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| author | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-06 01:20:55 -0800 |
|---|---|---|
| committer | nfenwick <nfenwick@pglaf.org> | 2025-02-06 01:20:55 -0800 |
| commit | 8d83509a82393efe8ef2e42dab01bd6fafc82552 (patch) | |
| tree | ac803c8aaaca77c25e2f77b484c97dd728b8bf52 /52459-h | |
| parent | 18216efd404f3c7bdc972d62eeb6b1240555db3d (diff) | |
As captured February 6, 2025
Diffstat (limited to '52459-h')
| -rw-r--r-- | 52459-h/52459-h.htm | 21454 |
1 files changed, 10519 insertions, 10935 deletions
diff --git a/52459-h/52459-h.htm b/52459-h/52459-h.htm index ba668e9..a7b80b3 100644 --- a/52459-h/52459-h.htm +++ b/52459-h/52459-h.htm @@ -1,10935 +1,10519 @@ -<?xml version="1.0" encoding="iso-8859-1"?>
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-
-<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en">
- <head>
- <title>
- Saint Abe and his Seven Wives, by Robert Buchanan
- </title>
- <link rel="coverpage" href="images/cover.jpg" />
- <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve">
-
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-
-<pre>
-
-Project Gutenberg's Saint Abe snd His Seven Wives, by Robert Buchanan
-
-This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most
-other parts of the world 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 Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at
-www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have
-to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook.
-
-
-
-Title: Saint Abe snd His Seven Wives
- A Tale of Salt Lake City, With A Bibliographical Note
-
-Author: Robert Buchanan
-
-Release Date: June 30, 2016 [EBook #52459]
-
-Language: English
-
-Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
-
-*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK SAINT ABE SND HIS SEVEN WIVES ***
-
-
-
-
-Produced by David Widger from page images generously
-provided by the Internet Archive
-
-
-
-
-
-
-</pre>
-
- <div style="height: 8em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h1>
- SAINT ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES
- </h1>
- <h2>
- <i>A Tale of Salt Lake City</i>
- </h2>
- <h3>
- With A Bibliographical Note
- </h3>
- <h2>
- By Robert Buchanan
- </h2>
- <h3>
- <i>First Cheap Edition</i>
- </h3>
- <h4>
- London
- </h4>
- <h3>
- 1896
- </h3>
-<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
- <img src="images/0008.jpg" alt="0008 " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h5>
- <a href="images/0008.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
- </h5>
-
-<div class="fig" style="width:50%;">
- <img src="images/0009.jpg" alt="0009 " width="100%" /><br />
- </div>
- <h5>
- <a href="images/0009.jpg"><img src="images/enlarge.jpg" alt="" /> </a>
- </h5>
-
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- TO OLD DAN CHAUCER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- Maypole dance and Whitsun ale,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sports of peasants in the dale,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Harvest mirth and junketting,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fireside play and kiss-in-ring,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ancient fun and wit and ease, —
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gone are one and all of these;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All the pleasant pastime planned
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the green old Mother-land:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gone are these and gone the time
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Of the breezy English rhyme,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sung to make men glad and wise
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- By great Bards with twinkling eyes:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gone the tale and gone the song
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sound as nut-brown ale and strong,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Freshening the sultry sense
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Out of idle impotence,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sowing features dull or bright
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With deep dimples of delight!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Thro' the Motherland I went
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Seeking these, half indolent:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Up and down, saw them not:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Only found them, half forgot.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Buried in long-darken'd nooks
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With thy barrels of old books,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Where the light and love and mirth
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Of the morning days of earth
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sleeps, like light of sunken suns
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Brooding deep in cob-webb'd tuns!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Everywhere I found instead,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Hanging her dejected head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Barbing shafts of bitter wit,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The pale Modern Spirit sit—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While her shadow, great as Gog's
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Cast upon the island fogs,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the midst of all things dim
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Loom'd, gigantically grim.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Honest Chaucer, thee I greet
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In a verse with blithesomefeet.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And ino' modern bards may stare,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Crack a passing joke with Care!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Take a merry song and true
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fraught with inner meanings too!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Goodman Dull may croak and scowl:—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Leave him hooting to the owl!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tight-laced Prudery may turn
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Angry back with eyes that burn,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Reading on from page to page
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Scrofulous novels of the age!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fools may frown and humbugs rail,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Not for them I tell the Tale;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Not for them,, but souls like thee.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wise old English Jollity!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- <i>Newport, October, 1872</i>
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- <b>CONTENTS</b>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> APPROACHING UTAH.—THE BOSS'S TALE. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> I—PASSING THE HANCHE. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> II—JOE WILSON GOES A-COURTING. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> III—SAINT AND DISCIPLE. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> IV—THE BOOK OF MORMON. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> V—JOE ENDS HIS STORY.—FIRST GLIMPSE
- OF UTAH. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE CITY OF THE SAINTS. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> AMONG THE PASTURES.—SUMMER EVENING
- DIALOGUE. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> WITHIN THE CITY.—SAINT ABE AND THE SEVEN.
- </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> III—PROMENADE—MAIN STREET, UTAH.
- </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> WITHIN THE SYNAGOGUE.—SERMONIZETH THE
- PROPHET. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> V—THE FALLING OF THE THUNDERBOLT </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> VI—LAST EPISTLE OF ST. ABE TO THE
- POLYGAMISTS. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THK FARM IN THE VALLEY—SUNSET. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SUNSET IN NEW ENGLAND </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE ON ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN
- WIVES. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> ORIGINALLY PREFACED TO SAINT ABE AND HIS SEVEN
- WIVES. </a>
- </p>
- <p class="toc">
- <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> SOME NOTICES OF THE FIRST EDITION. </a>
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES
- </h2>
- <p class="indent15">
- Art thou unto a helpmate bound?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then stick to her, my brother!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But hast thou laid her in the ground?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Don't go to seek another!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thou hast not sin'd, if thou hast wed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like many of our number,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But thou hast spread a thorny bed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And there alas! must slumber!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- St. Paul, Cor. I., 7, 27-28.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- O let thy fount of love be blest
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And let thy wife rejoice,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Contented rest upon her breast
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And listen to her voice;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yea, be not ravish'd from her side
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whom thou at first has chosen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor having tried one earthly bride
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Go sighing for a Dozen!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sol. Prov. V., 18-20.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- APPROACHING UTAH.—THE BOSS'S TALE.
- </h2>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- I—PASSING THE HANCHE.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Grrr!" shrieked the boss, with teeth clench'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- tight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Just as the lone ranche hove in sight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And with a face of ghastly hue
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He flogg'd the horses till they flew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As if the devil were at their back,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Along the wild and stony track.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From side to side the waggon swung,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While to the quaking seat I clung.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dogs bark'd; on each side of the pass
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The cattle grazing on the grass
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Raised heads and stared; and with a cry
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Out the men rush'd as we roll'd by.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Grrr!" shriek'd the boss; and o'er and o'er
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He flogg'd the foaming steeds and swore;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Harder and harder grew his face
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As by the rançhe we swept apace,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And faced the hill, and past the pond,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And gallop'd up the height beyond,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor tighten'd rein till field and farm
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Were hidden by the mountain's arm
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A mile behind; when, hot and spent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The horses paused on the ascent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And mopping from his brow the sweat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The boy glanced round with teeth still set,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And panting, with his eyes on me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Smil'd with a look of savage glee.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Joe Wilson is the boss's name,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A Western boy well known to fame.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He goes about the dangerous land
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His life for ever in his hand;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Has lost three fingers in a fray,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Has scalp'd his Indian too they say;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Between the white man and the red
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Four times he hath been left for dead;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Can drink, and swear, and laugh, and brawl,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And keeps his big heart thro' it all
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tender for babes and women.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- He
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Turned, smiled, and nodded savagely;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, with a dark look in his eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In answer to my dumb surprise,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Pointed with jerk of the whip's heft
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Back to the place that we had left,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And cried aloud,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "I guess you think
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I'm mad, or vicious, or in drink.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But theer you're wrong. I never pass
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The ranche down theer and bit of grass,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I never pass 'em, night nor day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But the fit takes me jest that way!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The hosses know as well as me
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What's coming, miles afore we see
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The dem'd old corner of a place,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And they git ready for the race!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Lord! if I <i>didn't</i> lash and sweer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And ease my rage out passing theer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Guess I should go clean mad, that's all.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And thet's the reason why I call
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- This turn of road where I am took
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jest Old Nick's Gallop!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Then his look
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grew more subdued yet darker still;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And as the horses up the hill
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With loosen'd rein toil'd slowly, he
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Went on in half soliloquy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Indifferent almost if I heard,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And grimly grinding out each word.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- II—JOE WILSON GOES A-COURTING.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent15">
- "There was a time, and no mistake,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When thet same ranche down in the brake
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was pleasanter a heap to me
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Than any sight on land or sea.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The hosses knew it like their master,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Smelt it miles orf, and spank'd the faster!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ay, bent to reach thet very spot,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Flew till they halted steaming hot
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sharp opposite the door, among
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The chicks and children old and young;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And down I'd jump, and all the go
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was 'Fortune, boss!' and 'Welcome, Joe!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Cissy with her shining face,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tho' she was missus of the place,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Stood larfing, hands upon her hips;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And when upon her rosy lips
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I put my mouth and gave her one,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She'd cuff me, and enjy the fun!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She was a widow young and tight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her chap had died in a free fight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And here she lived, and round her had
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Two chicks, three brothers, and her dad,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All making money fast as hay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And doing better every day.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Waal! guess tho' I was peart and swift,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Spooning was never much my gift;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But Cissy was a gal so sweet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So fresh, so spicy, and so neat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It put your wits all out o' place,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Only to star' into her face.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Skin whiter than a new-laid egg,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Lips full of juice, and sech a leg!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A smell about her, morn and e'en,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like fresh-bleach'd linen on a green;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And from her hand when she took mine,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The warmth ran up like sherry wine;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And if in liquor I made free
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To pull her larfing on my knee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Why, there she'd sit, and feel so nice,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her heer all scent, her breath all spice!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- See! women hate, both young and old,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A chap that's over shy and cold,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And fire of all sorts kitches quick,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Cissy seem'd to feel full slick
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The same fond feelings, and at last
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grew kinder every time I passed;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all her face, from eyes to chin,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Said *'Bravo, Joe! You're safe to win!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And tho' we didn't fix, d'ye see,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In downright <i>words</i> that it should be,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ciss and her fam'ly understood
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- That she and me would jine for good.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Guess I was like a thirsty hoss
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dead beat for days, who comes across
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A fresh clear beck, and on the brink
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Scoops out his shaky hand to drink;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or like a gal or boy of three,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With eyes upon a pippin-tree;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or like some Injin cuss who sees
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A bottle of rum among the trees,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And by the bit of smouldering log,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where squatters camp'd and took their grog
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The night afore. Waal!" (here he ground
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His teeth again with savage sound)
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Waal, stranger, fancy, jest for fun,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The feelings of the thirsty one,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- If, jest as he scoop'd out his hand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The water turn'd to dust and sand!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or fancy how the lad would scream
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To see thet fruit-tree jest a dream!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or guess how thet poor Injin cuss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Would dance and swear, and screech and fuss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- If when he'd drawn the cork and tried
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To get a gulp of rum inside,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Twarn't anything in thet theer style,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But physic stuff or stinking ile!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ah! you've a notion now, I guess,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of how all ended in a mess,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And how when I was putting in
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My biggest card and thought to win,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Old One taught her how to cheat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And yer I found myself, clean beat!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- III—SAINT AND DISCIPLE.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent15">
- Joe Wilson paused, and gazed straight down,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With gritting teeth and bitter frown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And not till I entreated him
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Did he continue,—fierce and grim,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With knitted brow and teeth clench'd tight.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Along this way one summer night,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jest as I meant to take the prize,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Passed an <i>Apostle</i>—dern his eyes!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On his old pony, gravel-eyed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His legs a-dangling down each side,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With twinkling eyes and wheedling smile,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grinning beneath his broad-brimm'd tile,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With heer all scent and shaven face.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He came a-trotting to the place.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My luck was bad, I wasn't near,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But busy many a mile from yer;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And what I tell was told to me
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By them as were at hand to see.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Twam't every day, I reckon, they
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Saw an Apostle pass their way!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Cissy, being kind o' soft,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And empty in the upper loft,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was full of downright joy and pride
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To hev thet saint at her fireside—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One of the seventy they call
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The holiest holy—dern 'em all!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- O he was 'cute and no mistake,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Deep as Salt Lake, and wide awake!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Theer at the ranche three days he stayed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And well he knew his lying trade.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Twarn't long afore he heard full free
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- About her larks and thet with me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And how 'twas quite the fam'ly plan
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To hev me for her second man.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At fust thet old Apostle said
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Little, but only shook his head;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But you may bet he'd no intent
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To let things go as things had went.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Three nights he stayed, and every night
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He squeezed her hand a bit more tight;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And every night he didn't miss
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To give a loving kiss to Ciss;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And tho' his fust was on her brow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He ended with her mouth, somehow.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- O, but he was a knowing one,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Apostle Hiram Higginson!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grey as a badger's was his heer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His age was over sixty year
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- (Her grandfather was little older),
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So short, his head just touch'd her shoulder;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His face all grease, his voice all puff,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His eyes two currants stuck in duff;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Call thet a man!—then look at <i>me!</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thretty year old and six foot three,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Afear'd o' nothing morn nor night,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The man don't walk I wouldn't fight!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Women is women! Thet's their style—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Talk <i>reason</i> to them and they'll bile;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But baste'em soft as any pigeon,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With lies and rubbish and religion;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Don't talk of flesh and blood and feeling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But Holy Ghost and blessed healing;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Don't name things in too plain a way.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Look a heap warmer than you say,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Make'em believe they're serving true
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Holy Spirit and not you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Prove all the world but you's damnation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And call your kisses jest salvation;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Do this, and press'em on the sly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You're safe to win'em. Jest you try!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Fust thing I heerd of all this game,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One night when to the ranche I came,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jump'd down, ran in, saw Cissy theer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And thought her kind o' cool and queer;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For when I caught her with a kiss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Twarn't that she took the thing amiss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But kept stone cool and gev a sigh,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And wiped her mouth upon the sly
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On her white milkin'-apron. 'Waal,'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Says I, 'you're out o' sorts, my gel!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And with a squeamish smile for me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Like folks hev when they're sick at sea,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Says she, 'O, Joseph, ere too late,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I am awaken'd to my state—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- How pleasant and how sweet it is
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To be in sech a state of bliss!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I stared and gaped, and turned to Jim
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her brother, and cried out to him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Hullo, mate, what's the matter here?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What's come to Cissy? Is she <i>queer?</i>'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jim gev a grin and answered 'Yes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A trifle out o' sorts, I guess.'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But Cissy here spoke up and said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'It ain't my stomach, nor my head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It ain't my flesh, it ain't my skin,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It's holy <i>spirits</i> here within!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Waal,' says I, meanin' to be kind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'I must be off, for I'm behind;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But next time that I pass this way
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We'll fix ourselves without delay.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I know what your complaint is, Ciss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I've seen the same in many a miss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Keep up your spirits, thet's your plan.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You're lonely here without a man,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And you shall hev as good a one
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As e'er druv hoss beneath the sun!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At that I buss'd her with a smack.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Turn'd out, jump'd up, and took the track,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And larfing druv along the pass.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Theer! Guess I was as green as grass!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- IV—THE BOOK OF MORMON.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent15">
- "'Twas jest a week after thet day
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When down I druv again this way.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- My heart was light; and 'neath the box
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I'd got a shawl and two fine frocks
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For Cissy. On in spanking style
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The hosses went mile arter mile;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The sun was blazing golden bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The sunflowers burning in the light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The cattle in the golden gleer
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Wading for coolness everywheer
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Among the shinin' ponds, with flies
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As thick as pepper round their eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And on their heads. See! as I went
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Whistling like mad and waal content,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Altho' 'twas broad bright day all round,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A cock crow'd, and I thought the sound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Seem'd pleasant. Twice or thrice he
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- crow'd,'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And then up to the ranche I rode.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Since then I've often heerd folk say
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When a cock crows in open day
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It's a <i>bad sign</i>, announcin' clear
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Black luck or death to those thet hear.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "When I drew up, all things were still.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I saw the boys far up the hill
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tossin' the hay; but at the door
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No Cissy stood as oft afore.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No, not a soul there, left nor right,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her very chicks were out o' sight.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So down I jump'd, and 'Ciss!' I cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But not a sign of her outside.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With thet into the house I ran,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But found no sight of gel or man—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All empty. Thinks I, 'this is queer!'—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Look'd in the dairy—no one theer;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then loiter'd round the kitchen' track
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Into the orchard at the back:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Under the fruit-trees' shade I pass'd,...
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thro' the green bushes,... and at last
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Found, as the furthest path I trode,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The gel I wanted. Ye... s! by——!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The gel I wanted—ay, I found
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- More than I wanted, you'll be bound!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Theer, seated on a wooden cheer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With bows and ribbons in her heer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her hat a-swinging on a twig
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Close by, sat Ciss in her best rig,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And at her feet that knowing one,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Apostle Hiram Higginson!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- They were too keen to notice me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So I held back behind a tree
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And watch'd'em. Never night nor day
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Did I see Cissy look so gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her eyes all sparkling blue and bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her face all sanctified delight.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She hed her gown tuck'd up to show
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Embrider'd petticoat below,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And jest a glimpse, below the white,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of dainty leg in stocking tight
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With crimson clocks; and on her knee
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She held an open book, which he,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thet dem'd Apostle at her feet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With her low milking stool for seat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was reading out all clear and pat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Keeping the place with finger fat;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Creeping more close to book and letter
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To feel the warmth of his text better,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His crimson face like a cock's head
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With his emotion as he read,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now and then his eyes he'd close
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jest like a cock does when he crows!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Above the heads of thet strange two
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The shade was deep, the sky was blue,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The place was full of warmth and smell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All round the fruit and fruit-leaves fell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And that Saint's voice, when all was
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- still,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Was like the groanin' of a mill.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "At last he stops for lack of wind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And smiled with sarcy double-chinn'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fat face at Cissy, while she cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rocking herself from side to side,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'O Bishop, them are words of bliss!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And then he gev a long fat kiss
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On her warm hand, and edged his stool
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Still closer. Could a man keep cool
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And see it? Trembling thro' and thro'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I walked right up to thet theer two,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And caught the dem'd old lump of duff
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jest by the breeches and the scruff.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And chuck'd him off, and with one kick
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sent his stool arter him right slick—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While Cissy scream'd with frighten'd face,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Spare him! O spare that man of grace!'
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "'Spare him!' I cried, and gev a shout,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'What's this yer shine you air about—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What cuss is this that I jest see
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With that big book upon your knee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Cuddling up close and making sham
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To read a heap of holy flam?'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then Cissy clasp'd her hands, and said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- While that dem'd Saint sat fierce and
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- red,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mopping his brow with a black frown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And squatting where I chuck'd him down,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Joe Wilson, stay your hand so bold,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Come not a wolf into the fold;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Forbear to touch that holy one—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Apostle Hiram Higginson.'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'Touch him,' said I, 'for half a pin
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I'd flay and quarter him and skin!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Waal may he look so white and skeer'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For of his doings I have heerd;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Five wives he hev already done,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And him—not half the man for one!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And then I stoop'd and took a peep
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At what they'd studied at so deep,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And read, for I can read a bit,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'The Book of Mormon '—what was writ
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- By the first Saint of all the lot,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Mad Joseph, him the Yankees shot.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- 'What's the contents of this yer book?'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Says I, and fixed her with a look.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- O Joe,' she answered, 'read aright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It is a book of blessed light—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thet holy man expounds it clear \
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Edification great is theer!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then, for my blood was up, I took
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- One kick at thet infernal book,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And tho' the Apostle guv a cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Into the well I made it fly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And turning to the Apostle cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tho' thet theer Scriptur' is your guide,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You'd best depart without delay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Afore you sink in the same way!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sure as fate you'll wet your skin
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- If you come courting yer agin!'
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "At first he stared and puff'd and blew,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Git out!' I cried, and off he flew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And not till he was out o' reach
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Shook his fat fist and found his speech.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I turned to Cissy. 'Cicely Dunn,'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ses I, 'is this a bit of fun
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or eernest?' Reckon 'twas a sight
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To see the way she stood upright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rolled her blue eyes up, tried to speak,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Made fust a giggle, then a squeak,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And said half crying, 'I despise
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Your wicked calumnies and lies,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And what you would insinuate
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Won't move me from my blessed state.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now I perceive in time, thank hiven,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You are a man to anger given,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jealous and vi'lent. Go away!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And when you recollect this day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And those bad words you've said to me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Blush if you kin. Tehee! tehee!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And then she sobbed, and in her cheer
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Fell crying: so I felt quite queer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And stood like a dern'd fool, and star'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Watchin' the pump a going hard;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And then at last, I couldn't stand
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The sight no more, but slipt my hand
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sharp into hers, and said quite kind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Say no more, Cissy—never mind;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I know how queer you women's ways is—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Let the Apostle go to blazes!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Now thet was plain and fair. With this
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I would have put my arm round Ciss.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But Lord! you should have seen her face,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When I attempted to embrace;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sprang to her feet and gev a cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her back up like a cat's, her eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- All blazing, and cried fierce and clear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You villain, touch me if you deer!'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And jest then in the distance, fur
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From danger, a voice echoed her,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The dem'd Apostle's, from some place
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where he had hid his ugly face,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Crying out faint and thick and clear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Yes, villain, touch her if you deer!'
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- So riled I was, to be so beat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I could have Struck her to my feet
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I didn't tho', tho' sore beset—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I never struck a woman yet.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "But off I walked right up the pass,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And found the men among the grass,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And when I came in sight said flat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- What's this yer game Cissy is at?
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She's thrown me off, and taken pity
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- On an Apostle from the City.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Five wives already, too, has he—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Poor cussed things as e'er I see—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Does she mean <i>mischief</i> or a <i>lark?</i>'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Waal, all the men at thet look'd dark,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And scratch'd their heads and seem'd in
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- doubt.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At last her brother Jim spoke out—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Joe, don't blame <i>us</i>—by George, it's true,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We're chawed by this as much as you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We've done our best and tried and tried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But Ciss is off her head with pride,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all her thoughts, both night and day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Are with the Apostles fur away.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "O that I were in bliss with them
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Theer in the new Jerusalem!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She says; and when we laugh and sneer,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Ses we're jest raging wolves down here.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She's a bit dull at home d'ye see,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Allays liked heaps of company,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And now the foolish critter paints
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A life of larks among the Saints.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We've done our best, don't hev a doubt,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To keep the old Apostle out:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We've trained the dogs to seize and bite him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We've got up ghosts at night to fright him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Doctor'd his hoss and so upset him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Put tickle-grass in bed to fret him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jalap'd his beer and snuffed his tea too,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gunpowder in his pipe put free too;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A dozen times we've well-nigh kill'd him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We've skeer'd him, shaken him, and spiff'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- him;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In fact, done all we deer,' said Jim,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Against a powerful man like him;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But all in vain we've hed our sport;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jest like a cat that <i>can't</i> be hurt,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With nine good lives if he hev one.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Is this same Hiram Higginson!'"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /> <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- V—JOE ENDS HIS STORY.—FIRST GLIMPSE OF UTAH.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent15">
- Joe paused, for down the mountain's brow
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His hastening horses trotted now.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Into a canyon green and light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thro' which a beck was sparkling light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Quickly we wound. Joe Wilson lit
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- His cutty pipe, and suck'd at it
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In silence grim; and when it drew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Puff after puff of smoke he blew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With blank eye fixed on vacancy.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At last he turned again to me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And spoke with bitter indignation
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The epilogue of his narration.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Waal, stranger, guess my story's told,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Apostle beat and I was bowl'd.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Reckon I might have won if I
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Had allays been at hand to <i>try</i>;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But I was busy out of sight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And he was theer, morn, noon, and night,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Playing his cards, and waal it weer
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- For him I never caught him theer.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To cut the story short, I guess
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- He got the Prophet to say 'yes,'
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Cissy without much ado
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gev her consent to hev him too;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And one fine morning off they druv
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To what he called the Abode of Love—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A dem'd old place, it seems to me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Jest like a dove-box on a tree,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Where every lonesome woman-soul
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sits shivering in her own hole,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And on the outside, free to choose,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The old cock-pigeon struts and coos.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I've heard from many a one that Ciss
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Has found her blunder out by this,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And she'd prefer for company
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A brisk young chap, tho' poor, like me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Than the sixth part of him she's won—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The holy Hiram Iligginson.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I've got a peep at her since then,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- When she's crawl'd out of thet theer den,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But she's so pale and thin and tame
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I shouldn't know her for the same,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- No flesh to pinch upon her cheek,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her legs gone thin, no voice to speak,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Dabby and crush'd, and sad and flabby,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sucking a wretched squeaking baby;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And all the fun and all the light
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Gone from her face, and left it white.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Her cheek 'll take 'feeble flush,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But hesn't blood enough to blush;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tries to seem modest, peart and sly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And brighten up if I go by,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But from the corner of her eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Peeps at me quietly, and sighs.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Reckon her luck has been a stinger!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- She'd bolt if I held up my finger;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- But tho' I'm rough, and wild, and free,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Take a <i>Saint's</i> leavings—no not me!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- You've heerd of Vampires—them that rise
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- At dead o' night with flaming eyes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And into women's beds'll creep
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- To suck their blood when they're asleep.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- I guess these Saints are jest the same,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sucking the life out is their game;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And tho' it ain't in the broad sun
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Or in the open streets it's done,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- There ain't a woman they clap eyes on
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Their teeth don't touch, their touch don't pison;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Thet's their dem'd way in this yer spot—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Grrr! git along, hoss! dem you, trot!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- From pool to pool the wild beck sped
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Beside us, dwindled to a thread.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With mellow verdure fringed around
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- It sang along with summer sound:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Here gliding into a green glade;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Here darting from a nest of shade
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With sudden sparkle and quick cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- As glad again to meet the sky;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Here whirling off with eager will
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And quickening tread to turn a mill;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Then stealing from the busy place
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With duskier depths and wearier pace
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- In the blue void above the beck
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Sailed with us, dwindled to a speck,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The hen-hawk; and from pools below
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The blue-wing'd heron oft rose slow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And upward pass'd with measured beat
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of wing to seek some new retreat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Blue was the heaven and darkly bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Suffused with throbbing golden light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And in the burning Indian ray
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A million insects hummed at play.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Soon, by the margin of the stream,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We passed a driver with his team
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Bound for the City; then a hound
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Afar off made a dreamy sound;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And suddenly the sultry track
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Left the green canyon at our back,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And sweeping round a curve, behold!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- We came into the yellow gold
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of perfect sunlight on the plain;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And Joe, abruptly drawing rein,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Said quick and sharp, shading his eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- With sunburnt hand, "See, theer it
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- lies—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Theer's <i>Sodom!</i>"
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And even as he cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The mighty Valley we espied,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Burning below us in one ray
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of liquid light that summer day;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And far away, 'mid peaceful gleams
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Of flocks and herds and glistering streams,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Rose, fair as aught that fancy paints,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The wondrous City of the Saints!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THE CITY OF THE SAINTS.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>O Saints that shine around the heavenly Seat! </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What heaven is this that opens at my feet?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What flocks are these that thro' the golden gleam
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Stray on by freckled fields and shining stream?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What glittering roofs and white kiosks are these,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Up-peeping from the shade of emerald trees?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whose City is this that rises on the sight
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Fair and fantastic as a city of light
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Seen in the sunset? What is yonder sea
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Opening beyond the City cool and free.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Large, deep, and luminous, looming thro' the heat.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And lying at the darkly shadowed feet
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of the Sierrasy which with jagged line
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Burning to amber in the light divine,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Close in the Valley of the happy land,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With heights as barren as a dead man's hand?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>O pilgrim, halt! O wandering heart, give praise </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Behold the City of these Latter Days!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here may'st thou leave thy load and be forgiven,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And in anticipation taste of Heaven!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- AMONG THE PASTURES.—SUMMER EVENING DIALOGUE.
- </h2>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE, BISHOP JOSS, STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, things down here, as you observe, are getting
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- more pernicious,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And Brigham's losing all his nerve, altho' the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- fix is vicious.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Jest as we've rear'd a prosperous place and fill'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- our holy quivers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Yankee comes with dern'd long face to give
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- us all the shivers!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And on his jaws a wicked grin prognosticates
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- disaster,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, jest as sure as sin is sin, he means to be
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the master.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Pack up your traps," I hear him cry, "for here
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- there's no remainin',"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And winks with his malicious eye, and progues
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- us out of Canaan.
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- It ain't the Yankee that <i>I</i> fear, the neighbour
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- nor the stranger—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No, no, it's closer home, it's <i>here</i>, that I perceive
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the danger.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The wheels of State has gather'd rust, the helm
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wants hands to guide it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tain't from without the tiler'll bust, but 'cause
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- of steam inside it;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yet if we went falootin' less, and made less
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- noise and flurry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It isn't Jonathan, I guess, would hurt us in a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- hurry.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But there's sedition east and west, and secret
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- revolution,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's canker in the social breast, rot in the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- constitution;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And over half of us, at least, are plunged in mad
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- vexation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Forgetting how our race increased, our very
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- creed's foundation.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What's our religion's strength and force, its
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- substance, and its story?
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Polygamy, my friend, of course! the law of love
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and glory!
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Stranger, I'm with you there, indeed:—it's been
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the best of nusses;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Polygamy is to our creed what meat and drink
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to <i>us</i> is.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Destroy that notion any day, and all the rest is
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- brittle,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And Mormondom dies clean away like one in
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- want of vittle.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It's meat and drink, it's life, it's power! to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- heaven its breath doth win us!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It warms our vitals every hour! it's Holy Ghost
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- within us!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Jest lay that notion on the shelf, and all life's
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- springs are frozen!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I've half-a-dozen wives myself, and wish I had a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- dozen!
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- If all the Elders of the State like you were sound
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and holy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- P. Shufflebotham, guess our fate were far less
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- melancholy.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You air a man of blessed toil, far-shining and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- discerning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A heavenly lamp well trimm'd with oil, upon the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- altar burning.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And yet for every one of us with equal resolu-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's twenty samples of the Cuss, as mean as
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brother Clewson.
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- St. Abe?
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yes, <i>him</i>—the snivelling sneak—his very <i>name</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- provokes me,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Altho' my temper's milky-meek, he sours me
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and he chokes me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To see him going up and down with those meek
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- lips asunder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Jest like a man about to drown, with lead to sink
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- him under,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His grey hair on his shoulders shed, one leg than
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- t'other shorter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No end of cuteness in his head, and him—as
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- weak as water!
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- And yet how well I can recall the time when
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Abe was younger—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Why not a chap among us all went for the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- notion stronger.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When to the mother-country he was sent to wake
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the sinning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He shipp'd young lambs across the sea by <i>flocks</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- —he was so winning;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O but he had a lively style, describing saintly
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- blisses!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He made the spirit pant and smile, and seek
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- seraphic kisses!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- How the bright raptures of the Saint fresh lustre
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- seemed to borrow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While black and awful he did paint the one-wived
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sinner's sorrow!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each woman longed to be his bride, and by his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- side to slumber—
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "The more the blesseder!" he cried, still adding
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to the number.
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- How did the gentleman contrive to change his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- skin so quickly?
