They’vepaled，thoserosebudlipsthatIkist，Thatslimwaisthasthickenedrather，Andthecubhasthesprawlingmuttonfist，Andthegreatsplayfootofthefather。
Maytheblight————
Mark：Holdhardthere，Maurice，myson，Letherrest，sinceherspellisbroken；
Wecanneitherrecalldeedsrashlydone，Norretractwordshastilyspoken。
Maurice：
Timewaswhentopleasurehergirlishwhim，Inmyblindinfatuation，I’vefreelyendangeredlifeandlimb；
Aye，perilledmysoul’ssalvation。
Mark：
WiththebestintentionsweallmustworkButlittlegoodandmuchharm；
BeaChristianforonce，notaPaganTurk，Nursingwrathandkeepingitwarm。
Maurice：
IfourbestintentionspavethewayToaplacethatissomewhathot，Canourworstintentionsleadus，say，Toastillmoresultryspot？
Mark：
’TissaidthatcharitymakesamendsForamultitudeoftransgressions。
Maurice：
ButourperjuredlovesandourfaithlessfriendsAreentitledtonoconcessions。
Mark：
Oldman，thesemanyyearssidebysideOurparallelpathshavelain；
Now，inlife’slongjourney，divergingwide，Theycanscarcelyuniteagain；
Andtho’，fromallthatI’veseenandheard，You’repronetochafeandtofretAttheleastrestraint，notoneangrywordHavewetwoexchangedasyet。
We’vesharedourperil，we’vesharedoursport，Oursunshineandgloomyweather，Feastedandflirted，andfencedandfought，Struggledandtoiledtogether；
Inhappiermomentslighterofheart，Stouterofheartinsorrow；
We’vemetandwe’veparted，andnowwepartForever，perchance，to-morrow。
She’samatronnow；whenyouknewherfirstShewasbutachild，andyourhate，Fosteredandcherished，nourishedandnursed，Willitneverevaporate？
Yourgrievanceisknowntoyourselfalone，But，Maurice，Isay，forshame，Ifintenlongyearsyouhaven’toutgrownIll-willtoanancientflame。
Maurice：
Well，Mark，you’reright；ifIspokeinspite，Lettheshameandtheblamebemine；
Attheriskofaheadachewe’lldrainthisnightHerhealthinaflaskofwine；
ForacastleinSpain，tho’itneverwasbuilt；
Foradream，tho’itnevercametrue；
Foracup，justtasted，tho’rudelyspilt，Atleastshecanholdmedue。
Thosehoursofpleasureshedealtofyore，Aswellasthosehoursofpain，Iweentheywouldflitastheyflittedbefore，IfIhadthemoveragain。
Againsthernowordfrommylipsshallpass，BetrayingthegrudgeI’vecherished，Tillthesandrunsdowninmyhour-glass，Andthegiftofmyspeechhasperished。
Say！whyisthespiritofpeacesoweak，Andthespiritofwrathsostrong，Thattherightwemuststeadilysearchandseek，Tho’wereadilyfindthewrong？
Mark：
OurparentsofoldentailedthecurseWhichmusttoourchildrencling；
Letushope，atleast，thatwe’renotmuchworseThanthefounderfromwhomwespring。
Fitsirewasheofaselfishrace，Whofirsttotemptationyielded，ThentomendhiscasetriedtoheapdisgraceOnthewomanheshouldhaveshielded。
Say！comrademine，theforbiddenfruitWe’dhaveplucked，thatIwellbelieve，ButItrustwe’dratherhavesufferedmuteThanhavelaidtheblameuponEve。
Maurice（yawning）：
Whoknows？notI；IcanhardlyvouchForthetruthofwhatlittleIsee；
Andnow，ifyou’veanyweedinyourpouch，Justhanditovertome。
AnExile’sFarewellTheoceanheavesaroundusstillWithlongandmeasuredswell，Theautumngalesourcanvasfill，Ourshipridessmoothandwell。
ThebroadAtlantic’sbedoffoamStillbreaksagainstourprow；
Ishednotearsatquittinghome，NorwillIshedthemnow！
AgainstthebulwarksonthepoopIlean，andwatchthesunBehindtheredhorizonstoop——
