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"!important". + The right padding separates the table cells. */ + padding: 0 0.5em 0 0 } /* FIXME: was !important */ + + h1 tt.docutils, h2 tt.docutils, h3 tt.docutils, + h4 tt.docutils, h5 tt.docutils, h6 tt.docutils { + font-size: 100% } + + ul.auto-toc { + list-style-type: none } + /*]]>*/ + </style> + <style type="text/css"> + /*<![CDATA[*/ + /* + Project Gutenberg HTML docutils stylesheet. + + This stylesheet contains styles specific to HTML. + */ + + /* FONTS */ + + /* em { font-style: normal } + strong { font-weight: normal } */ + + .small-caps { font-variant: small-caps } + .gesperrt { letter-spacing: 0.1em } + + /* ALIGN */ + + .align-left { clear: left; + float: left; + margin-right: 1em } + + .align-right { clear: right; + float: right; + margin-left: 1em } + + .align-center { margin-left: auto; + margin-right: auto } + + div.shrinkwrap { display: table; } + + /* SECTIONS */ + + body { margin: 5% 10% 5% 10% } + + /* compact list items containing just one p */ + li p.pfirst { margin-top: 0; margin-bottom: 0 } + + .first { margin-top: 0 !important; + text-indent: 0 !important } + .last { margin-bottom: 0 !important } + + span.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.1em 0 0; line-height: 1 } + img.dropcap { float: left; margin: 0 0.5em 0 0; max-width: 25% } + span.dropspan { font-variant: small-caps } + + .no-page-break { page-break-before: avoid !important } + + /* PAGINATION */ + + .pageno { position: absolute; right: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } + .pageno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } + .lineno { position: absolute; left: 95%; font: medium sans-serif; text-indent: 0 } + .lineno:after { color: gray; content: '[' attr(title) ']' } + .toc-pageref { float: right } + + @media screen { + .coverpage, .frontispiece, .titlepage, .verso, .dedication, .plainpage + { margin: 10% 0; } + + div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage + { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } + + .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } + } + + @media print { + div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } + div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } + + .vfill { margin-top: 20% } + h2.title { margin-top: 20% } + } + + /* DIV */ + pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } + + /*]]>*/ + </style> + <title>THE EVERLASTING MERCY</title> +</head> +<body> +<div>*** START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41467 ***</div> + <div class="document" id="the-everlasting-mercy"> + <h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span></h1><!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> + <!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> + <!-- default transition --> + <!-- default attribution --> + <!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> + <div class="clearpage"></div><!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> + <div class="align-None container coverpage"> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 52%" id="figure-10"> + <img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> + <div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> + <span class="italics">Cover</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="align-None container titlepage"> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY<br /> + JOHN MASEFIELD</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF<br /> + "THE TRAGEDY OF POMPEY THE GREAT"<br /> + "THE TRAGEDY OF NAN," ETC.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON<br /> + SIDGWICK & JACKSON LTD.<br /> + 3 ADAM STREET, ADELPHI<br /> + MCMXIII</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="align-None container verso"> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">First Edition, Crown 8vo, November 1911;</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">Reprinted November and December 1911,</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">February, April and August 1912.</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">Reset December 1912; reprinted January</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">(twice), February, March and May, 1913.</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">New Edition, Foolscap 8vo, thirteenth</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">thousand, October 1913.</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">Fourteenth thousand, November 1913.</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">Entered at the Library of</em> <span class="small"><br /></span><em class="italics small">Congress, Washington, U.S.A.</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">All rights reserved</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="align-None container plainpage"> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">BY THE SAME AUTHOR</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="left pfirst"><span>THE WIDOW IN THE BYE STREET</span></p> + <p class="left pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d. net.<br /></span> <em class="italics">Fourth Thousand</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="left pfirst"><span>THE TRAGEDY OF POMPEY THE GREAT</span></p> + <p class="left pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3s. 6d. net;<br /> + Paper Wrappers, 1s. 6d. net.<br /></span> <em class="italics">Fourth Impression</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span>London: SIDGWICK & JACKSON LTD.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="align-None container dedication"> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">TO<br /> + MY WIFE</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost plainpage"> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics medium">Thy place is biggyd above the sterrys deer,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics medium">Noon erthely paleys wrouhte in so statly wyse,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics medium">Com on my freend, my brothir moost enteer,</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <em class="italics medium">For the I offryd my blood in sacrifise.</em> + </div> + <div class="line"> + + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">JOHN LYDGATE.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="plainpage vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From '41 to '51</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I was my folk's contrary son;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I bit my father's hand right through</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And broke my mother's heart in two.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I sometimes go without my dinner</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now that I know the times I've gi'n her.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From '51 to '6l</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I cut my teeth and took to fun.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I learned what not to be afraid of</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And what stuff women's lips are made of;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I learned with what a rosy feeling</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Good ale makes floors seem like the ceiling,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how the moon gives shiny light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To lads as roll home singing by't.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My blood did leap, my flesh did revel,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Saul Kane was tokened to the devil.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From '61 to '67</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I lived in disbelief of heaven.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I drunk, I fought, I poached, I whored,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I did despite unto the Lord,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I cursed, 'twould make a man look pale,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And nineteen times I went to jail.</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now, friends, observe and look upon me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Mark how the Lord took pity on me.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By Dead Man's Thorn, while setting wires,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who should come up but Billy Myers,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A friend of mine, who used to be</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As black a sprig of hell as me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With whom I'd planned, to save encroachin',</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Which fields and coverts each should poach in.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now when he saw me set my snare,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He tells me 'Get to hell from there.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">This field is mine,' he says, 'by right;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If you poach here, there'll be a fight.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out now,' he says, 'and leave your wire;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's mine.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'It ain't.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You put.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You liar.'</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You closhy put.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You bloody liar.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'This is my field.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'This is my wire.'</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'm ruler here.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You ain't.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I am.'</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'll fight you for it.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Right, by damn.</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Not now, though, I've a-sprained my thumb,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We'll fight after the harvest hum.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Silas Jones, that bookie wide,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Will make a purse five pounds a side.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Those were the words, that was the place</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By which God brought me into grace.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">On Wood Top Field the peewits go</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Mewing and wheeling ever so;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And like the shaking of a timbrel</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Cackles the laughter of the whimbrel.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In the old quarry-pit they say</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Head-keeper Pike was made away.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He walks, head-keeper Pike, for harm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He taps the windows of the farm;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The blood drips from his broken chin,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He taps and begs to be let in.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">On Wood Top, nights, I've shaked to hark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The peewits wambling in the dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lest in the dark the old man might</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Creep up to me to beg a light.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But Wood Top grass is short and sweet</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And springy to a boxer's feet;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At harvest hum the moon so bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Did shine on Wood Top for the fight.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When Bill was stripped down to his bends</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought how long we two'd been friends,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in my mind, about that wire,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought 'He's right, I am a liar,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As sure as skilly's made in prison</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The right to poach that copse is his'n.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll have no luck to-night,' thinks I.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'm fighting to defend a lie.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And this moonshiny evening's fun</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is worse than aught I ever done.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And thinking that way my heart bled so</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I almost stept to Bill and said so.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now Bill's dead I would be glad</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If I could only think I had.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But no. I put the thought away</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For fear of what my friends would say.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They'd backed me, see? O Lord, the sin</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Done for the things there's money in.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The stakes were drove, the ropes were hitched,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Into the ring my hat I pitched.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My corner faced the Squire's park</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Just where the fir-trees make it dark;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The place where I begun poor Nell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Upon the woman's road to hell.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought oft, sitting in my corner</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">After the time-keep struck his warner</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(Two brandy flasks, for fear of noise,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Clinked out the time to us two boys).</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And while my seconds chafed and gloved me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought of Nell's eyes when she loved me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And wondered how my tot would end,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">First Nell cast off and now my friend;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in the moonlight dim and wan</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I knew quite well my luck was gone;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And looking round I felt a spite</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At all who'd come to see me fight;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The five and forty human faces</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Inflamed by drink and going to races,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Faces of men who'd never been</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Merry or true or live or clean;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who'd never felt the boxer's trim</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of brain divinely knit to limb,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nor felt the whole live body go</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">One tingling health from top to toe;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nor took a punch nor given a swing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But just soaked deady round the ring</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Until their brains and bloods were foul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Enough to make their throttles howl,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While we whom Jesus died to teach</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Fought round on round, three minutes each.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And thinking that, you'll understand</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought, 'I'll go and take Bill's hand.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll up and say the fault was mine,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He sha'n't make play for these here swine.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I thought that that was silly,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They'd think I was afraid of Billy:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They'd think (I thought it, God forgive me)</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I funked the hiding Bill could give me.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And that thought made me mad and hot.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Think that, will they? Well, they shall not.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They sha'n't think that. I will not. I'm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Damned if I will. I will not.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Time!</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From the beginning of the bout</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My luck was gone, my hand was out.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Right from the start Bill called the play,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But I was quick and kept away</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till the fourth round, when work got mixed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I knew Bill had me fixed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My hand was out, why, Heaven knows;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bill punched me when and where he chose.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Through two more rounds we quartered wide</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the time my hands seemed tied;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bill punched me when and where he pleased.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The cheering from my backers ceased,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But every punch I heard a yell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of 'That's the style, Bill, give him hell.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">No one for me, but Jimmy's light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Straight left! Straight left!' and 'Watch his right.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I don't know how a boxer goes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When all his body hums from blows;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I know I seemed to rock and spin,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I don't know how I saved my chin;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I know I thought my only friend</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Was that clinked flask at each round's end</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When my two seconds, Ed and Jimmy,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Had sixty seconds help to gimme.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But in the ninth, with pain and knocks</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I stopped: I couldn't fight nor box.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bill missed his swing, the light was tricky,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But I went down, and stayed down, dicky.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Get up,' cried Jim. I said, 'I will.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then all the gang yelled, 'Out him, Bill.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out him.' Bill rushed ... and Clink, Clink, Clink.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Time! and Jim's knee, and rum to drink.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And round the ring there ran a titter:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Saved by the call, the bloody quitter.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They drove (a dodge that never fails)</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A pin beneath my finger nails.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They poured what seemed a running beck</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of cold spring water down my neck;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jim with a lancet quick as flies</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lowered the swellings round my eyes.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They sluiced my legs and fanned my face</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Through all that blessed minute's grace;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They gave my calves a thorough kneading,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They salved my cuts and stopped the bleeding.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A gulp of liquor dulled the pain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then the two flasks clinked again.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Time!</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There was Bill as grim as death.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He rushed, I clinched, to get more breath.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And breath I got, though Billy bats</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Some stinging short-arms in my slats.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when we broke, as I foresaw,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He swung his right in for the jaw.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I stopped it on my shoulder bone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And at the shock I heard Bill groan--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A little groan or moan or grunt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As though I'd hit his wind a bunt.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At that, I clinched, and while we clinched,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His old-time right-arm dig was flinched,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when we broke he hit me light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As though he didn't trust his right,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He flapped me somehow with his wrist</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As though he couldn't use his fist,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when he hit he winced with pain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought, 'Your sprained thumb's crocked again.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So I got strength and Bill gave ground,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And that round was an easy round.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">During the wait my Jimmy said,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'What's making Billy fight so dead?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He's all to pieces. Is he blown?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'His thumb's out.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'No? Then it's your own.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's all your own, but don't be rash--</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He's got the goods if you've got cash,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And what one hand can do he'll do,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Be careful this next round or two.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Time! There was Bill, and I felt sick</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That luck should play so mean a trick</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And give me leave to knock him out</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">After he'd plainly won the bout.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But by the way the man came at me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He made it plain he meant to bat me;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If you'd a seen the way he come</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You wouldn't think he'd crocked a thumb.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With all his skill and all his might</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He clipped me dizzy left and right;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The Lord knows what the effort cost,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But he was mad to think he'd lost,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And knowing nothing else could save him</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He didn't care what pain it gave him.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He called the music and the dance</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For five rounds more and gave no chance.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Try to imagine if you can</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The kind of manhood in the man,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And if you'd like to feel his pain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You sprain your thumb and hit the sprain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And hit it hard, with all your power</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">On something hard for half-an-hour,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While someone thumps you black and blue,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then you'll know what Billy knew.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bill took that pain without a sound</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till half-way through the eighteenth round,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I sent him down and out,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Silas said, 'Kane wins the bout.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When Bill came to, you understand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I ripped the mitten from my hand</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And went across to ask Bill shake.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My limbs were all one pain and ache,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I was so weary and so sore</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I don't think I'd a stood much more.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bill in his corner bathed his thumb,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Buttoned his shirt and glowered glum.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'll never shake your hand,' he said.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'd rather see my children dead.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've been about and had some fun with you,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But you're a liar and I've done with you.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You've knocked me out, you didn't beat me;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Look out the next time that you meet me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There'll be no friend to watch the clock for you</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And no convenient thumb to crock for you,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And I'll take care, with much delight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You'll get what you'd a got to-night;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That puts my meaning clear, I guess,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now get to hell; I want to dress.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I dressed. My backers one and all</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Said, 'Well done you,' or 'Good old Saul.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Saul is a wonder and a fly 'un,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">What'll you have, Saul, at the Lion?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With merry oaths they helped me down</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The stony wood-path to the town.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The moonlight shone on Cabbage Walk,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It made the limestone look like chalk,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It was too late for any people,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Twelve struck as we went by the steeple.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A dog barked, and an owl was calling,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The Squire's brook was still a-falling,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The carved heads on the church looked down</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">On 'Russell, Blacksmith of this Town,'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the graves of all the ghosts</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who rise on Christmas Eve in hosts</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To dance and carol in festivity</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For joy of Jesus Christ's Nativity</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(Bell-ringer Dawe and his two sons</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Beheld 'em from the bell-tower once),</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Two and two about about</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Singing the end of Advent out,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dwindling down to windlestraws</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When the glittering peacock craws,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As craw the glittering peacock should</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When Christ's own star comes over the wood.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lamb of the sky come out of fold</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Wandering windy heavens cold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So they shone and sang till twelve</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When all the bells ring out of theirselve;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Rang a peal for Christmas morn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Glory, men, for Christ is born.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All the old monks' singing places</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Glimmered quick with flitting faces,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Singing anthems, singing hymns</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Under carven cherubims.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Ringer Dawe aloft could mark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Faces at the window dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Crowding, crowding, row on row,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till all the church began to glow.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The chapel glowed, the nave, the choir,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All the faces became fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Below the eastern window high</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To see Christ's star come up the sky.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then they lifted hands and turned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all their lifted fingers burned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Burned like the golden altar tallows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Burned like a troop of God's own Hallows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bringing to mind the burning time</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When all the bells will rock and chime</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And burning saints on burning horses</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Will sweep the planets from their courses</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And loose the stars to burn up night.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lord, give us eyes to bear the light.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We all went quiet down the Scallenge</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lest Police Inspector Drew should challenge.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But 'Spector Drew was sleeping sweet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His head upon a charges sheet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Under the gas-jet flaring full,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Snorting and snoring like a bull,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His bull cheeks puffed, his bull lips blowing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His ugly yellow front teeth showing.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Just as we peeped we saw him fumble</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And scratch his head, and shift, and mumble.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Down in the lane so thin and dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The tan-yards stank of bitter bark,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The curate's pigeons gave a flutter,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A cat went courting down the gutter,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And none else stirred a foot or feather.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The houses put their heads together,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Talking, perhaps, so dark and sly,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of all the folk they'd seen go by,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Children, and men and women, merry all,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who'd some day pass that way to burial.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It was all dark, but at the turning</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The Lion had a window burning.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So in we went and up the stairs,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Treading as still as cats and hares.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The way the stairs creaked made you wonder</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If dead men's bones were hidden under.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At head of stairs upon the landing</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A woman with a lamp was standing;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She greet each gent at head of stairs</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With 'Step in, gents, and take your chairs.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The punch'll come when kettle bubble,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But don't make noise or there'll be trouble.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Twas Doxy Jane, a bouncing girl</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With eyes all sparks and hair all curl,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And cheeks all red and lips all coal,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And thirst for men instead of soul.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She's trod her pathway to the fire.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Old Rivers had his nephew by her.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I step aside from Tom and Jimmy</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To find if she'd a kiss to gimme.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I blew out lamp 'fore she could speak.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She said, 'If you ain't got a cheek,'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then beside me in the dim,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Did he beat you or you beat him?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Why, I beat him' (though that was wrong).</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She said, 'You must be turble strong.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'd be afraid you'd beat me, too.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You'd not,' I said, 'I wouldn't do.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Never?'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'No, never.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Never?'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'No.'</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'O Saul. Here's missus. Let me go.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It wasn't missus, so I didn't,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Whether I mid do or I midn't,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Until she'd promised we should meet</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Next evening, six, at top of street,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When we could have a quiet talk</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">On that low wall up Worcester Walk.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And while we whispered there together</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I give her silver for a feather</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And felt a drunkenness like wine</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And shut out Christ in husks and swine.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I felt the dart strike through my liver.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">God punish me for't and forgive her.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Each one could be a Jesus mild,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Each one has been a little child,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A little child with laughing look,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A lovely white unwritten book;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A book that God will take, my friend,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As each goes out at journey's end.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The Lord who gave us Earth and Heaven</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Takes that as thanks for all He's given.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The book he lent is given back</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All blotted red and smutted black.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Open the door,' said Jim, 'and call.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jane gasped 'They'll see me. Loose me, Saul.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She pushed me by, and ducked downstair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With half the pins out of her hair.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I went inside the lit room rollin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Her scented handkerchief I'd stolen.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'What would you fancy, Saul?' they said.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'A gin punch hot and then to bed.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Jane, fetch the punch bowl to the gemmen;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And mind you don't put too much lemon.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Our good friend Saul has had a fight of it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now smoke up, boys, and make a night of it.