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- The holy Spirit couldn't thrive because the Flesh
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was sickly!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tho' day by day he did increase his flock, his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- soul was shallow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His brains were only candle-grease, and wasted
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- down like tallow.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He stoop'd a mighty heap too much, and let his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- household rule him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The weakness of the man was such that any face
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- could fool him.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ay! made his presence cheap, no doubt, and so
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- contempt grew quicker,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not measuring his notice out in smallish drams,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- like liquor.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His house became a troublous house, with mis-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- chief overbrimmin',
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And he went creeping like a mouse among the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- cats of women.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, womenfolk are hard to rule, their tricks is
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- most surprising,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It's only a dern'd spoony fool goes <i>sentimental- </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ising!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But give'em now and then a bit of notice and a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- present,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And lor, they're just like doves, that sit on one
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- green branch, all pleasant!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But Abe's love was a queer complaint, a sort of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tertian fever,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each case he cured of thought the Saint a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- thorough-paced deceiver;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And soon he found, he did indeed, with all their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- whims to nourish,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That Mormonism ain't a creed where fleshly
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- follies flourish.
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, right you air! A creed it is demandin' iron
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- mettle!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A will that quells, as soon as riz, the biling of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the kettle!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With wary eye, with manner deep, a spirit
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- overbrimmin',
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like to a shepherd 'mong his sheep, the Saint is
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- 'mong his women;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And unto him they do uplift their eyes in awe
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and wonder;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His notice is a blessed gift, his anger is blue
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- thunder.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No n'ises vex the holy place where dwell those
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- blessed parties;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each missus shineth in her place, and blithe and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- meek her heart is!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They sow, they spin, they darn, they hem, their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- blessed babes they handle,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Devil never comes to <i>them</i>, lit by that holy
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- candle!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When in their midst serenely walks their
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Master and their Mentor,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They're hush'd, as when the Prophet stalks down
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- holy church's centre!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They touch his robe, they do not move, those
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- blessed wives and mothers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, when on one he shineth love, no envy fills
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the others;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They know his perfect saintliness, and honour
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- his affection—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, if they did object, I guess he'd settle that
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- objection!
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- It ain't a passionate flat like Abe can manage
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- things in <i>your</i> way!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They teased that most etarnal babe, till things
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- were in a poor way.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I used to watch his thorny bed, and bust my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sides with laughter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent5">
- <i>Once</i> give a female hoss her head you'll never
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- stop her after.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It's one thing getting seal'd, and he was mighty
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- fond of Sealing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He'd all the human heat, d'ye see, without the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- saintly feeling.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His were the wildest set of gals that ever drove
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- man silly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each full of freaks and fal-de-lals, as frisky as a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- filly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- One pull'd this way, and t'other that, and made
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- his life a mockery,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They'd all the feelings of a cat scampaging
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- 'mong the crockery.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I saw Abe growing pale and thin, and well I
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- knew what ail'd him—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The skunk went stealing out and in, and all his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- spirit failed him;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And tho' the tanning-yard paid well, and he
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was money-making,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His saintly home was hot as Hell, and, ah!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- how he was baking!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Why, now and then at evening-time, when his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- day's work was over,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Up this here hill he used to climb and squat
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- among the clover,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And with his fishy eye he'd glare across the
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Rocky Mountains,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And wish he was away up there, among the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- heavenly fountains!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I had an aunt, Tabitha Brooks, a virgin under
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- fifty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She warn't so much for pretty looks, but she
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was wise and thrifty;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She'd seen the vanities of life, was good at
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- 'counts and brewin'—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thinks I, "Here's just the sort of Wife to save
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- poor Abe from ruin."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So, after fooling many a week, and showing
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- him she loved him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And seeing he was shy to <i>speak</i>, whatever
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- feelings moved him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At last I took her by the hand, and led her to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- him straightway,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- One day when we could see him stand jest close
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- unto the gateway.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My words were to the p'int and brief: says I,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "My brother Clewson,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There'll be an end to all your grief, if you've got
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- resolution.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Where shall you find a house that thrives without
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a head that's ruling?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here is the paragon of wives to teach those
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- others schooling!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She'll be to you not only wife, but careful as a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- mother—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A little property for life is hers; you'll share it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- brother.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I've seen the question morn and eve within your
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- eyes unspoken,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You're slow and nervous I perceive, but now—the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ice is broken.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here is a guardian and a guide to bless a man
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and grace him;"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And then I to Tabitha cried, "Go in, old gal-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- embrace him!"
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Why, that was acting fresh and fair;—but Abe,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was he as hearty?
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- We...ll! Abe was never anywhere against a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- <i>female</i> party!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At first he seemed about to run, and then we
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- might have missed him;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But Tabby was a tender one, she collar'd him
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and kissed him.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And round his neck she blushing hung, part
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- holding, part caressing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And murmur'd, with a faltering tongue, "O, Abe,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I'll be a blessing."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And home they walk'd one morning, he just
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- reaching to her shoulders,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And sneaking at her skirt, while she stared
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- straight at all beholders.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Swinging her bonnet by the strings, and setting
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- her lips tighter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In at his door the old gal springs, her grim eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- growing brighter;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, Lord! there was the devil to pay, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- lightning and blue thunder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For she was going to have her way, and hold
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the vixens under;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They would have torn old Abe to bits, they
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- were so anger-bitten,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But Tabby saved him from their fits, as a cat
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- saves her kitten.
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- It seems your patriarchal life has got its
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- botherations,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And leads to much domestic strife and infinite
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- vexations!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But when the ladies couldn't lodge in peace one
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- house-roof under,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I thought that 'twas the saintly dodge to give
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- them homes asunder?
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- And you thought right; it is a plan by many
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- here affected—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Never by <i>me</i>—I ain't the man—I'll have my will
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- respected.
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS'S OWN DOMESTIC SYSTEM.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- If all the women of <i>my</i> house can't fondly pull
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- together,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And each as meek as any mouse, look out for
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- stormy weather!—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No, no, I don't approve at all of humouring my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- women,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And building lots of boxes small for each one
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to grow grim in.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I teach them jealousy's a <i>sin</i>, and solitude's just
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bearish,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They nuss each other lying-in, each other's babes
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- they cherish;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It is a family jubilee, and not a selfish plea-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sure,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whenever one presents to me another infant
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- treasure!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All ekal, all respected, each with tokens of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- affection,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They dwell together, soft of speech, beneath their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- lord's protection;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And if by any chance I mark a spark of shindy
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- raising,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I set my heel upon that spark,—before the house
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- gets blazing!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Now that's what Clewson should have done, but
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- couldn't, thro' his folly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For even when Tabby's help was won, he wasn't
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- much more jolly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Altho' she stopt the household fuss, and husht
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the awful riot,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The old contrairy stupid Cuss could not enj'y
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the quiet.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His house was peaceful as a church, all solemn,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- still, and saintly;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And yet he'd tremble at the porch, and look
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- about him faintly;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And tho' the place was all his own, with hat in
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- hand he'd enter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like one thro' public buildings shown, soft
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- treading down the centre.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Still, things were better than before, though
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- somewhat trouble-laden,.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When one fine day unto his door there came a
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yankee maiden.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Is Brother Clewson in?" she says; and when
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- she saw and knew him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The stranger gal to his amaze scream'd out and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- clung unto him.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then in a voice all thick and wild, exclaim'd that
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- gal unlucky,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "O Sir, I'm Jason Jones's child—he's <i>dead</i>—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- stabb'd in Kentucky!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And father's gone, and O I've come to <i>you</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- across the mountains."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And then the little one was dumb, and Abe's
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- eyes gushed like fountains....
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He took that gal into his place, and kept her as
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- his daughter—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, mischief to her wheedling face and the bad
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wind that brought her!
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- I knew that Jones;—used to faloot about Emanci-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- pation—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It made your very toe-nails shoot to hear his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- declamation.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And when he'd made all bosoms swell with
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wonder at his vigour,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He'd get so drunk he couldn't tell a white man
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- from a nigger!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Was six foot high, thin, grim, and pale,—his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- troubles can't be spoken—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tarred, feathered, ridden on a rail, left beaten,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bruised, and broken;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But nothing made his tongue keep still, or stopt
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- his games improper,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Till, after many an awkward spill, he came the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- final cropper.
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- ... That gal was fourteen years of age, and sly
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- with all her meekness;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It put the fam'ly in a rage, for well they knew
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Abe's weakness.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But Abe (a cuss, as I have said, that any fool
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- might sit on)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Was stubborn as an ass's head, when once he
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- took the fit on!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, once he fixed the gal to take, in spite of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- their vexation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not all the rows on earth would break his firm
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- determination.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He took the naggings as they came, he bowed
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- his head quite quiet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Still mild he was and sad and tame, and ate the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- peppery diet;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But tho' he seemed so crush'd to be, when this
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- or that one blew up,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He stuck to Jones's Legacy and school'd her till
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- she grew up.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well! there! the thing was said and done, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- so far who could blame him?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But O he was a crafty one, and sorrow couldn't
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- shame him!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That gal grew up, and at eighteen was prettier
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- far and neater—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There were not many to be seen about these
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- parts to beat her;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Peart, brisk, bright-eyed, all trim and tight, like
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- kittens fond of playing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A most uncommon pleasant sight at pic-nic or
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- at praying.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then it became, as you'll infer, a simple public
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- duty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To cherish and look after her, considering her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- beauty;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And several Saints most great and blest now
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- offer'd their protection,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And I myself among the rest felt something of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- affection.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But O the selfishness of Abe, all things it beats
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and passes!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- As greedy as a two-year babe a-grasping at
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- molasses!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When once those Shepherds of the flock began
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to smile and beckon,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He screamed like any lighting cock, and raised
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- his comb, I reckon!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- First one was floor'd, then number two, she
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wouldn't look at any;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then <i>my</i> turn came, although I knew the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- maiden's faults were many.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "My brother Abe," says I, "I come untoe your
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- house at present
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To offer sister Anne a home which she will find
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- most pleasant.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You know I am a saintly man, and all my ways
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- are lawful"—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And in a minute he began abusing me most
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- awful.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Begone," he said, "you're like the rest,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wolves, Wolves with greedy clutches!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Poor little lamb; but in my breast I'll shield her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- from your touches!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Come, come," says I, "a gal can't stay a child
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- like that for ever,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You'll <i>hev</i> to seal the gal some day; " but Abe
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- cried fiercely, "Never!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Says I, "Perhaps it's in your view <i>yourself</i> this
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- lamb to gather?"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And "If it is, what's that to <i>you?</i>" he cried;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "but I'm her father!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You get along, I know your line, it's crushing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bullying, wearing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You'll never seal a child of mine, so go, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- don't stand staring!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- This was the man once mild in phiz as any
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- farthing candle—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A hedgehog now, his quills all riz, whom no
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- one dared to handle!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But O I little guessed his deal, nor tried to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- circumvent it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I never thought he'd dare to <i>seal</i> another; but
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- he meant it!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yes, managed Brigham on the sly, for fear his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- plans miscarried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And long before we'd time to cry, the two were
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sealed and married.
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP PETE.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well, you've your consolation now—he's pun-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ished clean, I'm thinking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He's ten times deeper in the slough, up to his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- neck and sinking.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's vinegar in Abe's pale face enough to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sour a barrel,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Goes crawling up and down the place, neglect-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ing his apparel,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Seems to have lost all heart and soul, has fits of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- absence shocking—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His home is like a rabbit's hole when weasels
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- come a-knocking.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And now and then, to put it plain, while falling
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- daily sicker,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I think he tries to float his pain by copious goes
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- of liquor.
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP JOSS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yes, that's the end of selfishness, it leads to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- long vexation—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No man can pity Abe, I guess, who knows his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- situation;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, Stranger, if this man you meet, don't take
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- <i>him</i> for a sample,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Although he speaks you fair and sweet, he's set
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a vile example.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Because you see him ill at ease, at home, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- never hearty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Don't think these air the tokens, please, of a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- real saintly party!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No, he's a failure, he's a sham, a scandal to our
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- nation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not fit to lead a single lamb, unworthy of his
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- station;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No! if you want a Saint to see, who rules lambs
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- when he's got 'em,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just cock your weather-eye at <i>me</i>, or Brother
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shufflebotham.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>We</i> don't go croaking east and west, afraid of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- women's faces,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- We bless and we air truly blest in our domestic
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- places;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- We air religious, holy men, happy our folds to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- gather,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each is a loyal citizen, also a husband—rather.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But now with talk you're dry and hot, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- weary with your ride here.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Jest come and see <i>my</i> fam'ly lot,—they're waiting
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tea inside here.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- WITHIN THE CITY.—SAINT ABE AND THE SEVEN.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Tabitha, thirty odd,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Rising up with a stare and a nod;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Amelia, sleepy and mild,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Freckled, Duduish, suckling a child;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Fanny, pert and keen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Emily, solemn and lean,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Mary, given to tears,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Sarah, with wool in her ears;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All appearing like tapers wan
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In the mellow sunlight of Sister Anne.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With a tremulous wave of his hand, the Saint
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Introduces the household quaint,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And sinks on a chair and looks around,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- As the dresses rustle with snakish sound,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- As curtsies are bobb'd, and eyes cast down
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Some with a simper, some with a frown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And Sister Anne, with a fluttering breast,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Stands trembling and peeping behind the rest
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Every face but one has been
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Pretty, perchance, at the age of eighteen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Pert and pretty, and plump and bright;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But now their fairness is faded quite,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And every feature is fashion'd here
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To a flabby smile, or a snappish sneer.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Before the stranger they each assume
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A false fine flutter and feeble bloom,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And a little colour comes into the cheek
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When the eyes meet mine, as I sit and speak;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But there they sit and look at me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Almost withering visibly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And languidly tremble and try to blow—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Six pale roses all in a row!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Six? ah, yes; but at hand sits one,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The seventh, still full of the light of the sun.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Though her colour terribly comes and goes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Now white as a lily, now red as a rose,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So sweet she is, and so full of light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That the rose seems soft, and the lily bright.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Her large blue eyes, with a tender care,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Steal to her husband unaware,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And whenever he feels them he flushes red,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the trembling hand goes up to his head!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Around those dove-like eyes appears
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A redness as of recent tears.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Alone she sits in her youth's fresh bloom
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In a dark corner of the room,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And folds her hands, and does not stir,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and the others scarcely look at her,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But crowding together, as if by plan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Draw further and further from Sister Anne.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I try to rattle along in chat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Talking freely of this and that—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The crops, the weather, the mother-land,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Talk a baby could understand;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the faded roses, faint and meek,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Open their languid lips to speak,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But in various sharps and flats, all low,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Give a lazy "yes" or a sleepy "no."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yet now and then Tabitha speaks,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Snapping her answer with yellow cheeks,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And fixing the Saint who is sitting by
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With the fish-like glare of her glittering eye,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whenever the looks of the weary man
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Stray to the corner of Sister Anne.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like a fountain in a shady place
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Is the gleam of the sadly shining face—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A fresh spring whither the soul might turn,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When the road is rough, and the hot sands
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bum;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like a fount, or a bird, or a blooming tree,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To a weary spirit is such as she!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And Brother Abe, from his easy chair,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Looks thither by stealth with an aching care,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And in spite of the dragons that guard the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- brink
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Would stoop to the edge of the fount, I think,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And drink! and drink!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Drink? Stuff and fiddlesticks," you cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Matron reader with flashing eye:
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Isn't the thing completely <i>his</i>,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His wife, his mistress, whatever you please?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Look at her! Dragons and fountains! Absurd!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Madam, I bow to every word;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But truth is truth, and cannot fail,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And this is quite a veracious tale.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- More like a couple of lovers shy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Who flush and flutter when folk are by,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Were man and wife, or (in another
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And holier parlance) sister and brother.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- As a man of the world I noticed it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And it made me speculate a bit,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For the situation was to my mind
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A phenomenon of a curious kind—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A person in love with his <i>wife</i>, 'twas clear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But afraid, when another soul was near,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of showing his feelings in any way
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Because—there would be the Devil to pay!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Saint has been a handsome fellow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Clear-eyed, fresh-skinn'd, if a trifle yellow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And his face though somewhat soft and plain
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ends in a towering mass of brain.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His locks, though still an abundant crop,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Are thinning a little at the top,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But you only notice here and there
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The straggling gleam of a silver hair.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A man by nature rolled round and short,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Meant for the Merry Andrew's sport,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But sober'd down by the wear and tear
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of business troubles and household care:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Quiet, reticent, gentle, kind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of amorous heart and extensive mind,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A Saint devoid of saintly sham,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Is little Brother Abraham.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brigham's right hand he used to be—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Mild though he seems, and simple, and free;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sound in the ways of the world, and great
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In planning potent affairs of state;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not bright, nor bumptious, you must know,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Too retiring for popular show,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But known to conceive on a startling scale
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Gigantic plans that never fail;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To hold with a certain secret sense
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Prophet under his influence,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To be, I am led to understand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Brain, while the Prophet is the Hand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And to see his intellectual way
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thro' moral dilemmas of every day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- By which the wisest are led astray.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here's the Philosopher!—here he sits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here, with his vaguely wandering wits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Among the dragons, as I have said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Smiling, and holding his hand to his head.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What mighty thoughts are gathering now
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Behind that marble mass of brow?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What daring schemes of polity
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To set the popular conscience free,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And bless humanity, planneth he?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His talk is idle, a surface-gleam,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The ripple on the rest of the stream,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But his thoughts—ah, his <i>thoughts</i>—where do
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- they fly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While the wretched roses under his eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Flutter and peep? and in what doth his plan
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Turn to the counsel of Sister Anne?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For his eyes give ever a questioning look,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the little one in her quiet nook
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Flashes an answer, and back again
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The question runs to the Brother's brain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the lights of speculation flit
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Over his face and trouble it.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Follow his eyes once more, and scan
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The fair young features of Sister Anne:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Frank and innocent, and in sooth
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Full of the first fair flush of youth.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Quite a child—nineteen years old;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not gushing, and self-possessed, and bold,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like our Yankee women at nineteen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But low of voice, and mild of mien—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- More like the fresh young fruit you see
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In the mother-land across the sea—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- More like that rosiest flower on earth,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A blooming maiden of English birth.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Such as we find them yet awhile
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Scatter'd about the homely Isle,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not yet entirely eaten away
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- By the canker-novel of the day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Or curling up and losing their scent
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In a poisonous dew from the Continent.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There she sits, in her quiet nook,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Still bright tho' sadden'd; and while I look,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My heart is filled and my eyes are dim,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And I hate the Saint when I turn to him!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ogre! Blue Beard! Oily and sly!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His meekness a cheat, his quiet a lie!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A roaring lion he'll walk the house
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tho' now he crouches like any mouse!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Had not he pluck'd enough and to spare
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of roses like these set fading there,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But he must seek to cajole and kiss
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Another yet, and a child like this?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A maid on the stalk, just panting to prove
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The honest joy of a virgin love;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A girl, a baby, an innocent child,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To be caught by the first man's face that smiled!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Scarce able the difference to fix
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of polygamy and politics!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Led to the altar like a lamb,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And sacrificed to the great god <i>Sham!</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Deluded, martyr'd, given to woe,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Last of seven who have perish'd so;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For who can say but the flowers I see
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Were once as rosy and ripe as she?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Already the household worm has begun
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To feed on the cheeks of the little one;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Already her spirit, fever-fraught,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Droops to the weight of its own thought;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Already she saddens and sinks and sighs,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Watched by the jealous dragonish eyes.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Even Amelia, sleepy and wan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sharpens her orbs as she looks at Anne;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While Sister Tabby, when she can spare
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Her gaze from the Saint in his easy-chair,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Fixes her with a gorgon glare.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All is still and calm and polite,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Sisters bolster themselves upright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And try to smile, but the atmosphere
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Is charged with thunder and lightning here.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Heavy it seems, and close and warm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like the air before a summer storm;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And at times,—as in that drowsy dream
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Preluding thunder, all sounds will seem
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Distinct and ominously clear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the far-off cocks seem crowing near
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ev'n so in the pauses of talk, each breast
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Is strangely conscious of the rest,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the tick of the watch of Abe the Saint
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Breaks on the air, distinct though faint,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like the ticking of his heart!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- I rise
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To depart, still glancing with piteous eyes
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- On Sister Anne; and I find her face
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Turn'd questioning still to the same old place—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The face of the Saint. I stand and bow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Curtsies again are bobbing now,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Dresses rustling... I know no more
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Till the Saint has led me to the door,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And I find myself in a day-dream dim,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just after shaking hands with him.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Standing and watching him sad and slow
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Into the dainty dwelling go,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With a heavy sigh, and his hand to his head.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- ... Hark, <i>distant thunder!</i>—'tis as I said:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The air was far too close;—at length
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Storm is breaking in all its strength.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- III—PROMENADE—MAIN STREET, UTAH.
- </h2>
- <h3>
- THE STRANGER.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Along the streets they're thronging, walking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Clad gaily in their best and talking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Women and children quite a crowd;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The bright sun overhead is blazing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The people sweat, the dust they're raising
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Arises like a golden cloud.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Still out of every door they scatter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Laughing and light. Pray what's the matter.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That such a flock of folks I see?
- </p>
- <h3>
- A LOUNGER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- They're off to hear the Prophet patter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- This yer's a day of jubilee.
- </p>
- <h3>
- VOICES.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Come along, we're late I reckon...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's our Matt, I see him beckon...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- How d'ye do, marm? glad to meet you.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Silence, Hiram, or I'll beat you...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Emm, there's brother Jones a-looking...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here's warm weather, how I'm cooking!
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Afar the hills arise with cone and column
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Into a sky of brass serene and solemn;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And underneath their shadow in one haze
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of limpid heat the great salt waters blaze,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While faint and filmy through the sultry veil
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The purple islands on their bosom sail
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like floating clouds of dark fantastic air.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- How strangely sounds (while 'mid the Indian
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- glare
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Moves the gay crowd of people old and young)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The bird-like chirp of the old Saxon tongue!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The women seem half weary and half gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Their eyes droop in a melancholy way,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I have not seen a merry face to-day.
- </p>
- <h3>
- A BISHOP
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ther's a smart hoss you're riding, brother!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- How are things looking, down with you?
- </p>
- <h3>
- SECOND BISHOP
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not over bright with one nor 'tother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Taters are bad, tomatoes blue.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You've heer'd of Brother Simpson's losses?—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Buried his wife and spiled his hay.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the three best of Hornby's hosses
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Some Injin cuss has stol'n away.
- </p>
- <h3>
- VOICES.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Zoë, jest fix up my gown...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's my hair a-coming down...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Drat the babby, he's so crusty—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It's the heat as makes him thusty...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Come along, I'm almost sinking...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's a stranger, and he's winking.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Stranger.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That was a fine girl with the grey-hair'd lady,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- How shining were her eyes, how true and
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- steady,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not drooping down in guilty Mormon fashion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But shooting at the soul their power and passion.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That's a big fellow, six foot two, not under,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But how he struts, and looks as black as thunder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Half glancing round at his poor sheep to scare
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- 'em—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Six, seven, eight, nine,—O Abraham, what a
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- harem!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All berry brown, but looking scared as may be,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And each one but the oldest with a baby.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- A GIRL
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Phoebe!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- ANOTHER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yes, Grace!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FIRST GIRL
- </h3>
- <p class="indent20">
- Don't seem to notice, dear,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That Yankee from the camp again is here,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Making such eyes, and following on the sly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And coughing now and then to show he's nigh.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- SECOND GIRL
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Who's that along with him—the little scamp
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shaking his hair and nodding with a smile?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FIRST GIRL
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Guess he's some new one just come down to
- </p>
- <h3>
- SECOND GIRL
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Isn't he handsome?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FIRST GIRL
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- No; the first's my style!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- If my good friends, the Saints, could get then
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- will,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- These Yankee officers would fare but ill;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Wherever they approach the folk retire,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- As if from veritable coals of fire;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With distant bow, set lips, and half-hid frown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Bishops pass them in the blessed town;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The women come behind like trembling sheep,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Some freeze to ice, some blush and steal a peep.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And often, as a band of maidens gay
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Comes up, each maid ceases to talk and play,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Droops down her eyes, and does not look their
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- way;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But after passing where the youngsters pine,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All giggle as at one concerted sign,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And tripping on with half-hush'd merry cries,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Look boldly back with laughter in their eyes!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- VOICES
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here we are, how folk are pushing...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Mind the babby in the crushing...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Pheemy!.. Yes, John!.. Don't go staring
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At that Yankee—it's past bearing.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Draw your veil down while he passes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Reckon you're as bold as brass is.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- ABE CLEWSON
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>[Passing with his hand to his head, attended by his </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Wives.]
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Head in a whirl, and heart in a flutter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Guess I don't know the half that I utter.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Too much of this life is beginning to try me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I'm like a dem'd miller the grind always nigh
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Praying don't sooth me nor comfort me any,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My house is too full and my blessings too
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- many—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The ways o' the wilderness puzzle me greatly.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- SISTER TABITHA.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Do walk like a Christian, and keep kind o'
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- stately!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And jest keep an eye on those persons behind
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You call 'em your Wives, but they tease you and
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- blind you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sister Anne's a disgrace, tho' you think her a
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- martyr,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And she's tuck'd up her petticoat nigh to her
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- garter.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- What group is this, begrim'd with dust and
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- heat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Staring like strangers in the open street?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The women, ragged, wretched, and half dead,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sit on the kerbstone hot and hang the head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And clustering at their side stand children
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- brown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Weary, with wondering eyes on the fair town.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Close by in knots beside the unhorsed team
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The sunburn'd men stand talking in a dream,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For the vast tracts of country left behind
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Seem now a haunting mirage in the mind.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Gaunt miners folding hands upon their breasts,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Big-jointed labourers looking ox-like down,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And sickly artizans with narrow chests
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Still pallid from the smoke of English town.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hard by to these a group of Teutons stand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Light-hair'd, blue-eyed, still full of Fatherland,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With water-loving Northmen, who grow gay
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To see the mimic sea gleam far away.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Now to this group, with a sharp questioning
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- face,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Cometh a holy magnate of the place
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In decent black; shakes hands with some;
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- and then
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Begins an eager converse with the men:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All brighten; even the children hush their cries,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the pale women smile with sparkling eyes.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Prophet welcomes you, and sends
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His message by my mouth, my friends;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He'll see you snug, for on this shore
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's heaps of room for millions more!..
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Scotchman, I take it?.. Ah, I know
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Glasgow—was there a year or so...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And if <i>you</i> don't from Yorkshire hail,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I'll—ah, I thought so; seldom fail.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Make yourselves snug and rest a spell,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's liquor coming—meat as well.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All welcome! We keep open door—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, <i>we</i> don't push away the poor;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tho' he's a fool, you understand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Who keeps poor long in this here land.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The land of honey you behold—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Honey and milk—silver and gold!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- AN ARTIZAN
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, that's the style—Bess, just you hear it;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Come, come, old gal, keep up your spirit:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Silver and gold, and milk and honey,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- This is the country for our money!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- A GERMAN.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Es lebe die Stadt! es lebe dran!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Das heilige Leben steht mir an!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- A NORTHMAN.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Taler du norske
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- BISHOP.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>[Shaking his head. and turning with a wink to the </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- English.]
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- No, not me!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>Saxon's</i> the language of the free:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The language of the great Evangels!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The language of the Saints and Angels!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The only speech that Joseph knew!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The speech of him and Brigham too!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Only the speech by which we've thriven
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Is comprehended up in Heaven!..
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Poor heathens! but we'll make'em spry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They'll talk like Christians by and by.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>[Strolling out of the streets.]</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From east, from west, from every worn-out land,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yearly they stream to swell this busy band.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Out of the fever'd famine of the slums,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From sickness, shame, and sorrow, Lazarus comes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Drags his sore limbs o'er half the world and sea,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Seeking for freedom and felicity.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The sewer of ignorance and shame and loss,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Draining old Europe of its dirt and dross,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Grows the great City by the will of God;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While wondrously out of the desert sod,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Nourished with lives unclean and weary hearts
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The new faith like a splendid weed upstarts.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A splendid weed! rather a fair wild-flower,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Strange to the eye in its first birth of power,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But bearing surely in its breast the seeds
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of higher issues and diviner deeds.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Changed from Sahara to a fruitful vale
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Fairer than ever grew in fairy tale,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Transmuted into plenteous field and glade
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- By the slow magic of the white man's spade,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Grows Deseret, filling its mighty nest
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Between the eastern mountains and the west,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While—who goes there? What shape antique
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- looks down
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From this green mound upon the festive town,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With tall majestic figure darkly set
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Against the sky in dusky silhouette?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Strange his attire: a blanket edged with red
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Wrapt royally around him; on his head
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A battered hat of the strange modem sort
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Which men have christened "chimney pots" in
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- sport;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Mocassins on his feet, fur-fringed and grand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And a large green umbrella in his hand.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Pensive he stands with deep-lined dreamy face,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Last living remnant of the mighty race
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Who on these hunting-fields for many a year
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Chased the wild buffalo, and elk, and deer.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Heaven help him! In his mien grief and despair
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Seem to contend, as he stands musing there;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Until he notices that I am nigh,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And lo! with outstretched hands and glistening
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Swift he descends—Does he mean mischief?
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- No;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He smiles and beckons as I turn to go.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- INDIAN
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Me Medicine Crow. White man gib drink to me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Great chief; much squaw; papoose, sah, one,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- two, three!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- STRANGER
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- With what a leer, half wheedling and half winking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The lost one imitates the act of drinking;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His nose already, to his woe and shame,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Carbuncled with the white man's liquid flame!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well, I pull out my flask, and fill a cup
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of burning rum—how quick he gulps it up;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And in a moment in his trembling grip
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thrusts out the cup for more with thirsty lip.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But no!—already drunken past a doubt,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Degenerate nomad of the plains, get out!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>[A railway whistle sounds in the far distance.]</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Fire-hearted Demon tamed to human hand,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Rushing with smoky breath from land to land,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Screaming aloud to scare with rage and wrath
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Primaeval ignorance before his path,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Dragging behind him as he runs along
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His lilliputian masters, pale and strong,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With melancholy sound for plain and hill
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Man's last Familiar Spirit whistles shrill.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Poor devil of the plains, now spent and frail,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hovering wildly on the fatal trail,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Pass on!—there lies thy way and thine abode,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Get out of Jonathan thy master's road.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Where? anywhere!—he's not particular where,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So that you clear the road, he does not care;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Off, quick! clear out! ay, drink your fill and die;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, since the Earth rejects you, try the Sky!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And see if He, who sent your white-faced
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- brother
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To hound and drive you from this world you
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- bother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Can find a comer for you in another!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /> <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- WITHIN THE SYNAGOGUE.—SERMONIZETH THE PROPHET.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sisters and brothers who love the right,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Saints whose hearts are divinely beating,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Children rejoicing in the light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I reckon this is a pleasant meeting.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Where's the face with a look of grief?—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Jehovah's with us and leads the battle;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- We've had a harvest beyond belief,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And the signs of fever have left the cattle;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All still blesses the holy life
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Here in the land of milk and honey.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brother Shuttleworth's seventeenth wife,..
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Her with the heer brushed up so funny!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Out of Egypt hither we flew,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Through the desert and rocky places;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The people murmur'd, and all look'd blue,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The bones of the martyr'd filled our traces.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Mountain and valley we crawl'd along,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And every morning our hearts beat quicker.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Our flesh was weak, but our souls were strong.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And we'd managed to carry some kegs of
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- liquor.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At last we halted on yonder height,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Just as the sun in the west was blinking.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Isn't Jedge Hawkins's last a fright?...