Hisraceisnearlyrun。
Thosewaveswillneverquenchhislight，O’erwhichtheyseemtoclose，To-morrowhewillriseasbrightAshethismorningrose。
HowbrightlygleamstheorbofdayAcrossthetracklesssea！
HowlightlydancethewavesthatplayLikedolphinsinourlee！
Therestlesswatersseemtosay，Insmotheredtonestome，HowmanythousandmilesawayMynativelandmustbe！
Speak，Ocean！ismyHomethesameNowallisnewtome？——
Thetropicsky’sresplendentflame，Thevastexpanseofsea？
Doesallaroundher，yetunchanged，Thewell-knownaspectwear？
Oh！cantheleaguesthatIhaverangedHavemadenodifferencethere？
HowvividRecollection’shandRecallsthesceneoncemore！
IseethesametallpoplarsstandBesidethegardendoor；
Iseethebird-cagehangingstill；
AndwheremysistersetTheflowersinthewindow-sill——
Cantheybelivingyet？
Letwoman’snaturecherishgrief，IrarelyheaveasighBeforeemotiontakesreliefInlistlessapathy；
WhilefrommypipethevapourscurlTowardstheeveningsky，And’neathmyfeetthebillowswhirlIndullmonotony！
TheskystillwearsthecrimsonstreakOfSol’sdepartingray，Somebrinydropsareonmycheek，’Tisbutthesaltseaspray！
Thenletourbarquetheoceanroam，Ourkeelthebillowsplough；
Ishednotearsatquittinghome，NorwillIshedthemnow！
\"EarlyAdieux\"
Adieutokindredheartsandhome，Topleasure，joy，andmirth，AfitterfootthanminetoroamCouldscarcelytreadtheearth；
Fortheyarenowsofewindeed（Notmorethanthreeinall），Whoe’erwillthinkofmeorheedWhatfatemaymebefall。
ForIthroughpleasure’spathshaverunMyheadlonggoaltowin，Norpleasure’ssnareshavecaredtoshunWhenpleasuresweetenedsin。
Letthosewhowilltheirfailingsmask，TomineIfranklyown；
ButforthempardonwillIaskOfnone——saveHeavenalone。
FromcarpingfriendsIturnaside；
Atfoesdefiancefrown；
Yettimemaytamemystubbornpride，Andbreakmyspiritdown。
Still，iftoerrorIincline，Truthwhisperscomfortstrong，ThatneverrecklessactofmineE’erworkedacomradewrong。
Mymotherisastatelydame，Whooftwouldchidewithme；
Shesaithmyriotbringethshame，Andstainsmypedigree。
I’drecknotwhatmyfriendsmightknow，Orwhattheworldmightsay，DidIbutthinksometearswouldflowWhenIamfaraway。
PerchancemymotherwillrecallMymem’rywithasigh；
Mygentlesister’stearsmayfall，Anddimherlaughingeye；
Perhapsalovingthoughtmaygleam，Andfringeitssaddenedray，When，likeanightmare’stroubleddream，I，outcast，passaway。
ThenonceagainfarewelltothoseWhoe’erformehavesighed；
Forpleasuresmeltawaylikesnows，Andhopeslikeshadowsglide。
Adieu，mymother！ifnomoreThyson’sfacethoumay’stsee，Atleastthosemanycaresareo’erSoofttimescausedbyme。
Mylotisfixed！Thedieiscast！
Formehomehathnojoy！
Oh，pardonthenallfolliespast，Andblessyourwaywardboy！
Andthou，fromwhomforayetopartGrievesmorethantonguecantell，MayHeavenpreservethyguilelessheart，Sweetsister，faretheewell！
Thou，too，whoseloving-kindnessmakesMyresolutionless，WhilefromthebitterpastittakesOnehalfitsbitterness，Ife’eryouheldmymem’rydear，Grantthisrequest，Ipray——
Givetothatmem’ryonebrighttear，Andletitpassaway。
AHuntingSongHere’sahealthtoeverysportsman，behestablemanorlord，Ifhisheartbetrue，Icarenotwhathispocketmayafford；
Andmayheeverpleasantlyeachgallantsportpursue，Ifhetakeshisliquorfairly，andhisfencesfairly，too。
