sprung
But, were I Britain born,
I'd Daisies spurn
None but the Nut - October fit
Because, through dropping it,
The Seasons flit - I'm taught
Without the Snow's Tableau
Winter, were lie - to me
Because I see - New Englandly
The Queen, discerns like me
Provincially

C. 1861 1929


286


That after Horror - that 'twas us
That passed the mouldering Pier
Just as the Granite Crumb let go
Our Savior, by a Hair

A second more, had dropped too deep
For Fisherman to plumb
The very profile of the Thought
Puts RecollectIon numb

The possibility - to pass
Without a Moment's Bell
Into Conjecture's presence
Is like a Face of Steel
That suddenly looks into ours
WIth a metallic grin
The Cordiality of Death
Who drills his Welcome in

C. 1861 1935


287


A Clock stopped -
Not the Mantel's -
Geneva's farthest skill
Can't put the puppet bowing -
That just now dangled still -

An awe came on the Trinket!
The Figures hunched, with pain -
Then quivered out of Declmals -
Into Degreeless Noon -

It will not stir for Doctors -
This Pendulum of snow -
This Shopman Importunes It -
While cool - concernless No -

Nods from the Gilded pointers -
Nods from the Seconds slim -
Decades of Arrogance between
The Dial life -
And Him -

C. 1861 1896


288


I'm Nobody! Who are you?
Are you - Nobody - Too?
Then there's a pair of us?
Don't tell! they'd advertise - you know!

How dreary - to be - Somebody!
How public - like a Frog
To tell one's name - the livelong June
To an admiring Bog!

C. 1861 1891


289


I know some lonely Houses off the Road
A Robber'd like the look of
Wooden barred,
And Windows hanging low,
Inviting to -
A Portico,
Where two could creep -
One - hand the Tools -
The other peep -
To make sure All's Asleep -
Old fashioned eyes -
Not easy to surprise!

How orderly the Kitchen'd look, by night,
With just a Clock
But they could gag the Tick
And Mice won't bark
And so the Walls - don't tell
None - will

A pair of Spectacles ajar just stlr
An Almanac's aware
Was It the Mat - winked,
Or a Nervous Star?
The Moon - slIdes down the staIr,
To see who's there!

There's plunder - where
Tankard, or Spoon
Earring - or Stone
A Watch - Some Ancient Brooch
To match the Grandmama
Staid sleeping - there

Day - rattles - too
Stealth's - slow
The Sun has got as far
As the third Sycamore
Screams Chanticleer
'Who's there"?
And Echoes - Trains away,
Sneer - "Where"!
While the old Couple, just astir,
Fancy the Sunrise -left the door ajar!

C. 1861 1890


290


Of Bronze - and Blaze
The North - Tonight
So adequate - it forms
So preconcerted with itself
So distant - to alarms
An Unconcern so sovereign
To Universe, or me
Infects my sImple spirit
WIth Taints of Majesty
Till I take vaster attitudes
And strut upon my stem
Disdaining Men, and Oxygen,
For Arrogance of them

My Splendors, are Menagerie
But theIr Competeless Show
WIll entertain the Centuries
When I, am long ago,
An Island in dishonored Grass
Whom none but Beetles - know 　NOTES

C. 1861 1896


291


How the old Mountains drip with Sunset
How the Hemlocks burn -
How the Dun Brake is draped in Cinder
By the Wizard Sun -

How the old Steeples hand the Scarlet
Till the Ball is full -
Have I the lip of the Flamingo
That I dare to tell?

Then, how the Fire ebbs like Billows -
Touching all the Grass
With a departing - Sapphire - feature -
As a Duchess passed -

How a small Dusk crawls on the Village
Till the Houses blot
And the odd Flambeau, no men carry
Glimmer on the Street -

How it is Night - in Nest and Kennel -
And where was the Wood -
Just a Dome of Abyss is Bowing
Into Solitude -

These are the visions flitted Guido -
Titian - never told -
Domenichino dropped his pencil -
Paralyzed, with Gold -

C. 1861 1896


292


If your Nerve, deny you -
Go above your Nerve -
He can lean against the Grave,
If he fear to swerve -

That's a steady posture -
Never any bend
Held of those Brass arms -
Best Giant made -

If your Soul seesaw -
Lift the Flesh door -
The Poltroon wants Oxygen -
Nothing more -

C. 1861 1935


293


I got so I could take his name
Without - Tremendous gain
That Stop-sensation - on my Soul
And Thunder - in the Room

I got so I could walk across
That Angle in the floor,
Where he turned so, and I turned - .how
And all our Sinew tore

I got so I could Stir the Box
In which his letters grew
Without that forcing, in my breath
As Staples - driven through

Could dimly recollect a Grace
I think, they call it "God"
Renowned to ease ExtremIty
When Formula, had failed

And shape my Hands
Petition's way,
Tho' ignorant of a word
That Ordination - utters

My Business, with the Cloud,
If any Power behind it, be,
Not subject to Despair
It care, in some remoter way,
For so minute affair
As Misery
Itself, too vast, for interrupting - more

C. 1861 1929


294


The Doomed - regard the Sunrise
With different Delight
Because - when next it burns abroad
They doubt to Witness it

The Man - to die - tomorrow
Harks for the Meadow Bird
Because its music stirs the Axe
That clamors for his head

Joyful - to whom the Sunrise
Precedes Enamored - Day
Joyful - for whom the Meadow Bird
Has ought but Elegy!

C. 1861 1929


295


Unto like Story - Trouble has enticed me
How Kinsmen fell
Brothers and Sister - who preferred the Glory
And their young will
Bent to the Scaffold, or in Dungeons - chanted
Till God's full time
When they let go the Ignommy - smiling
And Shame went still

Unto guessed Crests, by moaning fancy, leads me,
Worn fair
By Heads rejected - in the lower country
Of honors there
Such spirit makes her perpetual mention,
That I - grown bold
Step martial - at my Crucifixion
As Trumpets - roIled

Feet, small as mine - have marched in Revolution
Firm to the Drum
Hands - not so stout - hoisted them - in Witness
When Speech went numb
Let me not shame their sublime deportments
Drilled brigh t
Beckoning - Etruscan invItation
Toward Light

C. 1861 1935


296


One Year ago - jots what?
God - spell the word! I - can't
Was't Grace? Not that
Was't Glory) That-will do
Spell slower - Glory

Such Anniversary shall be
Sometimes-not often-in Eternity
When farther Parted, than the Common Woe
Look - feed upon each other's faces - so
In doubtful meal, if it be possible
Their Banquet's true

I tasted - careless - then
I did not know the Wine
Came once a World - Did you?
Oh, had you told me so
This Thirst would blister - easier - now
You said It hurt you - most
Mine - was an Acorn's Breast
And could not know how fondness grew
In Shaggier Vest
Perhaps - I couldn't
But, had you looked in
A Giant - eye to eye With you, had been
No Acorn - then

So - Twelve months ago
We breathed
Then dropped the Air
Which bore it best?
Was this - the patientest
Because It was a Child, you know
And could not value - Air?

If to be "Elder" - mean most pain
I'm old enough, today, I'm certain - then
As old as thee - how soon?
One - Birthday more - or Ten?
Let me - choose!
Ah, Sir, None!

C. 1861 1945


297


It's like the Light
A fashionless Delight
It's like the Bee
A dateless - Melody

It's like the Woods
Private - Like the Breeze
Phraseless - yet it stirs
The proudest Trees

It's like the Morning
Best - when it's done
And the Everlasting Clocks
Chime - Noon!

C. 1861 1896


298


Alone, I cannot be
For Hosts - do visit me
Recordless Company
Who baffle Key

They have no Robes, nor Names
No Almanacs - nor Climes
But general Homes
Like Gnomes

Their Coming, may be known
By Couriers within
Their going - is not
For they're never gone

C. 1861 1932


299


Your Riches - taught me - Poverty.
Myself - a Millionaire
In little Wealths, as Girls could boast
Till broad as Buenos Ayre

You drifted your Dominions
A Different Peru
And I esteemed All Poverty
For Life's Estate with you

Of Mines, I little know - myself
But Just the names, of Gems
The Colors of the Commonest
And scarce of Diadems

So much, that did I meet the Queen
Her Glory I should know
But this, must be a different Wealth
To miss it - beggars so

I'm sure 'tis India - all Day
To those who look on You
Without a stint - Without a blame,
Might I - but be the Jew

I'm sure it is Golconda
Beyond my power to deem
To have a smile for Mine - each Day,
How better, than a Gem'

At least, it solaces to know
That there exists - a Gold
Altho' I prove it, just in time
Its distance - to behold

Its far - far Treasure to surmise
And estimate the Pearl
That slipped my simple fingers through
While just a Girl at School.

C. 1861 1891


300


Morning - means "Milking" - to the farmer -
Dawn - to the Teneriffe
Dice - to the Maid -
Morning means just Risk - to the Lover
Just revelation - to the Beloved

Epicures - date a Breakfast - by it -
Brides - an Apocalypse
Worlds - a Flood
Faint-going Lives - Their Lapse from Sighing -
Faith - The Experiment of Our Lord -

C. 1861 1914


301


I reason, Earth is short
And Anguish - absolute
And many hurt,
But, what of that?

I reason, we could die
The best Vitality
Cannot excel Decay,
But, what of that?

I reason, that in Heaven
Somehow, it will be even
Some new Equation, given
But, what of that?