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The room was full of men and stink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of bad cigars and heavy drink.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Riley was nodding to the floor</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And gurgling as he wanted more.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His mouth was wide, his face was pale,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His swollen face was sweating ale;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And one of those assembled Greeks</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Had corked black crosses on his cheeks.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Thomas was having words with Goss,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He 'wouldn't pay, the fight was cross.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Goss told Tom that 'cross or no,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The bets go as the verdicts go,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By all I've ever heard or read of.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So pay, or else I'll knock your head off.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jim Gurvil said his smutty say</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">About a girl down Bye Street way.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how the girl from Froggatt's circus</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Died giving birth in Newent work'us.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Dick told how the Dymock wench</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bore twins, poor thing, on Dog Hill bench;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how he'd owned to one in court</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how Judge made him sorry for't.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jock set a Jew's harp twanging drily;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Gimme another cup,' said Riley.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A dozen more were in their glories</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With laughs and smokes and smutty stories;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Jimmy joked and took his sup</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And sang his song of 'Up, come up.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jane brought the bowl of stewing gin</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And poured the egg and lemon in,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And whisked it up and served it out</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While bawdy questions went about.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jack chucked her chin, and Jim accost her</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With bits out of the 'Maid of Gloster.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And fifteen arms went round her waist.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(And then men ask, Are Barmaids chaste?)</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O young men, pray to be kept whole</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From bringing down a weaker soul.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your minute's joy so meet in doin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">May be the woman's door to ruin;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The door to wandering up and down,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A painted whore at half a crown.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The bright mind fouled, the beauty gay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All eaten out and fallen away,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By drunken days and weary tramps</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From pub to pub by city lamps,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till men despise the game they started</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till health and beauty are departed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in a slum the reeking hag</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Mumbles a crust with toothy jag,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or gets the river's help to end</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The life too wrecked for man to mend.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We spat and smoked and took our swipe</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till Silas up and tap his pipe,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And begged us all to pay attention</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Because he'd several things to mention.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We'd seen the fight (Hear, hear. That's you);</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But still one task remained to do;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That task was his, he didn't shun it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To give the purse to him as won it;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With this remark, from start to out</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He'd never seen a brisker bout.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There was the purse. At that he'd leave it.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Let Kane come forward to receive it.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I took the purse and hemmed and bowed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And called for gin punch for the crowd;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when the second bowl was done,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I called, 'Let's have another one.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Si's wife come in and sipped and sipped</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(As women will) till she was pipped.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Si hit Dicky Twot a clouter</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Because he put his arm about her;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But after Si got overtasked</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She sat and kissed whoever asked.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My Doxy Jane was splashed by this,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I took her on my knee to kiss.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Tom cried out, 'O damn the gin;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Why can't we all have women in?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Bess Evans, now, or Sister Polly,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or those two housemaids at the Folly?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Let someone nip to Biddy Price's,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They'd all come in a brace of trices.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Rose Davies, Sue, and Betsy Perks;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">One man, one girl, and damn all Turks.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But, no. 'More gin,' they cried; 'Come on.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We'll have the girls in when it's gone.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So round the gin went, hot and heady,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Hot Hollands punch on top of deady.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Hot Hollands punch on top of stout</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Puts madness in and wisdom out.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From drunken man to drunken man</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The drunken madness raged and ran.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'm climber Joe who climbed the spire.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You're climber Joe the bloody liar.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Who says I lie?'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I do.'</span> + </div> + <div class="inner line-block"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You lie,</span> + </div> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I climbed the spire and had a fly.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'm French Suzanne, the Circus Dancer,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'm going to dance a bloody Lancer.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'If I'd my rights I'm Squire's heir.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'By rights I'd be a millionaire.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'By rights I'd be the lord of you,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But Farmer Scriggins had his do,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He done me, so I've had to hoove it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've got it all wrote down to prove it.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And one of these dark winter nights</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He'll learn I mean to have my rights;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll bloody him a bloody fix,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll bloody burn his bloody ricks.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From three long hours of gin and smokes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And two girls' breath and fifteen blokes',</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A warmish night, and windows shut,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The room stank like a fox's gut.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The heat and smell and drinking deep</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Began to stun the gang to sleep.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Some fell downstairs to sleep on the mat,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Some snored it sodden where they sat.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dick Twot had lost a tooth and wept,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But all the drunken others slept.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jane slept beside me in the chair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And I got up; I wanted air.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I opened window wide and leaned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out of that pigstye of the fiend</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And felt a cool wind go like grace</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">About the sleeping market-place.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The clock struck three, and sweetly, slowly,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The bells chimed Holy, Holy, Holy;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in a second's pause there fell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The cold note of the chapel bell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then a cock crew, flapping wings,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And summat made me think of things</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How long those ticking clocks had gone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From church and chapel, on and on,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Ticking the time out, ticking slow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To men and girls who'd come and go,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how they ticked in belfry dark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When half the town was bishop's park,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how they'd rung a chime full tilt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The night after the church was built,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how that night was Lambert's Feast,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The night I'd fought and been a beast.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how a change had come. And then</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought, 'You tick to different men.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">What with the fight and what with drinking</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And being awake alone there thinking,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My mind began to carp and tetter,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'If this life's all, the beasts are better.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I thought, 'I wish I'd seen</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The many towns this town has been;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I wish I knew if they'd a-got</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A kind of summat we've a-not,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If them as built the church so fair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Were half the chaps folk say they were;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For they'd the skill to draw their plan,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And skill's a joy to any man;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And they'd the strength, not skill alone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To build it beautiful in stone;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And strength and skill together thus...</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O, they were happier men than us.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'But if they were, they had to die</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The same as every one and I.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And no one lives again, but dies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the bright goes out of eyes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the skill goes out of hands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the wise brain understands,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the beauty, all the power</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is cut down like a withered flower.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In all the show from birth to rest</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I give the poor dumb cattle best.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I wondered, then, why life should be,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And what would be the end of me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When youth and health and strength were gone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And cold old age came creeping on?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A keeper's gun? The Union ward?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or that new quod at Hereford?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And looking round I felt disgust</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At all the nights of drink and lust,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the looks of all the swine</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who'd said that they were friends of mine;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And yet I knew, when morning came,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The morning would be just the same,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For I'd have drinks and Jane would meet me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And drunken Silas Jones would greet me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And I'd risk quod and keeper's gun</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Till all the silly game was done.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'For parson chaps are mad supposin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A chap can change the road he's chosen.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then the Devil whispered 'Saul,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Why should you want to live at all?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Why fret and sweat and try to mend?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's all the same thing in the end.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But when it's done,' he said, 'it's ended.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Why stand it, since it can't be mended?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in my heart I heard him plain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Throw yourself down and end it, Kane.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Why not?' said I. 'Why not? But no.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I won't. I've never had my go.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've not had all the world can give.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Death by and by, but first I'll live.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The world owes me my time of times,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And that time's coming now, by crimes.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A madness took me then. I felt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'd like to hit the world a belt.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I felt that I could fly through air,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A screaming star with blazing hair,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A rushing comet, crackling, numbing</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The folk with fear of judgment coming,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A 'Lijah in a fiery car</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Coming to tell folk what they are.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'That's what I'll do,' I shouted loud,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'll tell this sanctimonious crowd,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">This town of window-peeping, prying,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Maligning, peering, hinting, lying,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Male and female human blots</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who would, but daren't be, whores and sots,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That they're so steeped in petty vice</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That they're less excellent than lice,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That they're so soaked in petty virtue</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That touching one of them will dirt you,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dirt you with the stain of mean</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Cheating trade and going between,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Pinching, starving, scraping, hoarding</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Spying through the chinks of boarding</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To see if Sue the prentice lean</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dares to touch the margarine.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Fawning, cringing, oiling boots,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Raging in the crowd's pursuits,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Flinging stones at all the Stephens,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Standing firm with all the evens,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Making hell for all the odd,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All the lonely ones of God,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Those poor lonely ones who find</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dogs more mild than human kind.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For dogs,' I said, 'are nobles born</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To most of you, you cockled corn.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've known dogs to leave their dinner,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nosing a kind heart in a sinner.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Poor old Crafty wagged his tail</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The day I first came home from jail,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When all my folk, so primly clad,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Glowered black and thought me mad,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And muttered how they'd been respected,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While I was what they'd all expected.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(I've thought of that old dog for years,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And of how near I come to tears.)</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'But you, you minds of bread and cheese,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Are less divine than that dog's fleas.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You suck blood from kindly friends,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And kill them when it serves your ends.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Double traitors, double black,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Stabbing only in the back,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Stabbing with the knives you borrow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From the friends you bring to sorrow.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You stab all that's true and strong;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Truth and strength you say are wrong;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Meek and mild, and sweet and creeping,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Repeating, canting, cadging, peeping,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That's the art and that's the life</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To win a man his neighbour's wife.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All that's good and all that's true,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You kill that, so I'll kill you.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At that I tore my clothes in shreds</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And hurled them on the window leads;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I flung my boots through both the winders</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And knocked the glass to little flinders;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The punch bowl and the tumblers followed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I seized the lamps and holloed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And down the stairs, and tore back bolts,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As mad as twenty blooded colts;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And out into the street I pass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As mad as two-year-olds at grass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A naked madman waving grand</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A blazing lamp in either hand.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I yelled like twenty drunken sailors,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'The devil's come among the tailors.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A blaze of flame behind me streamed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I clashed the lamps and screamed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'm Satan, newly come from hell.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then I spied the fire-bell.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've been a ringer, so I know</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How best to make a big bell go.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So on to bell-rope swift I swoop,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And stick my one foot in the loop</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And heave a down-swig till I groan,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Awake, you swine, you devil's own.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I made the fire-bell awake,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I felt the bell-rope throb and shake;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I felt the air mingle and clang</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And beat the walls a muffled bang,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And stifle back and boom and bay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Like muffled peals on Boxing Day,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then surge up and gather shape,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And spread great pinions and escape;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And each great bird of clanging shrieks</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O Fire, Fire! from iron beaks.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My shoulders cracked to send around</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Those shrieking birds made out of sound</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With news of fire in their bills.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(They heard 'em plain beyond Wall Hills.)</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Up go the winders, out come heads,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I heard the springs go creak in beds;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But still I heave and sweat and tire,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And still the clang goes 'Fire, Fire!'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Where is it, then? Who is it, there?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You ringer, stop, and tell us where.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Run round and let the Captain know.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'It must be bad, he's ringing so.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'It's in the town, I see the flame;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Look there! Look there, how red it came.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Where is it, then 'O stop the bell.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I stopped and called: 'It's fire of hell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And this is Sodom and Gomorrah,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now I'll burn you up, begorra.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By this the firemen were mustering,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The half-dressed stable men were flustering,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Backing the horses out of stalls</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While this man swears and that man bawls,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Don't take th'old mare. Back, Toby, back.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Back, Lincoln. Where's the fire, Jack?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Damned if I know. Out Preston way.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'No. It's at Chancey's Pitch, they say.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'It's sixteen ricks at Pauntley burnt.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You back old Darby out, I durn't.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They ran the big red engine out,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And put 'em to with damn and shout.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then they start to raise the shire,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Who brought the news, and where's the fire?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They'd moonlight, lamps, and gas to light 'em.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I give a screech-owl's screech to fright 'em,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And snatch from underneath their noses</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The nozzles of the fire hoses.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I am the fire. Back, stand back,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or else I'll fetch your skulls a crack;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">D'you see these copper nozzles here?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They weigh ten pounds apiece, my dear;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'm fire of hell come up this minute</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To burn this town, and all that's in it.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To burn you dead and burn you clean,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You cogwheels in a stopped machine,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You hearts of snakes, and brains of pigeons,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You dead devout of dead religions,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You offspring of the hen and ass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By Pilate ruled, and Caiaphas.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now your account is totted. Learn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Hell's flames are loose and you shall burn.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At that I leaped and screamed and ran,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I heard their cries go 'Catch him, man.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Who was it?' 'Down him.' 'Out him, Ern.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Duck him at pump, we'll see who'll burn.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A policeman clutched, a fireman clutched,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A dozen others snatched and touched.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'By God, he's stripped down to his buff.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'By God, we'll make him warm enough.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'After him.' 'Catch him,' 'Out him,' 'Scrob him.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'We'll give him hell.' 'By God, we'll mob him.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'We'll duck him, scrout him, flog him, fratch him.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'All right,' I said. 'But first you'll catch him.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The men who don't know to the root</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The joy of being swift of foot,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Have never known divine and fresh</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The glory of the gift of flesh,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nor felt the feet exult, nor gone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Along a dim road, on and on,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Knowing again the bursting glows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The mating hare in April knows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who tingles to the pads with mirth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At being the swiftest thing on earth.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O, if you want to know delight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Run naked in an autumn night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And laugh, as I laughed then, to find</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A running rabble drop behind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And whang, on every door you pass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Two copper nozzles, tipped with brass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And doubly whang at every turning,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And yell, 'All hell's let loose, and burning.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I beat my brass and shouted fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At doors of parson, lawyer, squire,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At all three doors I threshed and slammed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And yelled aloud that they were damned.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I clodded squire's glass with turves</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Because he spring-gunned his preserves.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Through parson's glass my nozzle swishes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Because he stood for loaves and fishes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But parson's glass I spared a tittle.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He give me an orange once when little,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And he who gives a child a treat</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Makes joy-bells ring in Heaven's street,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And he who gives a child a home</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Builds palaces in Kingdom come,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And she who gives a baby birth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Brings Saviour Christ again to Earth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For life is joy, and mind is fruit,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And body's precious earth and root.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But lawyer's glass--well, never mind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Th'old Adam's strong in me, I find.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">God pardon man, and may God's son</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Forgive the evil things I've done.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">What more? By Dirty Lane I crept</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Back to the Lion, where I slept.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The raging madness hot and floodin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Boiled itself out and left me sudden,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Left me worn out and sick and cold,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Aching as though I'd all grown old;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So there I lay, and there they found me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">On door-mat, with a curtain round me.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Si took my heels and Jane my head</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And laughed, and carried me to bed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And from the neighbouring street they reskied</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My boots and trousers, coat and weskit;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They bath-bricked both the nozzles bright</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To be mementoes of the night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And knowing what I should awake with</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They flannelled me a quart to slake with,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And sat and shook till half-past two</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Expecting Police Inspector Drew.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I woke and drank, and went to meat</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In clothes still dirty from the street.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Down in the bar I heard 'em tell</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How someone rang the fire-bell,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how th'inspector's search had thriven,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how five pounds reward was given.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Shepherd Boyce, of Marley, glad us</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By saying it was blokes from mad'us,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or two young rips lodged at the Prince</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Whom none had seen nor heard of since,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or that young blade from Worcester Walk</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(You know how country people talk).</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Young Joe the ostler come in sad,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He said th'old mare had bit his dad.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He said there'd come a blazing screeching</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Daft Bible-prophet chap a-preaching,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Had put th'old mare in such a taking</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She'd thought the bloody earth was quaking.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And others come and spread a tale</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of cut-throats out of Gloucester jail,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how we needed extra cops</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With all them Welsh come picking hops;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With drunken Welsh in all our sheds</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We might be murdered in our beds.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By all accounts, both men and wives</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Had had the scare up of their lives.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I ate and drank and gathered strength,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And stretched along the bench full length,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or crossed to window seat to pat</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Black Silas Jones's little cat.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At four I called, 'You devil's own,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The second trumpet shall be blown.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The second trump, the second blast;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Hell's flames are loosed, and judgment's passed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Too late for mercy now. Take warning</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'm death and hell and Judgment morning.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I hurled the bench into the settle,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I banged the table on the kettle,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I sent Joe's quart of cider spinning.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Lo, here begins my second inning.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Each bottle, mug, and jug and pot</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I smashed to crocks in half a tot;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Joe, and Si, and Nick, and Percy</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I rolled together topsy versy.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And as I ran I heard 'em call,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Now damn to hell, what's gone with Saul?'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out into street I ran uproarious</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The devil dancing in me glorious.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And as I ran I yell and shriek</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Come on, now, turn the other cheek.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Across the way by almshouse pump</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I see old puffing parson stump.