HecaresnotforthebubblesofFortune’sfickletide，WholikeBendigocanbattle，andlikeOllivercanride。
Helaughsatthosewhocaution，atthosewhochidehe’llfrown，Asheclearsafive-footpaling，orheknocksapeelerdown。
Thedull，coldworldmayblameus，boys！butwhatcarewethewhile，Ifcorallipswillcheerus，andbrighteyesonussmile？
Forbeauty’sfondcaressescanmosttenderlyrepayThewearinessandtroubleofmanyananxiousday。
Thenfillyourglass，anddrainit，too，withallyourheartandsoul，Tothebestofsports——TheFox-hunt，TheFairOnes，andTheBowl，Toastoutheartinadversitythrougheveryilltosteer，AndwhenFortunesmilesascoreoffriendslikethosearoundushere。
ToaProudBeauty\"AValentine\"
ThoughIhavelovedyouwell，Iween，Andyou，too，fanciedme，YourhearthathtoodividedbeenAconstanthearttobe。
Andlikethegayandyouthfulknight，Wholovedandrodeaway，YourfleetingfancytakesaflightWitheveryfleetingday。
Soletitbeasyoupropose，Tho’hardthestrugglebe；
’Tisfitterfar——thatgoodnessknows！——
Sincewecannotagree。
Let’squarrelonceforall，mysweet，Forgetthepast——andthenI’llkisseachprettygirlImeet，Whileyou’llflirtwiththemen。
Thick-headedThoughtsNo。I
I’vesomethingofthebull-doginmybreed，Thespanielisdevelopedsomewhatless；
WhilelifeisinmeIcanfightandbleed，Butneverthechastisinghandcaress。
Yousaythestrokewaswellintended。\"True。\"
Youmention\"Itwasmeanttodomegood。\"
\"Thatmaybe。\"\"Youdeserveit。\"\"Granted，too。\"
\"Thentakeitkindly。\"\"No——Inevercould。\"
*****
HowmanyaresolutiontoamendIsmade，andbroken，astheyearsrunround！
Andhowcanothersonyourworddepend，Whenfaithlesstoourselveswe’reoftenfound？
I’veoftenswore——\"HenceforwardI’llreform，Andbidmyvices，follies，alltakewing。\"
Tokeepmypromise，’midtemptation’sstorm，I’vealwaysfoundwasquiteanotherthing。
*****
IsawadonkeygoingdowntheroadTheotherday；aboywasonhisback，Whoonthelong-earedquadrupedbestowed，Withastoutcudgel，manyaheartythwack；
Butlazierandlaziergrewthebeast，UntilhedwindledtoastepsoslowThatIfeltsure’twouldtakehim，attheleast，Fullhalf-an-houroneblessedmiletogo。
Soliloquisingonthisstateofthings，\"Thatmoke’slikeme，\"Imuttered，withasigh；
\"Hemightgofasterifhe’dgotsomewings，ButNature’smadehimbetteroffthanI；
ForthoughI’veallhisobstinacy——aye！all——
Hissullenspirit，andhisdoggedways，I’venotoneparticle，howeversmall，Ofthatpraiseworthypatiencehedisplays。\"
No。II
Amanisindependentoftheworld，Andlittlerecksofstrifeorangrybrawl，If’gainstahosthisbannerbeunfurled，Behisheartstout，itmattersnotatall。
Withwoman’tisnotso；forsheseemshurledFromhandtohand，asisatennisball。
HowqueerthatsuchadifferenceshouldbeBetweenahumanheandhumanshe。
No。III
’Tisawickedworldwelivein；
Wronginreason，wronginrhyme；
Butnomatter：we’llnotgiveinWhilewestillcancometotime。
Strength’sashadow；Hopeismadness，Love，delusion；Friendship，sham；
Pleasurefadesawaytosadness，Noneoftheseareworthad————n。
Thereisnaughtonearthtopleaseus；
Allthingsatthecrisisfail。
Friendsdesertus，bailiffsteaseus——
（Tosuchfoeswegiveleg-bail）。
Butastoutheartstillmaintaining，Quellstheillsweallmustmeet，AndaspiritfeardisdainingLaysourtroublesatourfeet。
Sowe’llne’ersurrendertamelyTotheillsthatthrongusfast。