C. 1861 1890


302


Like Some Old fashioned Miracle
When Summertime is done
Seems Summer's Recollection
And the Affairs of June

As infiinte Tradition
As Cinderella's Bays
Or Little John - of Lincoln Green
Or Blue Beard's Galleries

Her Bees have a fictitious Hum
Her Blossoms, like a Dream
Elate us - till we almost weep
So plausible - they seem

Her Memories like Strains - Review
When Orchestra is dumb
The Violin In Baize replaced
And Ear - and Heaven - numb

C. 1862 1914


303


The Soul selects her own Society
Then - shuts the Door
To her divine Majority
Present no more

Unmoved - she notes the Chariots - pausing
At her low Gate
Unmoved - an Emperor be kneeling
Upon her Mat

I've known her - from an ample nation
Choose One
Then - close the Valves of her attention
Like Stone

C. 1862 1890


304


The Day came slow - till Five o'clock
Then sprang before the Hills
Like Hundered Rubies - or the Light
A Sudden Musket - spIlls

The Purple could not keep the East
The Sunrise shook abroad
Like Breadths of Topaz - packed a Night
The Lady just unrolled

The Happy Winds - their Timbrels took
The Birds - in docile Rows
Arranged themselves around their Prince
The Wind - is Prince of Those

The Orchard sparkled like a Jew
How mighty 'twas-to be
A Guest in this stupendous place
The Parlor - of the Day -

C. 1862 1891


305


The difference between Despair
And Fear - is like the One
Between the instant of a Wreck
And when the Wreck has been

The Mind is smooth - no Motion
Contented as the Eye
Upon the Forehead of a Bust
That knows - it cannot see

C. 1862 1914


306


The Soul's Superior instants
Occur to Her - alone -
When friend - and Earth's occasion
Have infinite withdrawn -

Or She - Herself - ascended
To too remote a Height
For lower Recognition
Than Her Omnipotent -

This Mortal Abolition
Is seldom - but as fair
As Apparition - subject
To Autocratic Air -

Eternity's disclosure
To favorites - a few -
Of the Colossal substance
Of Immortality

C. 1862 1914


307


The One who could repeat the Summer day -
Were greater than itself - though He
Minutest of Mankind should be -

And He - could reproduce the Sun -
At period of going down -
The Lingering - and the Stain - I mean -

When Orient have been outgrown -
And OccIdent - become Unknown -
His Name - remain -

c. 1862 1891


308


I send Two Sunsets -
Day and I - in competition ran -
I finished Two - and several Stars -
While He - was making One -

His own was ampler - but as I
Was saying to a friend -
Mine - is the more convenient
To Carry in the Hand -

c. 1862 1914


309


For largest Woman's Heart I knew -
'Tis little I can do -
And yet the largest Woman's Heart
Could hold an Arrow - too -
And so, instructed by my own,
I tenderer, turn Me to.

c. 1862 1932


310


Give little Anguish -
Lives will fret -
Give Avalanches -
And they'll slant -
Straighten - look cautious for their Breath -
But make no syllable - like Death -
Who only shows his Marble Disc -
Sublimer sort - than Speech -

C. 1862 1924


311


It sifts from Leaden Sieves -
It powders all the Wood.
It fills with Alabaster Wool
The Wrinkles of the Road -

It makes an Even Face
Of Mountain, and of Plain -
Unbroken Forehead from the East
Unto the East again -

It reaches to the Fence -
It wraps it Rail by Rail
Till it is lost in Fleeces -
It deals Celestial Vail

To Stump, and Stack - and Stern -
A Summer's empty Room -
Acres of Joints, where Harvests were,
Recordless, but for them -

It Ruffles Wrists of Posts
As Ankles of a Queen -
Then stills its Artisans - like Ghosts -
Denying they have been -

C. 1862 1891


312


Her - "last Poems" -
Poets - ended -
Silver - perished - with her Tongue -
Not on Record - bubbled other,
Flute - or Woman -
So divine -
Not unto its Summer - Morning
Robin - uttered Half the Tune -
Gushed too free for the Adoring -
From the Anglo-Florentine -
Late - the Praise -
'Tis dull- conferring -
On the Head too High to Crown -
Diadem - or Ducal Showing -
Be its Grave - sufficient sign -
Nought - that We - No Poet's Kinsman -
Suffocate - with easy woe -
What, and if, Ourself a Bridegroom -
Put Her down - in Italy?

C. 1862 1914


313


I should have been too glad, I see -
Too lifted - for the scant degree
Of Life's penurious Round -
My little Circuit would have shamed
This new Circumference - have blamed -
The homelier time behind.

I should have been too saved - I see -
Too rescued - Fear too dim to me
That I could spell the Prayer
I knew so perfect - yesterday -
That Scalding One - Sabachthani -
Recited fluent - here -

Earth would have been too much - I see -
And Heaven - not enough for me
I should have had the Joy -
Without the Fear - to justify -
The Palm - without the Calvary -
So Savior - Crucify -

Defeat - whets Victory - they say -
The Reefs-in old Gethsemane -
Endear the Coast - beyond!
'Tis Beggars - Banquets - can define -
'Tis Parching - vitalizes Wine -
"Faith" bleats - to understand!

C. 1862 1891


314


Nature - sometimes sears a Sapling -
Sometimes - scalps a Tree -
Her Green People recollect it
When they do not die -

Fainter Leaves - to Further Seasons -
Dumbly testify -
We - who have the Souls -
Die oftener - Not so vitally -

C. 1862 1945


315


He fumbles at your Soul
As Players at the Keys
Before they drop full Music on -
He stuns you by degrees -
Prepares your brittle Nature
For the Ethereal Blow
By fainter Hammers - further heard -
Then nearer - Then so slow
Your Breath has time to straighten -
Your Brain - to bubble Cool -
Deals - One - imperial-Thunderbolt -
That scalps your naked Soul -

When Winds take Forests in their Paws -
The Universe - is still -

C. 1862 1896


316


The Wind didn't come from the Orchard - today -
Further than that -
Nor stop to play with the Hay -
Nor joggle a Hat -
He's a transitive fellow - very -
Rely on that -

If He leave a Bur at the door
We know He has climbed a Fir -
But the Fir is Where - Declare -
Were you ever there?

If He brings Odors of Clovers -
And that is His business - not Ours -
Then He has been with the Mowers -
Whetting away the Hours
To sweet pauses of Hay -
His Way - of a June Day -

If He fling Sand, and Pebble -
Little Boys Hats - and Stubble -
With an occasional Steeple -
And a hoarse "Get out of the way, I say,"
Who'd be the fool to stay?
Would you - Say -
Would you be the fool to stay?

C. 1862 1932


317


Just so - Jesus - raps -
He - doesn't weary -
Last - at the Knocker -
And first - at the Bell.
Then - on divinest tiptoe - standing -
Might He but spy the lady's soul -
When He - retires -
Chilled - or weary -
It will be ample time for - me -
Patient - upon the steps - until then -
Heart' I am knocking -low at thee

C. 1861 1914


318


I'll tell you how the Sun rose -
A Ribbon at a time -
The Steeples swam in Amethyst -
The news, like Squirrels, ran -
The Hills untied their Bonnets -
The Bobolinks - begun -
Then I saId softly to myself -
"That must have been the Sun"!
But how he set - I know not -
There seemed a purple stile
That little Yellow boys and glrls
Were climbing all the whlle -
Till when they reached the other slde,
A Dominie in Gray -
Put gently up the evening Bars -
And led the flock away -

C. 1860 1890


319


The nearest Dream recedes - unrealized -
The Heaven we chase,
Like the June Bee - before the School Boy,
Invites the Race -
Stoops - to an easy Clover -
Dips - evades - teases - deploys -
Then - to the Royal Clouds
Lifts his light Pinnace -
Heedless of the Boy -
Staring - bewildered - at the mocking sky -
Homesick for steadfast Honey -
Ah, the Bee flies not
That brews that rare variety!

C. 1861 1891


320


We play at Paste -
Till qualified, for Pearl -
Then, drop the Paste -
And deem ourself a fool -
The Shapes - though - were similar -
And our new Hands
Learned Gem-Tactlcs -
Practicing Sands -

C. 1862 1891


321

Of all the Sounds despatched abroad,
There's not a Charge to me
Like that old measure in the Boughs -
That phraseless Melody -
The Wind does - working like a Hand,
Whose fingers Comb the Sky -
Then quiver down - WIth tufts of Tune -
Permitted Gods, and me -

Inheritance, it is, to us -
Beyond the Art to Earn -
Beyond the trait to take away
By Robber, since the Gain
Is gotten not of fingers -
And inner than the Bone -
Hid golden, for the whole of Days,
And even in the Urn,
I cannot vouch the merry Dust
Do not arise and play
In some odd fashion of its own,
Some quainter Holiday,
When Winds go round and round in Bands -
And thrum upon the door,
And Birds take places, overhead,
To bear them Orchestra

I crave Him grace of Summer Boughs,
If such an Outcast be -
Who never heard that fleshless Chant -
Rise - solemn - on the Tree,
As if some Caravan of Sound
Off Deserts, in the Sky,
Had parted Rank,
Then knit, and swept -
In Seamless Company -

C. 1862


322


There came a Day at Summer's full,
Entirely for me -
I thought that such were for the Saints,
Where Resurrections - be -

The Sun, as common, went abroad,
The Bowers, accustomed, blew,
As if no soul the solstice passed
That maketh all things new -

The time was scarce profaned, by speech -
The symbol of a word
Was needless, as at Sacrament,
The Wardrobe - of our Lord -

Each was to each The Sealed Church,
Permitted to commune this - time -
Lest we too awkward show
At Supper of the Lamb.