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Old parson, red-eyed as a ferret</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From nightly wrestlings with the spirit;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I ran across, and barred his path.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His turkey gills went red as wrath</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then he froze, as parsons can.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'The police will deal with you, my man.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Not yet,' said I, 'not yet they won't;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now you'll hear me, like or don't.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The English Church both is and was</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A subsidy of Caiaphas.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I don't believe in Prayer nor Bible,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They're lies all through, and you're a libel,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A libel on the Devil's plan</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When first he miscreated man.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You mumble through a formal code</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To get which martyrs burned and glowed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I look on martyrs as mistakes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But still they burned for it at stakes;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your only fire's the jolly fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where you can guzzle port with Squire,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And back and praise his damned opinions</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">About his temporal dominions.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You let him give the man who digs,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A filthy hut unfit for pigs,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Without a well, without a drain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With mossy thatch that lets in rain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Without a 'lotment, 'less he rent it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And never meat, unless he scent it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But weekly doles of 'leven shilling</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To make a grown man strong and willing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To do the hardest work on earth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And feed his wife when she gives birth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And feed his little children's bones.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I tell you, man, the Devil groans.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With all your main and all your might</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You back what is against what's right;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You let the Squire do things like these,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You back him in't and give him ease,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You take his hand, and drink his wine,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And he's a hog, but you're a swine.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For you take gold to teach God's ways</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And teach man how to sing God's praise.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now I'll tell you what you teach</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In downright honest English speech.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You teach the ground-down starving man</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That Squire's greed's Jehovah's plan.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You get his learning circumvented</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lest it should make him discontented</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(Better a brutal, starving nation</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Than men with thoughts above their station),</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You let him neither read nor think,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You goad his wretched soul to drink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And then to jail, the drunken boor;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O sad intemperance of the poor.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You starve his soul till it's rapscallion,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then blame his flesh for being stallion.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You send your wife around to paint</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The golden glories of "restraint."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How moral exercise bewild'rin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Would soon result in fewer children.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You work a day in Squire's fields</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And see what sweet restraint it yields;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A woman's day at turnip picking,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your heart's too fat for plough or ricking.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'And you whom luck taught French and Greek</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Have purple flaps on either cheek,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A stately house, and time for knowledge,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And gold to send your sons to college,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That pleasant place, where getting learning</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is also key to money earning.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But quite your damn'dest want of grace</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is what you do to save your face;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The way you sit astride the gates</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By padding wages out of rates;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your Christmas gifts of shoddy blankets</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That every working soul may thank its</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Loving parson, loving squire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Through whom he can't afford a fire.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your well-packed bench, your prison pen,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To keep them something less than men;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your friendly clubs to help 'em bury,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your charities of midwifery.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Your bidding children duck and cap</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To them who give them workhouse pap.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O, what you are, and what you preach,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And what you do, and what you teach</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is not God's Word, nor honest schism,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But Devil's cant and pauperism.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By this time many folk had gathered</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To listen to me while I blathered;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I said my piece, and when I'd said it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll do old purple parson credit,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He sunk (as sometimes parsons can)</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His coat's excuses in the man.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You think that Squire and I are kings</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who made the existing state of things,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And made it ill. I answer, No,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">States are not made, nor patched; they grow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Grow slow through centuries of pain</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And grow correctly in the main,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But only grow by certain laws</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of certain bits in certain jaws.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You want to doctor that. Let be.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You cannot patch a growing tree.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Put these two words beneath your hat,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">These two: securus judicat.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The social states of human kinds</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Are made by multitudes of minds.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And after multitudes of years</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A little human growth appears</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Worth having, even to the soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who sees most plain it's not the whole.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">This state is dull and evil, both,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I keep it in the path of growth;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You think the Church an outworn fetter;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Kane, keep it, till you've built a better.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And keep the existing social state;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I quite agree it's out of date,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">One does too much, another shirks,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Unjust, I grant; but still ... it works.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To get the whole world out of bed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And washed, and dressed, and warmed, and fed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To work, and back to bed again,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Believe me, Saul, costs worlds of pain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then, as to whether true or sham</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That book of Christ, Whose priest I am;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The Bible is a lie, say you,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where do you stand, suppose it true?</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Good-bye. But if you've more to say,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My doors are open night and day.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Meanwhile, my friend, 'twould be no sin</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To mix more water in your gin.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">We're neither saints nor Philip Sidneys,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But mortal men with mortal kidneys.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He took his snuff, and wheezed a greeting,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And waddled off to mothers' meeting;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I hung my head upon my chest,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I give old purple parson best.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For while the Plough tips round the Pole</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The trained mind outs the upright soul,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As Jesus said the trained mind might,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Being wiser than the sons of light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But trained men's minds are spread so thin</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They let all sorts of darkness in;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Whatever light man finds they doubt it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They love not light, but talk about it.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But parson'd proved to people's eyes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That I was drunk, and he was wise;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And people grinned and women tittered,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And little children mocked and twittered</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So blazing mad, I stalked to bar</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To show how noble drunkards are,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And guzzled spirits like a beast,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To show contempt for Church and priest,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Until, by six, my wits went round</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Like hungry pigs in parish pound.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At half-past six, rememb'ring Jane,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I staggered into street again</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With mind made up (or primed with gin)</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To bash the cop who'd run me in;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For well I knew I'd have to cock up</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My legs that night inside the lock-up,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And it was my most fixed intent</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To have a fight before I went.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Our Fates are strange, and no one knows his;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Our lovely Saviour Christ disposes.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jane wasn't where we'd planned, the jade.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She'd thought me drunk and hadn't stayed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So I went up the Walk to look for her</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And lingered by the little brook for her,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And dowsed my face, and drank at spring,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And watched two wild duck on the wing.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The moon come pale, the wind come cool,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A big pike leapt in Lower Pool,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The peacock screamed, the clouds were straking,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My cut cheek felt the weather breaking;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">An orange sunset waned and thinned</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Foretelling rain and western wind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And while I watched I heard distinct</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The metals on the railway clinked.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The blood-edged clouds were all in tatters,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The sky and earth seemed mad as hatters;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They had a death look, wild and odd,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of something dark foretold by God.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And seeing it so, I felt so shaken</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I wouldn't keep the road I'd taken,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But wandered back towards the inn</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Resolved to brace myself with gin.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And as I walked, I said, 'It's strange,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There's Death let loose to-night, and Change.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In Cabbage Walk I made a haul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of two big pears from lawyer's wall,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And, munching one, I took the lane</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Back into Market-place again.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lamp-lighter Dick had passed the turning</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the Homend lamps were burning,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The windows shone, the shops were busy,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But that strange Heaven made me dizzy.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The sky had all God's warning writ</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In bloody marks all over it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And over all I thought there was</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A ghastly light beside the gas.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The Devil's tasks and Devil's rages</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Were giving me the Devil's wages.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In Market-place it's always light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The big shop windows make it bright;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in the press of people buying</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I spied a little fellow crying</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Because his mother'd gone inside</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And left him there, and so he cried.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And mother'd beat him when she found him,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And mother's whip would curl right round him,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And mother'd say he'd done't to crost her,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Though there being crowds about he'd lost her.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lord, give to men who are old and rougher</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The things that little children suffer,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And let keep bright and undefiled</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The young years of the little child.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I pat his head at edge of street</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And gi'm my second pear to eat.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Right under lamp, I pat his head,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I'll stay till mother come,' I said,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And stay I did, and joked and talked,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And shoppers wondered as they walked.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'There's that Saul Kane, the drunken blaggard,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Talking to little Jimmy Jaggard.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The drunken blaggard reeks of drink.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Whatever will his mother think?'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Wherever has his mother gone?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nip round to Mrs Jaggard's, John,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And say her Jimmy's out again,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In Market-place, with boozer Kane.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'When he come out to-day he staggered.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O, Jimmy Jaggard, Jimmy Jaggard.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'His mother's gone inside to bargain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Run in and tell her, Polly Margin,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And tell her poacher Kane is tipsy</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And selling Jimmy to a gipsy.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Run in to Mrs Jaggard, Ellen,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or else, dear knows, there'll be no tellin',</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And don't dare leave yer till you've fount her,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You'll find her at the linen counter.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I told a tale, to Jim's delight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of where the tom-cats go by night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And how when moonlight come they went</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Among the chimneys black and bent,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From roof to roof, from house to house,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With little baskets full of mouse</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All red and white, both joint and chop</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Like meat out of a butcher's shop;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then all along the wall they creep</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And everyone is fast asleep,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And honey-hunting moths go by,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And by the bread-batch crickets cry;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then on they hurry, never waiting</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To lawyer's backyard cellar grating</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where Jaggard's cat, with clever paw,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Unhooks a broke-brick's secret door;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then down into the cellar black,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Across the wood slug's slimy track,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Into an old cask's quiet hollow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where they've got seats for what's to follow;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then each tom-cat lights little candles,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And O, the stories and the scandals,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And O, the songs and Christmas carols,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And O, the milk from little barrels.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They light a fire fit for roasting</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">(And how good mouse-meat smells when toasting),</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then down they sit to merry feast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While moon goes west and sun comes east.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Sometimes they make so merry there</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Old lawyer come to head of stair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To 'fend with fist and poker took firm</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His parchments channelled by the bookworm,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all his deeds, and all his packs</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of withered ink and sealing wax;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And there he stands, with candle raised,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And listens like a man amazed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or like a ghost a man stands dumb at,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He says, 'Hush! Hush! I'm sure there's summat!'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He hears outside the brown owl call,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He hears the death-tick tap the wall,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The gnawing of the wainscot mouse,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The creaking up and down the house,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The unhooked window's hinges ranging,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The sounds that say the wind is changing.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At last he turns, and shakes his head,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'It's nothing, I'll go back to bed.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And just then Mrs Jaggard came</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To view and end her Jimmy's shame.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She made one rush and gi'm a bat</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And shook him like a dog a rat.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I can't turn round but what you're straying.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll give you tales and gipsy playing.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll give you wand'ring off like this</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And listening to whatever 't is,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You'll laugh the little side of the can,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You'll have the whip for this, my man;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And not a bite of meat nor bread</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You'll touch before you go to bed.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Some day you'll break your mother's heart,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">After God knows she's done her part,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Working her arms off day and night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Trying to keep your collars white.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Look at your face, too, in the street.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">What dirty filth 've you found to eat?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now don't you blubber here, boy, or</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll give you sum't to blubber for.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She snatched him off from where we stand</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And knocked the pear-core from his hand,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And looked at me, 'You Devil's limb,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How dare you talk to Jaggard's Jim;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">You drunken, poaching, boozing brute, you.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If Jaggard was a man he'd shoot you.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She glared all this, but didn't speak,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She gasped, white hollows in her cheek;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jimmy was writhing, screaming wild,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The shoppers thought I'd killed the child.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I had to speak, so I begun.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'You'd oughtn't beat your little son;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He did no harm, but seeing him there</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I talked to him and gi'm a pear;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'm sure the poor child meant no wrong,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's all my fault he stayed so long,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He'd not have stayed, mum, I'll be bound</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If I'd not chanced to come around.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's all my fault he stayed, not his.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I kept him here, that's how it is.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Oh! And how dare you, then?' says she,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'How dare you tempt my boy from me?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How dare you do't, you drunken swine,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is he your child or is he mine?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A drunken sot they've had the beak to,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Has got his dirty whores to speak to,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His dirty mates with whom he drink,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Not little children, one would think.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Look on him, there,' she says, 'look on him</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And smell the stinking gin upon him,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The lowest sot, the drunk'nest liar,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The dirtiest dog in all the shire:</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nice friends for any woman's son</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">After ten years, and all she's done.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'For I've had eight, and buried five,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And only three are left alive.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've given them all we could afford,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've taught them all to fear the Lord.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They've had the best we had to give,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The only three the Lord let live.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'For Minnie whom I loved the worst</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Died mad in childbed with her first.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And John and Mary died of measles,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Rob was drownded at the Teasels.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And little Nan, dear little sweet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A cart run over in the street;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Her little shift was all one stain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I prayed God put her out of pain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the rest are gone or going</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The road to hell, and there's no knowing</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For all I've done and all I've made them</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'd better not have overlaid them.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For Susan went the ways of shame</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The time the 'till'ry regiment came,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And t'have her child without a father</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I think I'd have her buried rather.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Dicky boozes, God forgimme,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now't's to be the same with Jimmy.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all I've done and all I've bore</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Has made a drunkard and a whore,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A bastard boy who wasn't meant,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Jimmy gwine where Dicky went;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For Dick began the self-same way</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And my old hairs are going gray,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And my poor man's a withered knee,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the burden falls on me.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I've washed eight little children's limbs,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've taught eight little souls their hymns,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've risen sick and lain down pinched</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And borne it all and never flinched;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But to see him, the town's disgrace,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With God's commandments broke in's face,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who never worked, not he, nor earned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Nor will do till the seas are burned,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who never did since he was whole</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A hand's turn for a human soul,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But poached and stole and gone with women,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And swilled down gin enough to swim in;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To see him only lift one finger</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To make my little Jimmy linger.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In spite of all his mother's prayers,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all her ten long years of cares,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all her broken spirit's cry</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That drunkard's finger puts them by,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Jimmy turns. And now I see</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That just as Dick was, Jim will be,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all my life will have been vain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I might have spared myself the pain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And done the world a blessed riddance</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If I'd a drowned 'em all like kittens.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And he the sot, so strong and proud,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who'd make white shirts of's mother's shroud,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He laughs now, it's a joke to him,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Though it's the gates of hell to Jim.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'I've had my heart burnt out like coal,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And drops of blood wrung from soul</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Day in, day out, in pain and tears,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For five and twenty wretched years;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And he, he's ate the fat and sweet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And loafed and spat at top of street,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And drunk and leched from day till morrow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And never known a moment's sorrow.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He come out drunk from th'inn to look</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The day my little Ann was took;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He sat there drinking, glad and gay,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The night my girl was led astray;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He praised my Dick for singing well,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The night Dick took the road to hell;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when my corpse goes stiff and blind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Leaving four helpless souls behind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He will be there still, drunk and strong.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It do seem hard. It do seem wrong.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But "Woe to him by whom the offence,"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Says our Lord Jesus' Testaments.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Whatever seems, God doth not slumber</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Though He lets pass times without number.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He'll come with trump to call His own,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And this world's way'll be overthrown.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He'll come with glory and with fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To cast great darkness on the liar,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To burn the drunkard and the treacher,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And do His judgment on the lecher,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To glorify the spirits' faces</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of those whose ways were stony places,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who chose with Ruth the better part;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O Lord, I see Thee as Thou art,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O God, the fiery four-edged sword,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The thunder of the wrath outpoured,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The fiery four-faced creatures burning,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the four-faced wheels all turning,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Coming with trump and fiery saint.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Jim, take me home, I'm turning faint.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They went, and some cried, 'Good old sod.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'She put it to him straight, by God.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Summat she was, or looked, or said,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Went home and made me hang my head.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I slunk away into the night</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Knowing deep down that she was right.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'd often heard religious ranters,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And put them down as windy canters,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But this old mother made me see</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The harm I done by being me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Being both strong and given to sin</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I 'tracted weaker vessels in.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So back to bar to get more drink,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I didn't dare begin to think,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And there were drinks and drunken singing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As though this life were dice for flinging;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dice to be flung, and nothing furder,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Christ's blood just another murder.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Come on, drinks round, salue, drink hearty.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now, Jane, the punch-bowl for the party.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">If any here won't drink with me</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'll knock his bloody eyes out. See?</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Come on, cigars round, rum for mine,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Sing us a smutty song, some swine.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But though the drinks and songs went round</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That thought remained, it was not drowned.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when I'd rise to get a light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I'd think, 'What's come to me to-night?'