HAMILTON
Quiteso。Farewell。
JohnBrownThoughforyoursakeIwouldnothaveyounowSoneartometonightasnowyouare，GodknowshowmuchastrangertomyheartWasanycoldwordthatImayhavewritten；
Andyou，poorwomanthatImademywife，Youhavehadmoreofloneliness，Ifear，ThanI——thoughIhavebeenthemostalone，Evenwhenthemostattended。SoitwasGodsetthemarkofhisinscrutableNecessityononethatwastogrope，Andserve，andsuffer，andwithalbegladForwhatwashis，andis，andistobe，Whenhisoldbones，thatareaburdennow，AresayingwhatthemanwhocarriedthemHadnotthepowertosay。Bonesinagrave，Coverthemastheywillwithchokingearth，Mayshoutthetruthtomenwhoputthemthere，Morethanallorators。Andso，mydear，SinceyouhavecheatedwisdomforthesakeOfsorrow，letyoursorrowbeforyou，Thislastofnightsbeforethelastofdays，ThelyingghostofwhatthereisofmeThatisthemostalive。ThereisnodeathFormeinwhattheydo。TheirdeathitisTheyshouldheedmostwhenthesuncomesagainTomakethemsolemn。TherearesomeIknowWhoseeyeswillhardlyseetheiroccupation，Fortearsinthem——andallforoneoldman；
Forsomeofthemwillpitythisoldman，WhotookuponhimselftheworkofGodBecausehepitiedmillions。ThatwillbeForthem，Ifancy，theircompassionateBestwayofsayingwhatisbestinthemTosay；fortheycansaynomorethanthat，AndtheycandonomorethanwhatthedawnOfonemoredayshallgivethemlightenoughTodo。Buttherearemanydaystobe，Andtherearemanymentogivetheirblood，AsIgavemineforthem。Maytheycomesoon！
Maytheycomesoon，Isay。Andwhentheycome，MayallthatIhavesaidunheardbeheard，Provingatlast，ormaybenot——nomatter——
WhatsortofmadnesswasthepartofmeThatmademestrike，whetherIfoundthemarkOrmissedit。Meanwhile，I’veastrangecontent，Apatience，andavastindifferenceTowhatmensayofmeandwhatmenfearTosay。Therewasaworktobebegun，AndwhentheVoice，thatIhaveheardsolong，AnnouncedasinathousandsilencesAnendofpreparation，IbeganThecomingworkofdeathwhichistobe，Thatlifemaybe。ThereisnootherwayThantheoldwayofwarforanewlandThatwillnotknowitselfandistonightAstrangertoitself，andtotheworldAmoreprodigiousupstartamongstatesThanIwasamongmen，andsoshallbeTilltheyaretoldandtold，andtoldagain；
Formenarechildren，waitingtobetold，Andmostofthemarechildrenalltheirlives。
ThegoodGodinhiswisdomhadthemso，ThatnowandthenamadmanoraseerMayshakethemoutoftheircomplacencyAndshamethemintodeeds。ThemajorfileSeeonlywhattheirfathersmayhaveseen，Ormayhavesaidtheysawwhentheysawnothing。
Idonotsayitmatterswhattheysaw。
NowandagaintosomelonesoulorotherGodspeaks，andthereishangingtobedone，——
AsoncetherewasaburningofourbodiesAlive，albeitoursoulsweresorryfuel。
Butnowthefiresarefew，andwearepoisedAccordingly，forthestate’sbenefit，Afewstillminutesbetweenheavenandearth。
Thepurposeis，whentheyhaveseenenoughOfwhatitisthattheyarenottosee，Topluckmeasanunripefruitoftreason，AndthentoflingmebacktothesameearthOfwhichtheyare，asIsuppose，theflower——
NotgiventoknowtheriperfruitthatwaitsForamorecomprehensiveharvesting。
Yes，maytheycome，andsoon。AgainIsay，Maytheycomesoon！——beforetoomanyofthemShallbethebloodycostofourdefection。
Whenhellwaitsonthedawnofanewstate，Betteritwerethathellshouldnotwaitlong，——
OrsoitisIseeitwhoshouldseeAsfarorfartherintotimetonightThantheywhotalkandtrembleformenow，OrwishmetothoseeverlastingfiresThatareformenofear。ToomanyfiresHavesoughtmeoutandsearedmetothebone——
Thereby，forallIknow，totempermeForwhatwasminetodo。IfIdidillWhatIdidwell，letmensayIwasmad；
OrletmynameforeverbeaquestionThatwillnotsleepinhistory。WhatmensayIwaswillcoolnocannon，dullnosword，Invalidatenotruth。Meanwhile，Iwas；
Andthelongtrainislightedthatshallburn，Thoughfloodsofwrathmaydrenchit，andhotfeetMaystampitforaslighttimeintosmokeThatshallblazeupagainwithgrowingspeed，UntilatlastafierycrashwillcomeTocleanseandshakeawoundedhemisphere，AndhealitofalongmalignityThatangrytimediscreditsanddisowns。
Tonighttherearemensayingmanythings；
AndsomewhoseelifeinthelastofmeWillanswerfirstthecomingcalltodeath；
Fordeathiswhatiscoming，andthenlife。