The Hours slid fast - as Hours will,
Clutched tight, by greedy hands -
So faces on two Decks, look back,
Bound to opposing lands -

And so when all the time had leaked,
Without external sound
Each bound the Other's Crucifix -
We gave no other Bond -

Sufficient troth, that we shall rise -
Deposed - at length, the Grave -
To that new Marriage,
Justified - through Calvaries of Love -

c. 1861 1890


323


As if I asked a Common Alms,
And in my wondering hand
A Stranger pressed a Kingdom,
And I, bewildered, stand -
As if I asked the Orient
Had it for me a Morn -
And it should lift its purple Dikes,
And shatter me with Dawn!

c. 1858 1891


324


Some keep the Sabbath going to Church -
I keep it, staying at Home -
With a Bobolink for a Chorister -
And an Orchard, for a Dome -

Some keep the Sabbath in Surplice -
I just wear my Wings -
And instead of tolling the Bell, for Church,
Our little Sexton - sings.

God preaches, a noted Clergyman -
And the sermon is never long,
So instead of getting to Heaven, at last -
I'm going, all along.

c. 1860 1864


325


Of Tribulation, these are They,
Denoted by the White -
The Spangled Gowns, a lesser Rank
Of Victors - designate -

All these - did conquer -
But the ones who overcame most times -
Wear nothing commoner than Snow -
No Ornament, but Palms -

Surrender - is a sort unknown -
On this superior soul -
Defeat - an outgrown Anguish -
Remembered, as the Mile

Our panting Ankle barely passed -
When Night devoured the Road -
But we - stood whispering in the House -
And all we said - was "Saved"! -

C. 1861 1891


326


I cannot dance upon my Toes -
No Man instructed me -
But oftentimes, among my mind,
A Glee possesseth me,

That had I Ballet knowledge -
Would put itself abroad
In Pirouette to blanch a Troupe -
Or lay a Prima, mad,

And though I had no Gown of Gauze -
No Ringlet, to my Hair,
Nor hopped to Audiences - like Birds,
One Claw upon the Air

Nor tossed my shape In Eider Balls,
Nor rolled on wheels of snow
Till I was out of sight, in sound,
The House encore me so -

Nor any know I know the Art
I mention - easy - Here -
Nor any Placard boast me -
It's full as Opera -

c. 1862 1929


327


Before I got my eye put out
I lIked as well to see
As other Creatures, that have Eyes
And know no other way
But were it told to me-Today
That I might have the sky
For mine - I tell you that my Heart
Would split, for size of me
The Meadows - mine
The Mountains - mine
All Forests - Stintless Stars
As much of Noon as I could take
Between my finite eyes
The Motions of the Dipping Birds
The Morning's Amber Road
For mine - to look at when I lIked
The News would strike me dead
So safer - guess - with just my soul
Upon the Window pane
Where other Creatures put their eyes
Incautious - of the Sun
1929
z891
[ 155 ]
A Bird came down the Walk
He did not know I saw
He bit an Angleworm in halves
And ate the fellow, raw,
And then he drank a Dew
From a convement Grass
And then hopped sidewise to the Wall
To let a Beetle pass
He glanced with rapid eyes
That hurried all around
They looked like frightened Beads, I thought
He stirred his Velvet Head
LIke one in danger, Cautious,
I offered him a Crumb
And he unrolled hIS feathers
And rowed him softer home
Than Oars divide the Ocean,
Too silver for a seam
Or ButterflIes, off Banks of Noon
Leap, plashless as they swim.
c.
r862.
z862.
32.9
So glad we are - a Stranger'd deem
'Twas sorry, that we were
For where the Holiday should be
There publIshes a Tear
Nor how Ourselves be justified
Since Grief and Joy are done
So similar - An Optizan
Could not decide between
C.
330
The Juggler's Hat her Country is
The Mountam Gorse-the Bee's!
c.
c
c.
1861
1861
186z
331
WhIle Asters
On the Hill
Their Everlastmg fashIons - set
And Covenant GentIans - Fnlll
332
There are two Ripenings - one - of sight
Whose forces Spheric wind
Until the Velvet product
Drop spicy to the ground
A homelier maturing
A process in the Bur
That teeth of Frosts alone disclose
In far October Air.
333
The Grass so little has to do
A Sphere of simple Green
With only Butterflies to brood
And Bees to entertain
And stir all day to pretty Tunes
The Breezes fetch along
And hold the Sunshine in its lap
And bow to every thing
And thread the Dews, all night, like PearIs
And make itself so fine
1894
1894
1894
[ 157]
A Duchess were too common
For such a noticing
And even when It dIes - to pass
In Odors so divme
LIke Lowly spIces, lam to sleep
Or Spikenards, perIShmg
And then, In SovereIgn Barns to dwell
And dream the Days away,
The Grass so little has to do
I wIsh I were a Hay
C
1862
334
All the letters I can write
Are not faIr as thIs
Syllables of Velvet
Sentences of Plush,
Depths of Ruby, undrained,
HId, Lip, for Thee
Play it were a Humming Bird
And just sipped - me
335
'Tis not that Dymg hurts us so
'Tis Living-hurts us more
But Dying - is a different way
A Kind behind the Door
The Southern Custom - of the Bird
That ere the Frosts are due
Accepts a better Latitude
We - are the Birds - that stay.
The Shiverers round Farmers' doors
For whose reluctant Crumb
[ 158 ]
We stipulate - tlll pItying Snows
Persuade our Feathers Home.
C.
1862
C. 1862
336
The face I carry with me -last
When I go out of Time
To take my Rank-by-in the West
That face - will just be thme
I'll hand It to the Angel
That - Sir - was my Degree
In Kingdoms - you have heard the RaIsed
Refer to-poSSlbly.
He'll take it - scan It - step aside
Return-with such a crown
As Gabriel-never capered at
And beg me put it on
And then - he'll turn me round and round
To an admiring sky
As one that bore her Master's name
SuffiCIent Royalty!
337
I know a place where Summer strives
Wlth such a practised Frost
She - each year -leads her Daisies back
Recordmg briefly - "Lost"
But when the South Wind stirs the Pools
And struggles in the lanes
Her Heart misgives Her, for Her Vow
And she pours soft Refrains
Into the lap of Adamant
And spices - and the Dew
1945
1945
[ 159]
That stIffens qUletly to Quartz
Upon her Amber Shoe
C.
c.
1862
1862
338
I know that He eXIsts
Somewhere - in Silence
He has hid his rare lIfe
From our gross eyes.
'TIs an instant's play.
'Tis a fond Ambush
Just to make Bliss
Earn her own surpnse!
But-should the play
Prove piercmg earnest
Should the glee - glaze
In Death's-stiff-stare
Would not the fun
Look too expensivel
Would not the jest
Have crawled too farl
339
I tend my flowers for thee
Bnght Absentee!
My Fuchsia's Coral Seams
RIp-while the Sower-dreams
Geraniums - tint - and spot
Low Daisies - dot
My Cactus-splits her Beard
To show her throat
Carnations - tip their spice
And Bees - pick up
A Hyacinth - I hid
[
1891
189l
160 ]
Puts out a Ruffled Head
And odors fall
From Basks - so smaIl
You marvel how they held
Globe Roses - break theIr satm Bake
Upon my Garden Boor
Yet - thou - not there
I had as lief they bore
No Crimson-more
Thy Bower - be gay
Her Lord - away!
It ill becometh me
I'll dwell in Calyx-Gray
How modestly-alway
Thy Daisy
Draped for thee'
C
1862
C. 1862


340


Is Bliss then, such Abyss,
I must not put my foot amiss
For fear I spoil my shoe?

I'd rather suit my foot
Than save my Boot -
For yet to buy another Pair
Is possible,
At any store -

But Bliss, is sold just once.
The Patent lost
None buy it any more -
Say, Foot, decide the point -
The Lady cross, or not?
Verdict for Boot!

C. 1862 1896


341


After great pain, a formal feeling comes -
The Nerves sit ceremonious, like Tombs -
The stiff Heart questions was it He, that bore,
And Yesterday, or Centuries before?

The Feet, mechanical, go round -
Of Ground, or Air, or Ought -
A Wooden way
Regardless grown,
A Quartz contentment, like a stone -

This is the Hour of Lead -
Remembered, If outlived,
As Freezing persons, recollect the Snow -
First - Chill - then Stupor - then the letting go -

C. 1862 1929


342


It will be Summer-eventually.
Ladies - wIth parasols-
Sauntering Gentlemen-wIth Canes
And little Girls-with Dolls-

Will tint the pallid landscape-
As 'twere a bright Bouquet-
Tho' drifted deep, in Parian-
The Village lies - today-

The Lilacs - bending many a year
Will sway with purple load-
The Bees - will not despise the tune
Their Forefathers - have hummed-

The Wild Rose-redden in the Bog
The Aster - on the Hill
Her everlasting fashion - set
And Covenant Gentians - frill-

Till Summer folds her miracle
As Women - do - their Gown-
Or Priests - adjust the Symbols
When Sacrament - is done-

C. 1862 1929


343


My Reward for Being, was This.
My premium - My Bliss-
An Admiralty, less-
A Sceptre - penniless
And Realms - just Dross-

When Thrones accost my Hands -
With "Me, Miss, Me" -
I'll unroll Thee-
Dominions dowerless - beside this Grace -
Election - Vote -
The Ballots of Eternity, will show just that

C. 1862 1945


344


'Twas the old - road - through pain -
That unfrequented - one-
With many a turn-and thorn
That stops - at Heaven-

This - was the Town - she passed
There - where she - rested -last
Then - stepped more fast-
The little tracks-close prest
Then - not so swift-
Slow - slow - as feet did weary - grow
Then - stopped - no other track!