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There's always crowds when drinks are standing.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The house doors slammed along the landing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The rising wind was gusty yet,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And those who came in late were wet;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all my body's nerves were snappin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With sense of summat 'bout to happen,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And music seemed to come and go</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And seven lights danced in a row.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There used to be a custom then,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Miss Bourne, the Friend, went round at ten</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To all the pubs in all the place</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To bring the drunkard's soul to grace;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Some sulked, of course, and some were stirred,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But none gave her a dirty word.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A tall pale woman, grey and bent,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Folk said of her that she was sent.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She wore Friend's clothes, and women smiled,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But she'd a heart just like a child.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She come to us near closing time</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When we were at some smutty rhyme,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And I was mad and ripe for fun;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I wouldn't a minded what I done,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So when she come so prim and grey</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I pound the bar and sing, 'Hooray,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Here's Quaker come to bless and kiss us,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Come, have a gin and bitters, missus.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or may be Quaker girls so prim</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Would rather start a bloody hymn.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Now, Dick, oblige. A hymn, you swine,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Pipe up the "Officer of the Line,"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A song to make one's belly ache,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or "Nell and Roger at the Wake,"</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or that sweet song, the talk in town,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">"The lady fair and Abel Brown."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">"O, who's that knocking at the door."</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Miss Bourne'll play the music score.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The men stood dumb as cattle are,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They grinned, but thought I'd gone too far,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There come a hush and no one break it,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They wondered how Miss Bourne would take it.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She up to me with black eyes wide,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She looked as though her spirit cried;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She took my tumbler from the bar</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Beside where all the matches are</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And poured it out upon the floor dust,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Among the fag-ends, spit and sawdust.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'Saul Kane,' she said, 'when next you drink,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Do me the gentleness to think</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That every drop of drink accursed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Makes Christ within you die of thirst,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That every dirty word you say</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Is one more flint upon His way,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Another thorn about His head,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Another mock by where He tread,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Another nail, another cross.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All that you are is that Christ's loss.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The clock run down and struck a chime</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Mrs Si said, 'Closing time.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The wet was pelting on the pane</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And something broke inside my brain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I heard the rain drip from the gutters</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Silas putting up the shutters,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While one by one the drinkers went;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I got a glimpse of what it meant,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How she and I had stood before</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In some old town by some old door</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Waiting intent while someone knocked</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Before the door for ever locked;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She was so white that I was scared,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A gas-jet, turned the wrong way, flared,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Silas snapped the bars in place.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Miss Bourne stood white and searched my face.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When Silas done, with ends of tunes</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">He 'gan a-gathering the spittoons,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His wife primmed lips and took the till.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Miss Bourne stood still and I stood still,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And 'Tick. Slow. Tick. Slow' went the clock.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She said, 'He waits until you knock.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">She turned at that and went out swift,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Si grinned and winked, his missus sniffed.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I heard her clang the Lion door,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I marked a drink-drop roll to floor;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It took up scraps of sawdust, furry,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And crinkled on, a half inch, blurry;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A drop from my last glass of gin;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And someone waiting to come in,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A hand upon the door latch gropin'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Knocking the man inside to open.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I know the very words I said,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">They bayed like bloodhounds in my head.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'The water's going out to sea</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And there's a great moon calling me;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">But there's a great sun calls the moon,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all God's bells will carol soon</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For joy and glory and delight</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of someone coming home to-night.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out into darkness, out to night,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My flaring heart gave plenty light,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So wild it was there was no knowing</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Whether the clouds or stars were blowing;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Blown chimney pots and folk blown blind</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And puddles glimmering like my mind,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And chinking glass from windows banging,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And inn signs swung like people hanging,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in my heart the drink unpriced,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The burning cataracts of Christ.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I did not think, I did not strive,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The deep peace burnt my me alive;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The bolted door had broken in,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I knew that I had done with sin.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I knew that Christ had given me birth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To brother all the souls on earth,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And every bird and every beast</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Should share the crumbs broke at the feast.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O glory of the lighted mind.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How dead I'd been, how dumb, how blind.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The station brook, to my new eyes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Was babbling out of Paradise;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The waters rushing from the rain</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Were singing Christ has risen again.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I thought all earthly creatures knelt</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">From rapture of the joy I felt.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The narrow station-wall's brick ledge,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The wild hop withering in the hedge,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The lights in huntsman's upper storey</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Were parts of an eternal glory,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Were God's eternal garden flowers.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I stood in bliss at this for hours.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O glory of the lighted soul.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The dawn came up on Bradlow Knoll,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The dawn with glittering on the grasses,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The dawn which pass and never passes.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">'It's dawn,' I said, 'and chimney's smoking,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the blessed fields are soaking.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's dawn, and there's an engine shunting;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And hounds, for huntsman's going hunting.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">It's dawn, and I must wander north</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Along the road Christ led me forth.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So up the road I wander slow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Past where the snowdrops used to grow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With celandines in early springs,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">When rainbows were triumphant things</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And dew so bright and flowers so glad,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Eternal joy to lass and lad.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And past the lovely brook I paced,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The brook whose source I never traced,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The brook, the one of two which rise</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In my green dream in Paradise,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In wells where heavenly buckets clink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To give God's wandering thirsty drink</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By those clean cots of carven stone</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where the clear water sings alone.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then down, past that white-blossomed pond,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And past the chestnut trees beyond,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And past the bridge the fishers knew,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where yellow flag flowers once grew,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where we'd go gathering cops of clover,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">In sunny June times long since over.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O clover-cops half white, half red,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O beauty from beyond the dead.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O blossom, key to earth and heaven,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O souls that Christ has new forgiven.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then down the hill to gipsies' pitch</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By where the brook clucks in the ditch.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A gipsy's camp was in the copse,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Three felted tents, with beehive tops,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And round black marks where fires had been,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And one old waggon painted green,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And three ribbed horses wrenching grass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And three wild boys to watch me pass,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And one old woman by the fire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Hulking a rabbit warm from wire.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I loved to see the horses bait.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I felt I walked at Heaven's gate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That Heaven's gate was opened wide</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Yet still the gipsies camped outside.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The waste souls will prefer the wild,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Long after life is meek and mild.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Perhaps when man has entered in</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His perfect city free from sin,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The campers will come past the walls</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With old lame horses full of galls,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And waggons hung about with withies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And burning coke in tinkers' stithies,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And see the golden town, and choose,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And think the wild too good to lose.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And camp outside, as these camped then</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With wonder at the entering men.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">So past, and past the stone-heap white</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That dewberry trailers hid from sight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And down the field so full of springs,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Where mewing peewits clap their wings,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And past the trap made for the mill</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Into the field below the hill.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There was a mist along the stream,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A wet mist, dim, like in a dream;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I heard the heavy breath of cows,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And waterdrops from th'alder boughs;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And eels, or snakes, in dripping grass</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Whipping aside to let me pass.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The gate was backed against the ryme</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To pass the cows at milking time.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And by the gate as I went out</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A moldwarp rooted earth wi 's snout.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A few steps up the Callows' Lane</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Brought me above the mist again;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The two great fields arose like death</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Above the mists of human breath.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All earthly things that blessed morning</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Were everlasting joy and warning.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The gate was Jesus' way made plain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The mole was Satan foiled again,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Black blinded Satan snouting way</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Along the red of Adam's clay;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The mist was error and damnation,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The lane the road unto salvation,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out of the mist into the light;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O blessed gift of inner sight.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The past was faded like a dream;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There come the jingling of a team,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A ploughman's voice, a clink of chain,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Slow hoofs, and harness under strain.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Up the slow slope a team came bowing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Old Callow at his autumn ploughing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Old Callow, stooped above the hales.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Ploughing the stubble into wales;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His grave eyes looking straight ahead,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Shearing a long straight furrow red;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His plough-foot high to give it earth</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To bring new food for men to birth.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O wet red swathe of earth laid bare,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O truth, O strength, O gleaming share,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O patient eyes that watch the goal,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O ploughman of the sinner's soul.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O Jesus, drive the coulter deep</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To plough my living man from sleep.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Slow up the hill the plough team plod,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Old Callow at the task of God,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Helped by man's wit, helped by the brute</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Turning a stubborn clay to fruit,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His eyes for ever on some sign</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To help him plough a perfect line.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">At top of rise the plough team stopped,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The fore-horse bent his head and cropped</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Then the chains chack, the brasses jingle,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The lean reins gather through the cringle,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The figures move against the sky,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The clay wave breaks as they go by.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I kneeled there in the muddy fallow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I knew that Christ was there with Callow,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That Christ was standing there with me,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That Christ had taught me what to be,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That I should plough, and as I ploughed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">My Saviour Christ would sing aloud,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And as I drove the clods apart</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Christ would be ploughing in my heart,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Through rest-harrow and bitter roots,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Through all my bad life's rotten fruits.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O Christ who holds the open gate,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O Christ who drives the furrow straight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O Christ, the plough, O Christ, the laughter</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of holy white birds flying after,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Lo, all my heart's field red and torn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Thou wilt bring the young green corn,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The young green corn divinely springing,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The young green corn for ever singing;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And when the field is fresh and fair</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Thy blessed feet shall glitter there.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And we will walk the weeded field,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And tell the golden harvest's yield,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The corn that makes the holy bread</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By which the soul of man is fed,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The holy bread, the food unpriced,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Thy everlasting mercy, Christ.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The share will jar on many a stone,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Thou wilt not let me stand alone;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And I shall feel (Thou wilt not fail),</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Thy hand on mine upon the hale.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Near Bullen Bank, on Gloucester Road,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Thy everlasting mercy showed</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The ploughman patient on the hill</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For ever there, for ever still,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Ploughing the hill with steady yoke</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Of pine-trees lightning-struck and broke.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I've marked the May Hill ploughman stay</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There on his hill, day after day</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Driving his team against the sky,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While men and women live and die.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now and then he seems to stoop</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To clear the coulter with the scoop,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Or touch an ox to haw or gee</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">While Severn stream goes out to sea.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The sea with all her ships and sails,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And that great smoky port in Wales,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And Gloucester tower bright i' the sun,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">All know that patient wandering one.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And sometimes when they burn the leaves</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The bonfires' smoking trails and heaves,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And girt red flames twink and twire</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">As though he ploughed the hill afire.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And in men's hearts in many lands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A spiritual ploughman stands</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">For ever waiting, waiting now,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The heart's 'Put in, man, zook the plough.'</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">By this the sun was all one glitter,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The little birds were all in twitter;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Out of a tuft a little lark</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Went higher up than I could mark,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His little throat was all one thirst</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To sing until his heart should burst,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">To sing aloft in golden light</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">His song from blue air out of sight.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The mist drove by, and now the cows</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Came plodding up to milking house,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Followed by Frank, the Callows' cowman,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Who whistled 'Adam was a ploughman.'</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">There come such cawing from the rooks,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Such running chuck from little brooks,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">One thought it March, just budding green</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">With hedgerows full of celandine.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">An otter out of stream and played,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Two hares come loping up and stayed;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Wide-eyed and tender-eared but bold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Sheep bleated up by Penny's fold.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I heard a partridge covey call;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The morning sun was bright on all.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Down the long slope the plough team drove</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The tossing rooks arose and hove.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">A stone struck on the share. A word</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Came to the team. The red earth stirred.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I crossed the hedge by shooter's gap,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I hitched my boxer's belt a strap,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I jumped the ditch and crossed the fallow</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">I took the hales from farmer Callow.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">How swift the summer goes,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Forget-me-not, pink, rose.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The young grass when I started</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now the hay is carted,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And now my song is ended,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And all the summer spended;</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The blackbird's second brood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Routs beech-leaves in the wood</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The pink and rose have speeded,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Forget-me-not has seeded.</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Only the winds that blew,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The rain that makes things new,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">The earth that hides things old,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">And blessings manifold.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O lovely lily clean,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O lily springing green,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">O lily bursting white,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Dear lily of delight,</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">Spring in my heart agen</span> + </div> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">That I may flower to men.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="line-block outermost"> + <div class="line"> + <span class="medium">GREAT HAMPDEN. June 1911.</span> + </div> + </div> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">NOTE</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">'The Everlasting Mercy' first appeared in</span> <em class="italics medium">The English Review</em> <span class="medium">for October 1911. I thank the Editor and Proprietors of that paper for permitting me to reprint it here. The persons and events described in the poem are entirely imaginary, and no reference is made or intended to any living person.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">JOHN MASEFIELD.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">THE RIVERSIDE PRESS LIMITED, EDINBURGH</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">FROM SIDGWICK & JACKSON'S LIST</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">JOHN MASEFIELD</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">THE WIDOW IN THE BYE STREET.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net. Third Impression</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"Mr Masefield is no common realist, but universalizes his tragedy in the grand manner.... We are convinced that he is writing truly of human nature, which is the vital thing.... The last few stanzas show us pastoral poetry in the very perfection of simplicity."--</span><em class="italics">Spectator</em><span>.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"In 'The Widow in the Bye Street' all Mr Masefield's passionate love of loveliness is utterly fused with the violent and unlovely story, which glows with an inner harmony. The poem, it is true, ends on a note of idyllism which recalls Theocritus; but this is no touch of eternal decoration. Inevitably the story has worked towards this culmination."--</span><em class="italics">Bookman</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">THE TRAGEDY OF POMPEY THE GREAT.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>A Play in Three Acts. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net. Wrappers, 1s. 6d. net. Third Impression</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"In this Roman tragedy, while we admire its closely knit structure, dramatic effectiveness, and atmosphere of reality ... the warmth and colour of the diction are the most notable things.... He knows the art of phrasing; he has the instinct for and by them."--</span><em class="italics">Athaeneum</em><span>.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"He has written a great tragedy.... The dialogue is written in strong, simple and nervous prose, flashing with poetic insight, significance and suggestion. The characters are intensely alive, the situations are handled by a master hand, and the whole play is pregnant with that high and solemn pathos which is the gift of the born writer of tragedies."--</span><em class="italics">Morning Post</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">AUTUMN, 1913</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics large">NEW EDITION</em></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>EDINBURGH REVISITED. By JAMES BONE. Extra Crown 8vo, with 50 Drawings by HANSLIP FLETCHER. Cloth gilt, 5s. net. Original Edition, with Etched Frontispiece, 16 Collotypes, and over 50 Line Drawings by HANSLIP FLETCHER, Demy 4to, 264 pages, £1, 1s. net; Edition de Luxe, limited to 30 signed copies, £3, 3s. each.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>TOM BROWN'S SCHOOLDAYS. By THOMAS HUGHES. With a Preface by LORD KILBRACKEN, and an Introduction and Notes by F. SIDGWICK. Illustrated from contemporary Portraits and Drawings. Large square 8vo, buckram gilt, 10s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>UMBRIA PAST AND PRESENT. By MARY LOVETT CAMERON. With 15 Original Photographs and 26 Drawings by C. G. VENANZI. Crown 8vo, cloth, 6s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE WILD HARP. A Selection from Irish Poetry, By KATHARINE TYNAN. With Decorated Title and Borders to every page by C. M. WATTS. Royal 8vo, designed cloth binding, 7s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>ATTA TROLL. Translated from the German of Heine by HERMAN SCHEFFAUER. With an Introduction and Notes by Dr OSCAR LEVY, and Illustrated by WILLY POGANY. Small Fcap. 8vo, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE TRUE OPHELIA: and other Stories of Shakespeare's Women. By AN ACTRESS. Crown 8vo, 2s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics large">COMPANION VOLUMES</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE GLORY THAT WAS GREECE: A Survey of Hellenic Culture. By J. C. STOBART, M.A., Late Lecturer in History at Trinity College, Cambridge. Superroyal 8vo, profusely illustrated in Colour, Gravure and Line. Price 30s. net.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"Mr Stobart does a real service when he gives the reading but non-expert public this fine volume, embodying the latest results of research, blending them, too, into as agreeable a narrative as we have met with for a long while."--</span><em class="italics">Guardian</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE GRANDEUR THAT WAS ROME. By J. C. STOBART, M.A. (Uniform with the above.) 30s. net.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"It is a book which must be read; it is a book which should be in the library of every school and every college ... the illustrations have been quite superbly reproduced. Messrs Sidgwick & Jackson are to be very cordially congratulated on having published such an excellent book."--</span><em class="italics">Observer</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">"</span><em class="italics large">THE CLASSICS OF THE SEA</em><span class="large">"</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>SHIPS AND WAYS OF OTHER DAYS. By E. KEBLE CHATTERTON. With a Coloured Frontispiece by CHARLES DIXON, and 120 Illustrations.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>SAILING SHIPS AND THEIR STORY. By E. KEBLE CHATTERTON. With a Coloured Frontispiece by CHARLES DIXON, and over 130 Illustrations.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>STEAM-SHIPS AND THEIR STORY. By R. A. FLETCHER. With a Coloured Frontispiece and 150 Illustrations. The foregoing three volumes, Extra Royal 8vo, in designed cover, cloth gilt, l6s. net each.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>MINES AND THEIR STORY; Gold, Diamonds, Silver, Coal and Iron. By J. BERNARD MANNIX. Extra Royal 8vo, with a Coloured Frontispiece and numerous illustrations. (Uniform with "Sailing Ships.") In designed cover, cloth gilt, 16s. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE LIFE-BOAT AND ITS STORY. By NOEL T. METHLEY, F.R.G.S. With 70 Illustrations. Demy 8vo, cloth gilt, 7s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>GARDEN DESIGN in Theory and Practice. By MADELINE AGAR. With 4 Coloured Plates, 16 full-page and 90 other Illustrations. Second Edition, revised, cloth extra, 5s. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>OLD CHINATOWN. A Book of Pictures by ARNOLD GENTHE. With Text by WILL IRWIN. Demy 8vo, cloth gilt, 7s. 6d. net. Ninety-one Photographs from life in the Chinese quarter of San Francisco, taken before it was destroyed in the great disaster of 1906.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE RUSSIAN BALLET. By ELLEN TERRY. With Drawings by PAMELA COLMAN SMITH. Demy 4to, cloth, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics large">NEW POETRY</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>POEMS. By R. C. PHILLIMORE. With a Preface by JOHN MASEFIELD. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>IRISH POEMS. By KATHARINE TYNAN. Square 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>GULLIVER'S VOYAGES to Lilliput and Brobdingnag. Illustrated by F. A. STAYNES. With 8 Colour Plates and over 80 Drawings in the Text, printed in Two Colours throughout; decorated initials, title-page, and end-papers. Designed cloth extra, in coloured wrapper, 5s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE ORANGE CAT and Other Verses. By FFRIDA WOLFE. Illustrated by P. A. STAYNES. Demy 4to, picture boards, in colour throughout, 1s. 6d.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>ROUNDABOUT WAYS. By FFRIDA WOLFE. Illustrated by P. A. STAYNES. Demy 4to., cloth, in colour throughout, 3s. 6d.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE COCKATOO: a Story of Public School Life and Adventure. By MAX BITTENBERG. Illustrated. Crown 8vo, 5s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>UNDINE. By F. DE LA MOTTE FOUQUE; translated by EDMUND GOSSE. With a Photogravure Frontispiece. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE MAGIC KEY and Other Fairy Tales. By GRACE INKSON. Illustrated by CATHERINE MANN. Pott 4to, cloth, 2s. 6d.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE NEW CHILD'S GUIDE TO KNOWLEDGE. By LAURENCE HOUSMAN. A Book of Poems and Moral Lessons. Illustrated by the AUTHOR. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d. net. Ornamental paper wrappers, 1s. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">SIDGWICK & JACKSON'S NEW FICTON</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>PELLE THE CONQUEROR: Boyhood. By MARTIN ANDERSON NEXO. Translated from the Danish by JESSIE MUIR. Crown 8vo. 6s.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"Novel-readers in search of something out of the common will be grateful to the publishers and the very competent translator.... The detailed realism of the life at the farm is presented firmly and vividly."--</span><em class="italics">Spectator</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE THIRD MISS SYMONS. By F. M. MAYOR. With a Preface by JOHN MASEFIELD. Impl. 16mo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"Mr Masefield has formed a high opinion of Miss Mayor's work, but nothing beyond what her art deserves."