Ifwemustdie，let’sdiegamely；
Luckmaytakeaturnatlast。
[EndofMiscellaneousPoems。]
Ashtaroth：ADramaticLyricDramatisPersonaeHUGO，aNormanBaronandaScholar。
ERIC，afriendofHugo’s。
THURSTON，
EUSTACE，
RALPH，FollowersofHugo。
HENRY，aPage。
LUKE，
HUBERT，MonkslivinginaNormanChapel。
BASIL，AbbotofaConventontheRhine。
CYRIL，aMonkofthesameConvent。
OSRIC，aNorwegianAdventurer，andformerlyaCorsair。
RUDOLPH，anOutlawedCount，andtheCaptainofaBandofRobbers。
DAGOBERT，theCaptainofsomepredatorySoldierscalled\"FreeLances\"。
HAROLD，aDanishKnight。
ORION。
THORA，
AGATHA，
ELSPETH，aNurseofThora’s，
URSULA，AbbessoftheConventontheRhine，
NUNS，etc。Women。
Men-at-arms，Soldiers，andRobbers；Monks，Friars，andChurchmen，Spirits，etc。
Ashtaroth：ADramaticLyricSCENE——ACastleinNormandy。
AStudyinaTower；HUGOseatedatatablecoveredwithmapsandchartsoftheheavens，astronomicalinstruments，books，manuscripts，&c。
EnterHENRY，aPage。
Hugo：
Well，boy，whatisit？
Henry：Thefeastisspread。
Hugo：
Whytarrytheguestsforme？
LetEricsitatthetable’shead；
AloneIdesiretobe。[Henrygoesout。]
WhatsharehaveIattheirfestiveboard？
TheirmirthIcanonlymar；
Tomenopleasuretheircupsafford，Theirsongsonmysilencejar。
Withanachingeyeandathrobbingbrain，Andyetwithahopefulheart，ImusttoilandstrainwiththeplanetsagainWhentheraysofthesundepart；
Hewhomustneedswiththetoperstope，Andthefeastersfeastinthehall，HowcanhehopewithamattertocopeThatisimmaterial？
Orion：
Hewhohisappetitestintsandcurbs，Shutupinthenorthernwing，Withhisrye-breadflavouredwithbitterherbs，Andhisdraughtfromthetastelessspring，Goodsooth，heisbutasorryclown。
Therearesomegoodthingsuponearth——
Pleasureandpowerandfairrenown，Andwisdomofworldlyworth！
Thereiswisdominfolliesthatcharmthesense，Infolliesthatlighttheeyes，ButthefollytowisdomthatmakespretenceIsalonebythefooltermedwise。
Hugo：
Thyspeech，Orion，issomewhatrude；
Perchance，havingjeer’dandscoff’dTothyfill，thouwiltcurbthyjeeringmood；
Iwotthouhastservedmeoft。
Thisplanoftheskiesseemsfairlytraced；
Whaterrorscanstthoudetect？
Orion：
Nay，theconstellationsaremisplaced，Andthesatellitesincorrect；
Leavetheplantome；youhavetimetoseekAnhourofneedfulrest，Thenightisyoungandtheplanetsareweak；
See，thesunstillreddensthewest。
Hugo：
IfearIshallsleeptoolong。
Orion：IfyoudoItmattersnotmuch；theskyIscloudy，thestarswillbefaintandfew；
Now，listtomylullaby。
[Hugoreclinesonacouch。]
（Sings。）
Stillthedarklingskiesarered，Thoughtheday-god’scourseisrun；
Heavenlynight-lampsoverheadFlashandtwinkleonebyone。
Idledreamer——earth-bornelf！
Vainlygraspingheavenlythings，WhereforeweariestthouthyselfWiththyvainimaginings？
Fromthetreeofknowledgefirst，Sincehisparentspluck’dthefruit，Man，withpartialknowledgecurs’d，Ofthetreestillseekstheroot；
Mustyvolumescrowdthyshelf——
Whichofthesetrueknowledgebrings？
WhereforeweariestthouthyselfWiththyvainimaginings？
Willthestarsfromheavendescend？
Cantheearth-wormsoarandrise？
CanthemortalcomprehendHeaven’sownhallow’dmysteries？
Greedandglory，powerandpelf——
Thesearewonbyclownsandkings；
WhereforeweariestthouthyselfWiththyvainimaginings？
Sowandreap，andtoilandspin；
Eatanddrink，anddreamanddie；