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I'm suttin that Brother Abe's been drinking!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- That night, my lambs, in a wondrous dream,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I saw the gushing of many fountains;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Soon as the morning began to beam,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Down we went from yonder mountains,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Found the water just where I thought,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fresh and good, though a trifle gritty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Pitch'd our tents in the plain, and wrought
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The site and plan of the Holy City.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Pioneers of the blest," I cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Dig, and the Lord will bless each spade-
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- ful."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brigham's sealed to another Bride...
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- How worn he's gittin'! he's aging dread-
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- ful.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- This is a tale so often told,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The theme of every eventful meeting;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yes! you may smile and think it old;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But yet it's a tale that will bear repeating.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That's how the City of Light began,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- That's how we founded the saintly nation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All by the spade and the arm of man,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And the aid of a special dispensation.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Work" was the word when we begun,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Work" is the word now we have plenty.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Heard about Sister Euphemia's son?..
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sealing already, though only twenty!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- I say just now what I used to say,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Though it moves the heathens to mock and
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- laughter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From work to prayer is the proper way—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Labour first, and Religion after.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Let a big man, strong in body and limb,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Come here inquiring about his Maker,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- This is the question I put to him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Can you grow a cabbage, or reap an
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- acre?"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What's the soul but a flower sublime,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Grown in the earth and upspringing surely!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- O yes! she's hed a most dreadful time!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Twins, both thriving, though she's so
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- poorly.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Beauty, my friends, is the crown of life,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To the young and foolish seldom granted;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- After a youth of honest strife
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Comes the reward for which you've panted.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O blessed sight beyond compare,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When life with its halo of light is rounded,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To see a Saint with reverend hair
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sitting like Solomon love-surrounded!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- One at his feet and one on his knee,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Others around him, blue-eyed and dreamy!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- All very well, but as for me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- My man had better!—I'd pison him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Pheemy!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- There in the gate of Paradise
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The Saint is sitting serene and hoary,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tendrils of euros, and blossoms of eyes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Festoon him round in his place of glory;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Little cherubs float thick as bees
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Round about him, and murmur "father!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The sun shines bright and he sits at-ease,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fruit all round for his hand to gather.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Blessed is he and for ever gay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Floating to Heaven and adding to it!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thought I should have gone mad that day
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- He brought a second; I made him rue it!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sisters and Brothers by love made wise.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Remember, when Satan attempts to quel]
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- If this here Earth isn't Paradise
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- You'll never see it, and so I tell you.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Dig and drain, and harrow and sow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- God will bless you beyond all measure;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Labour, and meet with reward below,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For what is the end of all labour? Plea-
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- sure!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Labour's the vine, and pleasure's the grape;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The one delighting, the other bearing.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Higginson's third is losing her shape.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- She hes too many—it's dreadful wearing.
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- But I hear some awakening spirit cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Labour is labour, and all men know it;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But what is pleasure?" and I reply,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Grace abounding and Wives to show it!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Holy is he beyond compare
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Who tills his acres and takes his blessing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Who sees around him everywhere
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sisters soothing and babes caressing.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And his delight is Heaven's as well,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For swells he not the ranks of the chosen?
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Martha is growing a handsome gel...
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Three at a birth?—that makes the dozen.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- Learning's a shadow, and books a jest,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- One Book's a Light, but the rest are human.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The kind of study that I think best
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Is the use of a spade and the love of a
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- woman.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here and yonder, in heaven and earth,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- By big Salt Lake and by Eden river,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The finest sight is a man of worth,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Never tired of increasing his quiver.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He sits in the light of perfect grace
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With a dozen cradles going together!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- FEMININE WHISPERS.
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- The babby's growing black in the face!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Carry him out—it's the heat of the weather!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE PROPHET
- </h3>
- <p class="indent10">
- A faithful vine at the door of the Lord,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- A shining flower in the garden of spirits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A lute whose strings are of sweet accord,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Such is the person of saintly merits.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sisters and brothers, behold and strive
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Up to the level of his perfection;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sow, and harrow, and dig, and thrive,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Increase according to God's direction.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- This is the Happy Land, no doubt,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- Where each may flourish in his vocation.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brother Bantam will now give out
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- The hymn of love and of jubilation.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /> <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- V—THE FALLING OF THE THUNDERBOLT
- </h2>
- <p class="indent10">
- Deep and wise beyond expression
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sat the Prophet holding session,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And his Elders, round him sitting
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With a gravity befitting,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Never rash and never fiery,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Chew'd the cud of each inquiry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Weigh'd each question and discussed it.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sought to settle and adjust it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Till, with sudden indication
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of a gush of inspiration,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The grave Prophet from their middle
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Gave the answer to their riddle,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the lesser lights all holy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Round the Lamp revolving slowly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thought, with eyes and lips asunder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- "<i>Right</i>, we reckon, he's a wonder!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whether Boyes, that blessed brother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Should be sealed unto another,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Having, tho' a Saint most steady,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Very many wives already?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whether it was held improper,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- If a woman drank, to drop her?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whether unto Brother Fleming
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Formal praise would be beseeming,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Since from three or four potatoes
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- (Not much bigger than his great toes)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He'd extracted, to their wonder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Four stone six and nothing under?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Whether Bigg be reprimanded
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For his conduct underhanded.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Since he'd packed his prettiest daughter
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To a heathen o'er the water?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- How, now Thompson had departed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- His poor widows, broken-hearted,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Should be settled? They were seven,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sweet as cherubs up in heaven;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Three were handsome, young, and pleasant,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And had offers on at present—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Must they take them?.. These and other
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Questions proffer'd by each brother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The great Prophet ever gracious,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Free and easy, and sagacious,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Answer'd after meditation
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With sublime deliberation;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And his answers were so clever
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each one whisper'd, "Well I never!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the lesser lights all holy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Round the Prophet turning slowly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Raised their reverend heads and hoary,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thinking, "To the Prophet, glory!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hallelujah, veneration,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Reckon that he licks creation!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Suddenly as they sat gleaming,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- On them came an unbeseeming
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Murmur, tumult, and commotion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like the breaking of the ocean;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And before a word was utter'd,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In rush'd one with voice that fluttered
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Arms uplifted, face the colour
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of a bran-new Yankee dollar,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like a man whose wits are addled.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Crying—"<i>Brother Abe's skedaddled!</i>"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then those Elders fearful-hearted
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Raised a loud cry and upstarted,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But the Prophet, never rising,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Said, "Be calm! this row's surprising!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And as each Saint sank unsinew'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In his arm-chair he continued:
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Goodman Jones, your cheeks are yellow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tell thy tale, and do not bellow!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- What's the reason of your crying—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Is our brother <i>dead!</i>—or <i>dying?</i>"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- As the Prophet spake, supremely
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hushing all the strife unseemly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sudden in the room there entered
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shapes on whom all eyes were centred—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Six sad female figures moaning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Trembling, weeping, and intoning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "We are widows broken-hearted—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Abraham Clewson has departed!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While the Saints again upleaping
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Joined their voices to the weeping,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For a moment the great Prophet
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Trembled, and look'd dark as Tophet.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But the cloud pass'd over lightly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Cease!" he cried, but sniffled slightly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Cease this murmur and be quiet—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Dead men won't awake with riot.
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tis indeed a loss stupendous—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When will Heaven his equal send us?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Speak, then, of our brother cherish'd,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Was it <i>fits</i> by which he perish'd?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Or did Death come even quicker,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thro' a bolting horse or kicker?"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At the Prophet's question scowling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All the Wives stood moaning, howling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Crying wildly in a fever,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "O the villain! the deceiver!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But the oldest stepping boldly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Curtseying to the Session coldly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Cried in voice like cracking thunder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Prophet, don't you make a blunder?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Abraham Clewson isn't dying—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hasn't died, as you're implying
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No! he's not the man, my brothers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To die decently like others!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Worse! he's from your cause revolted—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Run away! ske-daddled! bolted!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Bolted! run away! skedaddled!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like to men whose wits are addled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Echoed all those Lights so holy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Round the Prophet shining slowly
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the Prophet, undissembling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Underneath the blow sat trembling,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While the perspiration hovered
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- On his forehead, and he covered
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With one trembling hand his features
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From the gaze of smaller creatures.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then at last the high and gifted
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Cough'd and craved, with hands uplifted,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Silence. When 'twas given duly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "This," said he, "'s a crusher truly!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brother Clewson fall'n from glory!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I can scarce believe your story,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O my Saints, each in his station,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Join in prayer and meditation!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Covering up each eyelid saintly
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With a finger tip, prayed faintly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shining in the church's centre,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Their great Prophet, Lamp, and Mentor;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the lesser Lights all holy,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Round the Lamp revolving slowly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each upon his seat there sitting,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With a gravity befitting,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Bowed their reverend heads and hoary,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Saying, "To the Prophet glory!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Hallelujah, veneration!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Reckon that he licks creation!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Lastly, when the trance was ended.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, with face where sorrow blended
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Into pity and compassion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shone the Light in common fashion;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Forth the Brother stept who brought them
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- First the news which had distraught them,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, while stood the Widows weeping,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Gave into the Prophet's keeping
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A seal'd paper, which the latter
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Read, as if 'twere solemn matter—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Gravely pursing lips and nodding,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While they watch'd in dark foreboding,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Till at last, with voice that quivered,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He these woeful words delivered:—
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Sisters, calm your hearts unruly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Tis an awful business truly;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Weeping now will save him never,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He's as good as lost for ever;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Yes, I say with grief unspoken,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Jest a pane crack'd, smash'd, and broken
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In the windows of the Temple—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Crack'd's the word—so take example!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Had he left ye one and all here
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- On our holy help to call here,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Fled alone from <i>every</i> fetter,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I could comprehend it better!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Flying, not with some strange lady,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But with her he had already,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With his own seal'd Wife eloping—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It's a case of craze past hoping!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- List, O Saints, each in his station.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To the idiot's explanation!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then, while now and then the holy
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Broke the tale of melancholy
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- With a grunt contempt expressing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the widows made distressing
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Murmurs of recrimination
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Here and there in the narration,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The great Prophet in affliction
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Read this awful Valediction!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /> <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- VI—LAST EPISTLE OF ST. ABE TO THE POLYGAMISTS.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent10">
- O Brother, Prophet of the Light!—don't let my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- state distress you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While from the depths of darkest night I cry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Farewell! God bless you!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I don't deserve a parting tear, nor even a male-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- diction,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Too weak to fill a saintly sphere, I yield to my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- affliction;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Down like a cataract I shoot into the depths
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- below you,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While you stand wondering and mute, my last
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- adieu I throw you;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Commending to your blessed care my well-be-
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- loved spouses,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My debts (there's plenty and to spare to pay
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- them), lands, and houses,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My sheep, my cattle, farm and fold, yea, all by
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- which I've thriven:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- These to be at the auction sold, and to my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- widows given.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Bless them! to prize them at their worth was
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- far beyond my merit,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just make them think me in the earth, a poor
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- departed spirit.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I couldn't bear to say good-bye, and see their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tears up-starting;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I thought it best to pack and fly without the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- pain of parting!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O tell Amelia, if she can, by careful educa-
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- tion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To make her boy grow up a man of strength
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and saintly station!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tell Fanny to beware of men, and say I'm still
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- her debtor—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tho' she cut sharpish now and then, I think it
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- made me better!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Let Emily still her spirit fill with holy consola-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tions—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Seraphic soul, I hear her still a-reading "Reve-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- lations!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Bid Mary now to dry her tears—she's free of her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- chief bother;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And comfort Sarah—I've my fears she's going to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- be a mother;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And to Tabitha give for me a tender kiss of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- healing—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Guilt wrings my soul—I seem to see that well-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- known face appealing!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And now,—before my figure fades for ever from
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- your vision,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Before I mingle with the shades beyond your
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- light Elysian,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>Now</i>, while your faces all turn pale, and you
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- raise eyes and shiver,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Let me a round unvarnish'd tale (as Shakspere
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- says) deliver;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And let there be a warning text in my most
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- shameful story,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When some poor sheep, perplext and vext, goes
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- seeking too much glory.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O Brigham, think of my poor fate, a scandal to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- beholders,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And don't again put too much weight before
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- you've tried the shoulders!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Though I'd the intellectual gift, and knew the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- rights and reasons;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Though I could trade, and save, and shift,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- according to the seasons;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Though I was thought a clever man, and was at
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- spouting splendid,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just think how finely I began, and see how all
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- has ended!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In <i>principle</i> unto this hour I'm still a holy
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- being—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But oh, how poorly is my power proportion'd to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- my seeing!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You've all the logic on your side, you're right in
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- each conclusion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And yet how vainly have I tried, with eager
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- resolution!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My will was good, I felt the call, although my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- strength was meagre,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There wasn't one among you all to serve the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Lord more eager!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I never tired in younger days of drawing lambs
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- unto me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My lot was one to bless and praise, the fire of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- faith thrill'd through me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And <i>you</i>, believing I was strong, smiled on me
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- like a father,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Said, "Blessëd be this man, though young, who
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the sweet lambs doth gather! "
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At first it was a time full blest, and all my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- earthy pleasure
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Was gathering lambs unto my breast to cherish
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and to treasure;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ay, one by one, for heaven's sake, my female
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- flock I found me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Until one day I did awake and heard them
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bleating round me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And there was sorrow in their eyes, and mute
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- reproach and wonder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- For they perceived to their surprise their Shep-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- herd was a blunder.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O Brigham, think of it and weep, my firm and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- saintly Master—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>The Pastor trembled at his Sheep, the Sheep despised </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the Pastor!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O listen to the tale of dread, thou Light that
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- shines so brightly—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Virtue's a horse that drops down dead if over-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- loaded slightly!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She's all the <i>will</i>, she wants to go, she'd carry
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- every tittle;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But when you see her flag and blow, just ease
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- her of a little!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>One</i> wife for me was near enough, <i>two</i> might
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- have fixed me neatly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>Three</i> made me shake, <i>four</i> made me puff, <i>five</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- settled me completely,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But when the <i>sixth</i> came, though I still was
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- glad and never grumbled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I took the staggers, kick'd, went ill, and in the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- traces tumbled!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, well may I compare my state unto a beast's
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- position—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Unfit to bear a saintly weight, I sank and lost
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- condition;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I lack'd the moral nerve and thew, to fill so fine
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a station—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah, if I'd had a head like you, and your deter-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- mination!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Instead of going in and out, like a superior
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- party,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I was too soft of heart, no doubt, too open, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- too hearty.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When I <i>began</i> with each young sheep I was too
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- free and loving,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not being strong and wise and deep, I set her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- <i>feelings</i> moving;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And so, instead of noticing the gentle flock in
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- common,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I waken'd up that mighty thing—the Spirit of a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Woman.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each got to think me, don't you see,—so foolish
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was the feeling,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Her own especial property, which all the rest
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- were stealing!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, since I could not give to each the whole of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- my attention,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All came to grief, and parts of speech too deli-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- cate to mention!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Bless them! they loved me far too much, they
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- erred in their devotion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I lack'd the proper saintly touch, subduing mere
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- emotion:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The solemn air sent from the skies, so cold, so
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tranquillising, .
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That on the female waters lies, and keeps the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- same from rising,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But holds them down all smooth and bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and, if some wild wind storms 'em,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Comes like a cold frost in the night, and into ice
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- transforms 'em!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And there, between ourselves, I see the diffi-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- culty growing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Since most men are as meek as me, too pas-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sionate and glowing;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They cannot in <i>your</i> royal way dwell like a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- guest from Heaven
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Within this tenement of clay, which for the Soul
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- is given;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They cannot like a blessed guest come calm and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- strong into it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Eating and drinking of its best, and calmly
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- gazing thro' it.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No, every mortal's not a Saint, and truly very
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- few are,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So weak they are, they cannot paint what holy
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- men like you are.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Instead of keeping well apart the Flesh and
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Spirit, brother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And making one with cunning art the nigger of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the other,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They muddle and confuse the two, they mix and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- twist and mingle,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So that it takes a cunning view to make out
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- either single.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Soul gets mingled with the Flesh beyond all
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- separation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Body holds it in a mesh of animal sensa-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tion;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The poor bewilder'd Being, grown a thing in
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- nature double,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Half light and soul, half flesh and bone, is given
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- up to trouble.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- He thinks the instinct of the clay, the glowings
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- of the Spirit,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And when the Spirit has her say, inclines the
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Flesh to hear it.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The slave of every passing whim, the dupe of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- every devil,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Inspired by every female limb to love, and light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and revel,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Impulsive, timid, weak, or strong, as Flesh or
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Spirit makes him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The lost one wildly moans along till mischief
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- overtakes him;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And when the Soul has fed upon the Flesh till
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- life's spring passes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Finds strength and health and comfort gone—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the way of last year's grasses,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And the poor Soul is doom'd to bow, in deep
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- humiliation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Within a place that isn't now a decent habitation.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No! keep the Soul and Flesh apart in pious
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- resolution,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Don't let weak flutterings of the heart lead you
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to <i>my</i> confusion!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But let the Flesh be as the <i>horse</i>, the Spirit as
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the <i>rider</i>,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And use the snaffle first of course, and ease her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- up and guide her;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And if she's going to resist, and won't let none
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- go past her,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just take the <i>curb</i> and give a twist, and show
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- her you're the Master.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Flesh is but a temporal thing, and Satan's
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- strength is in it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Use it, but conquer it, and bring its vice dowN
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- every minute!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Into a woman's arms don't fall, as if you meant
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to <i>stay</i> there,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>Just come as if you'd made a call\ and idly found </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- your way there;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Don't praise her too much to her face, but keep
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- her calm and quiet,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Most female illnesses take place thro' far too
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- warm a diet;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Unto her give your fleshly kiss, calm, kind, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- patronising,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then—soar to your own sphere of bliss, before
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- her heart gets rising!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Don't fail to let her see full clear, how in your
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- saintly station
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The Flesh is but your nigger here obeying your
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- dictation;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And tho' the Flesh be e'er so warm, your Soul
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the weakness smothers
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Of loving any female form much better than the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- others!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O Brigham, I can see you smile to hear the
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Devil preaching;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well, I can praise your perfect style, tho' far
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- beyond my reaching.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Forgive me, if in shame and grief I vex you with
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- digression,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And let me come again in brief to my own dark
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- confession.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The world of men divided is into <i>two portions</i>,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- brother,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The first are Saints, so high in bliss that they the
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Flesh can smother;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- God meant them from fair flower to flower to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- flutter, smiles bestowing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tasting the sweet, leaving the sour, just hover-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ing,—and going.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The second are a different set, just <i>halves</i> of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- perfect spirits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Going about in bitter fret, of uncompleted
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- merits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Till they discover, here or there, their <i>other half</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- (or woman),
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then these two join, and make a Pair, and so
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- increase the human.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The second Souls inferior are, a lower spirit-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- order,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Born 'neath a less auspicious star, and taken by
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- soft sawder;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And if they do not happen here to find their fair
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Affinity,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They come to grief and doubt and fear, and end
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- in asininity;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And if they try the blessed game of those
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- superior to them,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They're very quickly brought to shame,—their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- passions so undo them.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In some diviner sphere, perhaps, they'll look and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- grow more holy,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Meantime they're vessels Sorrow taps and grim
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Remorse sucks slowly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Now, Brigham, <i>I</i> was made, you see, one of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- those <i>lower</i> creatures,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Polygamy was not for me, altho' I joined its
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- preachers.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Instead of, with a wary eye, seeking the one
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- who waited,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And sticking to her, wet or dry, because the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- thing was fated,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I snatch'd the first whose beauty stirred my soul
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- with tender feeling!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And then another! then a third! and so con-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tinued Sealing!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And duly, after many a smart, discovered,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sighing faintly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I hadn't found my missing part, and <i>wasn't</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- strong and saintly!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O they were far too good for me, altho' their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- zeal betrayed them;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Unfortunately, don't you see, heaven for some
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- other made them:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Each would a downright blessing be, and Peace
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- would pitch the tent for her,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- If "she" could only find the "he" originally
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- meant for her!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well, Brother, after many years of bad domestic
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- diet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- One morning I woke up in tears, still weary and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- unquiet,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And (speaking figuratively) lo! beside my bed
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- stood smiling
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>The Woman</i>, young and virgin snow, but beckon-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ing and beguiling.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I started up, my wild eyes rolled, I knew her,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and stood sighing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My thoughts throng'd up like bees of gold out of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the smithy flying.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And as she stood in brightness there, familiar,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tho' a stranger,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I looked at her in dumb despair, and trembled
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- at the danger.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But, Brother Brigham, don't you think the
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Devil could so undo me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That straight I rushed the cup to drink too late
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- extended to me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- No, for I hesitated long, ev'n when I found she
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- loved me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And didn't seem to think it wrong when love
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and passion moved me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O Brigham, you're a Saint above, and know not
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the sensation
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The ecstasy, the maddening love, the rapturous
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- exultation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That fills a man of lower race with wonder past
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- all speaking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When first he finds in one sweet face the Soul he
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- has been seeking!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- When two immortal beings glow in the first
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- fond revealing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And their inferior natures know the luxury of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- feeling!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But ah, I had already got a quiver-full of bless-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Had blundered, tho' I knew it not, six times
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- beyond redressing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And surely it was time to stop, tho' still my lot
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was lonely:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- My house was like a cobbler's shop, full, tho'
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- with "misfits" only.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And so I <i>should</i> have stopt, I swear, the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wretchedest of creatures,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Rather than put one mark of care on her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- belovéd features:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But that it happen'd Sister Anne (ah, now the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- secret's flitted!)
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Was left in this great world of man unto my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- care committed.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Her father, Jason Jones, was dead, a man whose
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- faults were many,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "O, be a father, Abe," he said, "to my poor
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- daughter, Annie!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And so I promised, so she came an Orphan to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- this city,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And set my foolish heart in flame with mingled
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- love and pity;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And as she prettier grew each day, and throve
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- 'neath my protection,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- <i>I saw the Saints did cast her way some tokens of </i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- affection.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O, Brigham, pray forgive me now;—envy and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- love combining,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I hated every saintly brow, benignantly in-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- clining!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Sneered at their motives, mocked the cause,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- went wild and sorrow-laden,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And saw Polygamy's vast jaws a-yawning for
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the maiden.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Why <i>not</i>, you say? Ah, yes, why not, from
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- your high point of vision;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But I'm of an inferior lot, beyond the light
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Elysian.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I tore my hair, whined like a whelp, I loved her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to distraction,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I saw the danger, knew the help, yet trembled
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- at the action.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At last I came to you, my friend, and told my
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- tender feeling;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- You said, "Your grief shall have an end—this is
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a case for Sealing;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And since you have deserved so well, and made
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- no heinous blunder,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Why, brother Abraham, <i>take</i> the gel, but mind
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- you keep her under."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well! then I went to Sister Anne, my inmost
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- heart unclothing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Told her my feelings like a man, concealing
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- next to nothing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Explain'd the various characters of those I had
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- already,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The various tricks and freaks and stirs peculiar
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to each lady,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And, finally, when all was clear, and hope
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- seem'd to forsake me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "There! it's a wretched chance, my dear—you
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- leave me, or you take me."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Well, Sister Annie look'd at me, <i>her</i> inmost
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- heart revealing
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- (Women are very weak, you see, inferior, full of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- feeling),
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then, thro' her tears outshining bright, "I'll
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- never never leave you!
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "O Abe," she said, "my love, my light, why
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- should I pain or grieve you?
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I do not love the way of life you have so sadly
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- chosen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I'd rather be a single wife than one in half a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- dozen;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But now you cannot change your plan, tho'
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- health and spirit perish,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And I shall never see a man but you to love and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- cherish.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Take me, I'm yours, and O, my dear, don't
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- think I miss your merit,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I'll try to help a little here your true and loving
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- spirit."
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Reflect, my love," I said, "once more," with
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bursting heart, half crying,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "Two of the girls cut very sore, and most of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- them are trying!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And then that' gentle-hearted maid kissed me
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and bent above me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "O Abe," she said, "don't be afraid,—I'll try to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- make them <i>love</i> me!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah well! I scarcely stopt to ask myself, till all
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- was over,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- How precious tough would be her task who
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- made those dear souls love her!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But I was seal'd to Sister Anne, and straight-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- way to my wonder
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A series of events began which showed me all
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- my blunder.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Brother, don't blame the souls who erred thro'
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- their excess of feeling—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So angrily their hearts were stirred by my last
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- act of sealing;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But in a moment they forgot the quarrels they'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- been wrapt in,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And leagued together in one lot, with Tabby for
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- the Captain.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Their little tiffs were laid aside, and all com-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- bined together,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Preparing for the gentle Bride the blackest sort
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- of weather.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It wasn't <i>feeling</i> made them flout poor Annie in
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- that fashion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It wasn't love turn'd inside out, it wasn't jealous
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- passion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It wasn't that they cared for <i>me</i>, or any other
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- party,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Their hearts and sentiments were free, their ap-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- petites were hearty.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But when the pretty smiling face came blossom-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- ing and blooming,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Like sunshine in a shady place the fam'ly Vault
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- illuming,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- It naturally made them grim to see its sunny
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- colour,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- While like a row of tapers dim by daylight, they
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- grew duller.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She tried her best to make them kind, she
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- coaxed and served them dumbly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She watch'd them with a willing mind, deferred
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to them most humbly;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Tried hard to pick herself a friend, but found her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- arts rejected,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And fail'd entirely in her end, as one might
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- have expected.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But, Brother, tho' I'm loathe to add one word to
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- criminate them,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I think their conduct was too bad,—it almost
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- made me hate them.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Ah me, the many nagging ways of women are
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- amazing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Their cleverness solicits praise, their cruelty is
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- crazing!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And Sister Annie hadn't been a single day their
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- neighbour,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Before a baby could have seen her life would be
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a labour.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But bless her little loving heart, it kept its
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sorrow hidden,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And if the tears began to start, suppressed the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- same unbidden.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She tried to smile, and smiled her best, till I
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- thought sorrow silly,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And kept in her own garden nest, and lit it like
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a lily.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O I should waste your time for days with talk
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- like this at present,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- If I described her thousand ways of making
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- things look pleasant!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But, bless you, 'twere as well to try, when
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- thunder's at its dire work,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- To clear the air, and light the sky, by penny-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- worths of firework.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- These gentle ways to hide her woe and make
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- my life a blessing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just made the after darkness grow more gloomy
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and depressing.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Taunts, mocks, and jeers, coldness and sneers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- insult and trouble daily,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A thousand stabs that brought the tears, all
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- these she cover'd gaily;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But when her fond eyes fell on <i>me</i>, the light of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- love to borrow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And Sister Anne began to see <i>I knew</i> her secret
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sorrow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- All of a sudden like a mask the loving cheat
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- forsook her,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And reckon I had all my task, for <i>illness</i> over-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- took her.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- She took to bed, grew sad and thin, seem'd like
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- a spirit flying,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Smiled thro' her tears when I went in, but when
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I left fell crying;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And as she languish'd in her bed, as weak and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- wan as water,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I thought of what her father said, "Take care of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- my dear daughter!"
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Then I look'd round with secret eye upon her
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- many Sisters,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And close at hand I saw them lie, ready for use
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- —like blisters;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They seemed with secret looks of glee, to keep
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- their wifely station;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They set their lips and sneer'd at me, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- watch'd the situation.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O Brother, I can scarce express the agony of
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- those moments,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- 1 fear your perfect saintliness, and dread your
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- cutting comments!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I prayed, I wept, I moan'd, I cried, I anguish'd
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- night and morrow,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I watch'd and waited, sleepless-eyed, beside
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- that bed of sorrow.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- At last I knew, in those dark days of sorrow
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and disaster,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Mine wasn't soil where you could raise a Saint
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- up, or a Pastor;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- In spite of careful watering, and tilling night
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and morning,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- The weeds of vanity would spring without a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- word of warning.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I was and ever must subsist, labell'd on every
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- feature,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A wretched poor <i>Monogamist</i>, a most inferior
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- creature—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Just half a soul, and half a mind, a blunder and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- abortion,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not finish'd half till I could find the other
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- missing portion!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And gazing on that missing part which I at last
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- had found out,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I murmur'd with a burning heart, scarce strong
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- to get the sound out,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- "If from the greedy clutch of Fate I save this
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- chief of treasures,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I will no longer hesitate, but take decided mea-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- sures!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A poor monogamist like me can <i>not</i> love half a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- dozen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Better by far, then, set them free! and take the
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Wife I've chosen!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Their love for me, of course, is small, a very
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- shadowy tittle,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- They will not miss my face at all, or miss it very
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- little.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I can't undo what I have done, by my forlorn
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- embraces,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And call the brightness of the sun again into
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- their faces;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- But I <i>can</i> save one spirit true, confiding and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- unthinking,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From slowly curdling to a shrew or into swine-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- dom sinking."
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- These were my bitter words of woe, my fears
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- were so distressing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Not that I would reflect—O no!—on any living
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- blessing.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Thus, Brother, I resolved, and when she rose,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- still frail and sighing,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I kept my word like better men, and bolted,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- and I'm flying.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Into oblivion I haste, and leave the world be-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- hind me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Afar unto the starless waste, where not a soul
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- shall find me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I send my love, and Sister Anne joins cordially,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- agreeing
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I never was the sort of man for your high state
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- of being;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Such as I am, she takes me, though; and after
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- years of trying,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- From Eden hand in hand we go, like our first
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- parents flying;
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And like the bright sword that did chase the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- first of sires and mothers,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shines dear Tabitha's flaming face, surrounded
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- by the others:
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Shining it threatens there on high, above the
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- gates of heaven,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- And faster at the sight we fly, in naked shame,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- forth-driven.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Nothing of all my worldly store I take, 'twould
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- be improper,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I go a pilgrim, strong and poor, without a single
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- copper.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Unto my Widows I outreach my property com-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- pletely.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- There's modest competence for each, if it is
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- managed neatly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- That, Brother, is a labour left to your sagacious
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- keeping;—
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Comfort them, comfort the bereft! I'm good as
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- dead and sleeping!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A fallen star, a shooting light, a portent and an
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- omen,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- A moment passing on the sight, thereafter seen
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- by no men!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- I go, with backward-looking face, and spirit
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- rent asunder.
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- O may you prosper in your place, for you're a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- shining wonder!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- So strong, so sweet, so mild, so good!—by
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Heaven's dispensation,
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Made Husband to a <i>multitude</i> and Father to a
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- <i>nation!</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- May all the saintly life ensures increase and
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- make you stronger!
- </p>
- <p class="indent10">
- Humbly and penitently yours,
- </p>
- <p class="indent30">
- A. Clewson (<i>Saint no longer</i>).
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- THK FARM IN THE VALLEY—SUNSET.