--</span><em class="italics">Glasgow Herald</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE TEMPLE ON THE HILL. A Tale of Transylvania. By ELSA DE SZASZ. Impl. 16mo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"The book is wonderful, and the English of it noble and simple."--</span><em class="italics">Pall Mall Gazette</em><span>.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"A vivid and arresting piece of work."--</span><em class="italics">Manchester Guardian</em><span>.</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"This is a little book, but a great achievement."--</span><em class="italics">Englishwoman</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE CELESTIAL OMNIBUS: and other Stories. By E. M. FORSTER, author of "Howards End," etc. With cover design and end-papers by ROGER FRY. Impl. 16mo, cloth gilt, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>SUCCESSION: a Sequel to "Promise." By ETHEL SIDGWICK. Crown 8vo, 6s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>TIME'S WALLET: A Novel Told in Letters. By LUCY DALE and G. M. FAULDING. Crown 8vo, 6s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>AN INN UPON THE ROAD. By JANET DODGE (Author of "Tony Unregenerate.") Crown 8vo, 6s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>DISCOVERY. By HAROLD WILLIAMS. Crown 8vo, 6s.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">SIDGWICK & JACKSON'S NEW DRAMA</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>FOUR PLAYS. By GILBERT CANNAN. "James and John," "Miles Dixon," "Mary's Wedding," and "A Short Way with Authors." Cloth, 2s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE EMANCIPATION. A Play in Three Acts. By LEONARD INKSTER. Cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE PRICE OF THOMAS SCOTT. A Play in Three Acts. By ELIZABETH BAKER, Author of "Chains." Cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE POLITICIANS. A Comedy in Four Acts. By FRANK G. LAYTON ("STEPHEN ANDREW"). Cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE EDUCATION OF MR SURRAGE. A Comedy in Four Acts. By ALLAN MONKHOUSE, Author of "Mary Broome." Cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics large">NEW SIXPENNY SERIES</em></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>MISS TASSEY. A Play in One Act. By ELIZABETH BAKER, Author of "Chains."</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE LITTLE STONE HOUSE. A Play in One Act. By GEORGE CALDERON, author of "The Fountain." Crown 8vo, wrappers, 6d. net each.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">SIDGWICK & JACKSON'S MODERN DRAMA</span></p> + <p class="pnext"><span>"Messrs Sidgwick & Jackson are choosing their plays excellently."--</span><em class="italics">Saturday Review</em><span>.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THREE PLAYS BY GRANVILLE BARKER: "The Marrying of Ann Leete," "The Voysey Inheritance," and "Waste." In one Vol., 5s. net; singly, cloth, 2s. net; paper wrappers, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE MADRAS HOUSE. A Comedy in Four Acts. By GRANVILLE BARKER. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. net; paper wrappers, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>ANATOL. A Sequence of Dialogues. By ARTHUR SCHNITZLER. Paraphrased for the English Stage by GRANVILLE BARKER. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. net; paper wrappers, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>PRUNELLA; or Love in a Dutch Garden. By LAURENCE HOUSMAN and GRANVILLE BARKER. With a Frontispiece and Music to "Pierrot's Serenade," by JOSEPH MOORAT. Fcap. 4to, 5s. net. Theatre Edition, crown 8vo, wrappers, 1s. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>CHAINS. A Play in Four Acts. By ELIZABETH BAKER, Crown 8vo, cloth, 1s. 6d. net; paper wrappers, 1s. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>RUTHERFORD & SON. By GITHA SOWERBY. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. 6d. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE NEW SIN. By B. MACDONALD HASTINGS. Crown 8vo, cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>HINDLE WAKES. A Play in Four Acts. By STANLEY HOUGHTON. Cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>MARY BROOME. By ALLAN MONKHOUSE. Cloth, 2s. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>THE TRIAL OF JEANNE D'ARC. A Play in Four Acts. By EDWARD GARNETT. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="pfirst"><span>PAINS AND PENALTIES. By LAURENCE HOUSMAN. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net; paper, 1s. 6d. net.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">ETC., ETC., ETC.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"></div> + <p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">Sidgwick & Jackson Ltd., 3 Adam Street, London, W.C.</span></p> + <div class="vspace" style="height: 6em"></div><!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> + <div class="backmatter"></div> + <div class="cleardoublepage"></div> + </div> +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 41467 ***</div> +</body> +</html> diff --git a/41467-h/41467-h.html b/41467-h/41467-h.html deleted file mode 100644 index eff7b8d..0000000 --- a/41467-h/41467-h.html +++ /dev/null @@ -1,3232 +0,0 @@ -<?xml version='1.0' encoding='utf-8'?> -<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC '-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.1//EN' 'http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml11/DTD/xhtml11.dtd'> -<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<head> -<meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /> -<meta name="generator" content="Docutils 0.11: http://docutils.sourceforge.net/" /> -<style type="text/css"> -/* -Project Gutenberg common docutils stylesheet. - -This stylesheet contains styles common to HTML and EPUB. 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} - - div.clearpage, div.cleardoublepage - { margin: 10% 0; border: none; border-top: 1px solid gray; } - - .vfill { margin: 5% 10% } -} - -@media print { - div.clearpage { page-break-before: always; padding-top: 10% } - div.cleardoublepage { page-break-before: right; padding-top: 10% } - - .vfill { margin-top: 20% } - h2.title { margin-top: 20% } -} - -/* DIV */ -pre { font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.9em; white-space: pre-wrap } - -</style> -<title>THE EVERLASTING MERCY</title> -<meta name="PG.Rights" content="Public Domain" /> -<meta name="PG.Title" content="The Everlasting Mercy" /> -<meta name="PG.Producer" content="Al Haines" /> -<meta name="PG.Reposted" content="2014-03-23 correction to text" /> -<link rel="coverpage" href="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<meta name="DC.Creator" content="John Masefield" /> -<meta name="DC.Created" content="1913" /> -<meta name="PG.Id" content="41467" /> -<meta name="PG.Released" content="2012-11-23" /> -<meta name="DC.Language" content="en" /> -<meta name="DC.Title" content="The Everlasting Mercy" /> - -<link href="http://purl.org/dc/terms/" rel="schema.DCTERMS" /> -<link href="http://id.loc.gov/vocabulary/relators" rel="schema.MARCREL" /> -<meta content="The Everlasting Mercy" name="DCTERMS.title" /> -<meta content="mercy.rst" name="DCTERMS.source" /> -<meta content="en" scheme="DCTERMS.RFC4646" name="DCTERMS.language" /> -<meta content="2014-03-23T20:47:09.944814+00:00" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.modified" /> -<meta content="Project Gutenberg" name="DCTERMS.publisher" /> -<meta content="Public Domain in the USA." name="DCTERMS.rights" /> -<link href="http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/41467" rel="DCTERMS.isFormatOf" /> -<meta content="John Masefield" name="DCTERMS.creator" /> -<meta content="2012-11-23" scheme="DCTERMS.W3CDTF" name="DCTERMS.created" /> -<meta content="width=device-width" name="viewport" /> -<meta content="EpubMaker 0.3.20 by Marcello Perathoner <webmaster@gutenberg.org>" name="generator" /> -</head> -<body> -<div class="document" id="the-everlasting-mercy"> -<h1 class="center document-title level-1 pfirst title"><span class="x-large">THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span></h1> - -<!-- this is the default PG-RST stylesheet --> -<!-- figure and image styles for non-image formats --> -<!-- default transition --> -<!-- default attribution --> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="clearpage"> -</div> -<!-- -*- encoding: utf-8 -*- --> -<div class="align-None container language-en pgheader" id="pg-header" xml:lang="en" lang="en"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with -almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or -re-use it under the terms of the </span><a class="reference internal" href="#project-gutenberg-license">Project Gutenberg License</a><span> -included with this eBook or online at -</span><a class="reference external" href="http://www.gutenberg.org/license">http://www.gutenberg.org/license</a><span>.</span></p> -<p class="noindent pnext"></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<div class="align-None container" id="pg-machine-header"> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span>Title: The Everlasting Mercy -<br /> -<br />Author: John Masefield -<br /> -<br />Release Date: November 23, 2012 [EBook #41467] -<br />Reposted: March 23, 2014 [correction to text] -<br /> -<br />Language: English -<br /> -<br />Character set encoding: UTF-8</span></p> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-start-line"><span>*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK </span><span>THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span><span> ***</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst" id="pg-produced-by"><span>Produced by Al Haines.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="noindent pfirst"><span></span></p> -</div> -<div class="align-None container coverpage"> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="align-center auto-scaled figure margin" style="width: 52%" id="figure-10"> -<img class="align-center block" style="display: block; width: 100%" alt="Cover" src="images/img-cover.jpg" /> -<div class="caption centerleft figure-caption margin"> -<span class="italics">Cover</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container titlepage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="x-large">THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">BY -<br />JOHN MASEFIELD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">AUTHOR OF -<br />"THE TRAGEDY OF POMPEY THE GREAT" -<br />"THE TRAGEDY OF NAN," ETC.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">LONDON -<br />SIDGWICK & JACKSON LTD. -<br />3 ADAM STREET, ADELPHI -<br />MCMXIII</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container verso"> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">First Edition, Crown 8vo, November 1911;</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">Reprinted November and December 1911,</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">February, April and August 1912.</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">Reset December 1912; reprinted January</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">(twice), February, March and May, 1913.</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">New Edition, Foolscap 8vo, thirteenth</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">thousand, October 1913.</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">Fourteenth thousand, November 1913.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">Entered at the Library of</em><span class="small"> -<br /></span><em class="italics small">Congress, Washington, U.S.A.</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics small">All rights reserved</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container plainpage"> -<p class="center pfirst"><em class="italics medium">BY THE SAME AUTHOR</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>THE WIDOW IN THE BYE STREET</span></p> -<p class="left pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, 3s. 6d. net. -<br /></span><em class="italics">Fourth Thousand</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="left pfirst"><span>THE TRAGEDY OF POMPEY THE GREAT</span></p> -<p class="left pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, Cloth, 3s. 6d. net; -<br />Paper Wrappers, 1s. 6d. net. -<br /></span><em class="italics">Fourth Impression</em></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span>London: SIDGWICK & JACKSON LTD.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="align-None container dedication"> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="medium">TO -<br />MY WIFE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost plainpage"> -<div class="line"><em class="italics medium">Thy place is biggyd above the sterrys deer,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics medium">Noon erthely paleys wrouhte in so statly wyse,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics medium">Com on my freend, my brothir moost enteer,</em></div> -<div class="line"><em class="italics medium">For the I offryd my blood in sacrifise.</em></div> -<div class="line"> </div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">JOHN LYDGATE.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="plainpage vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">THE EVERLASTING MERCY</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From '41 to '51</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I was my folk's contrary son;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I bit my father's hand right through</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And broke my mother's heart in two.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I sometimes go without my dinner</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now that I know the times I've gi'n her.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From '51 to '6l</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I cut my teeth and took to fun.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I learned what not to be afraid of</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And what stuff women's lips are made of;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I learned with what a rosy feeling</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Good ale makes floors seem like the ceiling,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how the moon gives shiny light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To lads as roll home singing by't.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My blood did leap, my flesh did revel,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Saul Kane was tokened to the devil.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From '61 to '67</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I lived in disbelief of heaven.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I drunk, I fought, I poached, I whored,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I did despite unto the Lord,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I cursed, 'twould make a man look pale,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And nineteen times I went to jail.</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now, friends, observe and look upon me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Mark how the Lord took pity on me.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By Dead Man's Thorn, while setting wires,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who should come up but Billy Myers,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A friend of mine, who used to be</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As black a sprig of hell as me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With whom I'd planned, to save encroachin',</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Which fields and coverts each should poach in.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now when he saw me set my snare,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He tells me 'Get to hell from there.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">This field is mine,' he says, 'by right;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If you poach here, there'll be a fight.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out now,' he says, 'and leave your wire;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's mine.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'It ain't.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You put.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You liar.'</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You closhy put.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You bloody liar.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'This is my field.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'This is my wire.'</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'm ruler here.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You ain't.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I am.'</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'll fight you for it.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Right, by damn.</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Not now, though, I've a-sprained my thumb,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We'll fight after the harvest hum.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Silas Jones, that bookie wide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Will make a purse five pounds a side.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Those were the words, that was the place</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By which God brought me into grace.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">On Wood Top Field the peewits go</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Mewing and wheeling ever so;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And like the shaking of a timbrel</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Cackles the laughter of the whimbrel.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In the old quarry-pit they say</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Head-keeper Pike was made away.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He walks, head-keeper Pike, for harm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He taps the windows of the farm;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The blood drips from his broken chin,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He taps and begs to be let in.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">On Wood Top, nights, I've shaked to hark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The peewits wambling in the dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lest in the dark the old man might</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Creep up to me to beg a light.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But Wood Top grass is short and sweet</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And springy to a boxer's feet;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At harvest hum the moon so bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Did shine on Wood Top for the fight.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When Bill was stripped down to his bends</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought how long we two'd been friends,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in my mind, about that wire,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought 'He's right, I am a liar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As sure as skilly's made in prison</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The right to poach that copse is his'n.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll have no luck to-night,' thinks I.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'm fighting to defend a lie.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And this moonshiny evening's fun</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is worse than aught I ever done.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And thinking that way my heart bled so</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I almost stept to Bill and said so.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now Bill's dead I would be glad</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If I could only think I had.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But no. I put the thought away</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For fear of what my friends would say.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They'd backed me, see? O Lord, the sin</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Done for the things there's money in.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The stakes were drove, the ropes were hitched,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Into the ring my hat I pitched.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My corner faced the Squire's park</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Just where the fir-trees make it dark;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The place where I begun poor Nell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Upon the woman's road to hell.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought oft, sitting in my corner</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">After the time-keep struck his warner</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(Two brandy flasks, for fear of noise,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Clinked out the time to us two boys).</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And while my seconds chafed and gloved me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought of Nell's eyes when she loved me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And wondered how my tot would end,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">First Nell cast off and now my friend;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in the moonlight dim and wan</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I knew quite well my luck was gone;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And looking round I felt a spite</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At all who'd come to see me fight;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The five and forty human faces</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Inflamed by drink and going to races,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Faces of men who'd never been</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Merry or true or live or clean;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who'd never felt the boxer's trim</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of brain divinely knit to limb,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nor felt the whole live body go</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">One tingling health from top to toe;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nor took a punch nor given a swing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But just soaked deady round the ring</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Until their brains and bloods were foul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Enough to make their throttles howl,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While we whom Jesus died to teach</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Fought round on round, three minutes each.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And thinking that, you'll understand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought, 'I'll go and take Bill's hand.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll up and say the fault was mine,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He sha'n't make play for these here swine.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I thought that that was silly,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They'd think I was afraid of Billy:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They'd think (I thought it, God forgive me)</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I funked the hiding Bill could give me.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And that thought made me mad and hot.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Think that, will they? Well, they shall not.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They sha'n't think that. I will not. I'm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Damned if I will. I will not.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Time!</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From the beginning of the bout</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My luck was gone, my hand was out.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Right from the start Bill called the play,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But I was quick and kept away</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till the fourth round, when work got mixed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I knew Bill had me fixed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My hand was out, why, Heaven knows;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bill punched me when and where he chose.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Through two more rounds we quartered wide</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the time my hands seemed tied;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bill punched me when and where he pleased.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The cheering from my backers ceased,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But every punch I heard a yell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of 'That's the style, Bill, give him hell.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">No one for me, but Jimmy's light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Straight left! Straight left!' and 'Watch his right.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I don't know how a boxer goes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When all his body hums from blows;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I know I seemed to rock and spin,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I don't know how I saved my chin;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I know I thought my only friend</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Was that clinked flask at each round's end</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When my two seconds, Ed and Jimmy,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Had sixty seconds help to gimme.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But in the ninth, with pain and knocks</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I stopped: I couldn't fight nor box.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bill missed his swing, the light was tricky,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But I went down, and stayed down, dicky.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Get up,' cried Jim. I said, 'I will.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then all the gang yelled, 'Out him, Bill.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out him.' Bill rushed ... and Clink, Clink, Clink.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Time! and Jim's knee, and rum to drink.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And round the ring there ran a titter:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Saved by the call, the bloody quitter.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They drove (a dodge that never fails)</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A pin beneath my finger nails.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They poured what seemed a running beck</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of cold spring water down my neck;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jim with a lancet quick as flies</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lowered the swellings round my eyes.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They sluiced my legs and fanned my face</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Through all that blessed minute's grace;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They gave my calves a thorough kneading,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They salved my cuts and stopped the bleeding.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A gulp of liquor dulled the pain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then the two flasks clinked again.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Time!</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There was Bill as grim as death.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He rushed, I clinched, to get more breath.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And breath I got, though Billy bats</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Some stinging short-arms in my slats.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when we broke, as I foresaw,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He swung his right in for the jaw.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I stopped it on my shoulder bone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And at the shock I heard Bill groan--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A little groan or moan or grunt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As though I'd hit his wind a bunt.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At that, I clinched, and while we clinched,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His old-time right-arm dig was flinched,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when we broke he hit me light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As though he didn't trust his right,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He flapped me somehow with his wrist</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As though he couldn't use his fist,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when he hit he winced with pain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought, 'Your sprained thumb's crocked again.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So I got strength and Bill gave ground,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And that round was an easy round.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">During the wait my Jimmy said,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'What's making Billy fight so dead?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He's all to pieces. Is he blown?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'His thumb's out.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'No? Then it's your own.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's all your own, but don't be rash--</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He's got the goods if you've got cash,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And what one hand can do he'll do,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Be careful this next round or two.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Time! There was Bill, and I felt sick</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That luck should play so mean a trick</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And give me leave to knock him out</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">After he'd plainly won the bout.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But by the way the man came at me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He made it plain he meant to bat me;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If you'd a seen the way he come</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You wouldn't think he'd crocked a thumb.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With all his skill and all his might</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He clipped me dizzy left and right;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The Lord knows what the effort cost,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But he was mad to think he'd lost,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And knowing nothing else could save him</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He didn't care what pain it gave him.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He called the music and the dance</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For five rounds more and gave no chance.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Try to imagine if you can</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The kind of manhood in the man,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And if you'd like to feel his pain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You sprain your thumb and hit the sprain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And hit it hard, with all your power</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">On something hard for half-an-hour,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While someone thumps you black and blue,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then you'll know what Billy knew.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bill took that pain without a sound</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till half-way through the eighteenth round,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I sent him down and out,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Silas said, 'Kane wins the bout.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When Bill came to, you understand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I ripped the mitten from my hand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And went across to ask Bill shake.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My limbs were all one pain and ache,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I was so weary and so sore</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I don't think I'd a stood much more.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bill in his corner bathed his thumb,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Buttoned his shirt and glowered glum.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'll never shake your hand,' he said.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'd rather see my children dead.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've been about and had some fun with you,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But you're a liar and I've done with you.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You've knocked me out, you didn't beat me;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Look out the next time that you meet me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There'll be no friend to watch the clock for you</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And no convenient thumb to crock for you,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And I'll take care, with much delight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You'll get what you'd a got to-night;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That puts my meaning clear, I guess,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now get to hell; I want to dress.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I dressed. My backers one and all</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Said, 'Well done you,' or 'Good old Saul.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Saul is a wonder and a fly 'un,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">What'll you have, Saul, at the Lion?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With merry oaths they helped me down</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The stony wood-path to the town.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The moonlight shone on Cabbage Walk,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It made the limestone look like chalk,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It was too late for any people,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Twelve struck as we went by the steeple.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A dog barked, and an owl was calling,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The Squire's brook was still a-falling,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The carved heads on the church looked down</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">On 'Russell, Blacksmith of this Town,'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the graves of all the ghosts</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who rise on Christmas Eve in hosts</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To dance and carol in festivity</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For joy of Jesus Christ's Nativity</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(Bell-ringer Dawe and his two sons</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Beheld 'em from the bell-tower once),</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Two and two about about</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Singing the end of Advent out,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dwindling down to windlestraws</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When the glittering peacock craws,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As craw the glittering peacock should</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When Christ's own star comes over the wood.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lamb of the sky come out of fold</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Wandering windy heavens cold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So they shone and sang till twelve</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When all the bells ring out of theirselve;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Rang a peal for Christmas morn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Glory, men, for Christ is born.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All the old monks' singing places</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Glimmered quick with flitting faces,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Singing anthems, singing hymns</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Under carven cherubims.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Ringer Dawe aloft could mark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Faces at the window dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Crowding, crowding, row on row,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till all the church began to glow.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The chapel glowed, the nave, the choir,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All the faces became fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Below the eastern window high</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To see Christ's star come up the sky.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then they lifted hands and turned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all their lifted fingers burned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Burned like the golden altar tallows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Burned like a troop of God's own Hallows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bringing to mind the burning time</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When all the bells will rock and chime</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And burning saints on burning horses</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Will sweep the planets from their courses</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And loose the stars to burn up night.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lord, give us eyes to bear the light.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We all went quiet down the Scallenge</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lest Police Inspector Drew should challenge.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But 'Spector Drew was sleeping sweet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His head upon a charges sheet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Under the gas-jet flaring full,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Snorting and snoring like a bull,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His bull cheeks puffed, his bull lips blowing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His ugly yellow front teeth showing.