IdonotsayagainforthedullsakeOfspeechwhatyouhaveheardmesaybefore，ButratherforthesakeofallIam，AndallGodmadeofme。AmantodieAsIdomusthavedonesomeotherworkThanman’salone。Iwasnotafterglory，Buttherewasglorywithme，likeafriend，Throughoutthosecripplingyearswhenfriendswerefew，AndfearfultobeknownbytheirownnamesWhenminewasvilifiedfortheirapproval。
Yetfriendstheyare，andtheydidwhatwasgivenTheirwilltodo；theycouldhavedonenomore。
Iwastheonemanmadenough，itseems，Todomywork；andnowmyworkisover。
Andyou，mydear，arenottomournforme，Orforyoursons，morethanasoulshouldmournInParadise，donewithevilandwithearth。
ThereisnotmuchofearthinwhatremainsForyou；andwhattheremaybeleftofitForyourenduranceyoushallhaveatlastInpeace，withoutthetwingeofanyfearFormycondition；forIshallbedoneWithplansandactionsthathaveheretoforeMadeyourdayslongandyournightsominousWithdarknessandthemanydistancesThatwerebetweenus。Whenthesilencecomes，IshallinfaithbenearertoyouthenThanIamnowinfact。WhatyouseenowIsonlytheoutsideofanoldman，Olderthanyearshavemadehim。Lethimdie，Andlethimbeathingforlittlegrief。
Therewasatimeforservice，andheserved；
AndthereisnomoretimeforanythingButashortgratefulnesstothosewhogaveTheirscaredallegiancetoanenterpriseThathasthenameoftreason——whichwillserveAswellasanyotherforthepresent。
Therearesomedeedsofmenthathavenonames，Andminemaylikeasnotbeoneofthem。
Iamnotlookingfarfornamestonight。
TheKingofGlorywaswithoutanameUntilmengavehimone；yetthereHewas，BeforewefoundHimandaffrontedHimWithnumerousingenuitiesofevil，Ofwhichone，withHisaid，istobesweptAndwashedoutoftheworldwithfireandblood。
OnceIbelieveditmighthavecometopassWithasmallcostofblood；butIwasdreaming——
DreamingthatIbelieved。TheVoiceIheardWhenIleftyoubehindmeinthenorth，——
TowaitthereandtowonderandgrowoldOfloneliness，——toldonlywhatwasbest，Andwithasavingvagueness，IshouldknowTillIknewmore。AndhadIknowneventhen——
Aftergrimyearsofsearchandsuffering，Somanyofthemtoendastheybegan——
AftermysickeningdoubtsandestimationsOfplansabandonedandofnewplansvain——
AfterawearydelvingeverywhereFormenwitheveryvirtuebuttheVision——
CouldIhaveknown，Isay，beforeIleftyouThatsummermorning，alltherewastoknow——
EvenuntothelastconsumingwordThatwouldhaveblastedeverymortalanswerAslightningwouldannihilatealeaf，Imighthavetrembledonthatsummermorning；
Imighthavewavered；andImighthavefailed。
AndtherearemanyamongmentodayTosayofmethatIhadbesthavewavered。
Sohasitbeen，soshallitalwaysbe，ForthoseofuswhogiveourselvestodieBeforewearesoparcelledandapprovedAstobeslaughteredbyauthority。
WedonotmakesomuchofwhattheysayAstheyofwhatourfollysaysofus；
Theygiveushardlytimeenoughforthat，Andtherebywegainmuchbylosinglittle。
Fewarealiveto-daywithlesstoloseThanIwhotellyouthis，ormoretogain；
AndwhetherIspeakasonetobedestroyedFornogoodendoutsidehisowndestruction，TimeshallhavemoretosaythanmenshallhearBetweennowandthecomingofthatharvestWhichistocome。Beforeitcomes，Igo——
BytheshortroadthatmysterymakeslongForman’senduranceofaccomplishment。
IshallhavemoretosaywhenIamdead。
TheFalseGods\"Wearefalseandevanescent，andawareofourdeceit，Fromthestrawthatisourvitalstotheclaythatisourfeet。
Youmayserveusifyoumust，andyoushallhaveyourwageofashes，——
Thougharrearsduethereaftermaybehardforyoutomeet。
\"Youmayswearthatwearesolid，youmaysaythatwearestrong，Butweknowthatweareneitherandwesaythatyouarewrong；
Youmayfindaneasyworshipinacclaimingourindulgence，Butyourlargeadmirationofusnowisnotforlong。
\"Ifyourdoomistoadoreuswithadoubtthat’sneverstill，Andyoupraytoseeourfaces——prayinearnest，andyouwill。
Youmaygazeatusandlive，andliveassuredofourconfusion：
FortheFalseGodsaremortal，andaremadeforyoutokill。
\"Andyoumayaswellobserve，whileapprehensivelyateaseWithanArtthat’sinorganicandisanythingyouplease，Thatanonyournewestruinmayliecrumblingunregarded，Likeanoldshrineforgotteninaforestofnewtrees。
\"Howsoeverlikenootherbethemodeyoumayemploy，There’sanorderintheagesfortheagestoenjoy；
ThoughthetemplesyouareshapingandthepassionsyouaresingingArealongwayfromAthensandalongerwayfromTroy。
\"Whenwepromisemorethaneverofwhatnevershallarrive，Andyouseemalittlemorethanordinarilyalive，Makeanotethatyouaresureyouunderstandourobligations——