Wait! Look! Her little Book-
The leaf - at love - turned back-
Her very Hat-
And this worn shoe just fits the track
Herself - though - fled!
Another bed - a short one-
Women make-tonight-
In Chambers bright-
Too out of sight - though -
For our hoarse Good Night-
To touch her Head!

c. 1862 1929


345


Funny-to be a Century-
And see the People - going by-
I - should die of the Oddity-
But then - I'm not so staid - as He-

He keeps His Secrets safely-very-
Were He to tell - extremely sorry
This Bashful Globe of Ours would be -
So dainty of PublicIty-

C. 1862 1929


346


Not probable - The barest Chance-
A smile too few - a word too much
And far from Heaven as the Rest-
The Soul so close on Paradise-

What If the Bird from journey far-
Confused by Sweets - as Mortals - are -
Forget the secret of His wing
And perish - but a Bough between-
Oh, Groping feet-
Oh Phantom Queen!

c. 1862 1935


347


When Night is almost done-
And Sunrise grows so near
That we can touch the Spaces -
It's time to smooth the Hair-

And get the Dimples ready
And wonder we could care
For that old - faded MIdnight
That frightened - but an Hour-

C. 1862 1890


348


I dreaded that first Robin, so,
But He is mastered, now,
I'm some accustomed to Him grown,
He hurts a little, though -

I thought if I could only live
Till that first Shout got by -
Not all Pianos in the Woods
Had power to mangle me-

I dared not meet the Daffodils -
For fear their Yellow Gown
Would pierce me with a fashion
So foreign to my own -

I wished the Grass would hurry -
So-when 'twas time to see -
He'd be too tall, the tallest one
Could stretch - to look at me-

I could not bear the Bees should come,
I wished they'd stay away
In those dim countries where they go,
What word had they, for me?

They're here, though; not a creature failed -
No Blossom stayed away
In gentle deference to me-
The Queen of Calvary-

Each one salutes me, as he goes,
And I, my childish Plumes,
Lift, in bereaved acknowledgment
Of their unthinking Drums -

1862- 1891


349


I had the Glory - that will do-
An Honor, Thought can turn her to
When lesser Fames invite-
With one long "Nay" -
Bliss' early shape
Deforming - Dwindling - Gulfing up-
Time's possibility.

c. 1862 1945


350


They leave us with the Infinite.
But He-is not a man-
HIs fingers are the size of fists-
His fists, the size of men -

And whom he foundeth, with his Arm
As Himmaleh, shall stand-
Gibraltar's Everlasting Shoe
Poised lightly on his Hand,

So trust him, Comrade-
You for you, and I, for you and me
Eternity is ample,
And quick enough, if true.

c. 1862 1945


351


I felt my life with both my hands
To see if it was there-
I held my spirit to the Glass,
To prove it possibler-

I turned my Being round and round
And paused at every pound
To ask the Owner's name-
For doubt, that I should know the Sound-

I judged my features - jarred my halr-
I pushed my dimples by, and waited -
If they - twinkled back-
Conviction might, of me-

I told myself, "Take Courage, Friend
That - was a former tIme-
But we mIght learn to like the Heaven,
As well as our Old Home!"

C 1862 1945


352


Perhaps I asked too large-
I take - no less than skies
For Earths, grow thick as
Berries, in my native town-

My Basket holds - just - Firmaments
Those - dangle easy - on my arm,
But smaller bundles - Cram.

C. 1862 1945


353


A happy lip - breaks sudden
It doesn't state you how
It contemplated-smiling
Just consummated - now-
But this one, wears its merriment
So patient - lIke a pain -
Fresh gIlded - to elude the eyes
Unqualified, to scan-

C. 1862 1955


354


From Cocoon forth a Butterfly
As Lady from her Door
Emerged - a Summer Afternoon
Repairing Everywhere-

Without Design - that I could trace
Except to stray abroad
On Miscellaneous Enterprise
The Clovers - understood -

Her pretty Parasol be seen
Contracting in a Field
Where Men made Hay
Then struggling hard
With an opposing Cloud-

Where Parties - Phantom as Herself
To Nowhere-seemed to go
In purposeless Circumference
As 'twere a Tropic Show-

And notwithstanding Bee-that worked
And Flower - that zealous blew-
This Audience of Idleness
Disdained them, from the Sky-

Till Sundown crept - a steady Tide
And Men that made the Hay-
And Afternoon - and Butterfly
Extinguished - in the Sea-

C. 1862 1891


355


'Tis Opposites - entice
Deformed Men - ponder Grace
Bright fires - the Blanketless
The Lost - Day's face-

The Blind - esteem it be
Enough Estate - to see-
The CaptIve - strangles new-
For deemmg - Beggars - play-

To lack - enamor Thee-
Tho' the Divinity-
Be only
Me-

C. 1862 1929


356


The Day that I was crowned
Was like the other Days-
Until the Coronation came-
And then-'twas Otherwise-

As Carbon in the Coal
And Carbon in the Gem
Are One - and yet the former
Were dull for Diadem -

I rose, and all was plain-
But when the Day declined
Myself and It, in Majesty
Were equally - adorned-

The Grace that I - was chose-
To Me - surpassed the Crown
That was the Witness for the Grace-
'Twas even that 'twas Mine-

C. 1862 1935


357


God is a distant-stately Lover
Woos, as He states us - by His Son
Verily, a Vicarious Courtship-
"Miles", and "Priscilla", were such an One-

But, lest the Soul -like fair "Priscilla"
Choose the Envoy - and spurn the Groom-
Vouches, with hyperbolic archness-
"Miles" , and "John Alden" were Synonym -

c. 1862 1891


358


If any sink, assure that this, now standing-
Failed like Themselves - and conscious that it rose-
Grew by the Fact, and not the Understanding
How Weakness passed - or Force - arose-

Tell that the Worst, is easy in a Moment-
Dread, but the Whizzing, before the Ball-
When the Ball enters, enters Silence-
Dying-annuls the power to kill.

C. 1862 1935


359


I gamed it so-
By Climbing slow-
By Catching at the Twigs that grow
Between the Bliss - and me-
It hung so high
As well the Sky
Attempt by Strategy-

I said I gained it-
This - was all-
Look, how I clutch it
Lest it fall-
And I a Pauper go-
Unfitted by an instant's Grace
For the Contented - Beggar's face
I wore - an hour ago -

c. 1862 1891


360


Death sets a Thing significant
The Eye had hurried by
Except a perished Creature
Entreat us tenderly

To ponder little Workmanships
In Crayon, or in Wool,
With "This was last Her fingers did" -
Industrious until-

The Thimble weighed too heavy -
The stitches stopped - themselves -
And then 'twas put among the Dust
Upon the Closet shelves-

A Book I have - a friend gave -
Whose Pencil-here and there-
Had notched the place that pleased Him -
At Rest - HIs fingers are
Obliterate the Etchings
Too Costly for Repairs.

c. 1862 1891


361


What I can do - I will-
Though it be little as a Daffodil
That I cannot - must be
Unknown to possibility-

C. 1862 1929


362


It struck me - every Day -
The Lightning was as new
As if the Cloud that instant slit
And let the Fire through-

It burned Me - in the Night
It Blistered to My Dream -
It sickened fresh upon my sight
With every Morn that came -

I thought that Storm - was brief
The Maddest - quickest by -
But Nature lost the Date of This -
And left it in the Sky -

C. 1862 1896


363


I went to thank Her -
But She Slept -
Her Bed - a funneled Stone -
With Nosegays at the Head and Foot -
That Travellers - had thrown -

Who went to thank Her-
But She Slept-
'Twas Short - to cross the Sea -
To look upon Her like - alive -
But turning back-'twas slow-

C. 1862


364


The Morning after Woe -
Tis frequently the Way -
Surpasses all that rose before -
For utter Jubilee-

As Nature did not care -
And piled her Blossoms on -
And further to parade a Joy
Her Victim stared upon-

The Birds declaim their Tunes -
Pronouncing every word
Like Hammers - Did they know they fell
Like Litanies of Lead-

On here and there - a creature -
They'd modify the Glee
To fit some Crucifixal Clef -
Some Key of Calvary-

C. 1862 1896


365


Dare you see a Soul at the White Heat?
Then crouch within the door-
Red-Is the Fire's common tint-
But when the vivid Ore
Has vanquished Flame's conditions,
It quivers from the Forge
Without a color, but the light
Of unanointed Blaze.
Least Village has its Blacksmith
Whose Anvils even ring
Stands symbol for the finer Forge
That soundless tugs - within
Refining these impatient Ores
With Hammer, and with Blaze
Until the Designated Light
Repudiate the Forge-

C. 1862 1891


366


Although I put away his life -
An Ornament too grand
For Forehead low as mine, to wear,
This might have been the Hand

That sowed the flower, he preferred -
Or smoothed a homely pain,
Or pushed the pebble from his path -
Or played his chosen tune -

On Lute the least - the latest -
But just his Ear could know
That whatsoe'er delighted it,
I never would let go-

The foot to bear his errand -
A little Boot I know -
Would leap abroad like Antelope -
With just the grant to do -

His weariest Commandment -
A sweeter to obey,
Than "Hide and Seek" -
Or skip to Flutes-
Or All Day, chase the Bee-

Your Servant, Sir, will weary -
The Surgeon, will not come -
The World, will have its own - to do -
The Dust, will vex your Fame -

The Cold will force your tightest door
Some February Day,
But say my apron bring the sticks
To make your Cottage gay -

That I may take that promise
To Paradise, with me -
To teach the Angels, avarice,
You, Sir, taught first - to me.