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Just as we peeped we saw him fumble</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And scratch his head, and shift, and mumble.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Down in the lane so thin and dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The tan-yards stank of bitter bark,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The curate's pigeons gave a flutter,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A cat went courting down the gutter,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And none else stirred a foot or feather.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The houses put their heads together,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Talking, perhaps, so dark and sly,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of all the folk they'd seen go by,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Children, and men and women, merry all,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who'd some day pass that way to burial.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It was all dark, but at the turning</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The Lion had a window burning.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So in we went and up the stairs,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Treading as still as cats and hares.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The way the stairs creaked made you wonder</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If dead men's bones were hidden under.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At head of stairs upon the landing</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A woman with a lamp was standing;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She greet each gent at head of stairs</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With 'Step in, gents, and take your chairs.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The punch'll come when kettle bubble,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But don't make noise or there'll be trouble.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Twas Doxy Jane, a bouncing girl</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With eyes all sparks and hair all curl,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And cheeks all red and lips all coal,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And thirst for men instead of soul.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She's trod her pathway to the fire.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Old Rivers had his nephew by her.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I step aside from Tom and Jimmy</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To find if she'd a kiss to gimme.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I blew out lamp 'fore she could speak.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She said, 'If you ain't got a cheek,'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then beside me in the dim,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Did he beat you or you beat him?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Why, I beat him' (though that was wrong).</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She said, 'You must be turble strong.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'd be afraid you'd beat me, too.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You'd not,' I said, 'I wouldn't do.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Never?'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'No, never.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Never?'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'No.'</span></div> -</div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'O Saul. Here's missus. Let me go.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It wasn't missus, so I didn't,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Whether I mid do or I midn't,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Until she'd promised we should meet</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Next evening, six, at top of street,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When we could have a quiet talk</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">On that low wall up Worcester Walk.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And while we whispered there together</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I give her silver for a feather</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And felt a drunkenness like wine</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And shut out Christ in husks and swine.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I felt the dart strike through my liver.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">God punish me for't and forgive her.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Each one could be a Jesus mild,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Each one has been a little child,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A little child with laughing look,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A lovely white unwritten book;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A book that God will take, my friend,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As each goes out at journey's end.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The Lord who gave us Earth and Heaven</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Takes that as thanks for all He's given.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The book he lent is given back</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All blotted red and smutted black.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Open the door,' said Jim, 'and call.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jane gasped 'They'll see me. Loose me, Saul.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She pushed me by, and ducked downstair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With half the pins out of her hair.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I went inside the lit room rollin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Her scented handkerchief I'd stolen.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'What would you fancy, Saul?' they said.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'A gin punch hot and then to bed.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Jane, fetch the punch bowl to the gemmen;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And mind you don't put too much lemon.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Our good friend Saul has had a fight of it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now smoke up, boys, and make a night of it.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The room was full of men and stink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of bad cigars and heavy drink.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Riley was nodding to the floor</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And gurgling as he wanted more.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His mouth was wide, his face was pale,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His swollen face was sweating ale;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And one of those assembled Greeks</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Had corked black crosses on his cheeks.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Thomas was having words with Goss,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He 'wouldn't pay, the fight was cross.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Goss told Tom that 'cross or no,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The bets go as the verdicts go,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By all I've ever heard or read of.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So pay, or else I'll knock your head off.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jim Gurvil said his smutty say</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">About a girl down Bye Street way.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how the girl from Froggatt's circus</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Died giving birth in Newent work'us.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Dick told how the Dymock wench</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bore twins, poor thing, on Dog Hill bench;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how he'd owned to one in court</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how Judge made him sorry for't.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jock set a Jew's harp twanging drily;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Gimme another cup,' said Riley.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A dozen more were in their glories</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With laughs and smokes and smutty stories;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Jimmy joked and took his sup</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And sang his song of 'Up, come up.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jane brought the bowl of stewing gin</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And poured the egg and lemon in,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And whisked it up and served it out</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While bawdy questions went about.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jack chucked her chin, and Jim accost her</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With bits out of the 'Maid of Gloster.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And fifteen arms went round her waist.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(And then men ask, Are Barmaids chaste?)</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O young men, pray to be kept whole</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From bringing down a weaker soul.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your minute's joy so meet in doin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">May be the woman's door to ruin;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The door to wandering up and down,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A painted whore at half a crown.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The bright mind fouled, the beauty gay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All eaten out and fallen away,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By drunken days and weary tramps</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From pub to pub by city lamps,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till men despise the game they started</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till health and beauty are departed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in a slum the reeking hag</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Mumbles a crust with toothy jag,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or gets the river's help to end</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The life too wrecked for man to mend.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We spat and smoked and took our swipe</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till Silas up and tap his pipe,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And begged us all to pay attention</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Because he'd several things to mention.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We'd seen the fight (Hear, hear. That's you);</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But still one task remained to do;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That task was his, he didn't shun it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To give the purse to him as won it;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With this remark, from start to out</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He'd never seen a brisker bout.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There was the purse. At that he'd leave it.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Let Kane come forward to receive it.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I took the purse and hemmed and bowed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And called for gin punch for the crowd;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when the second bowl was done,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I called, 'Let's have another one.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Si's wife come in and sipped and sipped</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(As women will) till she was pipped.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Si hit Dicky Twot a clouter</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Because he put his arm about her;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But after Si got overtasked</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She sat and kissed whoever asked.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My Doxy Jane was splashed by this,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I took her on my knee to kiss.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Tom cried out, 'O damn the gin;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Why can't we all have women in?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Bess Evans, now, or Sister Polly,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or those two housemaids at the Folly?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Let someone nip to Biddy Price's,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They'd all come in a brace of trices.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Rose Davies, Sue, and Betsy Perks;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">One man, one girl, and damn all Turks.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But, no. 'More gin,' they cried; 'Come on.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We'll have the girls in when it's gone.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So round the gin went, hot and heady,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Hot Hollands punch on top of deady.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Hot Hollands punch on top of stout</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Puts madness in and wisdom out.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From drunken man to drunken man</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The drunken madness raged and ran.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'm climber Joe who climbed the spire.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You're climber Joe the bloody liar.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Who says I lie?'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I do.'</span></div> -<div class="inner line-block"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You lie,</span></div> -</div> -</div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I climbed the spire and had a fly.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'm French Suzanne, the Circus Dancer,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'm going to dance a bloody Lancer.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'If I'd my rights I'm Squire's heir.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'By rights I'd be a millionaire.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'By rights I'd be the lord of you,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But Farmer Scriggins had his do,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He done me, so I've had to hoove it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've got it all wrote down to prove it.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And one of these dark winter nights</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He'll learn I mean to have my rights;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll bloody him a bloody fix,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll bloody burn his bloody ricks.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From three long hours of gin and smokes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And two girls' breath and fifteen blokes',</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A warmish night, and windows shut,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The room stank like a fox's gut.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The heat and smell and drinking deep</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Began to stun the gang to sleep.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Some fell downstairs to sleep on the mat,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Some snored it sodden where they sat.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dick Twot had lost a tooth and wept,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But all the drunken others slept.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jane slept beside me in the chair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And I got up; I wanted air.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I opened window wide and leaned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out of that pigstye of the fiend</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And felt a cool wind go like grace</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">About the sleeping market-place.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The clock struck three, and sweetly, slowly,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The bells chimed Holy, Holy, Holy;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in a second's pause there fell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The cold note of the chapel bell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then a cock crew, flapping wings,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And summat made me think of things</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How long those ticking clocks had gone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From church and chapel, on and on,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Ticking the time out, ticking slow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To men and girls who'd come and go,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how they ticked in belfry dark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When half the town was bishop's park,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how they'd rung a chime full tilt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The night after the church was built,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how that night was Lambert's Feast,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The night I'd fought and been a beast.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how a change had come. And then</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought, 'You tick to different men.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">What with the fight and what with drinking</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And being awake alone there thinking,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My mind began to carp and tetter,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'If this life's all, the beasts are better.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I thought, 'I wish I'd seen</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The many towns this town has been;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I wish I knew if they'd a-got</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A kind of summat we've a-not,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If them as built the church so fair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Were half the chaps folk say they were;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For they'd the skill to draw their plan,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And skill's a joy to any man;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And they'd the strength, not skill alone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To build it beautiful in stone;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And strength and skill together thus...</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O, they were happier men than us.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'But if they were, they had to die</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The same as every one and I.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And no one lives again, but dies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the bright goes out of eyes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the skill goes out of hands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the wise brain understands,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the beauty, all the power</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is cut down like a withered flower.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In all the show from birth to rest</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I give the poor dumb cattle best.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I wondered, then, why life should be,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And what would be the end of me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When youth and health and strength were gone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And cold old age came creeping on?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A keeper's gun? The Union ward?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or that new quod at Hereford?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And looking round I felt disgust</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At all the nights of drink and lust,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the looks of all the swine</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who'd said that they were friends of mine;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And yet I knew, when morning came,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The morning would be just the same,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For I'd have drinks and Jane would meet me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And drunken Silas Jones would greet me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And I'd risk quod and keeper's gun</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Till all the silly game was done.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'For parson chaps are mad supposin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A chap can change the road he's chosen.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then the Devil whispered 'Saul,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Why should you want to live at all?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Why fret and sweat and try to mend?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's all the same thing in the end.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But when it's done,' he said, 'it's ended.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Why stand it, since it can't be mended?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in my heart I heard him plain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Throw yourself down and end it, Kane.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Why not?' said I. 'Why not? But no.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I won't. I've never had my go.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've not had all the world can give.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Death by and by, but first I'll live.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The world owes me my time of times,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And that time's coming now, by crimes.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A madness took me then. I felt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'd like to hit the world a belt.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I felt that I could fly through air,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A screaming star with blazing hair,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A rushing comet, crackling, numbing</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The folk with fear of judgment coming,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A 'Lijah in a fiery car</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Coming to tell folk what they are.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'That's what I'll do,' I shouted loud,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'll tell this sanctimonious crowd,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">This town of window-peeping, prying,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Maligning, peering, hinting, lying,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Male and female human blots</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who would, but daren't be, whores and sots,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That they're so steeped in petty vice</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That they're less excellent than lice,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That they're so soaked in petty virtue</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That touching one of them will dirt you,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dirt you with the stain of mean</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Cheating trade and going between,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Pinching, starving, scraping, hoarding</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Spying through the chinks of boarding</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To see if Sue the prentice lean</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dares to touch the margarine.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Fawning, cringing, oiling boots,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Raging in the crowd's pursuits,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Flinging stones at all the Stephens,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Standing firm with all the evens,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Making hell for all the odd,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All the lonely ones of God,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Those poor lonely ones who find</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dogs more mild than human kind.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For dogs,' I said, 'are nobles born</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To most of you, you cockled corn.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've known dogs to leave their dinner,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nosing a kind heart in a sinner.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Poor old Crafty wagged his tail</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The day I first came home from jail,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When all my folk, so primly clad,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Glowered black and thought me mad,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And muttered how they'd been respected,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While I was what they'd all expected.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(I've thought of that old dog for years,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And of how near I come to tears.)</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'But you, you minds of bread and cheese,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Are less divine than that dog's fleas.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You suck blood from kindly friends,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And kill them when it serves your ends.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Double traitors, double black,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Stabbing only in the back,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Stabbing with the knives you borrow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From the friends you bring to sorrow.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You stab all that's true and strong;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Truth and strength you say are wrong;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Meek and mild, and sweet and creeping,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Repeating, canting, cadging, peeping,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That's the art and that's the life</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To win a man his neighbour's wife.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All that's good and all that's true,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You kill that, so I'll kill you.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At that I tore my clothes in shreds</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And hurled them on the window leads;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I flung my boots through both the winders</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And knocked the glass to little flinders;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The punch bowl and the tumblers followed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I seized the lamps and holloed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And down the stairs, and tore back bolts,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As mad as twenty blooded colts;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And out into the street I pass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As mad as two-year-olds at grass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A naked madman waving grand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A blazing lamp in either hand.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I yelled like twenty drunken sailors,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'The devil's come among the tailors.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A blaze of flame behind me streamed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I clashed the lamps and screamed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'm Satan, newly come from hell.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then I spied the fire-bell.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've been a ringer, so I know</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How best to make a big bell go.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So on to bell-rope swift I swoop,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And stick my one foot in the loop</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And heave a down-swig till I groan,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Awake, you swine, you devil's own.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I made the fire-bell awake,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I felt the bell-rope throb and shake;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I felt the air mingle and clang</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And beat the walls a muffled bang,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And stifle back and boom and bay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Like muffled peals on Boxing Day,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then surge up and gather shape,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And spread great pinions and escape;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And each great bird of clanging shrieks</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O Fire, Fire! from iron beaks.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My shoulders cracked to send around</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Those shrieking birds made out of sound</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With news of fire in their bills.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(They heard 'em plain beyond Wall Hills.)</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Up go the winders, out come heads,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I heard the springs go creak in beds;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But still I heave and sweat and tire,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And still the clang goes 'Fire, Fire!'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Where is it, then? Who is it, there?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You ringer, stop, and tell us where.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Run round and let the Captain know.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'It must be bad, he's ringing so.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'It's in the town, I see the flame;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Look there! Look there, how red it came.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Where is it, then 'O stop the bell.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I stopped and called: 'It's fire of hell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And this is Sodom and Gomorrah,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now I'll burn you up, begorra.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By this the firemen were mustering,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The half-dressed stable men were flustering,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Backing the horses out of stalls</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While this man swears and that man bawls,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Don't take th'old mare. Back, Toby, back.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Back, Lincoln. Where's the fire, Jack?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Damned if I know. Out Preston way.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'No. It's at Chancey's Pitch, they say.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'It's sixteen ricks at Pauntley burnt.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You back old Darby out, I durn't.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They ran the big red engine out,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And put 'em to with damn and shout.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then they start to raise the shire,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Who brought the news, and where's the fire?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They'd moonlight, lamps, and gas to light 'em.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I give a screech-owl's screech to fright 'em,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And snatch from underneath their noses</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The nozzles of the fire hoses.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I am the fire. Back, stand back,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or else I'll fetch your skulls a crack;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">D'you see these copper nozzles here?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They weigh ten pounds apiece, my dear;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'm fire of hell come up this minute</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To burn this town, and all that's in it.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To burn you dead and burn you clean,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You cogwheels in a stopped machine,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You hearts of snakes, and brains of pigeons,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You dead devout of dead religions,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You offspring of the hen and ass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By Pilate ruled, and Caiaphas.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now your account is totted. Learn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Hell's flames are loose and you shall burn.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At that I leaped and screamed and ran,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I heard their cries go 'Catch him, man.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Who was it?' 'Down him.' 'Out him, Ern.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Duck him at pump, we'll see who'll burn.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A policeman clutched, a fireman clutched,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A dozen others snatched and touched.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'By God, he's stripped down to his buff.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'By God, we'll make him warm enough.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'After him.' 'Catch him,' 'Out him,' 'Scrob him.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'We'll give him hell.' 'By God, we'll mob him.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'We'll duck him, scrout him, flog him, fratch him.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'All right,' I said. 'But first you'll catch him.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The men who don't know to the root</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The joy of being swift of foot,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Have never known divine and fresh</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The glory of the gift of flesh,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nor felt the feet exult, nor gone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Along a dim road, on and on,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Knowing again the bursting glows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The mating hare in April knows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who tingles to the pads with mirth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At being the swiftest thing on earth.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O, if you want to know delight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Run naked in an autumn night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And laugh, as I laughed then, to find</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A running rabble drop behind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And whang, on every door you pass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Two copper nozzles, tipped with brass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And doubly whang at every turning,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And yell, 'All hell's let loose, and burning.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I beat my brass and shouted fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At doors of parson, lawyer, squire,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At all three doors I threshed and slammed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And yelled aloud that they were damned.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I clodded squire's glass with turves</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Because he spring-gunned his preserves.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Through parson's glass my nozzle swishes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Because he stood for loaves and fishes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But parson's glass I spared a tittle.