Forthere’sgriefalwaysauditingwheretwoandtwoarefive。
\"Therewasthisforustosayandtherewasthisforyoutoknow，Thoughithumblesandithurtsuswhenwehavetotellyouso。
Ifyoudoubttheonlytruthinallourperjuredcomposition，MaytheTrueGodsattendyouandforgetuswhenwego。\"
Archibald’sExampleOldArchibald，inhiseternalchair，Wheretrespassers，whatevertheirdegree，Weresoonfrownedoutagain，waslookingoffAcrossthecloverwhenhesaidtome：
\"Mygreenhillyonder，wherethesungoesdownWithoutascratch，wasonceinhabitedBytreesthatinjuredhim——aneviltrashThatmadeacage，andheldhimwhilehebled。
\"Gonefiftyyears，IseethemastheywereBeforetheyfell。TheywereacrookedlotTospoilmysunset，andIsawnotimeInfiftyyearsforcrookedthingstorot。
\"Trees，yes；butnotaserviceorajoyToGodorman，fortheywerethievesoflight。
Sodowntheycame。NatureandIlookedon，Andweweregladwhentheywereoutofsight。
\"Treesarelikemen，sometimes；andthatbeingso，Somuchforthat。\"Hetwinkledinhischair，AndlookedacrosstheclovertotheplaceThatherememberedwhenthetreeswerethere。
LondonBridge\"DoIhearthem？Yes，Ihearthechildrensinging——andwhatofit？
Haveyoucomewitheyesafiretofindmenowandaskmethat？
IfIwerenottheirfatherandifyouwerenottheirmother，Wemightbelievetheymadeanoise……Whatareyou——drivingat！\"
\"Well，begladthatyoucanhearthem，andbegladtheyaresonearus，——
ForIhaveheardthestarsofheaven，andtheywerenearerstill。
AllwithinanhouritisthatIhaveheardthemcalling，AndthoughIprayforthemtocease，Iknowtheyneverwill；
Fortheirmusiconmyheart，thoughyoumayfreezeit，willfallalways，Likesummersnowthatnevermeltsuponamountain-top。
Doyouhearthem？Doyouhearthemoverhead——thechildren——singing？
Doyouhearthechildrensinging？……God，willyoumakethemstop！\"
\"Andwhatnowinhisholynamehaveyoutodowithmountains？
We’rebacktotownagain，mydear，andwe’veadancetonight。
Frozenheartsandfallingmusic？Snowandstars，and——whatthedevil！
Sayitovertomeslowly，andbesureyouhaveitright。\"
\"GodknowsifIberightorwronginsayingwhatItellyou，OrifIknowthemeaninganymoreofwhatIsay。
AllIknowis，itwillkillmeifItrytokeepithidden——
Well，Imethim……Yes，Imethim，andItalkedwithhim——today。\"
\"Youmethim？Didyoumeettheghostofsomeoneyouhadpoisoned，Longago，beforeIknewyouforthewomanthatyouare？
Takeachair；anddon’tbeginyourstoriesalwaysinthemiddle。
Washeman，orwashedemon？Anyhow，you’vegonetoofarTogoback，andI’myourservant。I’mthelord，butyou’rethemaster。
Nowgoonwithwhatyouknow，forI’mexcited。\"
\"Doyoumean——
DoyoumeantomakemetrytothinkthatyouknowlessthanIdo？\"
\"Iknowthatyouforeshadowthebeginningofascene。
Praybecareful，andasaccurateasifthedoorsofheavenWeretoswingortostayboltedfromnowonforevermore。\"
\"Doyouconceive，withallyoursmoothcontemptofeveryfeeling，Ofhidingwhatyouknowandwhatyoumusthaveknownbefore？
Isitworthawoman’storturetostandhereandhaveyousmiling，Withonlyyourpoorfetishofpossessiononyourside？
Nothingbutoneiswhollysure，andthat’snotonetoscareme；
WhenImeetitImaysaytoGodatlastthatIhavetried。
Andyet，forallIknow，orallIdarebelieve，mytrialsHenceforwardwillbemoreforyoutobearthanareyourown；
AndyoumustgivemekeysofyourstoroomsIhavenotentered。
Doyouseemeonyourthresholdallmylife，andtherealone？
Willyoutellmewhereyouseemeinyourfancy——whenitleadsyouFarenoughbeyondthemomentforaglanceattheabyss？\"
\"WillyoutellmewhatintrinsicandamazingsortofnonsenseYouarecrowdingonthepatienceofthemanwhogivesyou——this？
Lookaroundyouandbesorryyou’renotlivinginanattic，Withacivetandafish-net，andwithyoutopaytherent。
Isaywordsthatyoucanspellwithouttheuseofallyourletters；
AndIgrant，ifyouinsist，thatI’veaguessatwhatyoumeant。\"
\"HaveItoldyou，then，fornothing，thatImethim？AreyoutryingTobemerrywhileyoutrytomakemehateyou？\"
\"Thinkagain，Mydear，beforeyoutellme，inalanguageunbecomingToalady，whatyouplantotellmenext。IfIcomplain，IfIseemanatompeevishatthepreferenceyoumention——
Orimply，tobeprecise——youmaybelieve，oryoumaynot，ThatI’matriflemoreawareofwhathewantsthanyouare。
ButIshouldn’tthrowthatatyou。MakebelievethatIforgot。