C. 1862 1929


367


Over and over, like a Tune
The Recollection plays-
Drums off the Phantom Battlements
Comets of Paradise -

Snatches, from Baptized Generations
Cadences too grand
But for the Justified Processions
At the Lord's Right hand.

C. 1862 1929


368


How sick - to wait - in any place - but thine-
I knew last night - when Someone tried to twine
Thinking - perhaps-that I looked tlred - or alone
Or breaking - almost - with unspoken pain -

And I turned - ducal-
That right - was thine-
One port - suffices - for a Brig - like mine-

Ours be the tossing - wild though the sea
Rather than a mooring - unshared by thee
Ours be the Cargo - unladen - here
Rather than the "spicy isles - "
And thou - not there-

C. 1862 1945


369


She lay as if at play
Her life had leaped away
Intending to return-
But not so soon-

Her merry Arms, half dropt
As if for lull of sport-
An instant had forgot-
The Trick to start-

Her dancing Eyes- ajar
As if their Owner were
Still sparkling through
For fun - at you-

Her Morning at the door
Devising, I am sure-
To force her sleep-
So light - so deep-

C. 1862 1935


370


Heaven is so far of the mind
That were the Mind dissolved
The Site - of It - by Architect
Could not again be proved -

'Tis vast - as our Capacity-
As fair - as our Idea -
To Him of adequate desire
No further 'tis, than Here -

C. 1862 1929


371


A precious - mouldering pleasure - 'tis -
To meet an Antique Book-
In just the Dress hIs Century wore
A privilege - I think -

His venerable Hand to take
And warming in our own-
A passage back - or two - to make
To Times when he-was young-

His quaint opinions - to inspect
His thought to ascertain
On Themes concern our mutual mind -
The Literature of Man -

What interested Scholars - most
What Competions ran-
When Plato - was a Certainty
And Sophocles - a Man-

When Sappho - was a living Girl
And Beatrice wore
The Gown that Dante - deified
Facts Centuries before

He traverses - familiar-
As One should come to Town -
And tell you all your Dreams - were true
He lived - where Dreams were born -

His presence is Enchantment-
You beg hlm not to go -
Old Volumes shake their Vellum Heads
And tantalize - just so-

C. 1862


372


I know lives, I could miss
Without a Misery -
Others - whose instant's wanting -
Would be Eternity -

The last - a scanty Number -
Twould scarcely fill a Two -
The first - a Gnat's Horizon
Could easily outgrow -

C. 1862 1929


373


I'm saying every day
"If I should be a Queen, tomorrow" -
I'd do this way -
And so I deck, a little,

If it be, I wake a Bourbon,
None on me, bend supercilious -
With "This was she -
Begged in the Market place -
Yesterday."

Court is a stately place -
I've heard men say -
So I loop my apron, against the Majesty
With bright Pins of Buttercup -
That not too plain -
Rank - overtake me -

And perch my Tongue
On Twigs of singing - rather high -
But this, might be my brief Term
To qualify -

Put from my simple speech all plain word -
Take other accents, as such I heard
Though but for the Cricket - Just,
And but for the Bee-
Not in all the Meadow-
One accost me-

Better to be ready
Than did next morn
Meet me in Aragon -
My old Gown-on-

And the surprised Air
Rustics - wear -
Summoned - unexpectedly
To Exeter-

C. 1862 1935


374


I went to Heaven-
Twas a small Town
Lit - with a Ruby
Lathed - with Down-

Stiller - than the fields
At the full Dew
Beautiful-as Pictures
No Man drew.
People -like the Moth -
Of Mechlin - frames
Duties-of Gossamer
And Eider - names
Almost-contented
I-could be -
'Mong such unique
Society

c. 1862 1892


375


The Angle of a Landscape-
That every time I wake-
Between my Curtain and the Wall
Upon an ample Crack-

Like a Venetian - waiting-
Accosts my open eye-
Is just a Bough of Apples-
Held slanting, in the Sky-

The Pattern of a Chimney-
The Forehead of a Hill-
SometImes-a Vane's Forefinger-
But that's - Occasional-

The Seasons - shift - my Picture-
Upon my Emerald Bough,
I wake - to find no - Emeralds-
Then-Diamonds-whIch the Snow

From Polar Caskets - fetched me-
The ChImney - and the Hill-
And just the Steeple's finger-
These - never stir at all -

1862- 1945


376


Of Course - I prayed-
And did God Care?
He cared as much as on the Air
A Bird-had stamped her foot-
And cried "Give Me" -
My Reason - Life-
I had not had - but for Yourself-
'Twere better Charity
To leave me in the Atom's Tomb-
Merry, and Nought, and gay, and numb-
Than this smart Misery.

c. 1862 1929


377


To lose one's faith - surpass
The loss of an Estate-
Because Estates can be
Replenished - faith cannot-

Inherited with Llfe-
Belief - but once - can be-
Annihllate a single clause-
And Being's - Beggary-

c. 1862 1896


378


I saw no Way - The Heavens were stitched -
I felt the Columns close-
The Earth reversed her Hemispheres-
I touched the Universe-

And back it slid - and I alone -
A Speck upon a Ball-
Went out upon Circumference-
Beyond the Dip of Bell -

1862 1935


379


Rehearsal to Ourselves
Of a Withdrawn Delight-
Affords a Bliss like Murder-
Omnipotent - Acute-

We will not drop the Dirk-
Because We love the Wound
The Dirk Commemorate - Itself
Remind Us that we died.

C. 1862 1929


380


There is a flower that Bees prefer
And Butterflies - desire-
To gain the Purple Democrat
The Humming Bird - aspire-

And Whatsoever Insect pass-
A Honey bear away
Proportioned to his several dearth
And her - capacity-

Her face be rounder than the Moon
And ruddier than the Gown
Of Orchis in the Pasture-
Or Rhododendron - worn-

She doth not wait for June-
Before the World be Green-
Her sturdy little Countenance
Against the Wind - be seen-

Contending with the Grass-
Near Kinsman to Herself-
For Privilege of Sod and Sun -
Sweet Litigants for Life-

And when the Hills be full-
And newer fashions blow-
Doth not retract a single spice
For pang of jealousy-

Her Public - be the Noon -
Her Providence - the Sun -
Her Progress - by the Bee - proclaimed
In sovereign - Swerveless Tune -

The Bravest - of the Host
Surrendering - the last
Nor even of Defeat - aware-
When cancelled by the Frost -

C. 1862 1890


381


A Secret told -
Ceases to be a Secret - then -
A Secret - kept -
That-can appal but One-

Better of it - continual be afraid -
Than it -
And Whom you told it to - beside -

C. 1862 1929


382


For Death - or rather
For the Things 'twould buy-
This-put away
Life's Opportunity-

The Things that Death will buy
Are Room-
Escape from Circumstances -
And a Name-

With Gifts of Life
How Death's Gifts may compare-
We know not-
For the Rates - lie Here -

C. 1862 1914


383


Exhilaration - is within-
There can no Outer Wine
So royally intoxicate
As that diviner Brand

The Soul achieves - Herself-
To drink-or set away
For Visitor-Or Sacrament-
'Tis not of Holiday

To stimulate a Man
Who hath the Ample Rhine
Within hIs Closet-Best you can
Exhale in offering.

C. I862 I935


384


No Rack can torture me-
My Soul-at Liberty-
Behind this mortal Bone
There knits a bolder One-

You cannot prick with saw-
Nor pierce with Scimitar-
Two Bodies - therefore be-
Bind One-The Other fly-

The Eagle of his Nest
No easier divest-
And gain the Sky
Than mayest Thou-

Except Thyself may be
Thine Enemy-
Captivity is Consciousness-
So's Liberty.

C. 1862 1890


385


Smiling back from Coronation
May be Luxury-
On the Heads that started with us-
Being's Peasantry-

Recognizing in Procession
Ones We former knew-
When Ourselves were also dusty-
Centuries ago -

Had the Triumph no Conviction
Of how many be-
Stimulated-by the Contrast-
Unto Misery -

1862 1945


386


Answer July-
Where is the Bee-
Where is the Blush -
Where is the Hay?

Ah, said July-
Where is the Seed-
Where is the Bud -
Where is the May-
Answer Thee - Me-

Nay-said the May-
Show me the Snow-
Show me the Bells-
Show me the Jay!

Quibbled the Jay-
Where be the Maize-
Where be the Haze-
Where be the Bur?
Here - said the Year -


C. 1862 1935


387


The Sweetest Heresy received
That Man and Woman know-
Each Other's Convert-
Though the Faith accommodate but Two-

The Churches are so frequent-
The Ritual- so small-
The Grace so unavoidable
To fail- is Infidel-

C. 1862 1929


388


Take Your Heaven further on
This - to Heaven divine Has gone
Had You earlier blundered in
Possibly, e'en You had seen
An Eternity-put on-
Now - to ring a Door beyond
Is the utmost of Your Hand
To the Skies - apologize
Nearer to Your Courtesies
Than this Sufferer polite
Dressed to meet You
See- in White!