- </h2>
- <p class="indent20">
- Still the saintly City stands,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wondrous work oF busy hands;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Still the lonely City thrives,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Rich in worldly goods and wives,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And with thrust-out jaw and set
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Teeth, the Yankee threatens yet—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Half admiring and half riled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oft by bigger schemes beguiled,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Turning off his curious stare
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To communities elsewhere.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Always with unquiet eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Watching Utah on the sly.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Long the City of the Plain
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Left its image on my brain:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- White kiosks and gardens bright
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Rising in a golden light;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Busy figures everywhere
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Bustling bee-like in the glare;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And from dovecots in green places,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Peep'd out weary women's faces,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Flushing faint to a thin cry
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- From the nursery hard by.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And the City in my thought
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Slept fantastically wrought,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Till the whole began to seem
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Like a curious Eastern dream,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Like the pictures strange we scan
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the tales Arabian:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tales of magic art and sleight,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Cities rising in a night,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And of women richly clad,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Dark-eyed, melancholy, sad,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ever with a glance uncertain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Trembling at the purple curtain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Lest behind the black slave stand
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With the bowstring in his hand
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Happy tales, within whose heart
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Founts of weeping eyes upstart,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Told, to save her pretty head,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- By Scheherazad in bed!
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All had faded and grown faint,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Save the figure of the Saint
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Who that memorable night
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Left the Children of the Light,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Flying o'er the lonely plain
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- From his lofty sphere of pain
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Oft his gentle face would flit
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- O'er my mind and puzzle it,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ever waking up meanwhile
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Something of a merry smile,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Whose quick light illumined me
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- During many a reverie,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When I puffed my weed alone.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Faint and strange the face had grown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tho' for five long years or so
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I had watched it come and go,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When, on busy thoughts intent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I into New England went,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And one evening, riding slow
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- By a River that I know,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- (Gentle stream! I hide thy name,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Far too modest thou for fame!)
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I beheld the landscape swim
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the autumn hazes dim,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And from out the neighbouring dales
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Heard the thumping of the flails.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All was hush'd; afar away
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- (As a novelist would say)
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- SUNSET IN NEW ENGLAND
- </h2>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sank the mighty orb of day,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Staring with a hazy glow
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- On the purple plain below,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Where (like burning embers shed
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- From the sunset's glowing bed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Dying out or burning bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Every leaf a blaze of light)
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ran the maple swamps ablaze;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Everywhere amid the haze,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Floating strangely in the air,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Farms and homesteads gather'd fair;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And the River rippled slow
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Thro' the marshes green and low,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Spreading oft as smooth as glass
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- As it fringed the meadow grass,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Making 'mong the misty fields
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Pools like golden gleaming shields.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Thus I walked my steed along,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Humming a low scrap of song,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Watching with an idle eye
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- White clouds in the dreamy sky
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sailing with me in slow pomp.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the bright flush of the swamp,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While his dogs bark'd in the wood,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gun in hand the sportsman stood;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And beside me, wading deep,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Stood the angler half asleep,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Figure black against the gleam
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Of the bright pools of the stream;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Now and then a wherry brown
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With the current drifted down
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sunset-ward, and as it went
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Made an oar-splash indolent;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While with solitary sound,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Deepening the silence round,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In a voice of mystery
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Faintly cried the chickadee-
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Suddenly the River's arm
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Rounded, and a lonely Farm
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Stood before me blazing red
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To the bright blaze overhead;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the homesteads at its side,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Cattle lowed and voices cried,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And from out the shadows dark
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Came a mastiff's measured bark.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fair and fat stood the abode
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- On the path by which I rode,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And a mighty orchard, strown
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Still with apple-leaves wind-blown,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Raised its branches gnarl'd and bare
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Black against the sunset air,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And with greensward deep and dim,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wander'd to the River's brim.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Close beside the orchard walk
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Linger'd one in quiet talk
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With a man in workman's gear.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- As my horse's feet drew near,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The labourer nodded rough "good-day,"
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Turned his back and loung'd away.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Then the first, a plump and fat
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Yeoman in a broad straw hat,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Stood alone in thought intent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Watching while the other went,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And amid the sunlight red
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Paused, with hand held to his head.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In a moment, like a word
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Long forgotten until heard,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Like a buried sentiment
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Born again to some stray scent,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Like a sound to which the brain
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gives familiar refrain,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Something in the gesture brought
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Things forgotten to my thought;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Memory, as I watched the sight.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Flashed from eager light to light
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Remember'd and remember'd not,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Half familiar, half forgot.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Stood the figure, till at last,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Bending eyes on his, I passed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gazed again, as loth to go,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Drew the rein, stopt short, and so
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Rested, looking back; when he,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The object of my scrutiny,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Stare your fill, young man! I guess
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- You'll know me if we meet again!"
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In a moment all my brain
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Was illumined at the tone,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All was vivid that had grown
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Faint and dim, and straight I knew; him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Holding out my hand unto him,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Smiled, and called him by his name.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Wondering, hearing me exclaim.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Abraham Clewson (for'twas he)
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Came more close and gazed at me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- As he gazed, a merry grin
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Brighten'd down from eyes to chin:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In a moment he, too, knew me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Reaching out his hand unto me,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Crying "Track'd, by all that's blue
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Who'd have thought of seeing <i>you?</i>
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Then, in double quicker time
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Than it takes to make the rhyme,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Abe, with face of welcome bright,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Made me from my steed alight;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Call'd a boy, and bade him lead
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- The beast away to bed and feed;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And, with hand upon my arm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Led me off into the Farm,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Where, amid a dwelling-place
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fresh and bright as her own face,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With a gleam of shining ware
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For a background everywhere,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Free as any summer breeze,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With a bunch of huswife's keys
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- At her girdle, sweet and mild
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sister Annie blush'd and smiled,—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While two tiny laughing girls,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Peeping at me through their curls,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Hid their sweet shamefacëdness
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the skirts of Annie's dress.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /> <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- That same night the Saint and I
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sat and talked of times gone by,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Smoked our pipes and drank our grog
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- By the slowly smouldering log,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While the clock's hand slowly crept
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To midnight, and the household slept
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Happy?" Abe said with a smile,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Yes, in my <i>inferior</i> style,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Meek and humble, not like them
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the New Jerusalem."
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Here his hand, as if astray,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For a moment found its way
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- To his forehead, as he said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Reckon they believe I'm dead?
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Ah, that life of sanctity
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Never was the life for me.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Couldn't stand it wet nor dry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Hated to see women cry;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Couldn't bear to be the cause
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Of tiffs and squalls and endless jaws
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Always felt amid the stir
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Jest a whited sepulchre;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And I did the best I could
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- When I ran away for good.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Yet, for many a night, you know
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- (Annie, too, would tell you so),
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Couldn't sleep a single wink,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Couldn't eat, and couldn't drink,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Being kind of conscience-cleft
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- For those poor creatures I had left,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Not till I got news from there,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And I found their fate was fair,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Could I set to work, or find
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Any comfort in my mind.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Well (here Abe smiled quietly),
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Guess they didn't groan for me!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Fanny and Amelia got
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sealed to Brigham on the spot;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Emmy soon consoled herself
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- In the arms of Brother Delf;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And poor Mary one fine day
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Packed her traps and tript away
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Down to Fresco with Fred Bates,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- A young player from the States:
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- While Sarah,'twas the wisest plan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Pick'd herself a single man—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- A young joiner fresh come down
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Out of Texas to the town—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And he took her with her baby,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And they're doing well as maybe.'"
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Here the Saint with quiet smile,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Sipping at his grog the while,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Paused as if his tale was o'er,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Held his tongue and said no more.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Good," I said, "but have you done?
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- You have spoke of all save one—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All your Widows, so bereft,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Are most comfortably left,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But of one alone you said
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Nothing. Is the lady <i>dead?</i>"
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Then the good man's features broke
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Into brightness as I spoke,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And with loud guffaw cried he,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "What, Tabitha? Dead! Not she.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All alone and doing splendid—
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Jest you guess, now, how she's ended!
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Give it up? This very week
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I heard she's at Oneida Creek,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- All alone and doing hearty,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Down with Brother Noyes's party.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tried the Shakers first, they say,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tired of them and went away,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Testing with a deal of bother
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- This community and t'other,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Till she to Oneida flitted,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And with trouble got admitted.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Bless you, she's a shining lamp,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tho' I used her like a scamp,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And she's great in exposition
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Of the Free Love folk's condition,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Vowing, tho' she found it late,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Tis the only happy state....
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "As for me," added the speaker,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "I'm lower in the scale, and weaker;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Polygamy's beyond my merits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Shakerism wears the spirits,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And as for Free Love, why you see
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- (Here the Saint wink'd wickedly)
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With my whim it might have hung
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Once, when I was spry and young;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- But poor Annie's love alone
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Keeps my mind in proper tone,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- And tho' my spirit mayn't be strong,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- I'm lively—as the day is long."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- As he spoke with half a yawn,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Half a smile, I saw the dawn
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Creeping faint into the gloom
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Of the quickly-chilling room.
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- On the hearth the wood-log lay,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- With one last expiring ray;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Draining off his glass of grog,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Clewson rose and kick'd the log;
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- As it crumbled into ashes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Watched the last expiring flashes,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- Gave another yawn and said,
- </p>
- <p class="indent20">
- "Well! I guess it's time for bed!"
- </p>
- <h3>
- THE END.
- </h3>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE ON ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES.
- </h2>
- <p>
- St. Abe and his Seven Wives was written in 1870, at a time when all the
- Cockney bastions of criticism were swarming with sharp-shooters on the
- look-out for "the d———d Scotchman" who had dared to
- denounce Logrolling. It was published anonymously, and simultaneously <i>The
- Drama of Kings</i> appeared with the author's name. The <i>Drama</i> was
- torn to shreds in every newspaper; the Satire, because no one suspected
- who had written it, was at once hailed as a masterpiece. Even the <i>Athenaum</i>
- cried "all hail" to the illustrious Unknown. The <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i>
- avowed in one breath that Robert Buchanan was utterly devoid of dramatic
- power, while the author of <i>St. Abe</i> was a man of dramatic genius.
- The secret was well kept, and the bewildered Cocknies did not cease
- braying their hosannahs even when another anonymous work, <i>White Rose
- and Red</i>, was issued by the same publisher. <i>St. Abe</i> went through
- numerous editions in a very short space of time.
- </p>
- <p>
- To one familiar with the process of book-reviewing, and aware of the
- curious futility of even honest literary judgments, there is nothing
- extraordinary in the facts which I have just stated. Printed cackle about
- books will always be about as valuable as spoken cackle about them, and
- the history of literature is one long record of the march of genius
- through regions of mountainous stupidity. But there were some points about
- the treatment of <i>St. Abe</i> which are worth noting, as illustrating
- the way in which reviewing "is done" for leading newspapers. Example. The
- publisher sent out "early sheets" to the great dailies, several of which
- printed eulogistic reviews. The <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, however, was
- cautious. After receiving the sheets, the acting or sub-editor sent a
- message round to the publisher saying that a cordial review had been
- written and was in type, but that "the Chief" wanted to be assured, before
- committing himself to such an advertisement, about the authorship of the
- work. "<i>Is</i> it by <i>Lowell?</i>" queried the jack-in-office; "only
- inform us in confidence, and the review shall appear." Mr. Strahan either
- did not reply, or refused to answer the question. Result—the cordial
- review never appeared at all!
- </p>
- <p>
- The general impression, however, was that the poem was written by James
- Russell Lowell. One or two kind critics suggested Bret Harte, but these
- were in a minority. No one suspected for one moment that the work was
- written by a Scotchman who, up to that date, had never even visited
- America. The <i>Spectator</i> (A Daniel come to judgment!) devoted a long
- leading article to proving that humour of this particular kind could have
- been produced only in the Far West, while a leading magazine bewailed the
- fact that we had no such humourists in England, since "with Thackeray our
- last writer of humour left us."
- </p>
- <p>
- In America itself, the success of the book was less remarkable, and the
- explanation was given to me in a letter from a publisher in the States,
- who asserted that public feeling against the Mormons was so fierce and
- bitter that even a joke at their expense could not be appreciated. "The
- very subject of Mormondom," wrote my friend, "is regarded as indecent,
- unsavoury, and offensive." In spite of all, the satire was appreciated,
- even in America.
- </p>
- <p>
- Already, however, its subject has ceased to be contemporary and become
- historical. Mormonism, as I depicted it, is as dead as Slavery, for the
- Yankee—as I foreshadowed he would do, in this very book—has
- put down Polygamy. Future generations, therefore, may turn to this book as
- they will turn to <i>Uncle Tom's Cabin</i>, for a record of a system which
- once flourished, and which, when all is said and done, did quite as much
- good as harm. I confess, indeed, that I am sorry for the Mormons; for I
- think that they are more sinned against than sinning. Polygamy is
- abolished in America, but a far fouler evil, Prostitution, flourishes, in
- both public and private life. The Mormons crushed this evil and
- obliterated it altogether, and if they substituted Polygamy, they only did
- openly and politically what is done, and must be done, clandestinely, in
- every country, under the present conditions of our civilisation.
- </p>
- <p>
- The present is the first cheap edition of the book, and the first which
- bears the author's name on the title page. It will be followed by a cheap
- edition of <i>White Rose and Red</i>. I shall be quite prepared to hear
- now, on the authority of the newspapers, that the eulogy given to <i>St.
- Abe</i> on its first appearance was all a mistake, and that the writer
- possesses no humour whatsoever. I was informed, indeed, the other day, by
- a critic in the <i>Daily News</i>, that most of my aberrations proceeded
- from "a fatal want of humour." The critic was reviewing the <i>Devil's
- Case</i>, and his suggestion was, I presume, that I ought to have
- perceived the joke of the Nonconformist Conscience and latterday
- Christianity. I thought that I had done so, but it appears that I had not
- been funny at all, or not funny enough. But my real misfortune was, that
- my name was printed on the title page of the work then under review.
- </p>
- <p>
- I cannot conclude this bibliographical note without a word concerning the
- remarkable artist who furnished <i>St. Abe and his Seven Wives</i> with
- its original frontispiece. The genius of the late A. B. Houghton is at
- last receiving some kind of tardy recognition, chiefly through the efforts
- of Mr. Pennell, whose criticisms on art have done so much to free the air
- of lingering folly and superstition. When I sought out Mr. Houghton, and
- persuaded him to put pencil to paper on my behalf, he was in the midst of
- his life-long struggle against the powers of darkness. He died not long
- afterwards, prematurely worn out with the hopeless fight. One of the last
- of the true Bohemians, a man of undoubted genius, he never learned the
- trick of wearing fine linen and touting for popularity; but those who
- value good work hold him in grateful remembrance, and I am proud to think
- that so great a master in black and white honoured me by associating
- himself with a book of mine.
- </p>
- <p>
- Robert Buchanan.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- ORIGINALLY PREFACED TO SAINT ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES.
- </h2>
- <h3>
- TESTIMONIES OF DISTINGUISHED PERSONS.
- </h3>
- <p>
- I. From P—————t G———t,
- U.S. Smart. Polygamy is Greek for Secesh. Guess Brigham will have to make
- tracks.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- II. From R. W. E———n, Boston, U.S.
- </p>
- <p>
- Adequate expression is rare. I had fancied the oracles were dumb, and had
- returned with a sigh to the enervating society of my friends in Boston,
- when your book reached me. To think of it! In this very epoch, at this
- very day, poetry has been secreting itself silently and surely, and
- suddenly the whole ocean of human thought is illumined by the accumulated
- phosphoresence of a subtle and startling poetic life.. . . Your work is
- the story of Polygamy written in colossal cipher the study of all
- forthcoming ages. Triflers will call you a caricaturist, empty solemnities
- will deem you a jester. Fools! who miss the pathetic symbolism of
- Falstaff, and deem the Rabelaisan epos fit food for mirth.... I read it
- from first page to last with solemn thoughts too deep for tears. I class
- you already with the creators, with Shakespere, Dante, Whitman, Ellery
- Channing, and myself.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- III. From W———t W—————n,
- Washington, U.S.
- </p>
- <h3>
- I
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Our own feuillage;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A leaf from the sweating branches of these States;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A fallen symbol, I guess, vegetable, living, human;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- A heart-beat from the hairy breast of a man.
- </p>
- <h3>
- 2
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- The Salon contents me not;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The fine feathers of New England damsels content me not;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The ways of snobs, the falsettos of the primo tenore, the legs
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- of Lydia Thomson's troupe of blondes, content me not;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Nor tea-drinking, nor the twaddle of Mr. Secretary Harlan,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- nor the loafers of the hotel bar, nor Sham, nor Long-
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- fellow's Village Blacksmith.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- 3
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- But the Prairies content me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the Red Indian dragging along his squaw by the scruff of
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- the neck;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the bones of mules and adventurous persons in Bitter
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Creek;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the oaths of pioneers, and the ways of the unwashed,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- large, undulating, majestic, virile, strong of scent, all
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- these content me.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- 4
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Utah contents me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- The City by the margin of the great Salt Lake contents me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And to have many wives contents me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Blessed is he who has a hundred wives, and peoples the
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- solitudes of these States.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- 5
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- Great is Brigham;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- Great is polygamy, great is monogamy, great is polyandry,
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- great is license, great is right, and great is wrong;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And I say again that wrong is every whit as good as right, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- not one jot better;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And I say further there is no such thing as wrong, nor any
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- such thing as right, and that neither are accountable, and
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- both exist only by allowance.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <h3>
- 6
- </h3>
- <p class="indent15">
- O I am wonderful;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And the world, and the sea, and joy and sorrow, and sense
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- and nonsense, all content me;
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- And this book contents me, with its feuillage from the City of
- </p>
- <p class="indent15">
- many wives.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br />
- </p>
- <p>
- IV. From Elder F———k E—————s,
- of Mt. L———n, U.S.
- </p>
- <p>
- An amusing attempt to show that polygamy is a social failure. None can
- peruse it without perceiving at once that the author secretly inclines to
- the ascetic tenets of Shakerism.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- V. From Brother T. H. N———s, O—————a
- C————k.
- </p>
- <p>
- After perusing this subtle study, who can doubt that Free Love is the
- natural human condition? The utter selfishness of the wretched
- monogamist-hero repels and sickens us; nor can we look with anything but
- disgust on the obtusity of the heroine, in whom the author vainly tries to
- awaken interest. It is quite clear that the reconstruction of Utah on O————a
- C———k principles would yet save the State from the crash
- which is impending.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- VI. From E————-a F———-n H———-m,
- of S—————n Island.
- </p>
- <p>
- If <i>Polygamy</i> is to continue, then, I say, let <i>Polyandry</i>
- flourish! Woman is the sublimer Being, the subtler Type, the more delicate
- Mechanism, and, strictly speaking, <i>needs</i> many pendants of the
- inferior or masculine Type to fulfil her mission in perfect comfort. Shall
- Brigham Young, a mere Man, have sixteen wives; and shall one wretched
- piece of humanity content <i>me</i>, that supreme Fact, <i>a perfect Woman</i>,
- highest and truest of beings under God? No; if these things be tolerated,
- I claim for each Woman, in the name of Light and Law, twenty ministering
- attendants of the lower race; and the day is near when, if this boon, or
- any other boon we like to ask, be denied us, it will be <i>taken with a
- strong hand!</i>
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- VII. From T———s C————e, Esq.,
- Chelsea, England.
- </p>
- <p>
- The titanic humour of the Conception does not blind me to the radical
- falseness of the Teaching, wherein, as I shall show you presently, you
- somewhat resemble the miserable Homunculi of our I own literary Wagners;
- for, if I rightly conceive, you would tacitly and by inference urge that
- it is expressly part of the Divine Thought that the <i>Ewigweibliche</i>,
- or Woman-Soul, should be <i>happy</i>. Now Woman's <i>mundane</i>
- unhappiness, as I construe, comes of her inadequacy; it is the stirring
- within her of the Infinite against the Finite, a struggle of the spark
- upward, of the lower to the higher Symbol. Will Woman's Rights Agitators,
- and Monogamy, and Political Tomfoolery, do what Millinery has failed to
- do, and waken one Female to the sense of divine Function? It is not <i>happiness</i>
- I solicit for the Woman-Soul, but <i>Identity</i>; and the prerogative of
- Identity is great work, Adequacy, pre-eminent fulfilment of the Function;
- woman, in this country of rags and shams, being buried quick under masses
- of Sophistication and Upholstery, oblivious of her divine duty to increase
- the population and train the young masculine Idea starward. I do not care
- if the wives of Deseret are pale, or faint, or uncultured, or unhappy; it
- is enough for me to know that they have a numerous progeny, and believe in
- Deity or the Divine Essence; and I will not conclude this letter without
- recording my conviction that yonder man, Brigham Young by name, is perhaps
- the clearest Intellect now brooding on this planet; that Friedrich was
- royaller but not greater, and that Bismarck is no more than his equal; and
- that he, this American, few in words, mark you, but great in deeds, has
- decided a more stupendous Question than ever puzzled the strength of
- either of those others,—the Question of the Sphere and Function in
- modern life of the ever-agitating <i>Feminine Principle</i>. If,
- furthermore, as I have ever held, the test of clearness of intellect and
- greatness of soul be <i>Success</i>, at any price and under any
- circumstances, none but a transcendental Windbag or a pedantic
- Baccalaureus will doubt my assertion that Young is a stupendous
- intellectual, ethical, and political Force—a Master-Spirit—a
- Colossal Being, a moral Architect of sublime cunning—as such to be
- reverenced by every right-thinking <i>Man</i> under the Sun.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- VIII. From J———n R———n, Esq., London.
- </p>
- <p>
- I am not generally appreciated in my own country, because I frequently
- change my views about religion, art, architecture, poetry, and things in
- general. Most of my early writings are twaddle, but my present opinions
- are all valuable. I think this poem, with its nervous Saxon Diction, its
- subtle humour, its tender pathos and piteousness, the noblest specimen of
- narrative verse of modern times; and, indeed, I know not where to look,
- out of the pages of Chaucer, for an equally successful blending of human
- laughter and ethereal mystery. At the same time, the writer scarcely does
- justice to the subject on the aesthetic side. A City where the streets are
- broad and clean and well-watered, the houses surrounded by gardens full of
- fruit and flowers; where the children, with shining, clean-washed faces,
- curtsey to the Philosophers in the public places; where there are no
- brothels and no hells; where life runs fresh, free, and unpolluted,—such
- a City, I say, can hardly be the symbol of feminine degradation. More than
- once, tired of publishing my prophetic warnings in the <i>Daily Telegraph</i>,
- I have thought of bending my weary footsteps to the new Jerusalem; and I
- might have carried out my intention long ago, if I had had a less profound
- sense of my own unfitness for the duties of a Saint.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- IX. From M————w A————d,
- Esq., England.
- </p>
- <p>
- Your poem possesses a certain rough primitive humour, though it appears to
- me deficient in the higher graces of <i>sweetness</i> and <i>light.</i>
- St. Paul would have entirely objected to the monogamical inference drawn
- in your epilogue; and the fact that you draw any such inference at all is
- to me a distressing proof that your tendency is to the Philistinism of
- those authors who write for the British Matron. I fear you have not read
- "Merope."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <hr />
- <p>
- <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a>
- </p>
- <div style="height: 4em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
- <h2>
- SOME NOTICES OF THE FIRST EDITION.
- </h2>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "GRAPHIC."
- </p>
- <p>
- "Such vigorous, racy, determined satire has not been met with for many a
- long day. It is at once fresh and salt as the sea.... The humour is
- exquisite, and as regards literary execution, the work is masterly."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "PALL MALL GAZETTE."
- </p>
- <p>
- "Although in a striking address to Chaucer the author intimates an
- expectation that Prudery may turn from his pages, and though his theme is
- certainly a delicate one, there is nothing in the book that a modest man
- may not read without blinking, and therefore, we suppose, no modest woman.
- On the other hand, the whole poem is marked with so much natural strength,
- so much of the inborn faculties of literature—(though they are
- wielded in a light, easy, trifling way)—that they take possession of
- our admiration as of right. The chief characteristics of the book are
- mastery of verse, strong and simple diction, delicate, accurate
- description of scenery, and that quick and forcible discrimination of
- character which belongs to men of dramatic genius. This has the look of
- exaggerated praise. We propose, therefore, to give one or two large
- samples of the author's quality, leaving our readers to judge from them
- whether we are not probably right. If they turn to the book and read it
- through, we do not doubt that they will agree with us."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "ILLUSTRATED REVIEW."
- </p>
- <p>
- "The tale, however, is not to be read from reviews.... The variety of
- interest, the versatility of fancy, the richness of description with which
- the different lays and cantos are replete, will preclude the possibility
- of tediousness. To open the book is to read it to the end. It is like some
- Greek comedy in its shifting scenes, its vivid pictures, its rapidly
- passing 'dramatis personae' and supernumeraries.. .. The author of 'St.
- Abe,' who can write like this, may do more if he will, and even found a
- new school of realistic and satirical poetry."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "DAILY NEWS."
- </p>
- <p>
- "If the author of a 'Tale of Salt Lake City' be not a new poet, he is
- certainly a writer of exceedingly clever and effective verses. They have
- the ring of originality, and they indicate ability to produce something
- still more remarkable than this very remarkable little piece. It merits a
- place among works which every one reads with genuine satisfaction. It is a
- piece which subserves one of the chief ends of poetry, that of telling a
- tale in an unusually forcible and pleasant way.... If it be the author's
- purpose to furnish a new argument against polygamous Mormons, by showing
- the ridiculous side of their system, he has perfectly succeeded. The
- extracts we have given show the varied, fluent, and forcible character of
- his verse. None who read about Saint Abe and his Seven Wives can fail to
- be amused and to be gratified alike by the manner of the verse and the
- matter of the tale."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "SCOTSMAN."
- </p>
- <p>
- "This book does not need much commendation, but it deserves a great deal.
- The author of 'The Biglow Papers' might have written it, but there are
- passages which are not unlike Bret Harte; and him we suspect. The
- authorship, however, may be left out of notice. Men inquire who has
- written a good book, that they may honour him; but if his name never be
- heard, the book is none the less prized. In design and construction this
- work has high merit. It is a good story and it is good poetry. The author
- is a humourist and a satirist, and he has here displayed all his qualities
- lavishly."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "NONCONFORMIST."
- </p>
- <p>
- "Amazingly clever.... Besides its pure tone deserves warm recognition. The
- humour is never coarse. There is a high delicacy, which is sufficient to
- colour and sweeten the whole, as the open spring breeze holds everything
- in good savour."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "SPECTATOR."
- </p>
- <p>
- We believe that the new book which has just appeared, 'St. Abe and His
- Seven Wives,' will paralyze Mormon resistance far more than any amount of
- speeches in Congress or messages from President Grant, by bringing home to
- the minds of the millions the ridiculous-diabolic side of the peculiar
- institution. The canto called 'The Last Epistle of St. Abe to the
- Polygamists,' with its humorous narrative of the way in which the Saint,
- sealed to seven wives, fell in love with one, and thenceforward could not
- abide the jealousy felt by the other six, will do more to weaken the last
- defence of Mormonism—that after all, the women like it—than a
- whole ream of narratives about the discontent in Utah. Thousands on whom
- narrative and argument would make little or no impression, will feel how
- it must be when many wives with burning hearts watch the husband's growing
- love for one, when the favourite is sick unto death, and how 'they set
- their lips and sneered at me and watched the situation,' and will
- understand that the first price paid for polygamy is the suppression of
- love, and the second, the slavery of women. The letter in which the first
- point is proved is too long for quotation, and would be spoiled by
- extracts; but the second could hardly be better proved than in these
- humorous lines.
- </p>
- <p>
- The descriptions of Saint Abe and his Seven Wives will be relished by
- roughs in California as much as by the self-indulgent philosophers of
- Boston.... Pope would have been proud, we fancy, of these terrible lines,
- uttered by a driver whose <i>fiancée</i> has just been beguiled away by a
- Mormon saint.
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "ATHENÆUM."
- </p>
- <p>
- "'Saint Abe and his Seven Wives' has a freshness and an originality,
- altogether wanting in Mr. Longfellow's new work, 'The Divine Tragedy.' In
- quaint and forcible language—language admirably suited to the theme;
- the author takes us to the wondrous city of the saints, and describes its
- inhabitants in a series of graphic sketches. The hero of the story is
- Saint Abe, or Abraham Clewson, and in giving us his history the author has
- really given us the inner life of the Mormon settlement. In his pages we
- see the origin of the movement, the reasons why it has increased, the
- internal weakness of the system, and the effect it produces on its
- adherents. We are introduced to the saints, whom we see among their
- pastures, in their homes, in their promenades, and in their synagogue."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "FREEMAN."
- </p>
- <p>
- "A remarkable poem.... The production is anonymous, but whoever the author
- may be there can be no question that he is a poet, and one of vast and
- varied powers. The inner life of Mormondom is portrayed with a caustic
- humour equal to anything in 'The Biglow Papers'; and were it not for the
- exquisite elegance of the verse we should think that some parts of the
- poem were written by Robert Browning. The hero of the poem is a Mormon,
- who fares so badly as a polygamist that he elopes with one of his seven
- wives—the one whom he really loves; and the story is a most
- effective exposure of the evils which necessarily attach to polygamy."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "WEEKLY REVIEW."
- </p>
- <p>
- "There can be no doubt that it is worthy of the author of 'The Biglow
- Papers.' Since that work was published, we have received many humorous
- volumes from across the Atlantic, but nothing equal to 'St. Abe.' As to
- its form, it shows that Mr. Lowell has been making advances in the poetic
- art; and the substance of it is as strong as anything in the entire range
- of English satirical literature."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "BRITISH QUARTERLY REVIEW."
- </p>
- <p>
- "The writer has an easy mastery over various kinds of metre, and a
- felicity of easy rhyming which is not unworthy of our best writers of
- satire..., The prevailing impression of the whole is of that easy strength
- which does what it likes with language and rhythm. .... The style is light
- and playful, with admirable touches of fine discrimination and rich
- humour; but the purpose is earnest. .... The book is a very clever and a
- very wholesome one. It is one of those strong, crushing, dramatic satires,
- which do more execution than a thousand arguments."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From "TEMPLE BAR."
- </p>
- <p>
- "It is said to be by Lowell. Truly, if America has more than one writer
- who can write in such a rich vein of satire, humour, pathos, and wit, as
- we have here, England must look to her laurels.... This is poetry of a
- high order. Would that in England we had humourists who could write as
- well. But with Thackeray our last writer of humour left us."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "WESTMINSTER REVIEW."
- </p>
- <p>
- "'Saint Abe and his Seven Wives' may lay claim to many rare qualities. The
- author possesses simplicity and directness. To this he adds genuine humour
- and interposes dramatic power. Lastly, he has contrived to give a local
- flavour, something of the salt of the Salt Lake to his characters, which
- enables us to thoroughly realise them.... We will not spoil the admirable
- canto 'Within the Synagogue' by any quotation, which, however long, cannot
- possibly do it justice. We will merely say that this one hit is worth the
- price of the whole book. In the author we recognise a true poet, with an
- entirely original vein of humour."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "MANCHESTER GUARDIAN."
- </p>
- <p>
- "It is thoroughly American, now rising into a true imaginative intensity,
- but oftener falling into a satirical vein, dealing plainly enough with the
- plague-spots of Salt Lake society and its wily, false prophets.... Like
- most men capable of humour, the author has command of a sweeter and more
- harmonious manner. Indeed, the beautiful descriptive and lyrical fragments
- stand in vivid and reflecting relief to the homely staple of the poem."
- </p>
- <p>
- <br /><br />
- </p>
- <p>
- From the "TORONTO GLOBE."
- </p>
- <p>
- "It is impossible to deny that the praises bestowed on 'St. Abe and his
- Seven Wives' as a work of literary power are deserved."