Manmaystrive，yetneverwin，AndIlaughthewhileandcry——
Idledreamer，earth-bornelf！
Vainlygraspingheavenlythings，WhereforeweariestthouthyselfWiththyvainimaginings？
Hesleeps，andhissleepappearsserene，Whateverdreamsithasbroughthim——
[Looksattheplans。]
Ifheknowswhatthosehieroglyphicsmean，He’swiserthanonewhotaughthim。
WhydoeshenumberthePole-starthus？
OrthePleiadeswhycombine？
AndwhatishedoingwithSirius，Inthedevil’snameorinmine？
Manthinks，discardingthebeatentrack，Thatthesinsofhisyouthareslain，Whenheseeksfreshsins，buthesooncomesbackTohisoldpetsinsagain。
SCENE——TheSame。
HUGOwaking，ORIONseatednearhim。Daybreak。
Hugo：
Oh，wearyspirit！oh，cloudyeyes！
Oh，heavyandmistybrain！
Yonriddlethatlies’twixtearthandskies，Yeseektoexploreinvain！
See，theeastisgrey；putthosescrollsaway，Andhidethemfarfrommysight；
Iwilltoilandstudynomorebyday，Iwillwatchnolongerbynight；
Ihavelabour’dandlong’d，andnowIseemNonearerthemysticgoal；
Orion，IfainwoulddevisesomeschemeToquietthisrestlesssoul；
TodistantclimesIwouldfaindepart——
Iwouldtravelbyseaorland。
Orion：
Nay，Iwarn’dyouofthis，\"Shortlife，longart\"，Theproverb，thoughstale，willstand；
FullmanyasagefromyouthtoageHastoil’dtoobtainwhatyouWouldmasteratonce。Inapilgrimage，Forsooth，thereisnothingnew；
Thoughvirtue，Iween，inchangeofscene，Andvigourinchangeofair，Willalwaysbe，andhasalwaysbeen，Andtravelisatonicrare。
Still，therestless，discontentedmoodForthetimealoneiseased；
Itwillsoonreturnwithhungerrenew’d，Andappetiteunappeased。
NathlessIcouldteachashorterplanTowinthatwisdomyoucrave，Thatlorethatisseldomattain’dbymanFromthecradledowntothegrave。
Hugo：
SuchloreIhadratherdowithout，IthathnothingmysticnorawfulInmyeye。Nay，IdespiseanddoubtTheartsthatareterm’dunlawful；
’Twixtscienceandmagicthelineliesplain，Ishallneverwittinglypassit；
Thereisnownocompactbetweenustwain。
Orion：Butanunderstandingtacit。
Youhaveprosperedmuchsincethedaywemet；
Youwerethenalandlessknight；
Younowhavehonourandwealth，andyetInevercanserveyouright。
Hugo：
Enough；wewillstartthisveryday，Thurston，Eric，andI，Andthebaffledvisionswillpassaway，Andtherestlessfireswilldie。
Orion：
TillthefuelexpiresthatfeedsthosefiresTheysmoulderandliveunspent；
Giveamortalallthathisheartdesires，Heislessthanevercontent。
SCENE——ACliffontheBretonCoast，OverhangingtheSea。
HUGO。
Hugo：
Downdropstheredsun；throughthegloamingTheyburst——ragingwavesofthesea，Foamingouttheirownshame——everfoamingTheirleprosyupwithfierceglee；
Flungbackfromthestone，snowyfountainsOffeatheryflakes，scarcelyflagWhere，shockaftershock，thegreenmountainsExplodeontheiron-greycrag。
ThesaltspraywithceaselesscommotionLeapsroundme。IsitonthevergeOfthecliff——’twixttheearthandtheocean——
Withfeetoverhangingthesurge。
Inthygrandeur，oh，sea！weacknowledge，Inthyfairness，oh，earth！weconfess，Hiddentruthsthataretaughtinnocollege，Hiddensongsthatnoparchmentsexpress。
Weretheywiseintheirowngenerations，Thosesagesandsagasofold？
Theyhavepass’d；o’ertheirnamesandtheirnationsTime’sbillowshavesilentlyroll’d；
Theyhavepass’d，leavinglittletotheirchildren，Savehistoriesofatruthfarfromstrict；