Makebelievethathe’sagenius，ifyoulike，——butinthemeantimeDon’tgobacktorocking-horses。There，there，there，now。\"
\"Makebelieve！
Whenyouseemestandinghelplessonaplankaboveawhirlpool，DoIdrown，ordoIhearyouwhenyousayit？Makebelieve？
HowmuchmoreamItosayordoforyoubeforeItellyouThatImethim！What’stofollownowmaybeforyoutochoose。
Doyouhearme？Won’tyoulisten？It’saneasythingtolisten……\"
\"Andit’seasytobecrazywhenthere’severythingtolose。\"
\"IfatlastyouhaveanotionthatImeanwhatIamsaying，DoIseemtotellyounothingwhenItellyouIshalltry？
Ifyousaveme，andIlosehim——Idon’tknow——itwon’tmuchmatter。
IdaresaythatI’veliedenough，butnowIdonotlie。\"
\"DoyoufancymetheonemanwhohaswaitedandsaidnothingWhileawifehasdraggedanoldinfatuationfromatomb？
Givethethingalittleairanditwillvanishintoashes。
Thereyouare——piff！presto！\"
\"WhenIcameintothisroom，ItseemedasifIsawtheplace，andyouthereatyourtable，Asyouarenowatthismoment，forthelasttimeinmylife；
AndItoldmyselfbeforeIcametofindyou，`Ishalltellhim，IfIcan，whatIhavelearnedofhimsinceIbecamehiswife。’
Andifyousay，asI’venodoubtyouwillbeforeIfinish，Thatyouhavetriedunceasingly，withallyourmightandmain，Toteachme，knowingmorethanIofwhatitwasIneeded，Don’tthink，withallyoumayhavethought，thatyouhavetriedinvain；
ForyouhavetaughtmemorethanhidesinalltheshelvesofknowledgeOfhowlittleyoufoundthat’sinmeandwasinmeallalong。
Ibelieved，ifIintrudednothingonyouthatIcaredfor，I’dbehalfasmuchashorses，——anditseemsthatIwaswrong；
Ibelievedtherewasenoughofearthinme，withallmynonsenseOverthingsthatmadeyousleepy，tokeepsomethingstillawake；
Butyoutaughtmesoontoreadmybook，andGodknowsIhavereadit——
Ageslongerthananangelwouldhavereaditforyoursake。
IhavesaidthatyoumustopenotherdoorsthanIhaveentered，ButIwonderedwhileIsaiditifImightnotbeobscure。
IsthereanythinginallyourpedigreesandinventoriesWithavaluemoreelusivethanadollar’s？AreyousureThatifIstarveanotheryearforyouIshallbestrongerToendureanotherlikeit——andanother——tillI’mdead？\"
\"Hasyourtamecatsoldapicture？——ormorelikelyhadawindfall？
OrforGod’ssake，what’sbrokeloose？Haveyouabee-hiveinyourhead？
Alittlemoreofthisfromyouwillnotbeeasyhearing。
Doyouknowthat？Understandit，ifyoudo；forifyouwon’t……
Whatthedevilareyousaying！Makebelieveyouneversaidit，AndI’llsayIneverheardit……Oh，you……Ifyou……\"
\"IfIdon’t？\"
\"Therearemenwhosaythere’sreasonhiddensomewhereinawoman，ButIdoubtifGodhimselfrememberswherethekeywashung。\"
\"Hemaynot；fortheysaythatevenGodhimselfisgrowing。
Iwonderifhemakesbelievethatheisgrowingyoung；
IwonderifhemakesbelievethatwomenwhoaregivingAlltheyhaveinholyloathingtoastrangeralltheirlivesArethewiseoneswhobuildhousesintheBible……\"
\"Stop——youdevil！\"
\"……Orthatsoulsareanywhiterwhentheirbodiesarecalledwives。
Ifadollar’sworthofgoldwillhoopthewallsofhelltogether，Whyneedheavenbesucharuinofaplacethatneverwas？
AndifatlastIliedmystarvingsoulawaytonothing，Areyousureyoumightnotmissit？HaveyoucometosuchapassThatyouwouldhavemelongerinyourarmsifyoudiscoveredThatImadeyouintosomeoneelse……Oh！……Well，thereareworseways。
Butwhyaimitatmyfeet——unlessyoufearyoumaybesorry……
Therearemanydaysaheadofyou。\"
\"Idonotseethosedays。\"
\"Icanseethem。GrantedevenIamwrong，therearethechildren。
Andaretheytopraisetheirfatherforhisinsightifwedie？
Doyouhearthem？Doyouhearthemoverhead——thechildren——singing？
Doyouhearthem？Doyouhearthechildren？\"
\"Damnthechildren！\"
\"Why？
WhathaveTHEYdone？……Well，then，——doit……Doitnow，andhaveitover。\"
\"Oh，youdevil！……Oh，you……\"
\"No，I’mnotadevil，I’maprophet——
OnewhoseestheendalreadyofsomuchthatoneendmoreWouldhavenowthesmallimportanceofoneothersmallillusion，Whichinturnwouldhaveawelcomewheretheresthavegonebefore。
ButifIwereyou，myfancywouldlookonalittlefartherFortheglimpseofareleasethatmaybesomewherestillinsight。
Furthermore，youmustrememberthosetwohundredinvitationsForthedancingafterdinner。Weshallhavetoshinetonight。
Weshalldance，andbeashappyasapairofmerryspectres，Onthegraveofalltheliesthatweshallneverhavetotell；
Weshalldanceamongtheruinsofthetombofourendurance，AndIhavenotadoubtthatweshalldoitverywell。