C. 1862 1935


389


There's been a Death, in the Opposite House,
As lately as Today-
I know it, by the numb look
Such Houses have - alway-

The Neighbors rustle in and out
The Doctor-drives away-
A Window opens like a Pod
Abrupt - mechanically-

Somebody Rings a Mattress out
The Children hurry by-
They wonder if it died - on that
I used to - when a Boy-

The Minister - goes stiffiy in -
As if the House were His
And He owned all the Mourners - now -
And little Boys - besides-

And then the Milliner - and the Man
Of the Appalling Trade-
To take the measure of the House-
There'll be that Dark Parade-

Of Tassels - and of Coaches - soon
It's easy as a Sign-
The IntuitIon of the News
In just a Country Town -

C. 1862 1896


390


It's coming-the postponeless Creature-
It gains the Block - and now - it gains the Door
Chooses its latch, from all the other fastenings
Enters - with a "You know Me-Sir"?

Simple Salute - and certain Recognition-
Bold - were it Enemy - Brief - were it friend
Dresses each House in Crape, and lcicle-
And carries one - out of it - to God-

C. 1862 1929


391


A Visitor in Marl-
Who influences Flowers -
Till they are orderly as Busts-
And Elegant - as Glass -

Who visits in the Night-
And just before the Sun -
Concludes his glistening interview
Caresses - and is gone-

But whom his fingers touched -
And where his feet have run-
And whatsoever Mouth he kissed-
Is as it had not been -

C. 1862 1935


392


Through the Dark Sod - as Education -
The Lily passes sure-
Feels her white foot - no trepidation-
Her faith - no fear-

Afterward - in the Meadow-
Swinging her Beryl Bell-
The Mold - life - all forgotten - now -
In Ecstasy - and Dell -

1862 1929


393


Did Our Best Moment last-
'T would supersede the Heaven -
A few - and they by Risk - procure -
So this Sort - are not given-

Except as stimulants - in
Cases of Despair-
Or Stupor - The Reserve-
These Heavenly Moments are-

A Grant of the Divine-
That Certain as it Comes-
Withdraws - and leaves the dazzled Soul
In her unfurnished Rooms

C. 1862 1935


394


'Twas Love - not me -
Oh punish - pray -
The Real one died for Thee -
Just Him - not me-

Such Guilt - to love Thee - most!
Doom it beyond the Rest
Forgive it - last -
'Twas base as Jesus - most!

Let Justice not mistake -
We Two - looked so alike
Which was the Guilty Sake -
Twas Love's - Now Strike!


395


Reverse cannnot befall
That fine Prosperity
Whose Sources are interior -
As soon - Adverslty

A Diamond - overtake
In far - Bolivian Ground
Mlsfortune hath no Implement
Could mar it - if It found-

C. 1862 1914


396


There is a Languor of the Life
More imminent than Pain-
'Tis Pain's Successor-When the Soul
Has suffered all it can -

A Drowsiness - diffuses -
A Dimness like a Fog
Envelops Consciousness -
As Mists - obliterate a Crag.

The Surgeon - does not blanch - at pain -
His Habit-is severe-
But tell him that it ceased to feel
The Creature lying there-

And he will tell you - skill is late -
A Mightier than He-
Has ministered before Hlm
There's no Vitality.

C. 1862 1929


397


When Diamonds are a Legend,
And Diadems - a Tale-
I Brooch and Earrings for Myself,
Do sow, and Raise for sale-

And tho' I'm scarce accounted,
My Art, a Summer Day-had Patrons
Once - it was a Queen -
And once - a Butterfly -

C. 1862 1935


398


I had not minded - Walls
Were Universe - one Rock
And far I heard his silver Call
The other side the Block-

I'd tunnel- till my Groove
Pushed sudden thro' to his-
Then my face take her Recompense
The looking in his Eyes-

But 'tis a single Hair-
A filament - a law -
A Cobweb - wove in Adamant
A Battlement - of Straw-

A limit like the Veil
Unto the Lady's face-
But every Mesh - a Citadel
And Dragons - in the Crease-

C. 1862 1929


399


A House upon the Height
That Wagon never reached -
No Dead, were ever carried down -
No Peddler's Cart-approached-

Whose Chimney never smoked -
Whose Windows - Night and Morn
Caught Sunrise first - and Sunset - last
Then - held an Empty Pane -

Whose fate - Conjecture knew-
No other neighbor - did -
And what It was - we never lisped
Because He - never told -

C. 1862 1945


400


A Tongue - to tell Him I am true!
Its fee - to be of Gold-
Had Nature - in Her monstrous House
A single Ragged Child -

To earn a Mine - would run
That Interdicted Way,
And tell Him - Charge thee speak it plain
That so far - Truth is True?

And answer What I do -
Beginning with the Day
That Night - begun -
Nay - Midnight - 'twas-
Since Midnight - happened - say -

If once more - Pardon - Boy -
The Magnitude thou may
Enlarge my Message - If too vast
Another Lad - help thee -

Thy Pay - in Diamonds - be
And His - in solid Gold -
Say Rubies - If He hesitate
My Message - must be told -

Say - last I said - was This -
That when the Hills - come down -
And hold no higher than the Plain -
My Bond - have just begun -

And when the Heavens - disband
And Deity conclude -
Then - look for me. Be sure you say
Least Figure - on the Road -

C. 1862 1945


401


What Soft-Cherubic Creatures -
These Gentlewomen are -
One would as soon assault a Plush -
Or violate a Star -

Such Dimity Convictions -
A Horror so refined
Of freckled Human Nature -
Of Deity - ashamed-

It's such a common Glory -
A Fisherman's - Degree -
Redemption - Brittle Lady -
Be so - ashamed of Thee-

C. 1862 1896


402


I pay-in Satin Cash-
You did not state - your price-
A Petal, for a Paragraph
Is near as I can guess-

C. 1862 1929


403


The Winters are so short -
I'm hardly Justified
In sending all the Birds away -
And moving into Pod-

Myself - for scarcely settled -
The Phoebes have begun-
And then-It's tIme to strike my Tent -
And open House - again -

It's mostly, interruptions-
My Summer - is despolled-
Because there was a Winter-once -
And all the Cattle - starved -

And so there was a Deluge-
And swept the World away-
But Ararat's a Legend-now-
And no one credits Noah-

C. 1862 1935


404


How many flowers fail in Wood
Or perish from the Hill-
Without the privilege to know
That they are Beautiful-

How many cast a nameless Pod
Upon the nearest Breeze -
Unconscious of the Scarlet Freight -
It bear to Other Eyes-

C. 1862 1929


405


It might be lonelier
Without the Loneliness-
I'm so accustomed to my Fate -
Perhaps the Other-Peace-

Would interrupt the Dark -
And crowd the little Room -
Too scant - by Cubits - to contain
The Sacrament - of Him -

I am not used to Hope -
It mIght intrude upon-
Its sweet parade - blaspheme the place -
Ordained to Suffering-

It might be easier
To fail - with Land in Sight -
Than gain - My Blue Peninsula -
To perish - of Delight-

C. 1862 1935


406


Some - Work for Immortality -
The Chiefer part, for Time -
He - Compensates - Immediately -
The former - Checks - on Fame -

Slow Gold - but Everlasting -
The Bullion of Today -
Contrasted with the Currency
Of Immortality -

A Beggar - Here and There -
Is gifted to discern
Beyond the Broker's insight -
One's - Money - One's - the Mine -

C. 1862 1929


407


If What we could - were what we would
Criterion - be small-
It is the Ultimate of Talk
The Impotence to Tell-

C. 1862 1914


408


Unit, like Death, for Whom?
True, like the Tomb,
Who tells no secret
Told to Him -
The Grave is strict
Tickets admit
Just two - the Bearer -
And the Borne -
And seat - just One -
The Living - tell -
The Dying - but a Syllable
The Coy Dead - None -
No Chatter - here - no tea -
So Babbler, and Bohea - stay there -
But Gravity - and Expectation - and Fear -
A tremor just, that All's not sure.

C. 1862 1947


409


They dropped like Flakes -
They dropped like Stars -
Like Petals from a Rose -
When suddenly across the June
A wind with fingers - goes -

They perished in the Seamless Grass -
No eye could find the place -
But God can summon every face
On his Repealless - List.

C. 1862 1891


410


The first Day's Night had come -
And grateful that a thing
So terrible - had been endured -
I told my Soul to sing -

She said her Strings were snapt -
Her Bow - to Atoms blown -
And so to mend her-gave me work
Until another Morn -

And then - a Day as huge
As Yesterdays in pairs,
Unrolled its horror in my face-
Until it blocked my eyes-

My Brain - begun to laugh -
I mumbled - like a fool -
And tho' 'tis Years ago - that Day -
My Brain keeps giggling - still.

And Something's odd - within -
That person that I was -
And this One - do not feel the same-
Could it be Madness - this?