Ortheoriesmorevagueandbewildering，Sincethreeoutoffourcontradict。
Lostlabour！vainbookwormshavesatinThehallsofdullpedantswhoteachStrangetongues，thedeadloreoftheLatin，Thescrollthatisgod-likeandGreek：
Havewastedlife’sspringtideinlearningThingslongagolearntallinvain；
Theyareslow，veryslow，indiscerningThatbookloreandwisdomaretwain。
Paleshadesofacreedthatwasmythic，Bytimeorbytruthovercome，YourDelphiantemplesandPythicAreruinsdesertedanddumb；
YourMusesarehush’d，andyourGracesArebruisedanddefaced；andyourgods，Enshrin’dandenthron’dinhighplacesNolonger，arepowerlessasclods；
Byforestandstreamlet，whereglisten’dFairfeetoftheNaiadsthatskimm’dTheshallows；wheretheOreadslisten’d，Rose-lipp’d，amber-hair’d，marble-limb’d，Nolitheformsdisportintheriver，Nosweetfacespeerthroughtheboughs，Elmsandbeecheswavesilentforever，Eversilentthebrightwaterflows。
（Weretheydullerorwiserthanweare，Thoseheathensofold？Whoshallsay？
Worseorbetter？Thywisdom，O\"TheaGlaucopis\"，waswiseinthyday；
Andthefalsegodsalluringtoevil，Thatsway’drecklessvotariesthen，Wereslaintonopurpose；theyrevelRe-crownedintheheartsofusmen。）
DeadpriestsofOsirisandIsis，AndApis！thatmysticallore，Likeanightmare，conceivedinacrisisOffever，isstudiednomore；
DeadMagian！yonstar-troopthatspanglesThearchofyonfirmamentvastLookscalm，likeahostofwhiteangels，Ondrydustofvotariespast。
OnseasunexploredcantheshipshunSunkrocks？Canmanfathomlife’slinks，Pastorfuture，unsolvedbyEgyptianOrTheban，unspokenbySphinx？
Theriddleremainsstillunravell’dBystudentsconsumingnightoil。
Oh，earth！wehavetoil’d，wehavetravail’d，Howlongshallwetravailandtoil？
Howlong？TheshortlifethatfoolsreckonSosweet，byhowmuchisithigherThanbrutelife？——thefalsegodsstillbeckon，Andman，throughthedustandthemire，Toilsonward，astoilsthedullbullock，Unreasoning，brutish，andblind，WithAshtaroth，Mammon，andMolochInfront，andAlectobehind。
Thewiseoneofearth，theChaldean，Servesfollyinwisdom’sdisguise；
AndthesensualEpicurean，Thoughgrosser，ishardlylesswise；
’Twixttheformer，halfpedant，halfpagan，Andthelatter，halfsowandhalfsloth，Wehalt，chooseAstarteorDagon，Orsacrificefreelytoboth。
Withourreasonthatseekstodisparage，Bruteinstinctitfailstosubdue；
Withourfalseillegitimatecourage，Oursophistry，vainanduntrue；
Ourhopesthatascendsoandfallso，Ourpassions，fiercehatesandhotloves，Wearewise（aye，thesnakeiswisealso）——
Wiseasserpents，NOTharmlessasdoves。
Someflashes，likefaintsparksfromheaven，Comerarelywithrushingofwings；
Weareconsciousattimeswehavestriven，Thoughseldom，tograspbetterthings；
Thesepass，leavingheartsthathavefalter’d，Goodangelswithfacesestranged，AndtheskinoftheEthiopunalter’d，Andthespotsoftheleopardunchanged。
Oh，earth！pleasantearth！havewehanker’dTogatherthyflowersandthyfruits？
Therosesarewither’d，andcanker’dThelilies，andbarrentherootsOfthefig-tree，thevine，thewildolive，SharpthornsandsadthistlesthatyieldFierceharvest——soWElive，andSOliveTheperishingbeastsofthefield。
AndwithalweareconsciousofevilAndgood——ofthespiritandtheclod，Ofthepowerinourheartsofadevil，OfthepowerinoursoulsofaGod，Whosecommandmentsaregraveninnocypher，ButclearasHissun——fromouryouthOneatleastwehavecherished——\"AneyeforAneye，andatoothforatooth。\"