There！——I’mgladyou’veputitback；forIdon’tlikeit。
Shutthedrawernow。
No——no——don’tcancelanything。I’lldanceuntilIdrop。
Ican’twalkyet，butI’mgoingto……Goawaysomewhere，andleaveme……
Oh，youchildren！Oh，youchildren！……God，willtheyneverstop！\"
TaskerNorcross\"Whetheralltownsandallwholiveinthem——
SolongastheybesomewhereinthisworldThatweinourcomplacencycallours——
Aremoreorlessthesame，Ileavetoyou。
Ishouldsayless。Whetherornot，meanwhile，We’vealltwolegs——andasforthat，wehaven’t——
TherewerethreekindsofmenwhereIwasborn：
Thegood，thenotsogood，andTaskerNorcross。
Nowtherearetwokinds。\"
\"Meaning，asIdivine，Yourfriendisdead，\"Iventured。
Ferguson，WhotalkedhimselfatlastoutoftheworldHecensured，andisthereforesilentnow，Agreedindifferently：\"Myfriendsaredead——
Ormostofthem。\"
\"Rememberonethatisn’t，\"
Isaid，protesting。\"Honorhimforhisears；
Treasurehimalsoforhisunderstanding。\"
Fergusonsighed，andthentalkedonagain：
\"YouhaveanovergrownalacrityForsayingnothingmuchandhearingless；
AndI’veathanklesswonder，atthestart，HowmuchitistoyouthatIshalltellWhatIhavenowtosayofTaskerNorcross，Andhowmuchtotheairthatisaroundyou。
ButgivenapatiencethatisnotaverseTotheslowtragediesofhauntedmen——
Horrors，infact，ifyou’veaskilfuleyeToknowthemattheirfiresides，oroutwalking，——\"
\"Horrors，\"Isaid，\"aremynecessity；
AndIwouldhavethem，fortheirbesteffect，Alwaysoutwalking。\"
Fergusonfrownedatme：
\"ThewisestofusarenotthosewholaughBeforetheyknow。Mostofusneverknow——
OrthelongtoilofourmortalityWouldnotbedone。Mostofusneverknow——
AndthereyouhaveareasontobelieveInGod，ifyoumayhavenoother。Norcross，OrsoIgatherofhisinfirmity，Wasgiventoknowmorethanheshouldhaveknown，AndonlyGodknowswhy。SeeforyourselfAnoldhousefullofghostsofancestors，Whodidtheirbest，orworst，andhavingdoneit，Diedhonorably；andeachwithadistinctionThathardlywouldhavebeenforhimthathadit，Hadhonorfailedhimwhollyasafriend。
Honorthatisafriendbegetsafriend。
Whetherornotwelovehim，stillwehavehim；
Andwemustlivesomehowbywhatwehave，Orthenwedie。Ifyousaychemistry，Thenyoumusthaveyourmoleculesinmotion，Andintheirrightabundance。Failingeither，Youhavenotlongtodance。Failingafriend，Agenius，oramadness，orafaithLargerthandesperation，youarehereForasmuchlongerthanyoulikeasmaybe。
Imaginingnow，bywayofanexample，Myselfamoreorlessrememberedphantom——
Again，Ishouldsayless——howmanytimesAdayshouldIcomebacktoyou？Noanswer。
ForgivemewhenIseemalittlecareless，Butwemusthaveexamples，orbelucidWithoutthem；andIquestionyouradherenceTosuchanundramaticnarrativeAsthisofmine，withoutthepersonalhook。\"
\"AtimeisgiveninEcclesiastesFordiversworks，\"Itoldhim。\"IsthereoneForsayingnothinginreturnfornothing？
Ifnot，thereshouldbe。\"Icouldfeelhiseyes，AndtheywereliketwocoldinquiringpointsOfasharpmetal。WhenIlookedagain，Toseethemshine，thecoldthatIhadfeltWasgonetomakewayforasmoulderingOflonelyfirethatI，asIknewthen，Couldneverquenchwithkindnessorwithlies。
IshouldhavedonewhatevertherewastodoForFerguson，yetIcouldnothavemournedInhonestyforoncearoundtheclockThelossofhim，formysakeorforhis，TryasImight；norwouldhisghostapprove，HadIthepowerandtheunthinkingwillTomakehimtreadagainwithoutanaimTheroadthatwasbehindhim——andwithoutThefaith，orfriend，orgenius，orthemadnessThathecontendedwasimperative。
Afterasilencethathadbeentoolong，\"Itmaybequiteaswellwedon’t，\"hesaid；
\"Aswell，Imean，thatwedon’talwayssayit。
YouknowbestwhatImean，andIsupposeYoumighthavesaiditbetter。Whatwasthat？
Incorrigible？AmIincorrigible？
Well，it’saword；andawordhasitsuse，Or，likeaman，itwillsoonhaveagrave。
It’sagoodwordenough。Incorrigible，Maybe，forallIknow，thewordforNorcross。
SeeforyourselfthathouseofhisagainThathecalledhome：Anoldhouse，paintedwhite，Squareasabox，andchillierthanatombTolookatortolivein。Thereweretrees——
Toomanyofthem，ifsuchathingmaybe——
Beforeitandaroundit。DowninfrontTherewasaroad，arailroad，andariver；
Thentherewerehillsbehindit，andmoretrees。
Thethingwouldfairlystareatyouthroughtrees，LikeapaleinmateoutofabarredwindowWithagreenshadehalfdown；andIdaresayPeoplewhopassedhavesaid：`There’swherehelives。