- </p>
- <div style="height: 6em;">
- <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />
- </div>
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-<pre>
-
-
-
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-
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+ </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Thro' the Motherland I went + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Seeking these, half indolent: + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Up and down, saw them not: + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Only found them, half forgot. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Buried in long-darken'd nooks + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With thy barrels of old books, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Where the light and love and mirth + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Of the morning days of earth + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sleeps, like light of sunken suns + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Brooding deep in cob-webb'd tuns! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Everywhere I found instead, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Hanging her dejected head, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Barbing shafts of bitter wit, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The pale Modern Spirit sit— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + While her shadow, great as Gog's + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Cast upon the island fogs, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the midst of all things dim + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Loom'd, gigantically grim. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Honest Chaucer, thee I greet + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In a verse with blithesomefeet. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And ino' modern bards may stare, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Crack a passing joke with Care! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Take a merry song and true + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fraught with inner meanings too! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Goodman Dull may croak and scowl:— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Leave him hooting to the owl! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tight-laced Prudery may turn + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Angry back with eyes that burn, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Reading on from page to page + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Scrofulous novels of the age! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fools may frown and humbugs rail, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Not for them I tell the Tale; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Not for them,, but souls like thee. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Wise old English Jollity! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + <i>Newport, October, 1872</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + <b>CONTENTS</b> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0001"> ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0002"> APPROACHING UTAH.—THE BOSS'S TALE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0003"> I—PASSING THE HANCHE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0004"> II—JOE WILSON GOES A-COURTING. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0005"> III—SAINT AND DISCIPLE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0006"> IV—THE BOOK OF MORMON. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0007"> V—JOE ENDS HIS STORY.—FIRST GLIMPSE + OF UTAH. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0008"> THE CITY OF THE SAINTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0009"> AMONG THE PASTURES.—SUMMER EVENING + DIALOGUE. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0010"> WITHIN THE CITY.—SAINT ABE AND THE SEVEN. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0011"> III—PROMENADE—MAIN STREET, UTAH. + </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0012"> WITHIN THE SYNAGOGUE.—SERMONIZETH THE + PROPHET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0013"> V—THE FALLING OF THE THUNDERBOLT </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0014"> VI—LAST EPISTLE OF ST. ABE TO THE + POLYGAMISTS. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0015"> THK FARM IN THE VALLEY—SUNSET. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0016"> SUNSET IN NEW ENGLAND </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0017"> BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE ON ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN + WIVES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0018"> ORIGINALLY PREFACED TO SAINT ABE AND HIS SEVEN + WIVES. </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link2H_4_0019"> SOME NOTICES OF THE FIRST EDITION. </a> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0001" id="link2H_4_0001"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES + </h2> + <p class="indent15"> + Art thou unto a helpmate bound? + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then stick to her, my brother! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But hast thou laid her in the ground? + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Don't go to seek another! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thou hast not sin'd, if thou hast wed, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Like many of our number, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But thou hast spread a thorny bed, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And there alas! must slumber! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + St. Paul, Cor. I., 7, 27-28. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + O let thy fount of love be blest + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And let thy wife rejoice, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Contented rest upon her breast + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And listen to her voice; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Yea, be not ravish'd from her side + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Whom thou at first has chosen, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Nor having tried one earthly bride + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Go sighing for a Dozen! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sol. Prov. V., 18-20. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0002" id="link2H_4_0002"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + APPROACHING UTAH.—THE BOSS'S TALE. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0003" id="link2H_4_0003"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + I—PASSING THE HANCHE. + </h2> + <p class="indent15"> + "Grrr!" shrieked the boss, with teeth clench'd + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + tight, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Just as the lone ranche hove in sight, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And with a face of ghastly hue + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He flogg'd the horses till they flew, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + As if the devil were at their back, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Along the wild and stony track. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + From side to side the waggon swung, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + While to the quaking seat I clung. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Dogs bark'd; on each side of the pass + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The cattle grazing on the grass + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Raised heads and stared; and with a cry + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Out the men rush'd as we roll'd by. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Grrr!" shriek'd the boss; and o'er and o'er + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He flogg'd the foaming steeds and swore; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Harder and harder grew his face + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + As by the rançhe we swept apace, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And faced the hill, and past the pond, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And gallop'd up the height beyond, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Nor tighten'd rein till field and farm + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Were hidden by the mountain's arm + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A mile behind; when, hot and spent, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The horses paused on the ascent, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And mopping from his brow the sweat. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The boy glanced round with teeth still set, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And panting, with his eyes on me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Smil'd with a look of savage glee. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Joe Wilson is the boss's name, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A Western boy well known to fame. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He goes about the dangerous land + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His life for ever in his hand; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Has lost three fingers in a fray, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Has scalp'd his Indian too they say; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Between the white man and the red + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Four times he hath been left for dead; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Can drink, and swear, and laugh, and brawl, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And keeps his big heart thro' it all + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tender for babes and women. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + He + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Turned, smiled, and nodded savagely; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then, with a dark look in his eyes + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + In answer to my dumb surprise, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Pointed with jerk of the whip's heft + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Back to the place that we had left, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And cried aloud, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "I guess you think + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I'm mad, or vicious, or in drink. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But theer you're wrong. I never pass + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The ranche down theer and bit of grass, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I never pass 'em, night nor day, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But the fit takes me jest that way! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The hosses know as well as me + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + What's coming, miles afore we see + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The dem'd old corner of a place, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And they git ready for the race! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Lord! if I <i>didn't</i> lash and sweer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And ease my rage out passing theer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Guess I should go clean mad, that's all. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And thet's the reason why I call + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + This turn of road where I am took + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jest Old Nick's Gallop!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Then his look + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Grew more subdued yet darker still; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And as the horses up the hill + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With loosen'd rein toil'd slowly, he + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Went on in half soliloquy, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Indifferent almost if I heard, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And grimly grinding out each word. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0004" id="link2H_4_0004"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + II—JOE WILSON GOES A-COURTING. + </h2> + <p class="indent15"> + "There was a time, and no mistake, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When thet same ranche down in the brake + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Was pleasanter a heap to me + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Than any sight on land or sea. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The hosses knew it like their master, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Smelt it miles orf, and spank'd the faster! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Ay, bent to reach thet very spot, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Flew till they halted steaming hot + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sharp opposite the door, among + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The chicks and children old and young; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And down I'd jump, and all the go + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Was 'Fortune, boss!' and 'Welcome, Joe!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And Cissy with her shining face, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tho' she was missus of the place, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Stood larfing, hands upon her hips; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And when upon her rosy lips + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I put my mouth and gave her one, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She'd cuff me, and enjy the fun! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She was a widow young and tight, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her chap had died in a free fight, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And here she lived, and round her had + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Two chicks, three brothers, and her dad, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + All making money fast as hay, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And doing better every day. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Waal! guess tho' I was peart and swift, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Spooning was never much my gift; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But Cissy was a gal so sweet, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + So fresh, so spicy, and so neat, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + It put your wits all out o' place, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Only to star' into her face. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Skin whiter than a new-laid egg, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Lips full of juice, and sech a leg! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A smell about her, morn and e'en, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Like fresh-bleach'd linen on a green; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And from her hand when she took mine, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The warmth ran up like sherry wine; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And if in liquor I made free + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To pull her larfing on my knee, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Why, there she'd sit, and feel so nice, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her heer all scent, her breath all spice! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + See! women hate, both young and old, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A chap that's over shy and cold, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And fire of all sorts kitches quick, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And Cissy seem'd to feel full slick + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The same fond feelings, and at last + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Grew kinder every time I passed; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And all her face, from eyes to chin, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Said *'Bravo, Joe! You're safe to win!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And tho' we didn't fix, d'ye see, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + In downright <i>words</i> that it should be, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Ciss and her fam'ly understood + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + That she and me would jine for good. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Guess I was like a thirsty hoss + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Dead beat for days, who comes across + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A fresh clear beck, and on the brink + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Scoops out his shaky hand to drink; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or like a gal or boy of three, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With eyes upon a pippin-tree; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or like some Injin cuss who sees + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A bottle of rum among the trees, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And by the bit of smouldering log, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Where squatters camp'd and took their grog + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The night afore. Waal!" (here he ground + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His teeth again with savage sound) + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Waal, stranger, fancy, jest for fun, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The feelings of the thirsty one, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + If, jest as he scoop'd out his hand, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The water turn'd to dust and sand! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or fancy how the lad would scream + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To see thet fruit-tree jest a dream! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or guess how thet poor Injin cuss, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Would dance and swear, and screech and fuss, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + If when he'd drawn the cork and tried + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To get a gulp of rum inside, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Twarn't anything in thet theer style, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But physic stuff or stinking ile! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Ah! you've a notion now, I guess, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of how all ended in a mess, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And how when I was putting in + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + My biggest card and thought to win, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The Old One taught her how to cheat, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And yer I found myself, clean beat!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0005" id="link2H_4_0005"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III—SAINT AND DISCIPLE. + </h2> + <p class="indent15"> + Joe Wilson paused, and gazed straight down, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With gritting teeth and bitter frown, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And not till I entreated him + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Did he continue,—fierce and grim, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With knitted brow and teeth clench'd tight. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Along this way one summer night, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jest as I meant to take the prize, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Passed an <i>Apostle</i>—dern his eyes! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + On his old pony, gravel-eyed, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His legs a-dangling down each side, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With twinkling eyes and wheedling smile, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Grinning beneath his broad-brimm'd tile, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With heer all scent and shaven face. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He came a-trotting to the place. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + My luck was bad, I wasn't near, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But busy many a mile from yer; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And what I tell was told to me + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + By them as were at hand to see. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Twam't every day, I reckon, they + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Saw an Apostle pass their way! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And Cissy, being kind o' soft, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And empty in the upper loft, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Was full of downright joy and pride + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To hev thet saint at her fireside— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + One of the seventy they call + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The holiest holy—dern 'em all! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + O he was 'cute and no mistake, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Deep as Salt Lake, and wide awake! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Theer at the ranche three days he stayed, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And well he knew his lying trade. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Twarn't long afore he heard full free + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + About her larks and thet with me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And how 'twas quite the fam'ly plan + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To hev me for her second man. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At fust thet old Apostle said + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Little, but only shook his head; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But you may bet he'd no intent + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To let things go as things had went. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Three nights he stayed, and every night + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He squeezed her hand a bit more tight; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And every night he didn't miss + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To give a loving kiss to Ciss; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And tho' his fust was on her brow, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He ended with her mouth, somehow. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + O, but he was a knowing one, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The Apostle Hiram Higginson! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Grey as a badger's was his heer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His age was over sixty year + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + (Her grandfather was little older), + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + So short, his head just touch'd her shoulder; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His face all grease, his voice all puff, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His eyes two currants stuck in duff;— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Call thet a man!—then look at <i>me!</i> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thretty year old and six foot three, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Afear'd o' nothing morn nor night, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The man don't walk I wouldn't fight! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Women is women! Thet's their style— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Talk <i>reason</i> to them and they'll bile; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But baste'em soft as any pigeon, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With lies and rubbish and religion; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Don't talk of flesh and blood and feeling, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But Holy Ghost and blessed healing; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Don't name things in too plain a way. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Look a heap warmer than you say, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Make'em believe they're serving true + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The Holy Spirit and not you, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Prove all the world but you's damnation, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And call your kisses jest salvation; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Do this, and press'em on the sly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You're safe to win'em. Jest you try! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Fust thing I heerd of all this game, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + One night when to the ranche I came, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jump'd down, ran in, saw Cissy theer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And thought her kind o' cool and queer; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + For when I caught her with a kiss, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Twarn't that she took the thing amiss, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But kept stone cool and gev a sigh, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And wiped her mouth upon the sly + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + On her white milkin'-apron. 'Waal,' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Says I, 'you're out o' sorts, my gel!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And with a squeamish smile for me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Like folks hev when they're sick at sea, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Says she, 'O, Joseph, ere too late, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I am awaken'd to my state— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + How pleasant and how sweet it is + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To be in sech a state of bliss!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I stared and gaped, and turned to Jim + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her brother, and cried out to him, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Hullo, mate, what's the matter here? + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + What's come to Cissy? Is she <i>queer?</i>' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jim gev a grin and answered 'Yes, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A trifle out o' sorts, I guess.' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But Cissy here spoke up and said, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'It ain't my stomach, nor my head, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + It ain't my flesh, it ain't my skin, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + It's holy <i>spirits</i> here within!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Waal,' says I, meanin' to be kind, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'I must be off, for I'm behind; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But next time that I pass this way + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We'll fix ourselves without delay. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I know what your complaint is, Ciss, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I've seen the same in many a miss, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Keep up your spirits, thet's your plan. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You're lonely here without a man, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And you shall hev as good a one + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + As e'er druv hoss beneath the sun!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At that I buss'd her with a smack. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Turn'd out, jump'd up, and took the track, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And larfing druv along the pass. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Theer! Guess I was as green as grass!" + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0006" id="link2H_4_0006"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + IV—THE BOOK OF MORMON. + </h2> + <p class="indent15"> + "'Twas jest a week after thet day + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When down I druv again this way. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + My heart was light; and 'neath the box + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I'd got a shawl and two fine frocks + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + For Cissy. On in spanking style + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The hosses went mile arter mile; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The sun was blazing golden bright, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The sunflowers burning in the light, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The cattle in the golden gleer + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Wading for coolness everywheer + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Among the shinin' ponds, with flies + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + As thick as pepper round their eyes + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And on their heads. See! as I went + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Whistling like mad and waal content, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Altho' 'twas broad bright day all round, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A cock crow'd, and I thought the sound + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Seem'd pleasant. Twice or thrice he + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + crow'd,' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And then up to the ranche I rode. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Since then I've often heerd folk say + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When a cock crows in open day + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + It's a <i>bad sign</i>, announcin' clear + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Black luck or death to those thet hear. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "When I drew up, all things were still. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I saw the boys far up the hill + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tossin' the hay; but at the door + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + No Cissy stood as oft afore. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + No, not a soul there, left nor right, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her very chicks were out o' sight. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + So down I jump'd, and 'Ciss!' I cried, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But not a sign of her outside. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With thet into the house I ran, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But found no sight of gel or man— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + All empty. Thinks I, 'this is queer!'— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Look'd in the dairy—no one theer; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then loiter'd round the kitchen' track + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Into the orchard at the back: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Under the fruit-trees' shade I pass'd,... + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thro' the green bushes,... and at last + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Found, as the furthest path I trode, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The gel I wanted. Ye... s! by——! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The gel I wanted—ay, I found + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + More than I wanted, you'll be bound! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Theer, seated on a wooden cheer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With bows and ribbons in her heer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her hat a-swinging on a twig + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Close by, sat Ciss in her best rig, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And at her feet that knowing one, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The Apostle Hiram Higginson! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + They were too keen to notice me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + So I held back behind a tree + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And watch'd'em. Never night nor day + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Did I see Cissy look so gay, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her eyes all sparkling blue and bright, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her face all sanctified delight. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She hed her gown tuck'd up to show + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Embrider'd petticoat below, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And jest a glimpse, below the white, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of dainty leg in stocking tight + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With crimson clocks; and on her knee + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She held an open book, which he, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thet dem'd Apostle at her feet, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With her low milking stool for seat, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Was reading out all clear and pat, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Keeping the place with finger fat; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Creeping more close to book and letter + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To feel the warmth of his text better, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His crimson face like a cock's head + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With his emotion as he read, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And now and then his eyes he'd close + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jest like a cock does when he crows! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Above the heads of thet strange two + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The shade was deep, the sky was blue, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The place was full of warmth and smell, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + All round the fruit and fruit-leaves fell, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And that Saint's voice, when all was + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + still, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Was like the groanin' of a mill. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "At last he stops for lack of wind, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And smiled with sarcy double-chinn'd + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Fat face at Cissy, while she cried, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Rocking herself from side to side, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'O Bishop, them are words of bliss!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And then he gev a long fat kiss + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + On her warm hand, and edged his stool + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Still closer. Could a man keep cool + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And see it? Trembling thro' and thro' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I walked right up to thet theer two, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And caught the dem'd old lump of duff + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jest by the breeches and the scruff. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And chuck'd him off, and with one kick + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sent his stool arter him right slick— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + While Cissy scream'd with frighten'd face, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Spare him! O spare that man of grace!' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "'Spare him!' I cried, and gev a shout, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'What's this yer shine you air about— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + What cuss is this that I jest see + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With that big book upon your knee, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Cuddling up close and making sham + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To read a heap of holy flam?' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then Cissy clasp'd her hands, and said, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + While that dem'd Saint sat fierce and + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + red, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Mopping his brow with a black frown, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And squatting where I chuck'd him down, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Joe Wilson, stay your hand so bold, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Come not a wolf into the fold; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Forbear to touch that holy one— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The Apostle Hiram Higginson.' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'Touch him,' said I, 'for half a pin + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I'd flay and quarter him and skin! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Waal may he look so white and skeer'd + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + For of his doings I have heerd; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Five wives he hev already done, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And him—not half the man for one!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And then I stoop'd and took a peep + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At what they'd studied at so deep, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And read, for I can read a bit, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'The Book of Mormon '—what was writ + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + By the first Saint of all the lot, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Mad Joseph, him the Yankees shot. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + 'What's the contents of this yer book?' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Says I, and fixed her with a look. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + O Joe,' she answered, 'read aright, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + It is a book of blessed light— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thet holy man expounds it clear \ + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Edification great is theer!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then, for my blood was up, I took + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + One kick at thet infernal book, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And tho' the Apostle guv a cry, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Into the well I made it fly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And turning to the Apostle cried, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tho' thet theer Scriptur' is your guide, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You'd best depart without delay, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Afore you sink in the same way! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And sure as fate you'll wet your skin + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + If you come courting yer agin!' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "At first he stared and puff'd and blew,— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Git out!' I cried, and off he flew, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And not till he was out o' reach + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Shook his fat fist and found his speech. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I turned to Cissy. 'Cicely Dunn,' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Ses I, 'is this a bit of fun + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or eernest?' Reckon 'twas a sight + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To see the way she stood upright, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Rolled her blue eyes up, tried to speak, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Made fust a giggle, then a squeak, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And said half crying, 'I despise + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Your wicked calumnies and lies, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And what you would insinuate + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Won't move me from my blessed state. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Now I perceive in time, thank hiven, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You are a man to anger given, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jealous and vi'lent. Go away! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And when you recollect this day, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And those bad words you've said to me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Blush if you kin. Tehee! tehee!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And then she sobbed, and in her cheer + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Fell crying: so I felt quite queer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And stood like a dern'd fool, and star'd + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Watchin' the pump a going hard; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And then at last, I couldn't stand + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The sight no more, but slipt my hand + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sharp into hers, and said quite kind, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Say no more, Cissy—never mind; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I know how queer you women's ways is— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Let the Apostle go to blazes!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Now thet was plain and fair. With this + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I would have put my arm round Ciss. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But Lord! you should have seen her face, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When I attempted to embrace; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sprang to her feet and gev a cry, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her back up like a cat's, her eye + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + All blazing, and cried fierce and clear, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You villain, touch me if you deer!' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And jest then in the distance, fur + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + From danger, a voice echoed her,— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The dem'd Apostle's, from some place + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Where he had hid his ugly face,— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Crying out faint and thick and clear, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Yes, villain, touch her if you deer!' + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + So riled I was, to be so beat, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I could have Struck her to my feet + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I didn't tho', tho' sore beset— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I never struck a woman yet. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "But off I walked right up the pass, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And found the men among the grass, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And when I came in sight said flat, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + What's this yer game Cissy is at? + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She's thrown me off, and taken pity + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + On an Apostle from the City. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Five wives already, too, has he— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Poor cussed things as e'er I see— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Does she mean <i>mischief</i> or a <i>lark?</i>' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Waal, all the men at thet look'd dark, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And scratch'd their heads and seem'd in + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + doubt. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At last her brother Jim spoke out— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Joe, don't blame <i>us</i>—by George, it's true, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We're chawed by this as much as you; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We've done our best and tried and tried, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But Ciss is off her head with pride, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And all her thoughts, both night and day, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Are with the Apostles fur away. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "O that I were in bliss with them + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Theer in the new Jerusalem!" + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She says; and when we laugh and sneer, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Ses we're jest raging wolves down here. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She's a bit dull at home d'ye see, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Allays liked heaps of company, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And now the foolish critter paints + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A life of larks among the Saints. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We've done our best, don't hev a doubt, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To keep the old Apostle out: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We've trained the dogs to seize and bite him, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We've got up ghosts at night to fright him, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Doctor'd his hoss and so upset him, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Put tickle-grass in bed to fret him, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jalap'd his beer and snuffed his tea too, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Gunpowder in his pipe put free too; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A dozen times we've well-nigh kill'd him, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We've skeer'd him, shaken him, and spiff'd + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + him; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + In fact, done all we deer,' said Jim, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Against a powerful man like him; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But all in vain we've hed our sport; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jest like a cat that <i>can't</i> be hurt, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With nine good lives if he hev one. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Is this same Hiram Higginson!'" + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0007" id="link2H_4_0007"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V—JOE ENDS HIS STORY.—FIRST GLIMPSE OF UTAH. + </h2> + <p class="indent15"> + Joe paused, for down the mountain's brow + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His hastening horses trotted now. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Into a canyon green and light, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thro' which a beck was sparkling light, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Quickly we wound. Joe Wilson lit + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + His cutty pipe, and suck'd at it + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + In silence grim; and when it drew, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Puff after puff of smoke he blew, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With blank eye fixed on vacancy. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At last he turned again to me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And spoke with bitter indignation + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The epilogue of his narration. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Waal, stranger, guess my story's told, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The Apostle beat and I was bowl'd. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Reckon I might have won if I + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Had allays been at hand to <i>try</i>; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But I was busy out of sight, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And he was theer, morn, noon, and night, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Playing his cards, and waal it weer + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + For him I never caught him theer. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To cut the story short, I guess + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + He got the Prophet to say 'yes,' + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And Cissy without much ado + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Gev her consent to hev him too; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And one fine morning off they druv + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To what he called the Abode of Love— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A dem'd old place, it seems to me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Jest like a dove-box on a tree, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Where every lonesome woman-soul + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sits shivering in her own hole, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And on the outside, free to choose, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The old cock-pigeon struts and coos. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I've heard from many a one that Ciss + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Has found her blunder out by this, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And she'd prefer for company + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A brisk young chap, tho' poor, like me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Than the sixth part of him she's won— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The holy Hiram Iligginson. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I've got a peep at her since then, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + When she's crawl'd out of thet theer den, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But she's so pale and thin and tame + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I shouldn't know her for the same, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + No flesh to pinch upon her cheek, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her legs gone thin, no voice to speak, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Dabby and crush'd, and sad and flabby, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sucking a wretched squeaking baby; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And all the fun and all the light + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Gone from her face, and left it white. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Her cheek 'll take 'feeble flush, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But hesn't blood enough to blush; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tries to seem modest, peart and sly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And brighten up if I go by, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But from the corner of her eyes + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Peeps at me quietly, and sighs. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Reckon her luck has been a stinger! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + She'd bolt if I held up my finger; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + But tho' I'm rough, and wild, and free, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Take a <i>Saint's</i> leavings—no not me! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + You've heerd of Vampires—them that rise + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + At dead o' night with flaming eyes, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And into women's beds'll creep + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + To suck their blood when they're asleep. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + I guess these Saints are jest the same, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sucking the life out is their game; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And tho' it ain't in the broad sun + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Or in the open streets it's done, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + There ain't a woman they clap eyes on + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Their teeth don't touch, their touch don't pison; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Thet's their dem'd way in this yer spot— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Grrr! git along, hoss! dem you, trot!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + From pool to pool the wild beck sped + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Beside us, dwindled to a thread. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With mellow verdure fringed around + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + It sang along with summer sound: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Here gliding into a green glade; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Here darting from a nest of shade + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With sudden sparkle and quick cry, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + As glad again to meet the sky; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Here whirling off with eager will + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And quickening tread to turn a mill; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Then stealing from the busy place + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With duskier depths and wearier pace + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + In the blue void above the beck + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Sailed with us, dwindled to a speck, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The hen-hawk; and from pools below + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The blue-wing'd heron oft rose slow, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And upward pass'd with measured beat + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of wing to seek some new retreat. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Blue was the heaven and darkly bright, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Suffused with throbbing golden light, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And in the burning Indian ray + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A million insects hummed at play. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Soon, by the margin of the stream, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We passed a driver with his team + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Bound for the City; then a hound + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Afar off made a dreamy sound; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And suddenly the sultry track + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Left the green canyon at our back, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And sweeping round a curve, behold! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + We came into the yellow gold + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of perfect sunlight on the plain; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And Joe, abruptly drawing rein, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Said quick and sharp, shading his eyes + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + With sunburnt hand, "See, theer it + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + lies— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Theer's <i>Sodom!</i>" + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And even as he cried, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The mighty Valley we espied, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Burning below us in one ray + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of liquid light that summer day; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And far away, 'mid peaceful gleams + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Of flocks and herds and glistering streams, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Rose, fair as aught that fancy paints, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The wondrous City of the Saints! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0008" id="link2H_4_0008"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THE CITY OF THE SAINTS. + </h2> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>O Saints that shine around the heavenly Seat! </i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What heaven is this that opens at my feet? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What flocks are these that thro' the golden gleam + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Stray on by freckled fields and shining stream? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What glittering roofs and white kiosks are these, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Up-peeping from the shade of emerald trees? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whose City is this that rises on the sight + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Fair and fantastic as a city of light + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Seen in the sunset? What is yonder sea + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Opening beyond the City cool and free. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Large, deep, and luminous, looming thro' the heat. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And lying at the darkly shadowed feet + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of the Sierrasy which with jagged line + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Burning to amber in the light divine, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Close in the Valley of the happy land, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With heights as barren as a dead man's hand? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>O pilgrim, halt! O wandering heart, give praise </i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Behold the City of these Latter Days! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here may'st thou leave thy load and be forgiven, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And in anticipation taste of Heaven! + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0009" id="link2H_4_0009"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + AMONG THE PASTURES.—SUMMER EVENING DIALOGUE. + </h2> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE, BISHOP JOSS, STRANGER. + </h3> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, things down here, as you observe, are getting + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + more pernicious, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And Brigham's losing all his nerve, altho' the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + fix is vicious. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Jest as we've rear'd a prosperous place and fill'd + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + our holy quivers, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Yankee comes with dern'd long face to give + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + us all the shivers! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And on his jaws a wicked grin prognosticates + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + disaster, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, jest as sure as sin is sin, he means to be + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the master. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Pack up your traps," I hear him cry, "for here + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + there's no remainin'," + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And winks with his malicious eye, and progues + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + us out of Canaan. + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + It ain't the Yankee that <i>I</i> fear, the neighbour + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + nor the stranger— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No, no, it's closer home, it's <i>here</i>, that I perceive + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the danger. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The wheels of State has gather'd rust, the helm + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wants hands to guide it, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tain't from without the tiler'll bust, but 'cause + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + of steam inside it; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yet if we went falootin' less, and made less + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + noise and flurry, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It isn't Jonathan, I guess, would hurt us in a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + hurry. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But there's sedition east and west, and secret + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + revolution, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's canker in the social breast, rot in the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + constitution; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And over half of us, at least, are plunged in mad + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + vexation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Forgetting how our race increased, our very + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + creed's foundation. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What's our religion's strength and force, its + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + substance, and its story? + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Polygamy, my friend, of course! the law of love + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and glory! + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Stranger, I'm with you there, indeed:—it's been + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the best of nusses; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Polygamy is to our creed what meat and drink + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to <i>us</i> is. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Destroy that notion any day, and all the rest is + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + brittle, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And Mormondom dies clean away like one in + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + want of vittle. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It's meat and drink, it's life, it's power! to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + heaven its breath doth win us! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It warms our vitals every hour! it's Holy Ghost + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + within us! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Jest lay that notion on the shelf, and all life's + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + springs are frozen! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I've half-a-dozen wives myself, and wish I had a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + dozen! + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + If all the Elders of the State like you were sound + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and holy, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + P. Shufflebotham, guess our fate were far less + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + melancholy. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You air a man of blessed toil, far-shining and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + discerning, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A heavenly lamp well trimm'd with oil, upon the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + altar burning. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And yet for every one of us with equal resolu- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's twenty samples of the Cuss, as mean as + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Brother Clewson. + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + St. Abe? + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Yes, <i>him</i>—the snivelling sneak—his very <i>name</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + provokes me,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Altho' my temper's milky-meek, he sours me + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and he chokes me. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To see him going up and down with those meek + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + lips asunder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Jest like a man about to drown, with lead to sink + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + him under, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His grey hair on his shoulders shed, one leg than + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + t'other shorter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No end of cuteness in his head, and him—as + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + weak as water! + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + And yet how well I can recall the time when + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Abe was younger— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Why not a chap among us all went for the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + notion stronger. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When to the mother-country he was sent to wake + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the sinning, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He shipp'd young lambs across the sea by <i>flocks</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + —he was so winning; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O but he had a lively style, describing saintly + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + blisses! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He made the spirit pant and smile, and seek + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + seraphic kisses! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + How the bright raptures of the Saint fresh lustre + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + seemed to borrow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While black and awful he did paint the one-wived + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sinner's sorrow! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each woman longed to be his bride, and by his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + side to slumber— + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "The more the blesseder!" he cried, still adding + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to the number. + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + How did the gentleman contrive to change his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + skin so quickly? + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + The holy Spirit couldn't thrive because the Flesh + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was sickly! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tho' day by day he did increase his flock, his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + soul was shallow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His brains were only candle-grease, and wasted + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + down like tallow. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He stoop'd a mighty heap too much, and let his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + household rule him, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The weakness of the man was such that any face + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + could fool him. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ay! made his presence cheap, no doubt, and so + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + contempt grew quicker,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not measuring his notice out in smallish drams, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + like liquor. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His house became a troublous house, with mis- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + chief overbrimmin', + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And he went creeping like a mouse among the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + cats of women. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, womenfolk are hard to rule, their tricks is + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + most surprising, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It's only a dern'd spoony fool goes <i>sentimental- </i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ising! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But give'em now and then a bit of notice and a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + present, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And lor, they're just like doves, that sit on one + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + green branch, all pleasant! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But Abe's love was a queer complaint, a sort of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tertian fever, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each case he cured of thought the Saint a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + thorough-paced deceiver; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And soon he found, he did indeed, with all their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + whims to nourish, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That Mormonism ain't a creed where fleshly + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + follies flourish. + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, right you air! A creed it is demandin' iron + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + mettle! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A will that quells, as soon as riz, the biling of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the kettle! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With wary eye, with manner deep, a spirit + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + overbrimmin', + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like to a shepherd 'mong his sheep, the Saint is + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + 'mong his women; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And unto him they do uplift their eyes in awe + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and wonder; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His notice is a blessed gift, his anger is blue + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + thunder. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No n'ises vex the holy place where dwell those + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + blessed parties; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each missus shineth in her place, and blithe and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + meek her heart is! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They sow, they spin, they darn, they hem, their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + blessed babes they handle, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Devil never comes to <i>them</i>, lit by that holy + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + candle! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When in their midst serenely walks their + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Master and their Mentor, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They're hush'd, as when the Prophet stalks down + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + holy church's centre! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They touch his robe, they do not move, those + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + blessed wives and mothers, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, when on one he shineth love, no envy fills + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the others; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They know his perfect saintliness, and honour + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + his affection— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, if they did object, I guess he'd settle that + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + objection! + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + It ain't a passionate flat like Abe can manage + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + things in <i>your</i> way! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They teased that most etarnal babe, till things + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + were in a poor way. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I used to watch his thorny bed, and bust my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sides with laughter, + </p> + <p class="indent5"> + <i>Once</i> give a female hoss her head you'll never + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + stop her after. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It's one thing getting seal'd, and he was mighty + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + fond of Sealing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He'd all the human heat, d'ye see, without the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + saintly feeling. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His were the wildest set of gals that ever drove + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + man silly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each full of freaks and fal-de-lals, as frisky as a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + filly. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + One pull'd this way, and t'other that, and made + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + his life a mockery, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They'd all the feelings of a cat scampaging + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + 'mong the crockery. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I saw Abe growing pale and thin, and well I + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + knew what ail'd him— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The skunk went stealing out and in, and all his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + spirit failed him; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And tho' the tanning-yard paid well, and he + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was money-making, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His saintly home was hot as Hell, and, ah! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + how he was baking! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Why, now and then at evening-time, when his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + day's work was over, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Up this here hill he used to climb and squat + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + among the clover, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And with his fishy eye he'd glare across the + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Rocky Mountains, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And wish he was away up there, among the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + heavenly fountains! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I had an aunt, Tabitha Brooks, a virgin under + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + fifty, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She warn't so much for pretty looks, but she + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was wise and thrifty; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She'd seen the vanities of life, was good at + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + 'counts and brewin'— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thinks I, "Here's just the sort of Wife to save + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + poor Abe from ruin." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So, after fooling many a week, and showing + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + him she loved him, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And seeing he was shy to <i>speak</i>, whatever + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + feelings moved him, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At last I took her by the hand, and led her to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + him straightway, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + One day when we could see him stand jest close + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + unto the gateway. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My words were to the p'int and brief: says I, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "My brother Clewson, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There'll be an end to all your grief, if you've got + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + resolution. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Where shall you find a house that thrives without + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a head that's ruling? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here is the paragon of wives to teach those + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + others schooling! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She'll be to you not only wife, but careful as a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + mother— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A little property for life is hers; you'll share it, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + brother. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I've seen the question morn and eve within your + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + eyes unspoken, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You're slow and nervous I perceive, but now—the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ice is broken. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here is a guardian and a guide to bless a man + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and grace him;" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And then I to Tabitha cried, "Go in, old gal- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + embrace him!" + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Why, that was acting fresh and fair;—but Abe, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was he as hearty? + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + We...ll! Abe was never anywhere against a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + <i>female</i> party! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At first he seemed about to run, and then we + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + might have missed him; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But Tabby was a tender one, she collar'd him + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and kissed him. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And round his neck she blushing hung, part + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + holding, part caressing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And murmur'd, with a faltering tongue, "O, Abe, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I'll be a blessing." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And home they walk'd one morning, he just + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + reaching to her shoulders, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And sneaking at her skirt, while she stared + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + straight at all beholders. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Swinging her bonnet by the strings, and setting + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + her lips tighter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In at his door the old gal springs, her grim eyes + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + growing brighter; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, Lord! there was the devil to pay, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + lightning and blue thunder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For she was going to have her way, and hold + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the vixens under; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They would have torn old Abe to bits, they + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + were so anger-bitten, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But Tabby saved him from their fits, as a cat + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + saves her kitten. + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + It seems your patriarchal life has got its + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + botherations, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And leads to much domestic strife and infinite + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + vexations! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But when the ladies couldn't lodge in peace one + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + house-roof under, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I thought that 'twas the saintly dodge to give + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + them homes asunder? + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + And you thought right; it is a plan by many + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + here affected— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Never by <i>me</i>—I ain't the man—I'll have my will + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + respected. + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS'S OWN DOMESTIC SYSTEM. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + If all the women of <i>my</i> house can't fondly pull + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + together, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And each as meek as any mouse, look out for + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + stormy weather!— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No, no, I don't approve at all of humouring my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + women, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And building lots of boxes small for each one + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to grow grim in. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I teach them jealousy's a <i>sin</i>, and solitude's just + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bearish, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They nuss each other lying-in, each other's babes + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + they cherish; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It is a family jubilee, and not a selfish plea- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sure, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whenever one presents to me another infant + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + treasure! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All ekal, all respected, each with tokens of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + affection, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They dwell together, soft of speech, beneath their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + lord's protection; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And if by any chance I mark a spark of shindy + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + raising, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I set my heel upon that spark,—before the house + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + gets blazing! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Now that's what Clewson should have done, but + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + couldn't, thro' his folly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For even when Tabby's help was won, he wasn't + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + much more jolly. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Altho' she stopt the household fuss, and husht + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the awful riot, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The old contrairy stupid Cuss could not enj'y + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the quiet. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His house was peaceful as a church, all solemn, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + still, and saintly; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And yet he'd tremble at the porch, and look + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + about him faintly; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And tho' the place was all his own, with hat in + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + hand he'd enter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like one thro' public buildings shown, soft + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + treading down the centre. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Still, things were better than before, though + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + somewhat trouble-laden,. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When one fine day unto his door there came a + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yankee maiden. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Is Brother Clewson in?" she says; and when + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + she saw and knew him, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The stranger gal to his amaze scream'd out and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + clung unto him. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then in a voice all thick and wild, exclaim'd that + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + gal unlucky, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "O Sir, I'm Jason Jones's child—he's <i>dead</i>— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + stabb'd in Kentucky! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And father's gone, and O I've come to <i>you</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + across the mountains." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And then the little one was dumb, and Abe's + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + eyes gushed like fountains.... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He took that gal into his place, and kept her as + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + his daughter— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, mischief to her wheedling face and the bad + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wind that brought her! + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + I knew that Jones;—used to faloot about Emanci- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + pation— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It made your very toe-nails shoot to hear his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + declamation. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And when he'd made all bosoms swell with + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wonder at his vigour, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He'd get so drunk he couldn't tell a white man + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + from a nigger! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Was six foot high, thin, grim, and pale,—his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + troubles can't be spoken— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tarred, feathered, ridden on a rail, left beaten, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bruised, and broken; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But nothing made his tongue keep still, or stopt + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + his games improper, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Till, after many an awkward spill, he came the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + final cropper. + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent20"> + ... That gal was fourteen years of age, and sly + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + with all her meekness; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It put the fam'ly in a rage, for well they knew + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Abe's weakness. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But Abe (a cuss, as I have said, that any fool + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + might sit on) + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Was stubborn as an ass's head, when once he + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + took the fit on! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, once he fixed the gal to take, in spite of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + their vexation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not all the rows on earth would break his firm + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + determination. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He took the naggings as they came, he bowed + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + his head quite quiet, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Still mild he was and sad and tame, and ate the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + peppery diet; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But tho' he seemed so crush'd to be, when this + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + or that one blew up, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He stuck to Jones's Legacy and school'd her till + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + she grew up. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Well! there! the thing was said and done, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + so far who could blame him? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But O he was a crafty one, and sorrow couldn't + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + shame him! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That gal grew up, and at eighteen was prettier + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + far and neater— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There were not many to be seen about these + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + parts to beat her; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Peart, brisk, bright-eyed, all trim and tight, like + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + kittens fond of playing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A most uncommon pleasant sight at pic-nic or + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + at praying. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then it became, as you'll infer, a simple public + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + duty, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To cherish and look after her, considering her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + beauty; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And several Saints most great and blest now + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + offer'd their protection, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And I myself among the rest felt something of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + affection. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But O the selfishness of Abe, all things it beats + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and passes! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + As greedy as a two-year babe a-grasping at + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + molasses! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When once those Shepherds of the flock began + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to smile and beckon, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He screamed like any lighting cock, and raised + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + his comb, I reckon! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + First one was floor'd, then number two, she + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wouldn't look at any; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then <i>my</i> turn came, although I knew the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + maiden's faults were many. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "My brother Abe," says I, "I come untoe your + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + house at present + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To offer sister Anne a home which she will find + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + most pleasant. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You know I am a saintly man, and all my ways + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + are lawful"— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And in a minute he began abusing me most + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + awful. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Begone," he said, "you're like the rest,— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wolves, Wolves with greedy clutches! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Poor little lamb; but in my breast I'll shield her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + from your touches!" + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Come, come," says I, "a gal can't stay a child + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + like that for ever, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You'll <i>hev</i> to seal the gal some day; " but Abe + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + cried fiercely, "Never!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Says I, "Perhaps it's in your view <i>yourself</i> this + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + lamb to gather?" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And "If it is, what's that to <i>you?</i>" he cried; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "but I'm her father! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You get along, I know your line, it's crushing, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bullying, wearing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You'll never seal a child of mine, so go, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + don't stand staring!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + This was the man once mild in phiz as any + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + farthing candle— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A hedgehog now, his quills all riz, whom no + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + one dared to handle! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But O I little guessed his deal, nor tried to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + circumvent it, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I never thought he'd dare to <i>seal</i> another; but + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + he meant it! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yes, managed Brigham on the sly, for fear his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + plans miscarried, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And long before we'd time to cry, the two were + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sealed and married. + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP PETE. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Well, you've your consolation now—he's pun- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ished clean, I'm thinking, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He's ten times deeper in the slough, up to his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + neck and sinking. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's vinegar in Abe's pale face enough to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sour a barrel, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Goes crawling up and down the place, neglect- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ing his apparel, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Seems to have lost all heart and soul, has fits of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + absence shocking— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His home is like a rabbit's hole when weasels + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + come a-knocking. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And now and then, to put it plain, while falling + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + daily sicker, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I think he tries to float his pain by copious goes + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + of liquor. + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP JOSS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Yes, that's the end of selfishness, it leads to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + long vexation— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No man can pity Abe, I guess, who knows his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + situation; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, Stranger, if this man you meet, don't take + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + <i>him</i> for a sample, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Although he speaks you fair and sweet, he's set + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a vile example. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Because you see him ill at ease, at home, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + never hearty, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Don't think these air the tokens, please, of a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + real saintly party! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No, he's a failure, he's a sham, a scandal to our + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + nation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not fit to lead a single lamb, unworthy of his + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + station; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No! if you want a Saint to see, who rules lambs + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + when he's got 'em, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just cock your weather-eye at <i>me</i>, or Brother + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shufflebotham. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>We</i> don't go croaking east and west, afraid of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + women's faces, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + We bless and we air truly blest in our domestic + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + places; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + We air religious, holy men, happy our folds to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + gather, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each is a loyal citizen, also a husband—rather. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But now with talk you're dry and hot, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + weary with your ride here. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Jest come and see <i>my</i> fam'ly lot,—they're waiting + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tea inside here. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0010" id="link2H_4_0010"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WITHIN THE CITY.—SAINT ABE AND THE SEVEN. + </h2> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Tabitha, thirty odd, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Rising up with a stare and a nod; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Amelia, sleepy and mild, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Freckled, Duduish, suckling a child; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Fanny, pert and keen, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Emily, solemn and lean, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Mary, given to tears, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Sarah, with wool in her ears;— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All appearing like tapers wan + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In the mellow sunlight of Sister Anne. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With a tremulous wave of his hand, the Saint + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Introduces the household quaint, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And sinks on a chair and looks around, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + As the dresses rustle with snakish sound, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + As curtsies are bobb'd, and eyes cast down + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Some with a simper, some with a frown, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And Sister Anne, with a fluttering breast, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Stands trembling and peeping behind the rest + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Every face but one has been + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Pretty, perchance, at the age of eighteen, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Pert and pretty, and plump and bright; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But now their fairness is faded quite, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And every feature is fashion'd here + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To a flabby smile, or a snappish sneer. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Before the stranger they each assume + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A false fine flutter and feeble bloom, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And a little colour comes into the cheek + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When the eyes meet mine, as I sit and speak; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But there they sit and look at me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Almost withering visibly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And languidly tremble and try to blow— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Six pale roses all in a row! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Six? ah, yes; but at hand sits one, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The seventh, still full of the light of the sun. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Though her colour terribly comes and goes, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Now white as a lily, now red as a rose, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So sweet she is, and so full of light, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That the rose seems soft, and the lily bright. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Her large blue eyes, with a tender care, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Steal to her husband unaware, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And whenever he feels them he flushes red, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the trembling hand goes up to his head! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Around those dove-like eyes appears + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A redness as of recent tears. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Alone she sits in her youth's fresh bloom + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In a dark corner of the room, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And folds her hands, and does not stir, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and the others scarcely look at her, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But crowding together, as if by plan, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Draw further and further from Sister Anne. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I try to rattle along in chat, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Talking freely of this and that— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The crops, the weather, the mother-land, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Talk a baby could understand; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the faded roses, faint and meek, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Open their languid lips to speak, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But in various sharps and flats, all low, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Give a lazy "yes" or a sleepy "no." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yet now and then Tabitha speaks, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Snapping her answer with yellow cheeks, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And fixing the Saint who is sitting by + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With the fish-like glare of her glittering eye, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whenever the looks of the weary man + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Stray to the corner of Sister Anne. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like a fountain in a shady place + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Is the gleam of the sadly shining face— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A fresh spring whither the soul might turn, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When the road is rough, and the hot sands + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bum; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like a fount, or a bird, or a blooming tree, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To a weary spirit is such as she! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And Brother Abe, from his easy chair, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Looks thither by stealth with an aching care, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And in spite of the dragons that guard the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + brink + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Would stoop to the edge of the fount, I think, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And drink! and drink! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Drink? Stuff and fiddlesticks," you cry, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Matron reader with flashing eye: + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Isn't the thing completely <i>his</i>, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His wife, his mistress, whatever you please? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Look at her! Dragons and fountains! Absurd!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Madam, I bow to every word; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But truth is truth, and cannot fail, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And this is quite a veracious tale. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + More like a couple of lovers shy, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Who flush and flutter when folk are by, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Were man and wife, or (in another + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And holier parlance) sister and brother. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + As a man of the world I noticed it, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And it made me speculate a bit, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For the situation was to my mind + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A phenomenon of a curious kind— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A person in love with his <i>wife</i>, 'twas clear, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But afraid, when another soul was near, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of showing his feelings in any way + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Because—there would be the Devil to pay! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Saint has been a handsome fellow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Clear-eyed, fresh-skinn'd, if a trifle yellow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And his face though somewhat soft and plain + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ends in a towering mass of brain. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His locks, though still an abundant crop, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Are thinning a little at the top, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But you only notice here and there + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The straggling gleam of a silver hair. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A man by nature rolled round and short, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Meant for the Merry Andrew's sport, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But sober'd down by the wear and tear + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of business troubles and household care: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Quiet, reticent, gentle, kind, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of amorous heart and extensive mind, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A Saint devoid of saintly sham, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Is little Brother Abraham. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Brigham's right hand he used to be— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Mild though he seems, and simple, and free; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sound in the ways of the world, and great + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In planning potent affairs of state; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not bright, nor bumptious, you must know, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Too retiring for popular show, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But known to conceive on a startling scale + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Gigantic plans that never fail; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To hold with a certain secret sense + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Prophet under his influence, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To be, I am led to understand, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Brain, while the Prophet is the Hand, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And to see his intellectual way + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thro' moral dilemmas of every day, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + By which the wisest are led astray. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here's the Philosopher!—here he sits, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here, with his vaguely wandering wits, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Among the dragons, as I have said, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Smiling, and holding his hand to his head. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What mighty thoughts are gathering now + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Behind that marble mass of brow? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What daring schemes of polity + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To set the popular conscience free, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And bless humanity, planneth he? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His talk is idle, a surface-gleam, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The ripple on the rest of the stream, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But his thoughts—ah, his <i>thoughts</i>—where do + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + they fly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While the wretched roses under his eye + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Flutter and peep? and in what doth his plan + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Turn to the counsel of Sister Anne? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For his eyes give ever a questioning look, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the little one in her quiet nook + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Flashes an answer, and back again + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The question runs to the Brother's brain, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the lights of speculation flit + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Over his face and trouble it. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Follow his eyes once more, and scan + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The fair young features of Sister Anne: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Frank and innocent, and in sooth + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Full of the first fair flush of youth. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Quite a child—nineteen years old; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not gushing, and self-possessed, and bold, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like our Yankee women at nineteen, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But low of voice, and mild of mien— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + More like the fresh young fruit you see + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In the mother-land across the sea— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + More like that rosiest flower on earth, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A blooming maiden of English birth. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Such as we find them yet awhile + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Scatter'd about the homely Isle, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not yet entirely eaten away + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + By the canker-novel of the day, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Or curling up and losing their scent + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In a poisonous dew from the Continent. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There she sits, in her quiet nook, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Still bright tho' sadden'd; and while I look, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My heart is filled and my eyes are dim, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And I hate the Saint when I turn to him! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ogre! Blue Beard! Oily and sly! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His meekness a cheat, his quiet a lie! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A roaring lion he'll walk the house + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tho' now he crouches like any mouse! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Had not he pluck'd enough and to spare + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of roses like these set fading there, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But he must seek to cajole and kiss + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Another yet, and a child like this? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A maid on the stalk, just panting to prove + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The honest joy of a virgin love; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A girl, a baby, an innocent child, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To be caught by the first man's face that smiled! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Scarce able the difference to fix + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of polygamy and politics! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Led to the altar like a lamb, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And sacrificed to the great god <i>Sham!</i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Deluded, martyr'd, given to woe, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Last of seven who have perish'd so; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For who can say but the flowers I see + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Were once as rosy and ripe as she? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Already the household worm has begun + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To feed on the cheeks of the little one; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Already her spirit, fever-fraught, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Droops to the weight of its own thought; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Already she saddens and sinks and sighs, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Watched by the jealous dragonish eyes. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Even Amelia, sleepy and wan, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sharpens her orbs as she looks at Anne; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While Sister Tabby, when she can spare + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Her gaze from the Saint in his easy-chair, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Fixes her with a gorgon glare. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All is still and calm and polite, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Sisters bolster themselves upright, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And try to smile, but the atmosphere + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Is charged with thunder and lightning here. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Heavy it seems, and close and warm, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like the air before a summer storm; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And at times,—as in that drowsy dream + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Preluding thunder, all sounds will seem + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Distinct and ominously clear, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the far-off cocks seem crowing near + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ev'n so in the pauses of talk, each breast + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Is strangely conscious of the rest, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the tick of the watch of Abe the Saint + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Breaks on the air, distinct though faint, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like the ticking of his heart! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + I rise + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To depart, still glancing with piteous eyes + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + On Sister Anne; and I find her face + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Turn'd questioning still to the same old place— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The face of the Saint. I stand and bow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Curtsies again are bobbing now, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Dresses rustling... I know no more + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Till the Saint has led me to the door, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And I find myself in a day-dream dim, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just after shaking hands with him. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Standing and watching him sad and slow + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Into the dainty dwelling go, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With a heavy sigh, and his hand to his head. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + ... Hark, <i>distant thunder!</i>—'tis as I said: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The air was far too close;—at length + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Storm is breaking in all its strength. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0011" id="link2H_4_0011"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + III—PROMENADE—MAIN STREET, UTAH. + </h2> + <h3> + THE STRANGER. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Along the streets they're thronging, walking, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Clad gaily in their best and talking, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Women and children quite a crowd; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The bright sun overhead is blazing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The people sweat, the dust they're raising + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Arises like a golden cloud. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Still out of every door they scatter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Laughing and light. Pray what's the matter. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That such a flock of folks I see? + </p> + <h3> + A LOUNGER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + They're off to hear the Prophet patter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + This yer's a day of jubilee. + </p> + <h3> + VOICES. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Come along, we're late I reckon... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's our Matt, I see him beckon... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + How d'ye do, marm? glad to meet you. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Silence, Hiram, or I'll beat you... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Emm, there's brother Jones a-looking... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here's warm weather, how I'm cooking! + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Afar the hills arise with cone and column + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Into a sky of brass serene and solemn; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And underneath their shadow in one haze + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of limpid heat the great salt waters blaze, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While faint and filmy through the sultry veil + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The purple islands on their bosom sail + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like floating clouds of dark fantastic air. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + How strangely sounds (while 'mid the Indian + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + glare + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Moves the gay crowd of people old and young) + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The bird-like chirp of the old Saxon tongue! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The women seem half weary and half gay, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Their eyes droop in a melancholy way,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I have not seen a merry face to-day. + </p> + <h3> + A BISHOP + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Ther's a smart hoss you're riding, brother! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + How are things looking, down with you? + </p> + <h3> + SECOND BISHOP + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Not over bright with one nor 'tother, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Taters are bad, tomatoes blue. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You've heer'd of Brother Simpson's losses?— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Buried his wife and spiled his hay. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the three best of Hornby's hosses + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Some Injin cuss has stol'n away. + </p> + <h3> + VOICES. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Zoë, jest fix up my gown... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's my hair a-coming down... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Drat the babby, he's so crusty— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It's the heat as makes him thusty... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Come along, I'm almost sinking... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's a stranger, and he's winking. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Stranger. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That was a fine girl with the grey-hair'd lady, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + How shining were her eyes, how true and + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + steady, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not drooping down in guilty Mormon fashion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But shooting at the soul their power and passion. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That's a big fellow, six foot two, not under, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But how he struts, and looks as black as thunder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Half glancing round at his poor sheep to scare + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + 'em— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Six, seven, eight, nine,—O Abraham, what a + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + harem! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All berry brown, but looking scared as may be, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And each one but the oldest with a baby. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A GIRL + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Phoebe! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + ANOTHER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Yes, Grace! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FIRST GIRL + </h3> + <p class="indent20"> + Don't seem to notice, dear, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That Yankee from the camp again is here, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Making such eyes, and following on the sly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And coughing now and then to show he's nigh. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + SECOND GIRL + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Who's that along with him—the little scamp + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shaking his hair and nodding with a smile? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FIRST GIRL + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Guess he's some new one just come down to + </p> + <h3> + SECOND GIRL + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Isn't he handsome? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FIRST GIRL + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + No; the first's my style! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + If my good friends, the Saints, could get then + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + will, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + These Yankee officers would fare but ill; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Wherever they approach the folk retire, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + As if from veritable coals of fire; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With distant bow, set lips, and half-hid frown, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Bishops pass them in the blessed town; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The women come behind like trembling sheep, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Some freeze to ice, some blush and steal a peep. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And often, as a band of maidens gay + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Comes up, each maid ceases to talk and play, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Droops down her eyes, and does not look their + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + way; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But after passing where the youngsters pine, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All giggle as at one concerted sign, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And tripping on with half-hush'd merry cries, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Look boldly back with laughter in their eyes! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + VOICES + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Here we are, how folk are pushing... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Mind the babby in the crushing... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Pheemy!.. Yes, John!.. Don't go staring + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At that Yankee—it's past bearing. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Draw your veil down while he passes, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Reckon you're as bold as brass is. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + ABE CLEWSON + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>[Passing with his hand to his head, attended by his </i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Wives.] + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Head in a whirl, and heart in a flutter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Guess I don't know the half that I utter. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Too much of this life is beginning to try me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I'm like a dem'd miller the grind always nigh + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + me; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Praying don't sooth me nor comfort me any, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My house is too full and my blessings too + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + many— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The ways o' the wilderness puzzle me greatly. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + SISTER TABITHA. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Do walk like a Christian, and keep kind o' + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + stately! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And jest keep an eye on those persons behind + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + you, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You call 'em your Wives, but they tease you and + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + blind you; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sister Anne's a disgrace, tho' you think her a + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + martyr, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And she's tuck'd up her petticoat nigh to her + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + garter. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + What group is this, begrim'd with dust and + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + heat, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Staring like strangers in the open street? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The women, ragged, wretched, and half dead, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sit on the kerbstone hot and hang the head, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And clustering at their side stand children + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + brown, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Weary, with wondering eyes on the fair town. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Close by in knots beside the unhorsed team + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The sunburn'd men stand talking in a dream, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For the vast tracts of country left behind + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Seem now a haunting mirage in the mind. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Gaunt miners folding hands upon their breasts, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Big-jointed labourers looking ox-like down, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And sickly artizans with narrow chests + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Still pallid from the smoke of English town. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Hard by to these a group of Teutons stand, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Light-hair'd, blue-eyed, still full of Fatherland, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With water-loving Northmen, who grow gay + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To see the mimic sea gleam far away. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Now to this group, with a sharp questioning + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + face, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Cometh a holy magnate of the place + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In decent black; shakes hands with some; + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + and then + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Begins an eager converse with the men: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All brighten; even the children hush their cries, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the pale women smile with sparkling eyes. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + The Prophet welcomes you, and sends + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His message by my mouth, my friends; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He'll see you snug, for on this shore + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's heaps of room for millions more!.. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Scotchman, I take it?.. Ah, I know + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Glasgow—was there a year or so... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And if <i>you</i> don't from Yorkshire hail, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I'll—ah, I thought so; seldom fail. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Make yourselves snug and rest a spell, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's liquor coming—meat as well. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All welcome! We keep open door— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, <i>we</i> don't push away the poor; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tho' he's a fool, you understand, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Who keeps poor long in this here land. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The land of honey you behold— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Honey and milk—silver and gold! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + AN ARTIZAN + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, that's the style—Bess, just you hear it; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Come, come, old gal, keep up your spirit: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Silver and gold, and milk and honey, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + This is the country for our money! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A GERMAN. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Es lebe die Stadt! es lebe dran! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Das heilige Leben steht mir an! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + A NORTHMAN. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Taler du norske + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + BISHOP. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>[Shaking his head. and turning with a wink to the </i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + English.] + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + No, not me! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>Saxon's</i> the language of the free: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The language of the great Evangels! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The language of the Saints and Angels! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The only speech that Joseph knew! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The speech of him and Brigham too! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Only the speech by which we've thriven + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Is comprehended up in Heaven!.. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Poor heathens! but we'll make'em spry, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They'll talk like Christians by and by. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>[Strolling out of the streets.]</i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From east, from west, from every worn-out land, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yearly they stream to swell this busy band. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Out of the fever'd famine of the slums, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From sickness, shame, and sorrow, Lazarus comes, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Drags his sore limbs o'er half the world and sea, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Seeking for freedom and felicity. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The sewer of ignorance and shame and loss, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Draining old Europe of its dirt and dross, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Grows the great City by the will of God; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While wondrously out of the desert sod, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Nourished with lives unclean and weary hearts + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The new faith like a splendid weed upstarts. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A splendid weed! rather a fair wild-flower, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Strange to the eye in its first birth of power, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But bearing surely in its breast the seeds + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of higher issues and diviner deeds. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Changed from Sahara to a fruitful vale + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Fairer than ever grew in fairy tale, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Transmuted into plenteous field and glade + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + By the slow magic of the white man's spade, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Grows Deseret, filling its mighty nest + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Between the eastern mountains and the west, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While—who goes there? What shape antique + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + looks down + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From this green mound upon the festive town, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With tall majestic figure darkly set + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Against the sky in dusky silhouette? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Strange his attire: a blanket edged with red + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Wrapt royally around him; on his head + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A battered hat of the strange modem sort + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Which men have christened "chimney pots" in + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + sport; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Mocassins on his feet, fur-fringed and grand, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And a large green umbrella in his hand. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Pensive he stands with deep-lined dreamy face, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Last living remnant of the mighty race + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Who on these hunting-fields for many a year + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Chased the wild buffalo, and elk, and deer. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Heaven help him! In his mien grief and despair + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Seem to contend, as he stands musing there; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Until he notices that I am nigh, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And lo! with outstretched hands and glistening + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + eye + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Swift he descends—Does he mean mischief? + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + No; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He smiles and beckons as I turn to go. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + INDIAN + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Me Medicine Crow. White man gib drink to me. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Great chief; much squaw; papoose, sah, one, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + two, three! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + STRANGER + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + With what a leer, half wheedling and half winking, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The lost one imitates the act of drinking; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His nose already, to his woe and shame, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Carbuncled with the white man's liquid flame! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Well, I pull out my flask, and fill a cup + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of burning rum—how quick he gulps it up; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And in a moment in his trembling grip + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thrusts out the cup for more with thirsty lip. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But no!—already drunken past a doubt, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Degenerate nomad of the plains, get out! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>[A railway whistle sounds in the far distance.]</i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Fire-hearted Demon tamed to human hand, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Rushing with smoky breath from land to land, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Screaming aloud to scare with rage and wrath + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Primaeval ignorance before his path, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Dragging behind him as he runs along + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His lilliputian masters, pale and strong, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With melancholy sound for plain and hill + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Man's last Familiar Spirit whistles shrill. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Poor devil of the plains, now spent and frail, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Hovering wildly on the fatal trail, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Pass on!—there lies thy way and thine abode, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Get out of Jonathan thy master's road. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Where? anywhere!—he's not particular where, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So that you clear the road, he does not care; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Off, quick! clear out! ay, drink your fill and die; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, since the Earth rejects you, try the Sky! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And see if He, who sent your white-faced + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + brother + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To hound and drive you from this world you + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + bother, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Can find a comer for you in another! + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0012" id="link2H_4_0012"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + WITHIN THE SYNAGOGUE.—SERMONIZETH THE PROPHET. + </h2> + <p class="indent10"> + Sisters and brothers who love the right, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Saints whose hearts are divinely beating, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Children rejoicing in the light, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I reckon this is a pleasant meeting. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Where's the face with a look of grief?— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Jehovah's with us and leads the battle; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + We've had a harvest beyond belief, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And the signs of fever have left the cattle; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All still blesses the holy life + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Here in the land of milk and honey. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Brother Shuttleworth's seventeenth wife,.. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Her with the heer brushed up so funny! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Out of Egypt hither we flew, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Through the desert and rocky places; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The people murmur'd, and all look'd blue, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The bones of the martyr'd filled our traces. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Mountain and valley we crawl'd along, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And every morning our hearts beat quicker. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Our flesh was weak, but our souls were strong. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And we'd managed to carry some kegs of + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + liquor. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At last we halted on yonder height, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Just as the sun in the west was blinking. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Isn't Jedge Hawkins's last a fright?... + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I'm suttin that Brother Abe's been drinking! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + That night, my lambs, in a wondrous dream, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I saw the gushing of many fountains; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Soon as the morning began to beam, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Down we went from yonder mountains, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Found the water just where I thought, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fresh and good, though a trifle gritty, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Pitch'd our tents in the plain, and wrought + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The site and plan of the Holy City. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Pioneers of the blest," I cried, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Dig, and the Lord will bless each spade- + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + ful." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Brigham's sealed to another Bride... + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + How worn he's gittin'! he's aging dread- + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + ful. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + This is a tale so often told, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The theme of every eventful meeting; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yes! you may smile and think it old; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + But yet it's a tale that will bear repeating. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That's how the City of Light began, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + That's how we founded the saintly nation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All by the spade and the arm of man, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And the aid of a special dispensation. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Work" was the word when we begun, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Work" is the word now we have plenty. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Heard about Sister Euphemia's son?.. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sealing already, though only twenty! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + I say just now what I used to say, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Though it moves the heathens to mock and + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + laughter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From work to prayer is the proper way— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Labour first, and Religion after. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Let a big man, strong in body and limb, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Come here inquiring about his Maker, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + This is the question I put to him, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Can you grow a cabbage, or reap an + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + acre?" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What's the soul but a flower sublime, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Grown in the earth and upspringing surely! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + O yes! she's hed a most dreadful time! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Twins, both thriving, though she's so + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + poorly. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Beauty, my friends, is the crown of life, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + To the young and foolish seldom granted; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + After a youth of honest strife + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Comes the reward for which you've panted. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O blessed sight beyond compare, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When life with its halo of light is rounded, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To see a Saint with reverend hair + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sitting like Solomon love-surrounded! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + One at his feet and one on his knee, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Others around him, blue-eyed and dreamy! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + All very well, but as for me, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + My man had better!—I'd pison him, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Pheemy! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + There in the gate of Paradise + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The Saint is sitting serene and hoary, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tendrils of euros, and blossoms of eyes, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Festoon him round in his place of glory; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Little cherubs float thick as bees + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Round about him, and murmur "father!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The sun shines bright and he sits at-ease, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fruit all round for his hand to gather. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Blessed is he and for ever gay, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Floating to Heaven and adding to it! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Thought I should have gone mad that day + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + He brought a second; I made him rue it! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Sisters and Brothers by love made wise. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Remember, when Satan attempts to quel] + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + you, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + If this here Earth isn't Paradise + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + You'll never see it, and so I tell you. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Dig and drain, and harrow and sow, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + God will bless you beyond all measure; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Labour, and meet with reward below, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + For what is the end of all labour? Plea- + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + sure! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Labour's the vine, and pleasure's the grape; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The one delighting, the other bearing. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Higginson's third is losing her shape. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + She hes too many—it's dreadful wearing. + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + But I hear some awakening spirit cry, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Labour is labour, and all men know it; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But what is pleasure?" and I reply, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Grace abounding and Wives to show it! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Holy is he beyond compare + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Who tills his acres and takes his blessing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Who sees around him everywhere + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sisters soothing and babes caressing. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And his delight is Heaven's as well, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + For swells he not the ranks of the chosen? + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Martha is growing a handsome gel... + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Three at a birth?—that makes the dozen. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + Learning's a shadow, and books a jest, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + One Book's a Light, but the rest are human. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The kind of study that I think best + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Is the use of a spade and the love of a + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + woman. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here and yonder, in heaven and earth, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + By big Salt Lake and by Eden river, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The finest sight is a man of worth, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Never tired of increasing his quiver. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He sits in the light of perfect grace + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With a dozen cradles going together! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + FEMININE WHISPERS. + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + The babby's growing black in the face! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Carry him out—it's the heat of the weather! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + THE PROPHET + </h3> + <p class="indent10"> + A faithful vine at the door of the Lord, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + A shining flower in the garden of spirits, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A lute whose strings are of sweet accord, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Such is the person of saintly merits. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sisters and brothers, behold and strive + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Up to the level of his perfection; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sow, and harrow, and dig, and thrive, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Increase according to God's direction. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + This is the Happy Land, no doubt, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + Where each may flourish in his vocation. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Brother Bantam will now give out + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + The hymn of love and of jubilation. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0013" id="link2H_4_0013"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + V—THE FALLING OF THE THUNDERBOLT + </h2> + <p class="indent10"> + Deep and wise beyond expression + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sat the Prophet holding session, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And his Elders, round him sitting + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With a gravity befitting, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Never rash and never fiery, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Chew'd the cud of each inquiry, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Weigh'd each question and discussed it. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sought to settle and adjust it, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Till, with sudden indication + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of a gush of inspiration, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The grave Prophet from their middle + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Gave the answer to their riddle, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the lesser lights all holy, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Round the Lamp revolving slowly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thought, with eyes and lips asunder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + "<i>Right</i>, we reckon, he's a wonder!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whether Boyes, that blessed brother, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Should be sealed unto another, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Having, tho' a Saint most steady, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Very many wives already? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whether it was held improper, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + If a woman drank, to drop her? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whether unto Brother Fleming + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Formal praise would be beseeming, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Since from three or four potatoes + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + (Not much bigger than his great toes) + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He'd extracted, to their wonder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Four stone six and nothing under? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Whether Bigg be reprimanded + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For his conduct underhanded. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Since he'd packed his prettiest daughter + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To a heathen o'er the water? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + How, now Thompson had departed, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + His poor widows, broken-hearted, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Should be settled? They were seven, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sweet as cherubs up in heaven; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Three were handsome, young, and pleasant, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And had offers on at present— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Must they take them?.. These and other + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Questions proffer'd by each brother, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The great Prophet ever gracious, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Free and easy, and sagacious, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Answer'd after meditation + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With sublime deliberation; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And his answers were so clever + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each one whisper'd, "Well I never!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the lesser lights all holy, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Round the Prophet turning slowly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Raised their reverend heads and hoary, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thinking, "To the Prophet, glory! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Hallelujah, veneration, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Reckon that he licks creation!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Suddenly as they sat gleaming, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + On them came an unbeseeming + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Murmur, tumult, and commotion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like the breaking of the ocean; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And before a word was utter'd, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In rush'd one with voice that fluttered + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Arms uplifted, face the colour + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of a bran-new Yankee dollar, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like a man whose wits are addled. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Crying—"<i>Brother Abe's skedaddled!</i>" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then those Elders fearful-hearted + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Raised a loud cry and upstarted, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But the Prophet, never rising, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Said, "Be calm! this row's surprising!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And as each Saint sank unsinew'd + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In his arm-chair he continued: + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Goodman Jones, your cheeks are yellow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tell thy tale, and do not bellow! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + What's the reason of your crying— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Is our brother <i>dead!</i>—or <i>dying?</i>" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + As the Prophet spake, supremely + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Hushing all the strife unseemly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sudden in the room there entered + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shapes on whom all eyes were centred— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Six sad female figures moaning, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Trembling, weeping, and intoning, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "We are widows broken-hearted— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Abraham Clewson has departed!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While the Saints again upleaping + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Joined their voices to the weeping, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For a moment the great Prophet + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Trembled, and look'd dark as Tophet. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But the cloud pass'd over lightly. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Cease!" he cried, but sniffled slightly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Cease this murmur and be quiet— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Dead men won't awake with riot. + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tis indeed a loss stupendous— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When will Heaven his equal send us? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Speak, then, of our brother cherish'd, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Was it <i>fits</i> by which he perish'd? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Or did Death come even quicker, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thro' a bolting horse or kicker?" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At the Prophet's question scowling, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All the Wives stood moaning, howling, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Crying wildly in a fever, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "O the villain! the deceiver!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But the oldest stepping boldly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Curtseying to the Session coldly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Cried in voice like cracking thunder, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Prophet, don't you make a blunder? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Abraham Clewson isn't dying— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Hasn't died, as you're implying + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No! he's not the man, my brothers, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To die decently like others! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Worse! he's from your cause revolted— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Run away! ske-daddled! bolted!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Bolted! run away! skedaddled! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like to men whose wits are addled, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Echoed all those Lights so holy, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Round the Prophet shining slowly + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the Prophet, undissembling, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Underneath the blow sat trembling, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While the perspiration hovered + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + On his forehead, and he covered + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With one trembling hand his features + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From the gaze of smaller creatures. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then at last the high and gifted + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Cough'd and craved, with hands uplifted, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Silence. When 'twas given duly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "This," said he, "'s a crusher truly! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Brother Clewson fall'n from glory! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I can scarce believe your story, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O my Saints, each in his station, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Join in prayer and meditation!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Covering up each eyelid saintly + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With a finger tip, prayed faintly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shining in the church's centre, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Their great Prophet, Lamp, and Mentor; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the lesser Lights all holy, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Round the Lamp revolving slowly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each upon his seat there sitting, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With a gravity befitting, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Bowed their reverend heads and hoary, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Saying, "To the Prophet glory! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Hallelujah, veneration! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Reckon that he licks creation!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Lastly, when the trance was ended. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, with face where sorrow blended + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Into pity and compassion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shone the Light in common fashion; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Forth the Brother stept who brought them + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + First the news which had distraught them, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, while stood the Widows weeping, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Gave into the Prophet's keeping + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A seal'd paper, which the latter + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Read, as if 'twere solemn matter— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Gravely pursing lips and nodding, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While they watch'd in dark foreboding, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Till at last, with voice that quivered, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He these woeful words delivered:— + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Sisters, calm your hearts unruly, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Tis an awful business truly; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Weeping now will save him never, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He's as good as lost for ever; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Yes, I say with grief unspoken, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Jest a pane crack'd, smash'd, and broken + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In the windows of the Temple— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Crack'd's the word—so take example! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Had he left ye one and all here + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + On our holy help to call here, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Fled alone from <i>every</i> fetter, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I could comprehend it better! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Flying, not with some strange lady, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But with her he had already, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With his own seal'd Wife eloping— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It's a case of craze past hoping! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + List, O Saints, each in his station. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To the idiot's explanation!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then, while now and then the holy + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Broke the tale of melancholy + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + With a grunt contempt expressing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the widows made distressing + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Murmurs of recrimination + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Here and there in the narration, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The great Prophet in affliction + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Read this awful Valediction! + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0014" id="link2H_4_0014"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + VI—LAST EPISTLE OF ST. ABE TO THE POLYGAMISTS. + </h2> + <p class="indent10"> + O Brother, Prophet of the Light!—don't let my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + state distress you, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While from the depths of darkest night I cry, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Farewell! God bless you!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I don't deserve a parting tear, nor even a male- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + diction, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Too weak to fill a saintly sphere, I yield to my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + affliction; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Down like a cataract I shoot into the depths + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + below you, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While you stand wondering and mute, my last + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + adieu I throw you; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Commending to your blessed care my well-be- + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + loved spouses, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My debts (there's plenty and to spare to pay + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + them), lands, and houses, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My sheep, my cattle, farm and fold, yea, all by + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + which I've thriven: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + These to be at the auction sold, and to my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + widows given. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Bless them! to prize them at their worth was + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + far beyond my merit, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just make them think me in the earth, a poor + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + departed spirit. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I couldn't bear to say good-bye, and see their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tears up-starting; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I thought it best to pack and fly without the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + pain of parting! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O tell Amelia, if she can, by careful educa- + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + tion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To make her boy grow up a man of strength + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and saintly station! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tell Fanny to beware of men, and say I'm still + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + her debtor— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tho' she cut sharpish now and then, I think it + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + made me better! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Let Emily still her spirit fill with holy consola- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tions— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Seraphic soul, I hear her still a-reading "Reve- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + lations!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Bid Mary now to dry her tears—she's free of her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + chief bother; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And comfort Sarah—I've my fears she's going to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + be a mother; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And to Tabitha give for me a tender kiss of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + healing— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Guilt wrings my soul—I seem to see that well- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + known face appealing! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And now,—before my figure fades for ever from + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + your vision, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Before I mingle with the shades beyond your + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + light Elysian, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>Now</i>, while your faces all turn pale, and you + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + raise eyes and shiver, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Let me a round unvarnish'd tale (as Shakspere + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + says) deliver; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And let there be a warning text in my most + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + shameful story, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When some poor sheep, perplext and vext, goes + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + seeking too much glory. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O Brigham, think of my poor fate, a scandal to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + beholders, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And don't again put too much weight before + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + you've tried the shoulders! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Though I'd the intellectual gift, and knew the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + rights and reasons; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Though I could trade, and save, and shift, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + according to the seasons; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Though I was thought a clever man, and was at + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + spouting splendid,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just think how finely I began, and see how all + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + has ended! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In <i>principle</i> unto this hour I'm still a holy + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + being— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But oh, how poorly is my power proportion'd to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + my seeing! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You've all the logic on your side, you're right in + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + each conclusion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And yet how vainly have I tried, with eager + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + resolution! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My will was good, I felt the call, although my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + strength was meagre, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There wasn't one among you all to serve the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Lord more eager! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I never tired in younger days of drawing lambs + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + unto me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My lot was one to bless and praise, the fire of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + faith thrill'd through me. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And <i>you</i>, believing I was strong, smiled on me + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + like a father,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Said, "Blessëd be this man, though young, who + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the sweet lambs doth gather! " + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At first it was a time full blest, and all my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + earthy pleasure + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Was gathering lambs unto my breast to cherish + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and to treasure; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ay, one by one, for heaven's sake, my female + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + flock I found me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Until one day I did awake and heard them + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bleating round me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And there was sorrow in their eyes, and mute + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + reproach and wonder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + For they perceived to their surprise their Shep- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + herd was a blunder. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O Brigham, think of it and weep, my firm and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + saintly Master— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>The Pastor trembled at his Sheep, the Sheep despised </i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the Pastor! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O listen to the tale of dread, thou Light that + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + shines so brightly— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Virtue's a horse that drops down dead if over- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + loaded slightly! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She's all the <i>will</i>, she wants to go, she'd carry + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + every tittle; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But when you see her flag and blow, just ease + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + her of a little! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>One</i> wife for me was near enough, <i>two</i> might + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + have fixed me neatly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>Three</i> made me shake, <i>four</i> made me puff, <i>five</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + settled me completely,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But when the <i>sixth</i> came, though I still was + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + glad and never grumbled, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I took the staggers, kick'd, went ill, and in the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + traces tumbled! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, well may I compare my state unto a beast's + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + position— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Unfit to bear a saintly weight, I sank and lost + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + condition; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I lack'd the moral nerve and thew, to fill so fine + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a station— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah, if I'd had a head like you, and your deter- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + mination! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Instead of going in and out, like a superior + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + party, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I was too soft of heart, no doubt, too open, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + too hearty. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When I <i>began</i> with each young sheep I was too + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + free and loving, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not being strong and wise and deep, I set her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + <i>feelings</i> moving; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And so, instead of noticing the gentle flock in + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + common, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I waken'd up that mighty thing—the Spirit of a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Woman. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each got to think me, don't you see,—so foolish + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was the feeling,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Her own especial property, which all the rest + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + were stealing! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, since I could not give to each the whole of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + my attention, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All came to grief, and parts of speech too deli- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + cate to mention! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Bless them! they loved me far too much, they + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + erred in their devotion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I lack'd the proper saintly touch, subduing mere + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + emotion: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The solemn air sent from the skies, so cold, so + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tranquillising, . + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That on the female waters lies, and keeps the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + same from rising, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But holds them down all smooth and bright, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and, if some wild wind storms 'em, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Comes like a cold frost in the night, and into ice + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + transforms 'em! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And there, between ourselves, I see the diffi- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + culty growing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Since most men are as meek as me, too pas- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sionate and glowing; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They cannot in <i>your</i> royal way dwell like a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + guest from Heaven + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Within this tenement of clay, which for the Soul + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + is given; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They cannot like a blessed guest come calm and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + strong into it, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Eating and drinking of its best, and calmly + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + gazing thro' it. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No, every mortal's not a Saint, and truly very + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + few are, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So weak they are, they cannot paint what holy + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + men like you are. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Instead of keeping well apart the Flesh and + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Spirit, brother, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And making one with cunning art the nigger of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the other, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They muddle and confuse the two, they mix and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + twist and mingle, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So that it takes a cunning view to make out + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + either single. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Soul gets mingled with the Flesh beyond all + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + separation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Body holds it in a mesh of animal sensa- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tion; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The poor bewilder'd Being, grown a thing in + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + nature double, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Half light and soul, half flesh and bone, is given + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + up to trouble. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + He thinks the instinct of the clay, the glowings + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + of the Spirit, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And when the Spirit has her say, inclines the + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Flesh to hear it. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The slave of every passing whim, the dupe of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + every devil, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Inspired by every female limb to love, and light, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and revel, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Impulsive, timid, weak, or strong, as Flesh or + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Spirit makes him, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The lost one wildly moans along till mischief + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + overtakes him; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And when the Soul has fed upon the Flesh till + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + life's spring passes, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Finds strength and health and comfort gone— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the way of last year's grasses, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And the poor Soul is doom'd to bow, in deep + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + humiliation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Within a place that isn't now a decent habitation. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No! keep the Soul and Flesh apart in pious + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + resolution, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Don't let weak flutterings of the heart lead you + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to <i>my</i> confusion! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But let the Flesh be as the <i>horse</i>, the Spirit as + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the <i>rider</i>, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And use the snaffle first of course, and ease her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + up and guide her; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And if she's going to resist, and won't let none + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + go past her, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just take the <i>curb</i> and give a twist, and show + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + her you're the Master. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Flesh is but a temporal thing, and Satan's + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + strength is in it, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Use it, but conquer it, and bring its vice dowN + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + every minute! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Into a woman's arms don't fall, as if you meant + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to <i>stay</i> there, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>Just come as if you'd made a call\ and idly found </i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + your way there; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Don't praise her too much to her face, but keep + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + her calm and quiet,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Most female illnesses take place thro' far too + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + warm a diet; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Unto her give your fleshly kiss, calm, kind, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + patronising, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then—soar to your own sphere of bliss, before + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + her heart gets rising! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Don't fail to let her see full clear, how in your + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + saintly station + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The Flesh is but your nigger here obeying your + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + dictation; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And tho' the Flesh be e'er so warm, your Soul + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the weakness smothers + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Of loving any female form much better than the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + others! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O Brigham, I can see you smile to hear the + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Devil preaching;— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Well, I can praise your perfect style, tho' far + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + beyond my reaching. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Forgive me, if in shame and grief I vex you with + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + digression, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And let me come again in brief to my own dark + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + confession. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The world of men divided is into <i>two portions</i>, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + brother, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The first are Saints, so high in bliss that they the + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Flesh can smother; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + God meant them from fair flower to flower to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + flutter, smiles bestowing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tasting the sweet, leaving the sour, just hover- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ing,—and going. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The second are a different set, just <i>halves</i> of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + perfect spirits, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Going about in bitter fret, of uncompleted + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + merits, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Till they discover, here or there, their <i>other half</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + (or woman), + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then these two join, and make a Pair, and so + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + increase the human. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The second Souls inferior are, a lower spirit- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + order, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Born 'neath a less auspicious star, and taken by + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + soft sawder;— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And if they do not happen here to find their fair + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Affinity, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They come to grief and doubt and fear, and end + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + in asininity; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And if they try the blessed game of those + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + superior to them, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They're very quickly brought to shame,—their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + passions so undo them. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In some diviner sphere, perhaps, they'll look and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + grow more holy,— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Meantime they're vessels Sorrow taps and grim + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Remorse sucks slowly. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Now, Brigham, <i>I</i> was made, you see, one of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + those <i>lower</i> creatures, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Polygamy was not for me, altho' I joined its + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + preachers. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Instead of, with a wary eye, seeking the one + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + who waited, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And sticking to her, wet or dry, because the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + thing was fated, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I snatch'd the first whose beauty stirred my soul + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + with tender feeling! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And then another! then a third! and so con- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tinued Sealing! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And duly, after many a smart, discovered, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sighing faintly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I hadn't found my missing part, and <i>wasn't</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + strong and saintly! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O they were far too good for me, altho' their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + zeal betrayed them;— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Unfortunately, don't you see, heaven for some + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + other made them: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Each would a downright blessing be, and Peace + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + would pitch the tent for her, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + If "she" could only find the "he" originally + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + meant for her! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Well, Brother, after many years of bad domestic + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + diet, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + One morning I woke up in tears, still weary and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + unquiet, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And (speaking figuratively) lo! beside my bed + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + stood smiling + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>The Woman</i>, young and virgin snow, but beckon- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ing and beguiling. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I started up, my wild eyes rolled, I knew her, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and stood sighing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My thoughts throng'd up like bees of gold out of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the smithy flying. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And as she stood in brightness there, familiar, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tho' a stranger, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I looked at her in dumb despair, and trembled + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + at the danger. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But, Brother Brigham, don't you think the + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Devil could so undo me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That straight I rushed the cup to drink too late + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + extended to me. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + No, for I hesitated long, ev'n when I found she + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + loved me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And didn't seem to think it wrong when love + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and passion moved me. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O Brigham, you're a Saint above, and know not + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the sensation + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The ecstasy, the maddening love, the rapturous + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + exultation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That fills a man of lower race with wonder past + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + all speaking, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When first he finds in one sweet face the Soul he + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + has been seeking! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + When two immortal beings glow in the first + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + fond revealing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And their inferior natures know the luxury of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + feeling! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But ah, I had already got a quiver-full of bless- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Had blundered, tho' I knew it not, six times + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + beyond redressing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And surely it was time to stop, tho' still my lot + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was lonely: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + My house was like a cobbler's shop, full, tho' + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + with "misfits" only. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And so I <i>should</i> have stopt, I swear, the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wretchedest of creatures, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Rather than put one mark of care on her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + belovéd features: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But that it happen'd Sister Anne (ah, now the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + secret's flitted!) + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Was left in this great world of man unto my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + care committed. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Her father, Jason Jones, was dead, a man whose + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + faults were many, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "O, be a father, Abe," he said, "to my poor + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + daughter, Annie!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And so I promised, so she came an Orphan to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + this city, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And set my foolish heart in flame with mingled + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + love and pity; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And as she prettier grew each day, and throve + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + 'neath my protection, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + <i>I saw the Saints did cast her way some tokens of </i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + affection. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O, Brigham, pray forgive me now;—envy and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + love combining, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I hated every saintly brow, benignantly in- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + clining! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Sneered at their motives, mocked the cause, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + went wild and sorrow-laden, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And saw Polygamy's vast jaws a-yawning for + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the maiden. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Why <i>not</i>, you say? Ah, yes, why not, from + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + your high point of vision; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But I'm of an inferior lot, beyond the light + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Elysian. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I tore my hair, whined like a whelp, I loved her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to distraction, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I saw the danger, knew the help, yet trembled + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + at the action. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At last I came to you, my friend, and told my + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + tender feeling; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + You said, "Your grief shall have an end—this is + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a case for Sealing; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And since you have deserved so well, and made + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + no heinous blunder, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Why, brother Abraham, <i>take</i> the gel, but mind + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + you keep her under." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Well! then I went to Sister Anne, my inmost + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + heart unclothing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Told her my feelings like a man, concealing + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + next to nothing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Explain'd the various characters of those I had + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + already, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The various tricks and freaks and stirs peculiar + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to each lady, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And, finally, when all was clear, and hope + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + seem'd to forsake me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "There! it's a wretched chance, my dear—you + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + leave me, or you take me." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Well, Sister Annie look'd at me, <i>her</i> inmost + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + heart revealing + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + (Women are very weak, you see, inferior, full of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + feeling), + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then, thro' her tears outshining bright, "I'll + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + never never leave you! + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "O Abe," she said, "my love, my light, why + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + should I pain or grieve you? + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I do not love the way of life you have so sadly + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + chosen, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I'd rather be a single wife than one in half a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + dozen; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But now you cannot change your plan, tho' + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + health and spirit perish, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And I shall never see a man but you to love and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + cherish. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Take me, I'm yours, and O, my dear, don't + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + think I miss your merit, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I'll try to help a little here your true and loving + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + spirit." + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Reflect, my love," I said, "once more," with + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bursting heart, half crying, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "Two of the girls cut very sore, and most of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + them are trying!