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He give me an orange once when little,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And he who gives a child a treat</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Makes joy-bells ring in Heaven's street,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And he who gives a child a home</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Builds palaces in Kingdom come,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And she who gives a baby birth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Brings Saviour Christ again to Earth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For life is joy, and mind is fruit,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And body's precious earth and root.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But lawyer's glass--well, never mind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Th'old Adam's strong in me, I find.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">God pardon man, and may God's son</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Forgive the evil things I've done.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">What more? By Dirty Lane I crept</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Back to the Lion, where I slept.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The raging madness hot and floodin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Boiled itself out and left me sudden,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Left me worn out and sick and cold,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Aching as though I'd all grown old;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So there I lay, and there they found me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">On door-mat, with a curtain round me.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Si took my heels and Jane my head</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And laughed, and carried me to bed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And from the neighbouring street they reskied</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My boots and trousers, coat and weskit;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They bath-bricked both the nozzles bright</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To be mementoes of the night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And knowing what I should awake with</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They flannelled me a quart to slake with,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And sat and shook till half-past two</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Expecting Police Inspector Drew.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I woke and drank, and went to meat</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In clothes still dirty from the street.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Down in the bar I heard 'em tell</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How someone rang the fire-bell,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how th'inspector's search had thriven,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how five pounds reward was given.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Shepherd Boyce, of Marley, glad us</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By saying it was blokes from mad'us,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or two young rips lodged at the Prince</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Whom none had seen nor heard of since,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or that young blade from Worcester Walk</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(You know how country people talk).</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Young Joe the ostler come in sad,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He said th'old mare had bit his dad.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He said there'd come a blazing screeching</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Daft Bible-prophet chap a-preaching,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Had put th'old mare in such a taking</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She'd thought the bloody earth was quaking.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And others come and spread a tale</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of cut-throats out of Gloucester jail,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how we needed extra cops</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With all them Welsh come picking hops;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With drunken Welsh in all our sheds</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We might be murdered in our beds.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By all accounts, both men and wives</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Had had the scare up of their lives.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I ate and drank and gathered strength,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And stretched along the bench full length,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or crossed to window seat to pat</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Black Silas Jones's little cat.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At four I called, 'You devil's own,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The second trumpet shall be blown.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The second trump, the second blast;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Hell's flames are loosed, and judgment's passed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Too late for mercy now. Take warning</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'm death and hell and Judgment morning.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I hurled the bench into the settle,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I banged the table on the kettle,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I sent Joe's quart of cider spinning.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Lo, here begins my second inning.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Each bottle, mug, and jug and pot</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I smashed to crocks in half a tot;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Joe, and Si, and Nick, and Percy</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I rolled together topsy versy.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And as I ran I heard 'em call,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Now damn to hell, what's gone with Saul?'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out into street I ran uproarious</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The devil dancing in me glorious.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And as I ran I yell and shriek</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Come on, now, turn the other cheek.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Across the way by almshouse pump</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I see old puffing parson stump.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Old parson, red-eyed as a ferret</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From nightly wrestlings with the spirit;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I ran across, and barred his path.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His turkey gills went red as wrath</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then he froze, as parsons can.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'The police will deal with you, my man.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Not yet,' said I, 'not yet they won't;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now you'll hear me, like or don't.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The English Church both is and was</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A subsidy of Caiaphas.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I don't believe in Prayer nor Bible,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They're lies all through, and you're a libel,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A libel on the Devil's plan</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When first he miscreated man.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You mumble through a formal code</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To get which martyrs burned and glowed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I look on martyrs as mistakes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But still they burned for it at stakes;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your only fire's the jolly fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where you can guzzle port with Squire,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And back and praise his damned opinions</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">About his temporal dominions.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You let him give the man who digs,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A filthy hut unfit for pigs,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Without a well, without a drain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With mossy thatch that lets in rain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Without a 'lotment, 'less he rent it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And never meat, unless he scent it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But weekly doles of 'leven shilling</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To make a grown man strong and willing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To do the hardest work on earth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And feed his wife when she gives birth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And feed his little children's bones.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I tell you, man, the Devil groans.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With all your main and all your might</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You back what is against what's right;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You let the Squire do things like these,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You back him in't and give him ease,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You take his hand, and drink his wine,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And he's a hog, but you're a swine.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For you take gold to teach God's ways</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And teach man how to sing God's praise.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now I'll tell you what you teach</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In downright honest English speech.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You teach the ground-down starving man</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That Squire's greed's Jehovah's plan.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You get his learning circumvented</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lest it should make him discontented</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(Better a brutal, starving nation</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Than men with thoughts above their station),</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You let him neither read nor think,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You goad his wretched soul to drink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And then to jail, the drunken boor;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O sad intemperance of the poor.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You starve his soul till it's rapscallion,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then blame his flesh for being stallion.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You send your wife around to paint</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The golden glories of "restraint."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How moral exercise bewild'rin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Would soon result in fewer children.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You work a day in Squire's fields</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And see what sweet restraint it yields;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A woman's day at turnip picking,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your heart's too fat for plough or ricking.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'And you whom luck taught French and Greek</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Have purple flaps on either cheek,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A stately house, and time for knowledge,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And gold to send your sons to college,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That pleasant place, where getting learning</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is also key to money earning.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But quite your damn'dest want of grace</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is what you do to save your face;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The way you sit astride the gates</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By padding wages out of rates;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your Christmas gifts of shoddy blankets</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That every working soul may thank its</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Loving parson, loving squire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Through whom he can't afford a fire.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your well-packed bench, your prison pen,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To keep them something less than men;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your friendly clubs to help 'em bury,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your charities of midwifery.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Your bidding children duck and cap</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To them who give them workhouse pap.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O, what you are, and what you preach,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And what you do, and what you teach</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is not God's Word, nor honest schism,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But Devil's cant and pauperism.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By this time many folk had gathered</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To listen to me while I blathered;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I said my piece, and when I'd said it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll do old purple parson credit,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He sunk (as sometimes parsons can)</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His coat's excuses in the man.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You think that Squire and I are kings</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who made the existing state of things,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And made it ill. I answer, No,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">States are not made, nor patched; they grow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Grow slow through centuries of pain</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And grow correctly in the main,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But only grow by certain laws</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of certain bits in certain jaws.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You want to doctor that. Let be.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You cannot patch a growing tree.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Put these two words beneath your hat,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">These two: securus judicat.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The social states of human kinds</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Are made by multitudes of minds.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And after multitudes of years</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A little human growth appears</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Worth having, even to the soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who sees most plain it's not the whole.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">This state is dull and evil, both,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I keep it in the path of growth;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You think the Church an outworn fetter;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Kane, keep it, till you've built a better.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And keep the existing social state;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I quite agree it's out of date,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">One does too much, another shirks,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Unjust, I grant; but still ... it works.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To get the whole world out of bed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And washed, and dressed, and warmed, and fed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To work, and back to bed again,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Believe me, Saul, costs worlds of pain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then, as to whether true or sham</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That book of Christ, Whose priest I am;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The Bible is a lie, say you,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where do you stand, suppose it true?</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Good-bye. But if you've more to say,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My doors are open night and day.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Meanwhile, my friend, 'twould be no sin</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To mix more water in your gin.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">We're neither saints nor Philip Sidneys,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But mortal men with mortal kidneys.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He took his snuff, and wheezed a greeting,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And waddled off to mothers' meeting;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I hung my head upon my chest,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I give old purple parson best.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For while the Plough tips round the Pole</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The trained mind outs the upright soul,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As Jesus said the trained mind might,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Being wiser than the sons of light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But trained men's minds are spread so thin</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They let all sorts of darkness in;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Whatever light man finds they doubt it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They love not light, but talk about it.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But parson'd proved to people's eyes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That I was drunk, and he was wise;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And people grinned and women tittered,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And little children mocked and twittered</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So blazing mad, I stalked to bar</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To show how noble drunkards are,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And guzzled spirits like a beast,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To show contempt for Church and priest,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Until, by six, my wits went round</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Like hungry pigs in parish pound.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At half-past six, rememb'ring Jane,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I staggered into street again</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With mind made up (or primed with gin)</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To bash the cop who'd run me in;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For well I knew I'd have to cock up</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My legs that night inside the lock-up,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And it was my most fixed intent</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To have a fight before I went.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Our Fates are strange, and no one knows his;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Our lovely Saviour Christ disposes.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jane wasn't where we'd planned, the jade.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She'd thought me drunk and hadn't stayed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So I went up the Walk to look for her</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And lingered by the little brook for her,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And dowsed my face, and drank at spring,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And watched two wild duck on the wing.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The moon come pale, the wind come cool,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A big pike leapt in Lower Pool,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The peacock screamed, the clouds were straking,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My cut cheek felt the weather breaking;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">An orange sunset waned and thinned</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Foretelling rain and western wind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And while I watched I heard distinct</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The metals on the railway clinked.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The blood-edged clouds were all in tatters,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The sky and earth seemed mad as hatters;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They had a death look, wild and odd,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of something dark foretold by God.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And seeing it so, I felt so shaken</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I wouldn't keep the road I'd taken,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But wandered back towards the inn</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Resolved to brace myself with gin.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And as I walked, I said, 'It's strange,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There's Death let loose to-night, and Change.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In Cabbage Walk I made a haul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of two big pears from lawyer's wall,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And, munching one, I took the lane</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Back into Market-place again.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lamp-lighter Dick had passed the turning</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the Homend lamps were burning,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The windows shone, the shops were busy,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But that strange Heaven made me dizzy.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The sky had all God's warning writ</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In bloody marks all over it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And over all I thought there was</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A ghastly light beside the gas.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The Devil's tasks and Devil's rages</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Were giving me the Devil's wages.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In Market-place it's always light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The big shop windows make it bright;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in the press of people buying</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I spied a little fellow crying</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Because his mother'd gone inside</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And left him there, and so he cried.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And mother'd beat him when she found him,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And mother's whip would curl right round him,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And mother'd say he'd done't to crost her,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Though there being crowds about he'd lost her.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lord, give to men who are old and rougher</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The things that little children suffer,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And let keep bright and undefiled</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The young years of the little child.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I pat his head at edge of street</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And gi'm my second pear to eat.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Right under lamp, I pat his head,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I'll stay till mother come,' I said,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And stay I did, and joked and talked,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And shoppers wondered as they walked.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'There's that Saul Kane, the drunken blaggard,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Talking to little Jimmy Jaggard.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The drunken blaggard reeks of drink.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Whatever will his mother think?'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Wherever has his mother gone?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nip round to Mrs Jaggard's, John,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And say her Jimmy's out again,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In Market-place, with boozer Kane.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'When he come out to-day he staggered.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O, Jimmy Jaggard, Jimmy Jaggard.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'His mother's gone inside to bargain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Run in and tell her, Polly Margin,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And tell her poacher Kane is tipsy</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And selling Jimmy to a gipsy.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Run in to Mrs Jaggard, Ellen,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or else, dear knows, there'll be no tellin',</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And don't dare leave yer till you've fount her,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You'll find her at the linen counter.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I told a tale, to Jim's delight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of where the tom-cats go by night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And how when moonlight come they went</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Among the chimneys black and bent,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From roof to roof, from house to house,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With little baskets full of mouse</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All red and white, both joint and chop</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Like meat out of a butcher's shop;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then all along the wall they creep</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And everyone is fast asleep,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And honey-hunting moths go by,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And by the bread-batch crickets cry;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then on they hurry, never waiting</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To lawyer's backyard cellar grating</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where Jaggard's cat, with clever paw,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Unhooks a broke-brick's secret door;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then down into the cellar black,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Across the wood slug's slimy track,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Into an old cask's quiet hollow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where they've got seats for what's to follow;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then each tom-cat lights little candles,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And O, the stories and the scandals,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And O, the songs and Christmas carols,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And O, the milk from little barrels.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They light a fire fit for roasting</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">(And how good mouse-meat smells when toasting),</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then down they sit to merry feast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While moon goes west and sun comes east.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Sometimes they make so merry there</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Old lawyer come to head of stair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To 'fend with fist and poker took firm</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His parchments channelled by the bookworm,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all his deeds, and all his packs</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of withered ink and sealing wax;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And there he stands, with candle raised,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And listens like a man amazed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or like a ghost a man stands dumb at,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He says, 'Hush! Hush! I'm sure there's summat!'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He hears outside the brown owl call,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He hears the death-tick tap the wall,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The gnawing of the wainscot mouse,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The creaking up and down the house,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The unhooked window's hinges ranging,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The sounds that say the wind is changing.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At last he turns, and shakes his head,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'It's nothing, I'll go back to bed.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And just then Mrs Jaggard came</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To view and end her Jimmy's shame.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She made one rush and gi'm a bat</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And shook him like a dog a rat.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I can't turn round but what you're straying.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll give you tales and gipsy playing.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll give you wand'ring off like this</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And listening to whatever 't is,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You'll laugh the little side of the can,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You'll have the whip for this, my man;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And not a bite of meat nor bread</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You'll touch before you go to bed.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Some day you'll break your mother's heart,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">After God knows she's done her part,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Working her arms off day and night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Trying to keep your collars white.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Look at your face, too, in the street.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">What dirty filth 've you found to eat?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now don't you blubber here, boy, or</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll give you sum't to blubber for.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She snatched him off from where we stand</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And knocked the pear-core from his hand,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And looked at me, 'You Devil's limb,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How dare you talk to Jaggard's Jim;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">You drunken, poaching, boozing brute, you.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If Jaggard was a man he'd shoot you.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She glared all this, but didn't speak,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She gasped, white hollows in her cheek;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jimmy was writhing, screaming wild,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The shoppers thought I'd killed the child.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I had to speak, so I begun.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'You'd oughtn't beat your little son;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He did no harm, but seeing him there</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I talked to him and gi'm a pear;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'm sure the poor child meant no wrong,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's all my fault he stayed so long,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He'd not have stayed, mum, I'll be bound</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If I'd not chanced to come around.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's all my fault he stayed, not his.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I kept him here, that's how it is.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Oh! And how dare you, then?' says she,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'How dare you tempt my boy from me?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How dare you do't, you drunken swine,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is he your child or is he mine?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A drunken sot they've had the beak to,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Has got his dirty whores to speak to,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His dirty mates with whom he drink,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Not little children, one would think.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Look on him, there,' she says, 'look on him</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And smell the stinking gin upon him,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The lowest sot, the drunk'nest liar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The dirtiest dog in all the shire:</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nice friends for any woman's son</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">After ten years, and all she's done.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'For I've had eight, and buried five,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And only three are left alive.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've given them all we could afford,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've taught them all to fear the Lord.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They've had the best we had to give,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The only three the Lord let live.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'For Minnie whom I loved the worst</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Died mad in childbed with her first.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And John and Mary died of measles,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Rob was drownded at the Teasels.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And little Nan, dear little sweet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A cart run over in the street;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Her little shift was all one stain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I prayed God put her out of pain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the rest are gone or going</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The road to hell, and there's no knowing</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For all I've done and all I've made them</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'd better not have overlaid them.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For Susan went the ways of shame</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The time the 'till'ry regiment came,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And t'have her child without a father</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I think I'd have her buried rather.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Dicky boozes, God forgimme,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now't's to be the same with Jimmy.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all I've done and all I've bore</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Has made a drunkard and a whore,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A bastard boy who wasn't meant,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Jimmy gwine where Dicky went;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For Dick began the self-same way</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And my old hairs are going gray,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And my poor man's a withered knee,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the burden falls on me.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I've washed eight little children's limbs,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've taught eight little souls their hymns,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've risen sick and lain down pinched</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And borne it all and never flinched;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But to see him, the town's disgrace,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With God's commandments broke in's face,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who never worked, not he, nor earned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Nor will do till the seas are burned,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who never did since he was whole</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A hand's turn for a human soul,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But poached and stole and gone with women,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And swilled down gin enough to swim in;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To see him only lift one finger</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To make my little Jimmy linger.