Weknowhim，butwedonotseemtoknowThatwerememberanygoodofhim，Oranyevilthatisinteresting。
Thereyouhaveallweknowandallwecare。’
Theymighthavesaiditinallsortsofways；
Andthen，iftheyperceivedacat，theymightOrmightnothaverememberedwhattheysaid。
Thecatmighthaveapersonality——
AndmaybethesameonetheLordleftoutOfTaskerNorcross，who，forlackofit，Sawthesamesungodownyearafteryear；
Allwhichatlastwasmydiscovery。
Andonlymine，sofarasevidenceEnlightensonemoredarkness。YouhaveknownAllroundyou，allyourdays，menwhoarenothing——
Nothing，Imean，sofarastimetellsyetOfanyotherneedithasofthemThantomakesextonshardy——butnolessAretothemselvesincalculablysomething，Andthereforetobecherished。God，yousee，Beingsorryforthemintheirfashioning，IndemnifiedthemwithaquaintesteemOfself，andwithillusionslongaslife。
Youknowthemwell，andyouhavesmiledatthem；
Andthey，intheirserenity，mayhavehadTheirtimetosmileatyou。BlessedaretheyThatseethemselvesforwhattheyneverwereOrweretobe，andare，fortheirdefect，AteasewithmirrorsandthedimremarksThatpasstheirtranquilears。\"
\"Come，come，\"saidI；
\"TheremaybenamesinyourcompendiumThatwearenotyetallonfireforshouting。
Skinmostofusofourmediocrity，Weshouldhavenothingthenthatwecouldscratch。
Thepicturesmarts。Coverit，ifyouplease，Anddosorathergently。NowforNorcross。\"
Fergusonclosedhiseyesinresignation，Whileadeadsighcameoutofhim。\"GoodGod！\"
Hesaid，andsaiditonlyhalfaloud，Asifheknewnolongernow，norcared，Ifoneweretheretolisten：\"HaveIsaidnothing——
Nothingatall——ofNorcross？DoyoumeanTopatronizehimtillhisnamebecomesAtoymadeoutofletters？IfanameIsallyouneed，arrangeanhonestcolumnOfallthepeopleyouhaveeverknownThatyouhaveneverliked。You’llhaveenough；
Andyou’llhavemine，moreover。No，notyet。
IfIassumetoomanyprivileges，Ipay，andIalone，fortheirassumption；
Bywhich，ifIassumeadarkerknowledgeOfNorcrossthananother，lettheweightOfmyinjusticeaggravatetheloadThatisnotonyourshoulders。WhenIcameToknowthisfellowNorcrossinhishouse，IfoundhimasIfoundhiminthestreet——
Nomore，noless；indifferent，butnobetter。
`Worse’werenotquitetheword：hewasnotbad；
Hewasnot……well，hewasnotanything。
HasyourinventioneverentertainedThepictureofadustywormsodryThateventheearlybirdwouldshakehisheadAndflyonfartherforanotherbreakfast？\"
\"Butwhyforgetthefortuneoftheworm，\"
Isaid，\"ifinthedrynessyoudeploreSalvationcentredandendured？YourNorcrossMayhavebeenoneformanytohaveenvied。\"
\"Salvation？Fortune？Wouldthewormsaythat？
Hemight；andthereforeIdismissthewormWithalldrythingsbutone。Figuresaway，Doyoubegintoseethismanalittle？
Doyoubegintoseehimintheair，WithallthevacanthorrorsofhisoutlineForyoutofillwithmorethanitwillhold？
Ifso，youneedn’tcrownyourselfatonceWithepiclaurelifyouseemtofillit。
Horrors，Isay，forinthefiresandforksOfanewhell——ifonewerenotenough——
IdoubtifanewhorrorwouldhaveheldhimWithamalignantingenuityMoretobefearedthanhisbeforehedied。
Yousmile，asifindoubt。Well，smileagain。
Nowcomeintohishouse，alongwithme：
ThefoursquaresombrethingsthatyouseefirstAroundyouarefourwallsthatgoashighAstotheceiling。Norcrossknewthemwell，Andheknewotherslikethem。FastentothatWithalltheclawsofyourintelligence；
AndholdthemanbeforeyouinhishouseAsifhewereawhiteratinabox，Andonethatknewhimselftobenoother。
Itellyoutwicethatheknewallaboutit，ThatyoumaynotforgettheworstofallOurtragediesbeginwithwhatweknow。
CouldNorcrossonlynothaveknown，IwonderHowmanywouldhaveblessedandenviedhim！
CouldhehavehadtheusualeyeforspotsOnothers，andfornoneuponhimself，IsmiletoponderonthecarriagesThatmightaswellasnothavecloggedthetownInhonorofhisend。Fortherewasgold，Yousee，thoughallheneededwasalittle，Andwhathegavesaidnothingofwhogaveit。
HewouldhavegivenitallifinreturnTheremighthavebeenamoresufficientfaceTogreethimwhenheshaved。ThoughyouinsistItisthedower，andalways，ofourdegreeNottobecursedwithsuchinvidiousinsight，Rememberthatyoustand，youandyourfancy，Nowinhishouse；andsincewearetogether，Seeforyourselfandtellmewhatyousee。