Oh，man！ofthyMakertheimage；
Topassion，topride，ortowealth，Swornbondsman，fromdullyouthtodimage，Thyportionthefireorthefilth，Drossseeking，deadpleasure’sdeathrattleThymemories’happiestsong，Andthyhighesthope——scarceadrawnbattleWithdarkdesperation。Howlong？
*****
Roarlouder！leaphigher！yesurf-beds，Andsprinkleyourfoamonthefurze；
Bringthedreamsthatbroughtsleeptoourturf-beds，Tocampsofourlongagoyears，Withtheflashingandsparklingofbroadswords，Withthetossingofbannersandspears，Withthetramplingofhardhoofsonhardswards，Withtheminglingoftrumpetsandcheers。
*****
Thegalehasgonedown；yetoutlastingThegale，ragingwavesofthesea，Castinguptheirownfoam，evercastingTheirleprosyupwithwildglee，Stillstorm；soinrashnessandrudenessManstormsthroughthedaysofhisgrace；
YetmancannotfathomGod’sgoodness，ExceedingGod’sinfinitespace。
AndcoldlyandcalmlyandpurelyGreyrockandgreenhillockliewhiteInstar-shinedream-laden——sosurelyNightcometh——socomeththenightWhenwe，too，atpeacewithourneighbour，MaysleepwhereGod’shillocksarepiled，ThankingHIMforarestfromday’slabour，Andasleeplikethesleepofachild！
SCENE——TheCastleinNormandy。
THORAworkingatembroidery，ELSPETHspinning。
Thora（sings）：
Weseveredinautumnearly，Eretheearthwastornbytheplough；
ThewheatandtheoatsandthebarleyAreripefortheharvestnow。
Wesunder’donemistymorning，Erethehillsweredimm’dbytherain，Throughtheflowersthosehillsadorning——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
MyheartisheavyandwearyWiththeweightofawearysoul；
Themid-dayglaregrowsdreary，Anddrearythemidnightscroll。
Thecorn-stalkssighforthesickle，’Neaththeloadofthegoldengrain；
Isighforamatemorefickle——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
Thewarmsunrisethandsetteth，Thenightbringethmoisteningdew，ButthesoulthatlongethforgettethThewarmthandthemoisturetoo；
InthehotsunrisingandsettingThereisnaughtsavefeverishpain；
Therearetearsinthenight-dewswetting——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
ThyvoiceinmineearstillminglesWiththevoicesofwhisp’ringtrees；
ThykissonmycheekstilltinglesAteachkissofthesummerbreeze；
WhiledreamsofthepastarethrongingForsubstanceofshadesinvain，Iamwaiting，watching，andlonging——
Thoucomestnotbackagain。
Waitingandwatchingever，Longingandlingeringyet，Leavesrustleandcorn-stalksquiver，Windsmurmurandwatersfret；
Noanswertheybring，nogreeting，Nospeechsavethatsadrefrain，Norvoice，saveanechorepeating——
Hecomethnotbackagain。
Elspeth：
ThineeldestsisterisweddedtoMax；
WithBiorn，Hildahathcastherlot。
Ifthehusbandsvanish’d，andleftnotracks，Wouldthewiveshavecauseforsorrow，Iwot？
Thora：
HowwellIrememberthatdrearyride；
HowIsigh’dforthelandsoficeandsnow，Inthetracklesswastesofthedesertwide，Withthesuno’erheadandthesandbelow；
’Neaththescantyshadesofthefeatherypalms，HowIsigh’dfortheforestofshelteringfirs，Whoseshadowsenviron’dtheDanishfarms，WhereIsangandsportedinchildishyears。
OnthefourteenthdayofourpilgrimageWestayedatthefootofasandhillhigh；