C. 1862 1947


411


The Color of the Grave is Green -
The Outer Grave - I mean -
You would not know it from the Field -
Except it own a Stone -

To help the fond - to find it -
Too infinite asleep
To stop and tell them where it is -
But just a Dalsy - deep -

The Color of the Grave is white -
The outer Grave - I mean -
You would not know it from the Drifts -
In Winter - till the Sun -

Has furrowed out the Aisles -
Then - higher than the Land
The little Dwelling Houses rise
Where each - has left a friend -

The Color of the Grave within -
The Duplicate - I mean -
Not all the Snows could make it white
Not all the Summers - Green -

You've seen the Color - maybe -
Upon a Bonnet bound -
When that you met it with before -
The Ferret - cannot find -

C. 1862 1935


412


I read my sentence - steadily -
Reviewed it with my eyes,
To see that I made no mistake
In its extremest clause -
The Date, and manner, of the shame -
And then the Pious Form
That "God have mercy" on the Soul
The Jury voted Him -
I made my soul familiar - with her extremity -
That at the last, it should not be a novel Agony -
But she, and Death, acquainted -
Meet tranquilly, as friends -
Salute, and pass, without a Hint -
And there, the Matter ends -

C. 1862 1891


413


I never felt at Home - Below -
And in the Handsome Skies
I shall not feel at Home - I know -
I don't like Paradise -

Because it's Sunday - all the time -
And Recess - never comes -
And Eden'll be so lonesome
Bright Wednesday Afternoons-

If God could make a visit -
Or ever took a Nap -
So not to see us - but they say
Himself - a Telescope

Perennial beholds us -
Myself would run away
From Him - and Holy Ghost - and All -
But there's the "Judgment Day"

1929


414


'Twas like a Maelstrom, with a notch,
That nearer, every Day,
Kept narrowing its boiling Wheel
Until the Agony

Toyed coolly with the final inch
Of your delirious Hem -
And you dropt, lost,
When something broke -
And let you from a Dream -

As if a Goblin WIth a Gauge -
Kept measuring the Hours -
Until you felt your Second
Weigh, helpless, in his Paws -

And not a Sinew - stirred - could help,
And sense was setting numb -
When God - remembered - and the Fiend
Let go, then, Overcome -

As if your Sentence stood - pronounced
And you were frozen led
From Dungeon's luxury of Doubt
To Gibbets, and the Dead -

And when the Film had stitched your eyes
A Creature gasped "Reprieve"
Which Anguish was the utterest - then -
To perish, or to live?

C. 1862 1945


415


Sunset at Night - is natural -
But Sunset on the Dawn
Reverses Nature - Master -
So Midnight's - due - at Noon.

Eclipses be - predicted -
And Science bows them in -
But do one face us suddenly -
Jehovah's Watch - is wrong.

C. 1862 1929


416


A Murmur in the Trees - to note -
Not loud enough - for Wind -
A Star - not far enough to seek -
Nor near enough - to find -

A long - long Yellow - on the Lawn -
A Hubbub - as of feet -
Not audible - as Ours - to Us -
But dapperer - More Sweet -

A Hurrying Home of little Men
To Houses unperceived -
All this - and more - If I should tell -
Would never be believed -

Of Robins in the Trundle bed
How many I espy
Whose Nightgowns could not hide the Wings -
Although I heard them try -

But then I promised ne'er to tell -
How could I break My Word?
So go your Way - and I'll go Mine -
No fear you'll miss the Road

C. 1862 1896


417


It is dead - Find it -
Out of sound - Out of sight -
"Happy"? Which is wiser -
You, or the Wind?
"Conscious"? Won't you ask that -
Of the low Ground?

"Homesick"? Many met it -
Even through them - This
Cannot testify -
Themself - as dumb-

C. 1862 1929


418


Not in this World to see his face -
Sounds long - until I read the place
Where this - is said to be
But just the Primer - to a life -
Unopened - rare- Upon the Shelf -
Clasped yet - to Him - and me-

And yet - My Primer suits me so
I would not choose - a Book to know
Than that - be sweeter wise -
Might some one else - so learned - be-
And leave me - just my A-B-C -
Himself - could have the Skies -


1862 1890


419


We grow accustomed to the Dark -
When Light is put away -
As when the Neighbor holds the Lamp
To witness her Goodbye -

A Moment - We uncertain step
For newness of the night -
Then -fit our Vision to the Dark -
And meet the Road - erect -

And so of larger - Darknesses -
Those Evenings of the Brain -
When not a Moon disclose a sign -
Or Star-come out-within -

The Bravest - grope a little -
And sometimes hit a Tree
Directly in the Forehead -
But as they learn to see -

Either the Darkness alters -
Or something in the sight
Adjusts Itself to Midnight -
And Life steps almost straight.

c. 1862 1935


420


You'll know it - as you know 'tis Noon -
By Glory -
As you do the Sun -
By Glory -
As you will in Heaven -
Know God the Father - and the Son.

By Intuition, Mightiest Things
Assert themselves-and not by terms"
I'm Midnight" - need the Midnight say"
I'm Sunrise" - Need the Majesty?

Omnipotence - had not a Tongue -
His lisp is Lightning-and the Sun -
His Conversation - With the Sea -
"How shall you know"?
Consult your Eye!

C. 1862 1935


421


A Charm invests a face
Imperfectly beheld -
The Lady dare not lift her Veil
For fear it be dispelled -

But peers beyond her mesh -
And wishes - and denies -
Lest Interview - annul a want
That Image - satisfies -

C. 1862 1891


422


More Life - went out - when He went
Than Ordinary Breath -
Lit with a finer Phosphor -
Requiring in the Quench -
A Power of Renowned Cold,
The Climate of the Grave
A Temperature just adequate
So Anthracite, to live-
For some - an Ampler Zero -
A Frost more needle keen
Is necessary, to reduce
The Ethiop within.

Others - extinguish easier -
A Gnat's minutest Fan
Sufficlent to obliterate
A Tract of Citizen -
Whose Peat lift - amply vivid -
Ignores the solemn News
That Popocatapel exists -
Or Etna's Scarlets, Choose -

C. 1862 1935


423


The Months have ends - the Years - a knot -
No Power can untle
To stretch a little further
A Skein of Misery -

The Earth lays back these tlred lives
In her mysterious Drawers -
Too tenderly, that any doubt
An ultimate Repose -

The manner of the Chlldren -
Who weary of the Day -
Themself - the noisy Plaything
They cannot put away -

C. 1862 1935


424


Removed from Accident of Loss
By Accident of Gain
Befalling not my simple Days -
Myself had just to earn-

Of Riches - as unconscious
As is the Brown Malay
Of Pearls in Eastern Waters,
Marked His - What Holiday

Would stir his slow conception -
Had he the power to dream
That but the Dower's fraction -
Awaited even - Him -　　　　　　　　NOTES

C. 1862 1935


425


Good Morning - Midnight -
I'm coming Home -
Day - got tired of Me-
How could I - of Him?

Sunshine was a sweet place -
I liked to stay -
But Morn - didn't want me - now -
So - Goodnight-Day!

I can look - can't I -
When the East is Red?
The Hills - have a way - then -
That puts the Heart - abroad -

You - are not so faIr - Midnight -
I chose - Day -
But - please take a little Girl -
He turned away!