Tellmethebestyousee。MakeaslightnoiseOfrecognitionwhenyoufindabookThatyouwouldnotasliefreadupsidedownAsotherwise，forexample。Ifthereyoufail，Observethewallsandleadmetotheplace，Whereyouareled。IfthereyoumeetapictureThatholdsyounearitforalongertimeThanyouaresorry，youmaycallityours，Andhangitinthedarkofyourremembrance，WhereNorcrossneversees。HowcanheseeThathasnoeyestosee？Andasformusic，HepaidwithemptywonderforthepangsOfhisinfrequentforcedenduranceofit；
Andhavinghadnopleasure，paidnomoreForneedlessimmolation，orforthesightOfthosewhoheardwhathewasnevertohear。
ToseethemlisteningwasitselfenoughTomakehimsuffer；andtowatchworneyes，Onotherdays，ofstrangerswhoforgotTheirsorrowsandtheirfailuresandthemselvesBeforeafewmysteriousoddsandendsOfmarblecartedfromtheParthenon——
Andallforseeingwhathewasnevertosee，Becauseitwasaliveandhewasdead——
HerewasawonderthatwasmoreprofoundThananythatwasinfiddlesandbrasshorns。
\"Heknew，andinhisknowledgetherewasdeath。
HeknewtherewasaregionallaroundhimThatlayoutsideman’shavocandaffairs，Andyetwasnotallhostiletotheirtumult，Wherepoetswouldhaveservedandhonoredhim，Andsavedhim，hadtherebeenanythingtosave。
Buttherewasnothing，andhistetheredrangeWasonlyasmalldesert。KingsofsongArenotforthronesindeserts。TowersofsoundAndflowersofsensearebutawasteofheavenWherethereisnonetoknowthemfromtherocksAndsand-grassofhisownmonotonyThatmakesearthlessthanearth。Hecouldseethat，Andhecouldseenomore。ThecapturedlightThatmayhavebeenornot，forallhecared，Thesongthatisinsculpturewasnothis，Butonly，tohisGod-forgotteneyes，OnemoreimmortalnonsenseinaworldWhereallwasmortal，orhadbestbeso，Andsobedonewith。`Art，’hewouldhavesaid，`Isnotlife，andmustthereforebealie；’
AndwithafewprofunditieslikethatHewouldhavecontrovertedanddismissedThebenefitoftheGreeks。Hehadheardofthem，Ashehadheardofhisaspiringsoul——
Nevertotheperceptibleadvantage，Inhisesteem，ofeither。`Faith，’hesaid，Orwouldhavesaidifhehadthoughtofit，`LivesinthesamehousewithPhilosophy，WherethetwofeedonscrapsandareforlornAsorphansafterwar。Hecouldseestars，Onaclearnight，buthehadnotaneyeToseebeyondthem。Hecouldhearspokenwords，Buthadnoearforsilencewhenalone。
Hecouldeatfoodofwhichheknewthesavor，ButhadnopalatefortheBreadofLife，Thathumandesperation，tohisthinking，Madefamouslongago，havingnoother。
Nowdoyousee？Doyoubegintosee？\"
ItoldhimthatIdidbegintosee；
AndIwasnearerthanIshouldhavebeenTolaughingathismaligninclusiveness，WhenIconsideredthat，withallourspeed，Wearenotlaughingyetatfunerals。
IseehimnowasIcouldseehimthen，AndIseenowthatitwasgoodforme，Asitwasgoodforhim，thatIwasquiet；
ForTime’seyewasonFerguson，andtheshaftOfitsinquiringhesitancyhadtouchedhim，OrsoIchosetofancymorethanonceBeforehetoldofNorcross。WhenthewordOfhisrelease（hewouldhavecalleditso）
Madehalfaninchofnews，therewerenotearsThatarerecorded。WomentheremayhavebeenTowishhimback，thoughIshouldsay，notknowing，Thefewthereweretomournwerenotforlove，Andwerenotlovely。Nothingofthem，atleast，WasinthemeagrelegendthatIgatheredYearsafter，whenachanceoftraveltookmeSoneartheregionofhisnativityThatafewmilesofleisurebroughtmethere；
ForthereIfoundafriendlycitizenWholedmetohishouseamongthetreesThatwereabovearailroadandariver。
SquareasaboxandchillierthanatombItwasindeed，tolookatortolivein——
AllwhichhadIbeentold。\"Fergusondied，\"
Thestrangersaid，\"andthentherewasanauction。
Ilivehere，butI’veneveryetbeenwarm。
Rememberhim？Yes，Irememberhim。
Iknewhim——asamanmayknowatree——
Fortwentyyears。HemayhaveheldhimselfAlittlehighwhenhewashere，butnow……
Yes，IrememberFerguson。Oh，yes。\"
Others，Ifound，rememberedFerguson，ButnoneofthemhadheardofTaskerNorcross。
ASongatShannon’sTwomencameoutofShannon’shavingknownThefacesofeachotherforaslongAstheyhadlistenedtheretoanoldsong，SungthinlyinawastrelmonotoneBysomeunhappynight-bird，whohadflownToomanytimesandwithawingtoostrongTosavehimself，andsodoneheavywrongTomorefrailelementsthanhisalone。
Slowlyawaytheywent，leavingbehindMorelightthanwasbeforethem。NeithermetTheother’seyesagainorsaidaword。
Eachtohislonelinessortohiskind，Wenthisownway，andwithhisownregret，Notknowingwhattheothermayhaveheard。