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And then that' gentle-hearted maid kissed me + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and bent above me, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "O Abe," she said, "don't be afraid,—I'll try to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + make them <i>love</i> me!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah well! I scarcely stopt to ask myself, till all + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + was over, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + How precious tough would be her task who + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + made those dear souls love her! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But I was seal'd to Sister Anne, and straight- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + way to my wonder + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A series of events began which showed me all + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + my blunder. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Brother, don't blame the souls who erred thro' + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + their excess of feeling— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So angrily their hearts were stirred by my last + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + act of sealing; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But in a moment they forgot the quarrels they'd + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + been wrapt in, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And leagued together in one lot, with Tabby for + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + the Captain. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Their little tiffs were laid aside, and all com- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + bined together, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Preparing for the gentle Bride the blackest sort + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + of weather. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It wasn't <i>feeling</i> made them flout poor Annie in + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + that fashion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It wasn't love turn'd inside out, it wasn't jealous + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + passion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It wasn't that they cared for <i>me</i>, or any other + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + party, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Their hearts and sentiments were free, their ap- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + petites were hearty. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But when the pretty smiling face came blossom- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + ing and blooming, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Like sunshine in a shady place the fam'ly Vault + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + illuming, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + It naturally made them grim to see its sunny + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + colour, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + While like a row of tapers dim by daylight, they + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + grew duller. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She tried her best to make them kind, she + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + coaxed and served them dumbly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She watch'd them with a willing mind, deferred + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to them most humbly; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Tried hard to pick herself a friend, but found her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + arts rejected, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And fail'd entirely in her end, as one might + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + have expected. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But, Brother, tho' I'm loathe to add one word to + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + criminate them, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I think their conduct was too bad,—it almost + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + made me hate them. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Ah me, the many nagging ways of women are + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + amazing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Their cleverness solicits praise, their cruelty is + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + crazing! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And Sister Annie hadn't been a single day their + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + neighbour, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Before a baby could have seen her life would be + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a labour. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But bless her little loving heart, it kept its + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sorrow hidden, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And if the tears began to start, suppressed the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + same unbidden. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She tried to smile, and smiled her best, till I + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + thought sorrow silly, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And kept in her own garden nest, and lit it like + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a lily. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O I should waste your time for days with talk + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + like this at present, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + If I described her thousand ways of making + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + things look pleasant! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But, bless you, 'twere as well to try, when + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + thunder's at its dire work, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + To clear the air, and light the sky, by penny- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + worths of firework. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + These gentle ways to hide her woe and make + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + my life a blessing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just made the after darkness grow more gloomy + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and depressing. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Taunts, mocks, and jeers, coldness and sneers, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + insult and trouble daily, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A thousand stabs that brought the tears, all + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + these she cover'd gaily; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But when her fond eyes fell on <i>me</i>, the light of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + love to borrow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And Sister Anne began to see <i>I knew</i> her secret + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sorrow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + All of a sudden like a mask the loving cheat + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + forsook her, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And reckon I had all my task, for <i>illness</i> over- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + took her. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + She took to bed, grew sad and thin, seem'd like + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + a spirit flying, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Smiled thro' her tears when I went in, but when + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I left fell crying; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And as she languish'd in her bed, as weak and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + wan as water, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I thought of what her father said, "Take care of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + my dear daughter!" + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Then I look'd round with secret eye upon her + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + many Sisters, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And close at hand I saw them lie, ready for use + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + —like blisters; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They seemed with secret looks of glee, to keep + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + their wifely station; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They set their lips and sneer'd at me, and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + watch'd the situation. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O Brother, I can scarce express the agony of + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + those moments, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + 1 fear your perfect saintliness, and dread your + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + cutting comments! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I prayed, I wept, I moan'd, I cried, I anguish'd + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + night and morrow, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I watch'd and waited, sleepless-eyed, beside + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + that bed of sorrow. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + At last I knew, in those dark days of sorrow + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and disaster, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Mine wasn't soil where you could raise a Saint + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + up, or a Pastor; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + In spite of careful watering, and tilling night + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and morning, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + The weeds of vanity would spring without a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + word of warning. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I was and ever must subsist, labell'd on every + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + feature, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A wretched poor <i>Monogamist</i>, a most inferior + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + creature— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Just half a soul, and half a mind, a blunder and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + abortion, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not finish'd half till I could find the other + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + missing portion! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And gazing on that missing part which I at last + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + had found out, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I murmur'd with a burning heart, scarce strong + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + to get the sound out, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + "If from the greedy clutch of Fate I save this + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + chief of treasures, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I will no longer hesitate, but take decided mea- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + sures! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A poor monogamist like me can <i>not</i> love half a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + dozen, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Better by far, then, set them free! and take the + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Wife I've chosen! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Their love for me, of course, is small, a very + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + shadowy tittle, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + They will not miss my face at all, or miss it very + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + little. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I can't undo what I have done, by my forlorn + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + embraces, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And call the brightness of the sun again into + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + their faces; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + But I <i>can</i> save one spirit true, confiding and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + unthinking, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From slowly curdling to a shrew or into swine- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + dom sinking." + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + These were my bitter words of woe, my fears + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + were so distressing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Not that I would reflect—O no!—on any living + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + blessing. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Thus, Brother, I resolved, and when she rose, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + still frail and sighing, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I kept my word like better men, and bolted,— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + and I'm flying. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Into oblivion I haste, and leave the world be- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + hind me, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Afar unto the starless waste, where not a soul + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + shall find me. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I send my love, and Sister Anne joins cordially, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + agreeing + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I never was the sort of man for your high state + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + of being; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Such as I am, she takes me, though; and after + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + years of trying, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + From Eden hand in hand we go, like our first + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + parents flying; + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And like the bright sword that did chase the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + first of sires and mothers, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shines dear Tabitha's flaming face, surrounded + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + by the others: + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Shining it threatens there on high, above the + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + gates of heaven, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + And faster at the sight we fly, in naked shame, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + forth-driven. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Nothing of all my worldly store I take, 'twould + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + be improper, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I go a pilgrim, strong and poor, without a single + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + copper. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Unto my Widows I outreach my property com- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + pletely. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + There's modest competence for each, if it is + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + managed neatly. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + That, Brother, is a labour left to your sagacious + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + keeping;— + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Comfort them, comfort the bereft! I'm good as + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + dead and sleeping! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A fallen star, a shooting light, a portent and an + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + omen, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + A moment passing on the sight, thereafter seen + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + by no men! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + I go, with backward-looking face, and spirit + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + rent asunder. + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + O may you prosper in your place, for you're a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + shining wonder! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + So strong, so sweet, so mild, so good!—by + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Heaven's dispensation, + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Made Husband to a <i>multitude</i> and Father to a + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + <i>nation!</i> + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + May all the saintly life ensures increase and + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + make you stronger! + </p> + <p class="indent10"> + Humbly and penitently yours, + </p> + <p class="indent30"> + A. Clewson (<i>Saint no longer</i>). + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0015" id="link2H_4_0015"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + THK FARM IN THE VALLEY—SUNSET. + </h2> + <p class="indent20"> + Still the saintly City stands, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Wondrous work oF busy hands; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Still the lonely City thrives, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Rich in worldly goods and wives, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And with thrust-out jaw and set + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Teeth, the Yankee threatens yet— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Half admiring and half riled, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Oft by bigger schemes beguiled, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Turning off his curious stare + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + To communities elsewhere. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Always with unquiet eye + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Watching Utah on the sly. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Long the City of the Plain + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Left its image on my brain: + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + White kiosks and gardens bright + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Rising in a golden light; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Busy figures everywhere + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Bustling bee-like in the glare; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And from dovecots in green places, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Peep'd out weary women's faces, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Flushing faint to a thin cry + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + From the nursery hard by. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And the City in my thought + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Slept fantastically wrought, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Till the whole began to seem + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Like a curious Eastern dream, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Like the pictures strange we scan + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the tales Arabian: + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tales of magic art and sleight, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Cities rising in a night, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And of women richly clad, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Dark-eyed, melancholy, sad, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Ever with a glance uncertain, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Trembling at the purple curtain, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Lest behind the black slave stand + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With the bowstring in his hand + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Happy tales, within whose heart + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Founts of weeping eyes upstart, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Told, to save her pretty head, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + By Scheherazad in bed! + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + All had faded and grown faint, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Save the figure of the Saint + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Who that memorable night + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Left the Children of the Light, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Flying o'er the lonely plain + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + From his lofty sphere of pain + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Oft his gentle face would flit + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + O'er my mind and puzzle it, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Ever waking up meanwhile + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Something of a merry smile, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Whose quick light illumined me + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + During many a reverie, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When I puffed my weed alone. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Faint and strange the face had grown, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tho' for five long years or so + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I had watched it come and go, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When, on busy thoughts intent, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I into New England went, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And one evening, riding slow + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + By a River that I know, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + (Gentle stream! I hide thy name, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Far too modest thou for fame!) + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I beheld the landscape swim + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the autumn hazes dim, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And from out the neighbouring dales + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Heard the thumping of the flails. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + All was hush'd; afar away + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + (As a novelist would say) + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0016" id="link2H_4_0016"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SUNSET IN NEW ENGLAND + </h2> + <p class="indent20"> + Sank the mighty orb of day, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Staring with a hazy glow + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + On the purple plain below, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Where (like burning embers shed + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + From the sunset's glowing bed, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Dying out or burning bright, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Every leaf a blaze of light) + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Ran the maple swamps ablaze; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Everywhere amid the haze, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Floating strangely in the air, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Farms and homesteads gather'd fair; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And the River rippled slow + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Thro' the marshes green and low, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Spreading oft as smooth as glass + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + As it fringed the meadow grass, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Making 'mong the misty fields + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Pools like golden gleaming shields. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Thus I walked my steed along, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Humming a low scrap of song, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Watching with an idle eye + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + White clouds in the dreamy sky + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sailing with me in slow pomp. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the bright flush of the swamp, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + While his dogs bark'd in the wood, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Gun in hand the sportsman stood; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And beside me, wading deep, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Stood the angler half asleep, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Figure black against the gleam + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Of the bright pools of the stream; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Now and then a wherry brown + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With the current drifted down + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sunset-ward, and as it went + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Made an oar-splash indolent; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + While with solitary sound, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Deepening the silence round, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In a voice of mystery + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Faintly cried the chickadee- + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Suddenly the River's arm + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Rounded, and a lonely Farm + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Stood before me blazing red + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + To the bright blaze overhead; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the homesteads at its side, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Cattle lowed and voices cried, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And from out the shadows dark + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Came a mastiff's measured bark. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fair and fat stood the abode + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + On the path by which I rode, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And a mighty orchard, strown + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Still with apple-leaves wind-blown, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Raised its branches gnarl'd and bare + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Black against the sunset air, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And with greensward deep and dim, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Wander'd to the River's brim. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Close beside the orchard walk + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Linger'd one in quiet talk + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With a man in workman's gear. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + As my horse's feet drew near, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The labourer nodded rough "good-day," + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Turned his back and loung'd away. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Then the first, a plump and fat + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Yeoman in a broad straw hat, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Stood alone in thought intent, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Watching while the other went, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And amid the sunlight red + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Paused, with hand held to his head. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In a moment, like a word + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Long forgotten until heard, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Like a buried sentiment + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Born again to some stray scent, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Like a sound to which the brain + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Gives familiar refrain, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Something in the gesture brought + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Things forgotten to my thought; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Memory, as I watched the sight. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Flashed from eager light to light + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Remember'd and remember'd not, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Half familiar, half forgot. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Stood the figure, till at last, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Bending eyes on his, I passed, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Gazed again, as loth to go, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Drew the rein, stopt short, and so + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Rested, looking back; when he, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The object of my scrutiny, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Smiled and nodded, saying, "Yes! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Stare your fill, young man! I guess + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + You'll know me if we meet again!" + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In a moment all my brain + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Was illumined at the tone, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + All was vivid that had grown + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Faint and dim, and straight I knew; him, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Holding out my hand unto him, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Smiled, and called him by his name. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Wondering, hearing me exclaim. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Abraham Clewson (for'twas he) + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Came more close and gazed at me, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + As he gazed, a merry grin + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Brighten'd down from eyes to chin: + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In a moment he, too, knew me, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Reaching out his hand unto me, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Crying "Track'd, by all that's blue + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Who'd have thought of seeing <i>you?</i> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Then, in double quicker time + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Than it takes to make the rhyme, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Abe, with face of welcome bright, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Made me from my steed alight; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Call'd a boy, and bade him lead + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + The beast away to bed and feed; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And, with hand upon my arm, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Led me off into the Farm, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Where, amid a dwelling-place + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fresh and bright as her own face, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With a gleam of shining ware + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + For a background everywhere, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Free as any summer breeze, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With a bunch of huswife's keys + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + At her girdle, sweet and mild + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sister Annie blush'd and smiled,— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + While two tiny laughing girls, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Peeping at me through their curls, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Hid their sweet shamefacëdness + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the skirts of Annie's dress. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + That same night the Saint and I + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sat and talked of times gone by, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Smoked our pipes and drank our grog + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + By the slowly smouldering log, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + While the clock's hand slowly crept + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + To midnight, and the household slept + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Happy?" Abe said with a smile, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Yes, in my <i>inferior</i> style, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Meek and humble, not like them + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the New Jerusalem." + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Here his hand, as if astray, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + For a moment found its way + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + To his forehead, as he said, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Reckon they believe I'm dead? + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Ah, that life of sanctity + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Never was the life for me. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Couldn't stand it wet nor dry, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Hated to see women cry; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Couldn't bear to be the cause + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Of tiffs and squalls and endless jaws + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Always felt amid the stir + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Jest a whited sepulchre; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And I did the best I could + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + When I ran away for good. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Yet, for many a night, you know + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + (Annie, too, would tell you so), + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Couldn't sleep a single wink, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Couldn't eat, and couldn't drink, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Being kind of conscience-cleft + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + For those poor creatures I had left, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Not till I got news from there, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And I found their fate was fair, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Could I set to work, or find + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Any comfort in my mind. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Well (here Abe smiled quietly), + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Guess they didn't groan for me! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Fanny and Amelia got + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sealed to Brigham on the spot; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Emmy soon consoled herself + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + In the arms of Brother Delf; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And poor Mary one fine day + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Packed her traps and tript away + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Down to Fresco with Fred Bates, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + A young player from the States: + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + While Sarah,'twas the wisest plan, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Pick'd herself a single man— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + A young joiner fresh come down + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Out of Texas to the town— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And he took her with her baby, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And they're doing well as maybe.'" + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Here the Saint with quiet smile, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Sipping at his grog the while, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Paused as if his tale was o'er, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Held his tongue and said no more. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Good," I said, "but have you done? + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + You have spoke of all save one— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + All your Widows, so bereft, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Are most comfortably left, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + But of one alone you said + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Nothing. Is the lady <i>dead?</i>" + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Then the good man's features broke + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Into brightness as I spoke, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And with loud guffaw cried he, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "What, Tabitha? Dead! Not she. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + All alone and doing splendid— + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Jest you guess, now, how she's ended! + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Give it up? This very week + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I heard she's at Oneida Creek, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + All alone and doing hearty, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Down with Brother Noyes's party. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tried the Shakers first, they say, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tired of them and went away, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Testing with a deal of bother + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + This community and t'other, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Till she to Oneida flitted, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And with trouble got admitted. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Bless you, she's a shining lamp, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tho' I used her like a scamp, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And she's great in exposition + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Of the Free Love folk's condition, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Vowing, tho' she found it late, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Tis the only happy state.... + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "As for me," added the speaker, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "I'm lower in the scale, and weaker; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Polygamy's beyond my merits, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Shakerism wears the spirits, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And as for Free Love, why you see + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + (Here the Saint wink'd wickedly) + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With my whim it might have hung + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Once, when I was spry and young; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + But poor Annie's love alone + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Keeps my mind in proper tone, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + And tho' my spirit mayn't be strong, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + I'm lively—as the day is long." + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + As he spoke with half a yawn, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Half a smile, I saw the dawn + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Creeping faint into the gloom + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Of the quickly-chilling room. + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + On the hearth the wood-log lay, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + With one last expiring ray; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Draining off his glass of grog, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Clewson rose and kick'd the log; + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + As it crumbled into ashes, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Watched the last expiring flashes, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + Gave another yawn and said, + </p> + <p class="indent20"> + "Well! I guess it's time for bed!" + </p> + <h3> + THE END. + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0017" id="link2H_4_0017"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + BIBLIOGRAPHICAL NOTE ON ST. ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES. + </h2> + <p> + St. Abe and his Seven Wives was written in 1870, at a time when all the + Cockney bastions of criticism were swarming with sharp-shooters on the + look-out for "the d———d Scotchman" who had dared to + denounce Logrolling. It was published anonymously, and simultaneously <i>The + Drama of Kings</i> appeared with the author's name. The <i>Drama</i> was + torn to shreds in every newspaper; the Satire, because no one suspected + who had written it, was at once hailed as a masterpiece. Even the <i>Athenaum</i> + cried "all hail" to the illustrious Unknown. The <i>Pall Mall Gazette</i> + avowed in one breath that Robert Buchanan was utterly devoid of dramatic + power, while the author of <i>St. Abe</i> was a man of dramatic genius. + The secret was well kept, and the bewildered Cocknies did not cease + braying their hosannahs even when another anonymous work, <i>White Rose + and Red</i>, was issued by the same publisher. <i>St. Abe</i> went through + numerous editions in a very short space of time. + </p> + <p> + To one familiar with the process of book-reviewing, and aware of the + curious futility of even honest literary judgments, there is nothing + extraordinary in the facts which I have just stated. Printed cackle about + books will always be about as valuable as spoken cackle about them, and + the history of literature is one long record of the march of genius + through regions of mountainous stupidity. But there were some points about + the treatment of <i>St. Abe</i> which are worth noting, as illustrating + the way in which reviewing "is done" for leading newspapers. Example. The + publisher sent out "early sheets" to the great dailies, several of which + printed eulogistic reviews. The <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, however, was + cautious. After receiving the sheets, the acting or sub-editor sent a + message round to the publisher saying that a cordial review had been + written and was in type, but that "the Chief" wanted to be assured, before + committing himself to such an advertisement, about the authorship of the + work. "<i>Is</i> it by <i>Lowell?</i>" queried the jack-in-office; "only + inform us in confidence, and the review shall appear." Mr. Strahan either + did not reply, or refused to answer the question. Result—the cordial + review never appeared at all! + </p> + <p> + The general impression, however, was that the poem was written by James + Russell Lowell. One or two kind critics suggested Bret Harte, but these + were in a minority. No one suspected for one moment that the work was + written by a Scotchman who, up to that date, had never even visited + America. The <i>Spectator</i> (A Daniel come to judgment!) devoted a long + leading article to proving that humour of this particular kind could have + been produced only in the Far West, while a leading magazine bewailed the + fact that we had no such humourists in England, since "with Thackeray our + last writer of humour left us." + </p> + <p> + In America itself, the success of the book was less remarkable, and the + explanation was given to me in a letter from a publisher in the States, + who asserted that public feeling against the Mormons was so fierce and + bitter that even a joke at their expense could not be appreciated. "The + very subject of Mormondom," wrote my friend, "is regarded as indecent, + unsavoury, and offensive." In spite of all, the satire was appreciated, + even in America. + </p> + <p> + Already, however, its subject has ceased to be contemporary and become + historical. Mormonism, as I depicted it, is as dead as Slavery, for the + Yankee—as I foreshadowed he would do, in this very book—has + put down Polygamy. Future generations, therefore, may turn to this book as + they will turn to <i>Uncle Tom's Cabin</i>, for a record of a system which + once flourished, and which, when all is said and done, did quite as much + good as harm. I confess, indeed, that I am sorry for the Mormons; for I + think that they are more sinned against than sinning. Polygamy is + abolished in America, but a far fouler evil, Prostitution, flourishes, in + both public and private life. The Mormons crushed this evil and + obliterated it altogether, and if they substituted Polygamy, they only did + openly and politically what is done, and must be done, clandestinely, in + every country, under the present conditions of our civilisation. + </p> + <p> + The present is the first cheap edition of the book, and the first which + bears the author's name on the title page. It will be followed by a cheap + edition of <i>White Rose and Red</i>. I shall be quite prepared to hear + now, on the authority of the newspapers, that the eulogy given to <i>St. + Abe</i> on its first appearance was all a mistake, and that the writer + possesses no humour whatsoever. I was informed, indeed, the other day, by + a critic in the <i>Daily News</i>, that most of my aberrations proceeded + from "a fatal want of humour." The critic was reviewing the <i>Devil's + Case</i>, and his suggestion was, I presume, that I ought to have + perceived the joke of the Nonconformist Conscience and latterday + Christianity. I thought that I had done so, but it appears that I had not + been funny at all, or not funny enough. But my real misfortune was, that + my name was printed on the title page of the work then under review. + </p> + <p> + I cannot conclude this bibliographical note without a word concerning the + remarkable artist who furnished <i>St. Abe and his Seven Wives</i> with + its original frontispiece. The genius of the late A. B. Houghton is at + last receiving some kind of tardy recognition, chiefly through the efforts + of Mr. Pennell, whose criticisms on art have done so much to free the air + of lingering folly and superstition. When I sought out Mr. Houghton, and + persuaded him to put pencil to paper on my behalf, he was in the midst of + his life-long struggle against the powers of darkness. He died not long + afterwards, prematurely worn out with the hopeless fight. One of the last + of the true Bohemians, a man of undoubted genius, he never learned the + trick of wearing fine linen and touting for popularity; but those who + value good work hold him in grateful remembrance, and I am proud to think + that so great a master in black and white honoured me by associating + himself with a book of mine. + </p> + <p> + Robert Buchanan. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0018" id="link2H_4_0018"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + ORIGINALLY PREFACED TO SAINT ABE AND HIS SEVEN WIVES. + </h2> + <h3> + TESTIMONIES OF DISTINGUISHED PERSONS. + </h3> + <p> + I. From P—————t G———t, + U.S. Smart. Polygamy is Greek for Secesh. Guess Brigham will have to make + tracks. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + II. From R. W. E———n, Boston, U.S. + </p> + <p> + Adequate expression is rare. I had fancied the oracles were dumb, and had + returned with a sigh to the enervating society of my friends in Boston, + when your book reached me. To think of it! In this very epoch, at this + very day, poetry has been secreting itself silently and surely, and + suddenly the whole ocean of human thought is illumined by the accumulated + phosphoresence of a subtle and startling poetic life.. . . Your work is + the story of Polygamy written in colossal cipher the study of all + forthcoming ages. Triflers will call you a caricaturist, empty solemnities + will deem you a jester. Fools! who miss the pathetic symbolism of + Falstaff, and deem the Rabelaisan epos fit food for mirth.... I read it + from first page to last with solemn thoughts too deep for tears. I class + you already with the creators, with Shakespere, Dante, Whitman, Ellery + Channing, and myself. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + III. From W———t W—————n, + Washington, U.S. + </p> + <h3> + I + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + Our own feuillage; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A leaf from the sweating branches of these States; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A fallen symbol, I guess, vegetable, living, human; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + A heart-beat from the hairy breast of a man. + </p> + <h3> + 2 + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + The Salon contents me not; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The fine feathers of New England damsels content me not; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The ways of snobs, the falsettos of the primo tenore, the legs + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + of Lydia Thomson's troupe of blondes, content me not; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Nor tea-drinking, nor the twaddle of Mr. Secretary Harlan, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + nor the loafers of the hotel bar, nor Sham, nor Long- + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + fellow's Village Blacksmith. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + 3 + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + But the Prairies content me; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the Red Indian dragging along his squaw by the scruff of + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + the neck; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the bones of mules and adventurous persons in Bitter + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Creek; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the oaths of pioneers, and the ways of the unwashed, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + large, undulating, majestic, virile, strong of scent, all + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + these content me. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + 4 + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + Utah contents me; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + The City by the margin of the great Salt Lake contents me; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And to have many wives contents me; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Blessed is he who has a hundred wives, and peoples the + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + solitudes of these States. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + 5 + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + Great is Brigham; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + Great is polygamy, great is monogamy, great is polyandry, + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + great is license, great is right, and great is wrong; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And I say again that wrong is every whit as good as right, and + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + not one jot better; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And I say further there is no such thing as wrong, nor any + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + such thing as right, and that neither are accountable, and + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + both exist only by allowance. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + 6 + </h3> + <p class="indent15"> + O I am wonderful; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And the world, and the sea, and joy and sorrow, and sense + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + and nonsense, all content me; + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + And this book contents me, with its feuillage from the City of + </p> + <p class="indent15"> + many wives. + </p> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <p> + IV. From Elder F———k E—————s, + of Mt. L———n, U.S. + </p> + <p> + An amusing attempt to show that polygamy is a social failure. None can + peruse it without perceiving at once that the author secretly inclines to + the ascetic tenets of Shakerism. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + V. From Brother T. H. N———s, O—————a + C————k. + </p> + <p> + After perusing this subtle study, who can doubt that Free Love is the + natural human condition? The utter selfishness of the wretched + monogamist-hero repels and sickens us; nor can we look with anything but + disgust on the obtusity of the heroine, in whom the author vainly tries to + awaken interest. It is quite clear that the reconstruction of Utah on O————a + C———k principles would yet save the State from the crash + which is impending. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + VI. From E————-a F———-n H———-m, + of S—————n Island. + </p> + <p> + If <i>Polygamy</i> is to continue, then, I say, let <i>Polyandry</i> + flourish! Woman is the sublimer Being, the subtler Type, the more delicate + Mechanism, and, strictly speaking, <i>needs</i> many pendants of the + inferior or masculine Type to fulfil her mission in perfect comfort. Shall + Brigham Young, a mere Man, have sixteen wives; and shall one wretched + piece of humanity content <i>me</i>, that supreme Fact, <i>a perfect Woman</i>, + highest and truest of beings under God? No; if these things be tolerated, + I claim for each Woman, in the name of Light and Law, twenty ministering + attendants of the lower race; and the day is near when, if this boon, or + any other boon we like to ask, be denied us, it will be <i>taken with a + strong hand!</i> + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + VII. From T———s C————e, Esq., + Chelsea, England. + </p> + <p> + The titanic humour of the Conception does not blind me to the radical + falseness of the Teaching, wherein, as I shall show you presently, you + somewhat resemble the miserable Homunculi of our I own literary Wagners; + for, if I rightly conceive, you would tacitly and by inference urge that + it is expressly part of the Divine Thought that the <i>Ewigweibliche</i>, + or Woman-Soul, should be <i>happy</i>. Now Woman's <i>mundane</i> + unhappiness, as I construe, comes of her inadequacy; it is the stirring + within her of the Infinite against the Finite, a struggle of the spark + upward, of the lower to the higher Symbol. Will Woman's Rights Agitators, + and Monogamy, and Political Tomfoolery, do what Millinery has failed to + do, and waken one Female to the sense of divine Function? It is not <i>happiness</i> + I solicit for the Woman-Soul, but <i>Identity</i>; and the prerogative of + Identity is great work, Adequacy, pre-eminent fulfilment of the Function; + woman, in this country of rags and shams, being buried quick under masses + of Sophistication and Upholstery, oblivious of her divine duty to increase + the population and train the young masculine Idea starward. I do not care + if the wives of Deseret are pale, or faint, or uncultured, or unhappy; it + is enough for me to know that they have a numerous progeny, and believe in + Deity or the Divine Essence; and I will not conclude this letter without + recording my conviction that yonder man, Brigham Young by name, is perhaps + the clearest Intellect now brooding on this planet; that Friedrich was + royaller but not greater, and that Bismarck is no more than his equal; and + that he, this American, few in words, mark you, but great in deeds, has + decided a more stupendous Question than ever puzzled the strength of + either of those others,—the Question of the Sphere and Function in + modern life of the ever-agitating <i>Feminine Principle</i>. If, + furthermore, as I have ever held, the test of clearness of intellect and + greatness of soul be <i>Success</i>, at any price and under any + circumstances, none but a transcendental Windbag or a pedantic + Baccalaureus will doubt my assertion that Young is a stupendous + intellectual, ethical, and political Force—a Master-Spirit—a + Colossal Being, a moral Architect of sublime cunning—as such to be + reverenced by every right-thinking <i>Man</i> under the Sun. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + VIII. From J———n R———n, Esq., London. + </p> + <p> + I am not generally appreciated in my own country, because I frequently + change my views about religion, art, architecture, poetry, and things in + general. Most of my early writings are twaddle, but my present opinions + are all valuable. I think this poem, with its nervous Saxon Diction, its + subtle humour, its tender pathos and piteousness, the noblest specimen of + narrative verse of modern times; and, indeed, I know not where to look, + out of the pages of Chaucer, for an equally successful blending of human + laughter and ethereal mystery. At the same time, the writer scarcely does + justice to the subject on the aesthetic side. A City where the streets are + broad and clean and well-watered, the houses surrounded by gardens full of + fruit and flowers; where the children, with shining, clean-washed faces, + curtsey to the Philosophers in the public places; where there are no + brothels and no hells; where life runs fresh, free, and unpolluted,—such + a City, I say, can hardly be the symbol of feminine degradation. More than + once, tired of publishing my prophetic warnings in the <i>Daily Telegraph</i>, + I have thought of bending my weary footsteps to the new Jerusalem; and I + might have carried out my intention long ago, if I had had a less profound + sense of my own unfitness for the duties of a Saint. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + IX. From M————w A————d, + Esq., England. + </p> + <p> + Your poem possesses a certain rough primitive humour, though it appears to + me deficient in the higher graces of <i>sweetness</i> and <i>light.</i> + St. Paul would have entirely objected to the monogamical inference drawn + in your epilogue; and the fact that you draw any such inference at all is + to me a distressing proof that your tendency is to the Philistinism of + those authors who write for the British Matron. I fear you have not read + "Merope." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <a name="link2H_4_0019" id="link2H_4_0019"> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SOME NOTICES OF THE FIRST EDITION. + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "GRAPHIC." + </p> + <p> + "Such vigorous, racy, determined satire has not been met with for many a + long day. It is at once fresh and salt as the sea.... The humour is + exquisite, and as regards literary execution, the work is masterly." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "PALL MALL GAZETTE." + </p> + <p> + "Although in a striking address to Chaucer the author intimates an + expectation that Prudery may turn from his pages, and though his theme is + certainly a delicate one, there is nothing in the book that a modest man + may not read without blinking, and therefore, we suppose, no modest woman. + On the other hand, the whole poem is marked with so much natural strength, + so much of the inborn faculties of literature—(though they are + wielded in a light, easy, trifling way)—that they take possession of + our admiration as of right. The chief characteristics of the book are + mastery of verse, strong and simple diction, delicate, accurate + description of scenery, and that quick and forcible discrimination of + character which belongs to men of dramatic genius. This has the look of + exaggerated praise. We propose, therefore, to give one or two large + samples of the author's quality, leaving our readers to judge from them + whether we are not probably right. If they turn to the book and read it + through, we do not doubt that they will agree with us." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "ILLUSTRATED REVIEW." + </p> + <p> + "The tale, however, is not to be read from reviews.... The variety of + interest, the versatility of fancy, the richness of description with which + the different lays and cantos are replete, will preclude the possibility + of tediousness. To open the book is to read it to the end. It is like some + Greek comedy in its shifting scenes, its vivid pictures, its rapidly + passing 'dramatis personae' and supernumeraries.. .. The author of 'St. + Abe,' who can write like this, may do more if he will, and even found a + new school of realistic and satirical poetry." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "DAILY NEWS." + </p> + <p> + "If the author of a 'Tale of Salt Lake City' be not a new poet, he is + certainly a writer of exceedingly clever and effective verses. They have + the ring of originality, and they indicate ability to produce something + still more remarkable than this very remarkable little piece. It merits a + place among works which every one reads with genuine satisfaction. It is a + piece which subserves one of the chief ends of poetry, that of telling a + tale in an unusually forcible and pleasant way.... If it be the author's + purpose to furnish a new argument against polygamous Mormons, by showing + the ridiculous side of their system, he has perfectly succeeded. The + extracts we have given show the varied, fluent, and forcible character of + his verse. None who read about Saint Abe and his Seven Wives can fail to + be amused and to be gratified alike by the manner of the verse and the + matter of the tale." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "SCOTSMAN." + </p> + <p> + "This book does not need much commendation, but it deserves a great deal. + The author of 'The Biglow Papers' might have written it, but there are + passages which are not unlike Bret Harte; and him we suspect. The + authorship, however, may be left out of notice. Men inquire who has + written a good book, that they may honour him; but if his name never be + heard, the book is none the less prized. In design and construction this + work has high merit. It is a good story and it is good poetry. The author + is a humourist and a satirist, and he has here displayed all his qualities + lavishly." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "NONCONFORMIST." + </p> + <p> + "Amazingly clever.... Besides its pure tone deserves warm recognition. The + humour is never coarse. There is a high delicacy, which is sufficient to + colour and sweeten the whole, as the open spring breeze holds everything + in good savour." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "SPECTATOR." + </p> + <p> + We believe that the new book which has just appeared, 'St. Abe and His + Seven Wives,' will paralyze Mormon resistance far more than any amount of + speeches in Congress or messages from President Grant, by bringing home to + the minds of the millions the ridiculous-diabolic side of the peculiar + institution. The canto called 'The Last Epistle of St. Abe to the + Polygamists,' with its humorous narrative of the way in which the Saint, + sealed to seven wives, fell in love with one, and thenceforward could not + abide the jealousy felt by the other six, will do more to weaken the last + defence of Mormonism—that after all, the women like it—than a + whole ream of narratives about the discontent in Utah. Thousands on whom + narrative and argument would make little or no impression, will feel how + it must be when many wives with burning hearts watch the husband's growing + love for one, when the favourite is sick unto death, and how 'they set + their lips and sneered at me and watched the situation,' and will + understand that the first price paid for polygamy is the suppression of + love, and the second, the slavery of women. The letter in which the first + point is proved is too long for quotation, and would be spoiled by + extracts; but the second could hardly be better proved than in these + humorous lines. + </p> + <p> + The descriptions of Saint Abe and his Seven Wives will be relished by + roughs in California as much as by the self-indulgent philosophers of + Boston.... Pope would have been proud, we fancy, of these terrible lines, + uttered by a driver whose <i>fiancée</i> has just been beguiled away by a + Mormon saint. + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "ATHENÆUM." + </p> + <p> + "'Saint Abe and his Seven Wives' has a freshness and an originality, + altogether wanting in Mr. Longfellow's new work, 'The Divine Tragedy.' In + quaint and forcible language—language admirably suited to the theme; + the author takes us to the wondrous city of the saints, and describes its + inhabitants in a series of graphic sketches. The hero of the story is + Saint Abe, or Abraham Clewson, and in giving us his history the author has + really given us the inner life of the Mormon settlement. In his pages we + see the origin of the movement, the reasons why it has increased, the + internal weakness of the system, and the effect it produces on its + adherents. We are introduced to the saints, whom we see among their + pastures, in their homes, in their promenades, and in their synagogue." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "FREEMAN." + </p> + <p> + "A remarkable poem.... The production is anonymous, but whoever the author + may be there can be no question that he is a poet, and one of vast and + varied powers. The inner life of Mormondom is portrayed with a caustic + humour equal to anything in 'The Biglow Papers'; and were it not for the + exquisite elegance of the verse we should think that some parts of the + poem were written by Robert Browning. The hero of the poem is a Mormon, + who fares so badly as a polygamist that he elopes with one of his seven + wives—the one whom he really loves; and the story is a most + effective exposure of the evils which necessarily attach to polygamy." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "WEEKLY REVIEW." + </p> + <p> + "There can be no doubt that it is worthy of the author of 'The Biglow + Papers.' Since that work was published, we have received many humorous + volumes from across the Atlantic, but nothing equal to 'St. Abe.' As to + its form, it shows that Mr. Lowell has been making advances in the poetic + art; and the substance of it is as strong as anything in the entire range + of English satirical literature." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "BRITISH QUARTERLY REVIEW." + </p> + <p> + "The writer has an easy mastery over various kinds of metre, and a + felicity of easy rhyming which is not unworthy of our best writers of + satire..., The prevailing impression of the whole is of that easy strength + which does what it likes with language and rhythm. .... The style is light + and playful, with admirable touches of fine discrimination and rich + humour; but the purpose is earnest. .... The book is a very clever and a + very wholesome one. It is one of those strong, crushing, dramatic satires, + which do more execution than a thousand arguments." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From "TEMPLE BAR." + </p> + <p> + "It is said to be by Lowell. Truly, if America has more than one writer + who can write in such a rich vein of satire, humour, pathos, and wit, as + we have here, England must look to her laurels.... This is poetry of a + high order. Would that in England we had humourists who could write as + well. But with Thackeray our last writer of humour left us." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "WESTMINSTER REVIEW." + </p> + <p> + "'Saint Abe and his Seven Wives' may lay claim to many rare qualities. The + author possesses simplicity and directness. To this he adds genuine humour + and interposes dramatic power. Lastly, he has contrived to give a local + flavour, something of the salt of the Salt Lake to his characters, which + enables us to thoroughly realise them.... We will not spoil the admirable + canto 'Within the Synagogue' by any quotation, which, however long, cannot + possibly do it justice. We will merely say that this one hit is worth the + price of the whole book. In the author we recognise a true poet, with an + entirely original vein of humour." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "MANCHESTER GUARDIAN." + </p> + <p> + "It is thoroughly American, now rising into a true imaginative intensity, + but oftener falling into a satirical vein, dealing plainly enough with the + plague-spots of Salt Lake society and its wily, false prophets.... Like + most men capable of humour, the author has command of a sweeter and more + harmonious manner. Indeed, the beautiful descriptive and lyrical fragments + stand in vivid and reflecting relief to the homely staple of the poem." + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <p> + From the "TORONTO GLOBE." + </p> + <p> + "It is impossible to deny that the praises bestowed on 'St. Abe and his + Seven Wives' as a work of literary power are deserved." + </p> + <div style="height: 6em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + +<div>*** END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK 52459 ***</div> + </body> +</html> |