Ourfever’dthirstwecouldscarceassuageAtthebrackishwellthatwasnearlydry，Andthehotsunrose，andthehotsunset，Andwerodeallthedaythroughadesertland，Andwecamp’dwherethelakeandtherivermet，Onsedgeandshingleandshiningsand：
EnfoldedinHugo’scloakIslept，Orwatch’dthestarswhileIlayawake；
Andclosetoourfeetthestaghoundcrept，Andthehorsesweregrazingbesidethelake；
Nowweowncastlesandservingmen，Landsandrevenues。Whatofthat？
HugotheNormanwaskinderthen，AndhappierwasThoraofArmorat。
Elspeth：
Nay，Iwarn’dthee，withNormansailsunfurl’dAboveourheads，whenwewishedtheejoy，Thatmenarethesameallovertheworld，Theywillworshiponlythenewesttoy；
YetHugoiskindandconstanttoo，Thoughsomewhatgiventostudiesoflate；
Biornissottish，andMaxuntrue，Andworsethanthineisthysisters’fate。
Butashadowdarkensthechamberdoor。
EnterTHURSTON。
Thurston：
’TisI，LadyThora；ourlordisnear。
Myhorsebeingfresher，Irodebefore；
BothheandEricwillsoonbehere。
Thora：
GoodThurston，givemeyourhand。YouareMostwelcome。Whathasdelayedyouthus？
Thurston：
Bothbyseaandlandwehavetravell’dfar，Yetlittleofnotehashappenedtous——
Wewerewreck’dontheshoresofBrittany，NearthecoastofMorbihaniron-bound；
Therocksweresteepandthesurfranhigh，Thykinsman，Eric，waswell-nighdrown’d。
Byaswarmofknaveswewerenextbeset，Whotookusforcorsairs；thenreleasedByaBretoncount，whosenameIforget。
NowIgo，byyourleave，totendmybeast。
[Hegoesout。]
Elspeth：
Thatmanisrudeandfrowardofspeech：
Myearsaregood，thoughmysightgrowsdim。
Thora：
Thurstonisfaithful。ThoucanstnotteachCourtlynorservilemannerstohim。
SCENE——TheCastleHall。
THURSTON，RALPH，EUSTACE，andotherfollowersofHUGO，seatedatalongtable。HAROLDseatedapart。
Thurston：
Whoisthatstranger，darkandtall，Onthewoodensettlenexttothewall——
Mountebank，pilgrim，orwanderingbard？
Eustace：
Todefinehiscallingissomewhathard；
LadyThorahastakenhimbythehandBecausehehascomefromtheHolyLand。
PilgrimsandpalmersarealltherageWithher，sinceshesharedinthatpilgrimageWithHugo。Thestrangercameyesterday，Andwouldhavegoneon，butshebadehimstay。
Besides，hesingsintheDanishtongueThesongsshehasheardinherchildhoodsung。
That’sallIknowofhim，goodorbad；
Inmyownopinionhe’ssomewhatmad。
Youmustraiseyourvoiceifyouspeakwithhim，Andheanswersasthoughhissensesweredim。
Thurston（toHarold）：
Good-morrow，sirstranger。
Harold：Good-morrow，friend。
Thurston：
Wheredoyoucomefrom？andwhitherwend？
Harold：
IhavetravelledoflatewiththesettingsunAtmyback；andassoonasmytaskisdoneIpurposetoturnmyfacetothenorth——
Yetweknownotwhatadaymaybringforth。
Thurston：
Indeedwedon’t。
（ToEustace，aside）：Nay，IknowhimnowBythatuglyscarthatcrosseshisbrow；
Andthelesswesaytohimthebetter。
Yourjudgmentisrighttotheveryletter——
Themanismad。
Eustace：Butharmless，Ithink；
Heeatsbutlittle，eschewsstrongdrink，Andonlyspeakswhenspokentofirst。
Thurston：
Harmlessornot，hewasoncetheworstAndbitterestfoeLordHugohad；
Andyethisstoryissomewhatsad。
Eustace：
MayIhearit？
Thurston：Nay，IneverrevealWhatconcernsmenot。OurlordmayconcealOrdivulgeatpleasurehisownaffairs，——
NotevenhiscomradeEricsharesHissecrets；thoughEricthinkshimwise，WhichismorethanIdo，forIdespiseThatfoolishsciencehelearntinRome。
Hedreamsandmopeswhenhesitsathome，Andnowhe’snotmuchbetterabroad；
’Tishardtofollowsotamealord。