SouvenirAvanishedhousethatforanhourIknewBysomeforgottenchancewhenIwasyoungHadonceaglimmeringwindowoverhungWithhoneysucklewetwitheveningdew。
Alongthepathtallduskydahliasgrew，AndshadowyhydrangeasreachedandswungFerociously；andoverme，amongThemothsandmysteries，ablurredbatflew。
SomewherewithinthereweredimpresencesOfdaysthathoveredandofyearsgoneby。
Iwaited，andbetweentheirsilencesTherewasanevanescentfadednoise；
Andthoughachild，IknewitwasthevoiceOfonewhoseoccupationwastodie。
DiscoveryWetoldofhimasonewhoshouldhavesoaredAndseenforusthedevastatinglightWhereofthereisnoteitherdayornight，AndsharedwithustheglamouroftheWordThatfellonceuponAmostorecordFormenateaseinZion，whenthesightOfillsobscuredaggrievedhimandthemightOfHamathwasawarningoftheLord。
Assuredsomehowthathewouldmakeuswise，Ourpleasurewastowait；andoursurpriseWashardwhenweconfessedthedryreturnOfhisregret。ForwewerestilltolearnThatearthhasnotaschoolwherewemaygoForwisdom，orformorethanwemayknow。
FirelightTenyearstogetherwithoutyetacloud，Theyseekeachother’seyesatintervalsOfgratefulnesstofirelightandfourwallsForlove’sobliterationofthecrowd。
SerenelyandperenniallyendowedAndboweredasfewmaybe，theirjoyrecallsNosnake，nosword；andoverthemtherefallsTheblessingofwhatneithersaysaloud。
Wiserforsilence，theywerenotsogladWereshetoreadthegraventaleoflinesOnthewanfaceofonesomewherealone；
NorweretheymorecontentcouldhehavehadHerthoughtsamomentsinceofonewhoshinesApart，andwouldbehersifhehadknown。
TheNewTenantsThedaywasherewhenitwashistoknowHowfaredthebarriershehadbuiltbetweenHistriumphandhisenemiesunseen，Forthemtoundermineandoverthrow；
AnditwashisnolongertoforegoThesightofthem，insidiousandserene，WheretheyweredelvingalwaysandhadbeenLeftalwaystobeviciousandtogrow。
Andtherewerethenewtenantswhohadcome，Bydoorsthatwereleftopenunawares，Intohishouse，andweresomuchathomeTherenowthathewouldhardlyhavetoguess，Bytheslowguileoftheirvindictiveness，Whatultimateinsolencewouldsoonbetheirs。
InferentialAlthoughIsawbeforemetherethefaceOfonewhomIhadhonoredamongmenTheleast，andonregardinghimagainWouldnothavehadhiminanotherplace，HefittedwithanunfamiliargraceThecoffinwhereIcouldnotseehimthenAsIhadseenhimandappraisedhimwhenIdeemedhimunessentialtotherace。
FortherewasmoreofhimthanwhatIsaw。
AndtherewasonmemorethantheoldaweThatisthecommongeniusofthedead。
Imightaswellhaveheardhim：\"Nevermind；
Ifsomeofuswerenotsofarbehind，Therestofuswerenotsofarahead。\"
TheRatAsoftenashelethimselfbeseenWepitiedhim，orscornedhim，ordeploredTheinscrutableprofusionoftheLordWhoshapedasoneofusathingsomean——
WhomadehimhumanwhenhemighthavebeenArat，andsobeenwhollyinaccordWithanyothercreatureweabhorredAsalwaysuselessandnotalwaysclean。
Nowheishidingallalonesomewhere，Andinafinalholenotreadythen；
FornowheisamongthoseoverthereWhoarenotcomingbacktousagain。
AndwewhodothefictionofourshareSaylessofratsandrathermoreofmen。
RaheltoVarnhagenNote。——RahelRobertandVarnhagenvonEnseweremarried，aftermanyprotestationsonherpart，in1814。Themarriage——sofarashewasconcerned，atanyrate——appearstohavebeensatisfactory。
Nowyouhavereadthemall；orifnotall，AsmanyasinallconscienceIshouldfancyTobeenough。Therearenomoreofthem——
Ornonetoburnyoursleep，ortobringdreamsOfdevils。Ifthesearenotsufficient，surelyYouareastrangeyoungman。ImightliveonAlone，andforanotherfortyyears，Ornotquiteforty，——areyouhappiernow？——
AlwaystoaskifthereprevailedelsewhereAnotherlikeyourselfthatwouldhaveheldTheseagedhandsaslongasyouhaveheldthem，Notonceobserving，forallIcansee，Howtheyarelikeyourmother’s。Well，youhavereadHislettersnow，andyouhaveheardmesayThatinthemarethecindersofapassionThatwasmylife；andyouhavenotyetbrokenYourwayoutofmyhouse，outofmysight，——
Intothestreet。Youareastrangeyoungman。
Iknowasmuchasthatofyou，forcertain；
AndI’malreadypraying，foryoursake，Thatyoubenottoostrange。ToomuchofthatMayleadyoubyeandbyethroughgloomylanesToasadwilderness，whereonemaygropeAlone，andalways，oruntilhefeelsFerociousandinvisibleanimalsThatwaitformenandeattheminthedark。