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In spite of all his mother's prayers,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all her ten long years of cares,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all her broken spirit's cry</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That drunkard's finger puts them by,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Jimmy turns. And now I see</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That just as Dick was, Jim will be,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all my life will have been vain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I might have spared myself the pain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And done the world a blessed riddance</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If I'd a drowned 'em all like kittens.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And he the sot, so strong and proud,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who'd make white shirts of's mother's shroud,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He laughs now, it's a joke to him,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Though it's the gates of hell to Jim.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'I've had my heart burnt out like coal,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And drops of blood wrung from soul</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Day in, day out, in pain and tears,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For five and twenty wretched years;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And he, he's ate the fat and sweet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And loafed and spat at top of street,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And drunk and leched from day till morrow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And never known a moment's sorrow.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He come out drunk from th'inn to look</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The day my little Ann was took;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He sat there drinking, glad and gay,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The night my girl was led astray;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He praised my Dick for singing well,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The night Dick took the road to hell;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when my corpse goes stiff and blind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Leaving four helpless souls behind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He will be there still, drunk and strong.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It do seem hard. It do seem wrong.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But "Woe to him by whom the offence,"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Says our Lord Jesus' Testaments.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Whatever seems, God doth not slumber</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Though He lets pass times without number.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He'll come with trump to call His own,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And this world's way'll be overthrown.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He'll come with glory and with fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To cast great darkness on the liar,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To burn the drunkard and the treacher,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And do His judgment on the lecher,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To glorify the spirits' faces</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of those whose ways were stony places,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who chose with Ruth the better part;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O Lord, I see Thee as Thou art,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O God, the fiery four-edged sword,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The thunder of the wrath outpoured,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The fiery four-faced creatures burning,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the four-faced wheels all turning,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Coming with trump and fiery saint.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Jim, take me home, I'm turning faint.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They went, and some cried, 'Good old sod.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'She put it to him straight, by God.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Summat she was, or looked, or said,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Went home and made me hang my head.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I slunk away into the night</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Knowing deep down that she was right.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'd often heard religious ranters,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And put them down as windy canters,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But this old mother made me see</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The harm I done by being me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Being both strong and given to sin</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I 'tracted weaker vessels in.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So back to bar to get more drink,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I didn't dare begin to think,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And there were drinks and drunken singing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As though this life were dice for flinging;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dice to be flung, and nothing furder,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Christ's blood just another murder.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Come on, drinks round, salue, drink hearty.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now, Jane, the punch-bowl for the party.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">If any here won't drink with me</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'll knock his bloody eyes out. See?</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Come on, cigars round, rum for mine,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Sing us a smutty song, some swine.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But though the drinks and songs went round</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That thought remained, it was not drowned.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when I'd rise to get a light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I'd think, 'What's come to me to-night?'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There's always crowds when drinks are standing.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The house doors slammed along the landing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The rising wind was gusty yet,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And those who came in late were wet;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all my body's nerves were snappin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With sense of summat 'bout to happen,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And music seemed to come and go</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And seven lights danced in a row.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There used to be a custom then,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Miss Bourne, the Friend, went round at ten</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To all the pubs in all the place</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To bring the drunkard's soul to grace;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Some sulked, of course, and some were stirred,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But none gave her a dirty word.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A tall pale woman, grey and bent,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Folk said of her that she was sent.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She wore Friend's clothes, and women smiled,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But she'd a heart just like a child.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She come to us near closing time</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When we were at some smutty rhyme,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And I was mad and ripe for fun;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I wouldn't a minded what I done,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So when she come so prim and grey</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I pound the bar and sing, 'Hooray,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Here's Quaker come to bless and kiss us,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Come, have a gin and bitters, missus.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or may be Quaker girls so prim</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Would rather start a bloody hymn.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Now, Dick, oblige. A hymn, you swine,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Pipe up the "Officer of the Line,"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A song to make one's belly ache,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or "Nell and Roger at the Wake,"</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or that sweet song, the talk in town,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">"The lady fair and Abel Brown."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">"O, who's that knocking at the door."</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Miss Bourne'll play the music score.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The men stood dumb as cattle are,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They grinned, but thought I'd gone too far,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There come a hush and no one break it,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They wondered how Miss Bourne would take it.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She up to me with black eyes wide,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She looked as though her spirit cried;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She took my tumbler from the bar</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Beside where all the matches are</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And poured it out upon the floor dust,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Among the fag-ends, spit and sawdust.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'Saul Kane,' she said, 'when next you drink,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Do me the gentleness to think</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That every drop of drink accursed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Makes Christ within you die of thirst,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That every dirty word you say</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Is one more flint upon His way,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Another thorn about His head,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Another mock by where He tread,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Another nail, another cross.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All that you are is that Christ's loss.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The clock run down and struck a chime</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Mrs Si said, 'Closing time.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The wet was pelting on the pane</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And something broke inside my brain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I heard the rain drip from the gutters</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Silas putting up the shutters,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While one by one the drinkers went;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I got a glimpse of what it meant,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How she and I had stood before</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In some old town by some old door</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Waiting intent while someone knocked</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Before the door for ever locked;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She was so white that I was scared,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A gas-jet, turned the wrong way, flared,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Silas snapped the bars in place.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Miss Bourne stood white and searched my face.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When Silas done, with ends of tunes</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">He 'gan a-gathering the spittoons,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His wife primmed lips and took the till.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Miss Bourne stood still and I stood still,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And 'Tick. Slow. Tick. Slow' went the clock.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She said, 'He waits until you knock.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">She turned at that and went out swift,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Si grinned and winked, his missus sniffed.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I heard her clang the Lion door,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I marked a drink-drop roll to floor;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It took up scraps of sawdust, furry,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And crinkled on, a half inch, blurry;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A drop from my last glass of gin;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And someone waiting to come in,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A hand upon the door latch gropin'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Knocking the man inside to open.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I know the very words I said,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">They bayed like bloodhounds in my head.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'The water's going out to sea</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And there's a great moon calling me;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">But there's a great sun calls the moon,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all God's bells will carol soon</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For joy and glory and delight</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of someone coming home to-night.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out into darkness, out to night,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My flaring heart gave plenty light,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So wild it was there was no knowing</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Whether the clouds or stars were blowing;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Blown chimney pots and folk blown blind</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And puddles glimmering like my mind,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And chinking glass from windows banging,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And inn signs swung like people hanging,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in my heart the drink unpriced,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The burning cataracts of Christ.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I did not think, I did not strive,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The deep peace burnt my me alive;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The bolted door had broken in,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I knew that I had done with sin.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I knew that Christ had given me birth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To brother all the souls on earth,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And every bird and every beast</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Should share the crumbs broke at the feast.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O glory of the lighted mind.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How dead I'd been, how dumb, how blind.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The station brook, to my new eyes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Was babbling out of Paradise;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The waters rushing from the rain</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Were singing Christ has risen again.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I thought all earthly creatures knelt</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">From rapture of the joy I felt.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The narrow station-wall's brick ledge,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The wild hop withering in the hedge,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The lights in huntsman's upper storey</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Were parts of an eternal glory,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Were God's eternal garden flowers.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I stood in bliss at this for hours.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O glory of the lighted soul.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The dawn came up on Bradlow Knoll,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The dawn with glittering on the grasses,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The dawn which pass and never passes.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">'It's dawn,' I said, 'and chimney's smoking,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the blessed fields are soaking.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's dawn, and there's an engine shunting;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And hounds, for huntsman's going hunting.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">It's dawn, and I must wander north</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Along the road Christ led me forth.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So up the road I wander slow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Past where the snowdrops used to grow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With celandines in early springs,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">When rainbows were triumphant things</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And dew so bright and flowers so glad,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Eternal joy to lass and lad.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And past the lovely brook I paced,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The brook whose source I never traced,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The brook, the one of two which rise</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In my green dream in Paradise,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In wells where heavenly buckets clink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To give God's wandering thirsty drink</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By those clean cots of carven stone</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where the clear water sings alone.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then down, past that white-blossomed pond,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And past the chestnut trees beyond,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And past the bridge the fishers knew,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where yellow flag flowers once grew,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where we'd go gathering cops of clover,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">In sunny June times long since over.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O clover-cops half white, half red,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O beauty from beyond the dead.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O blossom, key to earth and heaven,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O souls that Christ has new forgiven.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then down the hill to gipsies' pitch</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By where the brook clucks in the ditch.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A gipsy's camp was in the copse,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Three felted tents, with beehive tops,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And round black marks where fires had been,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And one old waggon painted green,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And three ribbed horses wrenching grass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And three wild boys to watch me pass,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And one old woman by the fire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Hulking a rabbit warm from wire.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I loved to see the horses bait.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I felt I walked at Heaven's gate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That Heaven's gate was opened wide</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Yet still the gipsies camped outside.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The waste souls will prefer the wild,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Long after life is meek and mild.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Perhaps when man has entered in</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His perfect city free from sin,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The campers will come past the walls</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With old lame horses full of galls,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And waggons hung about with withies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And burning coke in tinkers' stithies,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And see the golden town, and choose,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And think the wild too good to lose.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And camp outside, as these camped then</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With wonder at the entering men.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">So past, and past the stone-heap white</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That dewberry trailers hid from sight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And down the field so full of springs,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Where mewing peewits clap their wings,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And past the trap made for the mill</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Into the field below the hill.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There was a mist along the stream,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A wet mist, dim, like in a dream;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I heard the heavy breath of cows,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And waterdrops from th'alder boughs;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And eels, or snakes, in dripping grass</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Whipping aside to let me pass.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The gate was backed against the ryme</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To pass the cows at milking time.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And by the gate as I went out</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A moldwarp rooted earth wi 's snout.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A few steps up the Callows' Lane</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Brought me above the mist again;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The two great fields arose like death</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Above the mists of human breath.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All earthly things that blessed morning</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Were everlasting joy and warning.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The gate was Jesus' way made plain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The mole was Satan foiled again,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Black blinded Satan snouting way</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Along the red of Adam's clay;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The mist was error and damnation,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The lane the road unto salvation,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out of the mist into the light;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O blessed gift of inner sight.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The past was faded like a dream;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There come the jingling of a team,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A ploughman's voice, a clink of chain,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Slow hoofs, and harness under strain.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Up the slow slope a team came bowing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Old Callow at his autumn ploughing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Old Callow, stooped above the hales.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Ploughing the stubble into wales;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His grave eyes looking straight ahead,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Shearing a long straight furrow red;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His plough-foot high to give it earth</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To bring new food for men to birth.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O wet red swathe of earth laid bare,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O truth, O strength, O gleaming share,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O patient eyes that watch the goal,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O ploughman of the sinner's soul.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O Jesus, drive the coulter deep</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To plough my living man from sleep.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Slow up the hill the plough team plod,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Old Callow at the task of God,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Helped by man's wit, helped by the brute</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Turning a stubborn clay to fruit,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His eyes for ever on some sign</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To help him plough a perfect line.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">At top of rise the plough team stopped,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The fore-horse bent his head and cropped</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Then the chains chack, the brasses jingle,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The lean reins gather through the cringle,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The figures move against the sky,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The clay wave breaks as they go by.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I kneeled there in the muddy fallow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I knew that Christ was there with Callow,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That Christ was standing there with me,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That Christ had taught me what to be,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That I should plough, and as I ploughed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">My Saviour Christ would sing aloud,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And as I drove the clods apart</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Christ would be ploughing in my heart,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Through rest-harrow and bitter roots,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Through all my bad life's rotten fruits.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O Christ who holds the open gate,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O Christ who drives the furrow straight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O Christ, the plough, O Christ, the laughter</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of holy white birds flying after,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Lo, all my heart's field red and torn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Thou wilt bring the young green corn,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The young green corn divinely springing,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The young green corn for ever singing;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And when the field is fresh and fair</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Thy blessed feet shall glitter there.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And we will walk the weeded field,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And tell the golden harvest's yield,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The corn that makes the holy bread</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By which the soul of man is fed,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The holy bread, the food unpriced,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Thy everlasting mercy, Christ.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The share will jar on many a stone,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Thou wilt not let me stand alone;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And I shall feel (Thou wilt not fail),</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Thy hand on mine upon the hale.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Near Bullen Bank, on Gloucester Road,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Thy everlasting mercy showed</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The ploughman patient on the hill</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For ever there, for ever still,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Ploughing the hill with steady yoke</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Of pine-trees lightning-struck and broke.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I've marked the May Hill ploughman stay</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There on his hill, day after day</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Driving his team against the sky,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While men and women live and die.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now and then he seems to stoop</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To clear the coulter with the scoop,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Or touch an ox to haw or gee</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">While Severn stream goes out to sea.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The sea with all her ships and sails,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And that great smoky port in Wales,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And Gloucester tower bright i' the sun,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">All know that patient wandering one.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And sometimes when they burn the leaves</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The bonfires' smoking trails and heaves,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And girt red flames twink and twire</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">As though he ploughed the hill afire.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And in men's hearts in many lands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A spiritual ploughman stands</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">For ever waiting, waiting now,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The heart's 'Put in, man, zook the plough.'</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">By this the sun was all one glitter,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The little birds were all in twitter;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Out of a tuft a little lark</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Went higher up than I could mark,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His little throat was all one thirst</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To sing until his heart should burst,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">To sing aloft in golden light</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">His song from blue air out of sight.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The mist drove by, and now the cows</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Came plodding up to milking house,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Followed by Frank, the Callows' cowman,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Who whistled 'Adam was a ploughman.'</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">There come such cawing from the rooks,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Such running chuck from little brooks,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">One thought it March, just budding green</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">With hedgerows full of celandine.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">An otter out of stream and played,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Two hares come loping up and stayed;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Wide-eyed and tender-eared but bold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Sheep bleated up by Penny's fold.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I heard a partridge covey call;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The morning sun was bright on all.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Down the long slope the plough team drove</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The tossing rooks arose and hove.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">A stone struck on the share. A word</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Came to the team. The red earth stirred.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I crossed the hedge by shooter's gap,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I hitched my boxer's belt a strap,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I jumped the ditch and crossed the fallow</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">I took the hales from farmer Callow.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">How swift the summer goes,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Forget-me-not, pink, rose.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The young grass when I started</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now the hay is carted,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And now my song is ended,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And all the summer spended;</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The blackbird's second brood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Routs beech-leaves in the wood</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The pink and rose have speeded,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Forget-me-not has seeded.</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Only the winds that blew,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The rain that makes things new,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">The earth that hides things old,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">And blessings manifold.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O lovely lily clean,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O lily springing green,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">O lily bursting white,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Dear lily of delight,</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">Spring in my heart agen</span></div> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">That I may flower to men.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="line-block outermost"> -<div class="line"><span class="medium">GREAT HAMPDEN. June 1911.</span></div> -</div> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">NOTE</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">'The Everlasting Mercy' first appeared in </span><em class="italics medium">The -English Review</em><span class="medium"> for October 1911. I thank the -Editor and Proprietors of that paper for -permitting me to reprint it here. The persons and -events described in the poem are entirely imaginary, -and no reference is made or intended to any -living person.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">JOHN MASEFIELD.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="small">THE RIVERSIDE PRESS LIMITED, EDINBURGH</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 4em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">FROM SIDGWICK & JACKSON'S LIST</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 2em"> -</div> -<p class="center pfirst"><span class="large">JOHN MASEFIELD</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 1em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">THE WIDOW IN THE BYE STREET.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net. Third Impression</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"Mr Masefield is no common realist, but universalizes his -tragedy in the grand manner.... We are convinced that he is -writing truly of human nature, which is the vital thing.... -The last few stanzas show us pastoral poetry in the very -perfection of simplicity."--</span><em class="italics">Spectator</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In 'The Widow in the Bye Street' all Mr Masefield's -passionate love of loveliness is utterly fused with the violent and -unlovely story, which glows with an inner harmony. The poem, -it is true, ends on a note of idyllism which recalls Theocritus; -but this is no touch of eternal decoration. Inevitably the story -has worked towards this culmination."--</span><em class="italics">Bookman</em><span>.</span></p> -<div class="vspace" style="height: 3em"> -</div> -<p class="pfirst"><span class="medium">THE TRAGEDY OF POMPEY THE GREAT.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>A Play in Three Acts. Crown 8vo, cloth, 3s. 6d. net. -Wrappers, 1s. 6d. net. Third Impression</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"In this Roman tragedy, while we admire its closely knit -structure, dramatic effectiveness, and atmosphere of reality -... the warmth and colour of the diction are the most notable -things.... He knows the art of phrasing; he has the instinct for and -by them."--</span><em class="italics">Athaeneum</em><span>.</span></p> -<p class="pnext"><span>"He has written a great tragedy.... The dialogue is written -in strong, simple and nervous prose, flashing with poetic -insight, significance and suggestion. 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