C. 1862 1929

426
It don't sound so terrible-quite-as it didI
run it over - "Dead", Brain, "Dead."
Put it in Latin -left of my school-
Seems it don't shriek so - under rule.
Tum it, a little - full in the face
A Trouble looks bitterest-
Shift it - just-
Say 'When Tomorrow comes this wayI
shall have waded down one Day."
[ 203 J
1935
c r862
C. z862
I suppose it will mterrupt me some
TIll I get accustomed- but then the Tomb
LIke other new Things - shows largest - then -
And smaller, by Habit-
It's shrewder then
Put the Thought m advance - a YearHow
lIke "a fit" - then-
Murder - wear!
427
I'll clutch - and clutch-
Next - One - Migh t be the golden touchCould
take It-
Diamonds - Walt-
I'm diving - just a little late-
But stars - go slow - for nigh t-
I'll stnng you - in fine Necklace -
TIaras-make-of some-
Wear you on Hem-
Loop up a Coun tess - wi th YOll -
Make- a DIadem - and mend myoId OneCount
- Hoard - then lose-
And doubt that you are mine-
To have the joy of feeling it - again-
I'll show you at the Court-
Bear you - for Ornament
Where Women breathe-
That every sigh - may lift you
Just as hIgh - as l-
And - when I die-
In meek array - display youStill
to show - how rich I go-
Lest Skies impeach a wealth so wonderfulAnd
banish me-
[ 204 ]
1945
1945
428
Takmg up the fair Ideal,
Just to cast her down
When a fracture - we discoverOr
a splintered Crown-
Makes the Heavens portable -
And the Gods - a he-
Doubtless - "Adam" - scowled at EdenFor
hls perjury!
Cherishing - our poor IdealTill
in purer dress-
We behold her - glonfiedComforts
- search -like thisTill
the broken creaturesWe
adored - for wholeStains
- all washedTransfigured
- mendedMeet
us-with a smile-
429
The Moon is distant from the SeaAnd
yet, with Amber Hands-
She leads Him - docile as a BoyAlong
appointed Sands-
He never misses a DegreeObedient
to Her Eye
He comes just so far-toward the TownJust
so far-goes away-
Oh, Signor, Thine, the Amber HandAnd
mine - the distant Sea-
ObedIent to the least command
Thine eye impose on me-
1945
C. 1862
430
It would never be Common - more - I saIdDIfference
- had begun-
Many a bItterness - had been-
But that old sort - was done -
Or -If It sometIme - showed - as 'tWlllUpon
the Downiest-Morn-
Such blIss - had I - for all the years -
'Twould give an Easier-pain-
I'd so much joy - I told it - RedUpon
my simple Cheek-
I felt It publish - m my Eye'
Twas needless - any speak-
I walked - as wings - my body boreThe
feet - I former usedUnnecessary
- now to me -
As boots - would be - to Birds-
I put my pleasure all abroad-
I dealt a word of Gold
To every Creature - that I metAnd
Dowered - all the World -
When - suddenly - my RIches shrankA
Goblm - drank my Dew-
My Palaces-dropped tenantlessMyself
- was beggared - too -
I clutched at sounds-
I groped at shapes -
I touched the tops of Films-
I felt the Wilderness roll back
Along my Golden lines-
The Sackcloth - hangs upon the nailThe
Frock I used to wear-
But where my moment of BrocadeMy-
drop-of India?
[206 ]
1935
43 I
Me-come! My dazzled face
In such a shining place!
Me-hear! My foreIgn Ear
The sounds of Welcome - there!
The Saints forget
Our bashful feet-
My Holiday, shall be
That They-remember me-
My Paradise - the fame
That They - pronounce my namec.
1862 1896
432
Do People moulder equally,
They bury, in the Grave'
I do believe a Species
As posltlvely live
As I, who testify it
Deny that I - am dead-
And fill my Lungs, for Witness-
From Tanks - above my Head-
I say to you, said Jesus-
That there be standing here-
A Sort, that shall not taste of Death-
If Jesus was sincere-
I need no further Argue-
That statement of the Lord
Is not a controvertible-
He told me, Death was deadc.
r862 1945
433
Knows how to forget!
But could It teach it?
[ 207 ]
c. z865
c. 1862.
EasIest of Arts, they say
When one learn how
Dull Hearts have died
In the Acquisitlon
SacrIfice for Science
Is common, though, now-
I went to School
But was not wiser
Globe dId not teach It
Nor LogarIthm Show
"Ho w to f orget" I
Say - some - PhIlosopher!
Ah, to be erudIte
Enough to know!
Is it In a Book?
So, I could buy it-
Is It like a Planet?
Telescopes would know-
If it be inventIOn
It must have a Patent.
Rabbi of the Wise Book
Don't you know?
434
To love thee Year by YearMay
less appear
Than sacrifice, and ceaseHowever,
dear,
Forever might be short, I thought to showAnd
so I pieced it, with a Hower, now.
[l08 ]
z945
C. z862
435
Much Madness is dlvinest SenseTo
a discerning Eye-
Much Sense - the starkest Madness'
TlS the Majonty
In thls, as All, prevall-
Assent - and you are saneDemur-
you're stralghtway dangerousAnd
handled with a Chain -
436
The Wmd-tappedhke a tlred ManAnd
like a Host - "Come in"
I boldly answered - entered then
My Residence within
A Rapid - footless GuestTo
offer whom a Chair
Were as impossible as hand
A Sofa to the Air-
No Bone had He to bind HimHis
Speech was like the Push
Of numerous Hummmg Birds at once
From a superior Bush -
His Countenance - a BulowHis
Fingers, as He passed
Let go a music - as of tunes
Blown tremulous in Glass-
He visited-still HittingThen
like a timid Man
Again, He tapped- 'twas HurriedlyAnd
I became alone-
[ 209 J
C. 1862
C. 1862
437
Prayer is the little implement
Through whIch Men reach
Where Presence - is denied them.
They Rmg their Speech
By means of it - in God's EarIf
then He hear-
This sums the Apparatus
Comprised m Prayer-
438
Forget! The lady wIth the Amulet
Forget she wore It at her Heart
Because she breathed agamst
Was Treason twixt ";l
Deny! Did Rose her Bee-
For PrivIlege of Play
Or Wile of Bu tterRy
Or Opportunity - Her Lord away?
The lady with the Amulet-will fadeThe
Bee - in Mausoleum laid -
DIscard his Bride-
But longer than the little Rill-
That cooled the Forehead of the HillWhile
Other- went the Sea to fillAnd
Other-went to tum the MillI'll
do thy Will-
439
Undue Significance a starving man attaches
To Food-
Far off - He sighs - and therefore - HopelessAnd
therefore - Good-
[ 210]
1935
c. 1862
c. 1862
c. 1862
Partaken -It relieves - indeed-
But proves us
That Spices fly
In the Receipt - It was the DIstance-
Was Savory-
440
'Tis customary as we part
A trinket - to confer-
It helps to stimulate the faith
When Lovers be afar-
'Tis various - as the various taste -
Clematis - journeymg far -
Presents me with a Single Curl
Of her Electric Hair-
441
This is my letter to the World
That never wrote to Me-
The Simple News that Nature told-
WIth tender Majesty
Her Message is committed
To Hands I cannot see-
For love of Her-Sweet-countrymen-
Judge tenderly-of Me
442
God made a little GentianIt
tried - to be a Rose-
And failed-and all the Summer laughedBut
just before the Snows
[ 2II ]
1891
1945
1890
C. I862
There rose a Purple CreatureThat
ravished all the HIlIAnd
Summer hid her ForeheadAnd
Mockery - was still-
The Frosts were her conditIOn -
The T yrian would not come
Until the North-mvoke ItCreator
- Shall I - bloom?
443
I tie my Hat-I crease my ShawlLife's
little duties do-preciselyAs
the very least
Were infinite - to me-
I put new Blossoms In the Glass -
And throw the old - away-
I push a petal from my Gown
That anchored there-,I weIgh
The time 'twill be till six o'clock
I have so much to do-
And yet - Existence - some way backStopped
- struck - my ticking - throughWe
cannot put Ourself away
As a completed Man
Or Woman - When the Errand's done
We carne to Flesh - upon-
There may be - Miles on Miles of NoughtOf
Action - sicker far-
To simulate - is stinging workTo
cover what we are
From Science - and from SurgeryToo
Telescopic Eyes
To hear on us unshaded-
For their - sake - not for Ours-
[2ll. ]
C. 1862
'T would start them -
We - could tremble-
But SInce we got a Bomb-
And held it in our Bosom -
Nay- Hold it- it is calm-
Thelefore - we do life's laborThough
lIfe's Reward - be doneWith
scrupulous exactness-
To hold our Senses - on-
444
It feels a shame to be Ahve-
When Men so brave - are deadOne
envies the DlstIngUIshed DustPermitted
- such a Head-
The Stone - that tells defendIng Whom
This Spartan put away
What little of Him we - possessed
In Pawn for Liberty-
The price is great - Sublimely paidDo
we deserve -a Thing-
That lives-like Dollars- must be piled
Before we may obtain?
Are we that wait - sufficlent worthThat
such Enormous Pearl
As life-dissolved be- for UsIn
Battle's-horrid Bowl~
It may be - a Renown to liveI
think the Man who dieThose
unsustained - SaviorsPresent
Divinityc.
1862
445
'Twas just this tIme, last year, I died.
I know I heard the Com,
When I was carried by the FarmsIt
had the Tassels on-
I thought how yellow it would lookWhen
Richard went to mill-
And then, I wanted to get out,
But something held my will.
I thought just how Red-Apples wedged
The Stubble's joints between-
And the Carts stoopmg round the fields
To take the Pumpkms in-
I wondered which would mISS me, least,
And when Thanksgivmg, came,
If Father'd multiply the plates-
To make an even Sum-
And would it blur the Chnstmas glee
My Stockmg hang too hIgh
For any Santa Claus to reach
The Altitude of me-
But this sort, grieved myself,
And so, I thought the other way,
How just this time, some perfect year -
Themself, should come to me-
446
I showed her Heights she never saw'
Would'st Climb," I said?
She said-"Not so"-
'With me -" I said - With me?
I showed her Secrets - Morning's NestThe
Rope the Nights were put across-
And now - 'Would'st have me for a Guest?"
[lI4 ]
c. 1862
c. z862
She could not find her Yes-
And then, I brake my life - And Lo,
A Light, for her, did solemn glow,
The larger, as her face WIthdrewAnd
could she, further, "No"?
447
Could - I do more - for TheeWert
Thou a Bumble BeeSince
for the Queen, have 1-
Nought but Bouquet?
448
This was a Poet - It IS That
Distills amazing sense
From ordinary MeaningsAnd
Attar so immense
From the familiar species
That perished by the DoorWe
wonder it was not Ourselves
Arrested it - before -
Of Pictures, the DiscloserThe
Poet - it is HeEntitles
Us-by ContrastTo
ceaseless Poverty-
Of Portion - so unconsciousThe
Robbing - could not harmHimself
- to Him - a FortuneExterior
- to Time-
[ 215 ]
C. 1862
449
I died for Beauty-but was scarce
Adjusted m the Tomb
When One who died for TlUth, was lam
In an adjoming Room-
He questloned softly 'Why I failed"?
"For Beauty", I replied-
"And I-for Truth- Themself are OneWe
Brethren, are", He said-
And so, as Kinsmen, met a NightWe
talked between the Rooms-
Un tll the Moss had reached our lipsAnd
covered up - our names-
450
Dreams-are well-but Waking's better,
If One wake at Mom-
If One wake at Midmght- betterDreammg-
of the Dawn-
Sweeter - the Surmising RobinsNever
gladdened Tree-
Than a SolId Dawn - confrontingLeading
to no Day-

1935