Complete Works of Robert Browning Volume 9: With Variant Readings And Annotations

THE COMPLETEWORKS OF ROBERT BROWNING, VOLUME IX ~ ~ ~~~ ~ Photograph, by Julia Margaret Cameron, 1870 EDITORIAL...

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THE COMPLETEWORKS OF ROBERT BROWNING, VOLUME IX

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Photograph, by Julia Margaret Cameron, 1870

EDITORIAL BOARD

J

ACK

W. H E R R I N G General Editor R O M A A. K I N G . J R . PARK HONAN

A L L A h' C . D 0 0 L E Y Exemfive Editor

(Revised for vol. 9) Browning, Robert, 1812-1889. The complete works of Robert Browning, with variant readings & annotations. Editorial board. Vol. 7- :general editor, Jack W. Herring. Vol. 8-9 have imprint: Waco, Tex. : Baylor University; Athens, Ohio :Ohio University Press. Includes bibliographical references and indexes. I. King, Roma A. (Roma Alvah), 1914-ed. 11. Herring, Jack W., 1925. 111. Title. 821'.8 68-18389 PR4201.K5 1969 ISBN 0-8214-0381-8

Ohio University Press books are printed on acid free paper. m Copyright 0 1989 by Ohio University Press and Baylor University A11 rights reserved Printed in the United Statesof America

CONTENTS

PREFACE TABLES ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Page Number vii xx

xxiv

THE RING AND T H E BOOK Book IX. Juris Doctor Johannes-Baptista Bottinius Book X. The Pope Book XI. Guido Book XII. The Book and the Ring

5 71 161 253

EDITORIAL NOTES

287

This Page Intentionally Left Blank

PREFACE

This edition of the works of Robert Browning is intended to be complete. It will comprise at least fourteen volumes and will contain: 1. The entire contents of the first editions of Browning’s works, arranged intheirchronologicalorder of publication. (The poems and Lyrics, and Men included in Dramatic Lyrics, Dramatic Romances and Women, for example, appear in the order of their first publication rather than in the order in which Browning rearrangedthem for later publication.) 2. All prefacesand dedications which Browning is known to have written for his own works and for those of Elizabeth Barrett Browning. 3. The two prose essays thatBrowning is known to have published: the review of a book on Tasso, generallyreferred to as the “Essay on Chatterton,”andthe prefacefor acollection of letters supposed to have been written by PercyBysshe Shelley, generally referred to as the “Essay on Shelley.” 4. The front matter and the table of contents of each of thecollected editions(1849,1863,1865,1868, 1888-1889) which Browning himself saw through the press. 5. Poems published duringBrowning’s lifetime but not collected by him. 6 . Poems not published during Browning’s lifetime which have come to light since his death. 7. John Forster’s Thomas Wentworth,Earl of Strafford, to which Browning contributed significantly, though the precise extent of his contribution has not been determined. 8. Variants appearing in primary and secondary materials as defined in Section I1 below. 9. Textual emendations. 10. Informational and explanatory notes for each work. 11 PRIMARYANDSECONDARYMATERIALS Aside froma handfulof uncollected short works, all of Browning’s works but Asolando (1889) went through two or more editions during vii

his lifetime. Except for Pauline (l833), Strafford (1837), and Sordello (1840),all the works published before 1849 were revised and corrected for the 1849 collection. Strafford and Sordellowere revisedand corrected for the collection of1863, as were all the other works in that edition. Though no furtherpoems were added in the collectionof 1865, all the works were once againcorrected and revised. The 1868 collection added a revised Pauline and Dramatis Personae (1864) to the other works, which were themselves again revised and corrected. The printingof the last edition of thePoetical Works over whichBrowning exercised control began in 1888, and thefirst eight volumesaredated thus on their 1889, title-pages. Volumes 9 through16 of this first impression are dated and we have designated them 1889a to distinguish them from second the impression of all 16 volumes, which was begun and completed in 1889. Some of the earlier volumes of the first impression sold out almost immediately, and in preparation for a second impression, Browning revised and corrected the first ten volumes before he left for Italy in late August, 1889. The second impression, inwhich all sixteen volumes bear the date 1889 on their title-pages, consisted of a revised and corrected second impression of volumes 1-10,plus asecond impression of volumes 11-16 altered by Browning in one instance. This impression we term 1889 (see section I11 below). as either primary or Existing manuscripts and editionsclassified are secondary material. The primary materials include the following: 1. The manuscript of a work when such is known to exist. 2. Proof sheets, when known to exist,thatcontainauthorial corrections and revisions. 3. The first andsubsequenteditions of a work that preserve evidence of Browning’s intentions andwere under his control. 4. The collected editions over which Browning exercised control: 1849-Poems. Two Volumes. London: Chapman and Hall. 1863“The Poetical Works. Three Volumes. London: Chapman and Hall. 1865-The Poetical Works. Three Volumes. London: Chapman and Hall. 1868”The Poetical Works. Six Volumes. London: Smith, Elder andCompany. Reissued in stereotype impressionswith varying title pages. 1888-1889- The PoeticalWorks.Sixteen Volumes. London: Smith, Elder and Company. Existsin numerousstereotype impressions, of which two are primary material: 1888-1889a-The first impression, in which volumes 1-8are dated 1888 and volumes 9-16 are dated 1889. 1889-The corrected second impression of volumes 1-10and a second impressionof volumes 11-16 altered by Browning viii

only as stated in section I11 below; all dated1889 on the title pages. 5. The corrections in Browning’s hand inthe Dykes Campbell copy of 1888-1889a, and the manuscript list of corrections to that impression in the Brown University Library (see section I11 below). Other materials (including some in the poet’s handwriting) that affected the text are secondary. Examples are: the copy of the first edition of PauZzne which contains annotations by Browning and John Stuart Mill; the copies of the first edition of Paracelsus which containcorrections in Browning’s hand; a very early manuscript of A Blot in the ’Scutcheon which Browning presented to William Macready, but not the one from which the first edition was printed; informal lists of corrections that Browning included in letters to friends, such as the corrections to Men and Women he sent to D. G . Rossetti; Elizabeth Barrett’s suggestions for revisions in A Soul’sTragedy and certain poems in Dramatic Romances and Lyrics; and the edition of Strafford by Emily Hickey for which Browning made suggestions. of this editionderive from collation of The text and variant readings primary materials as defined above. Secondary materials are occasionally discussed in the notesand sometimes play a partwhen emendation is required.

111 COPY-TEXT The copy-text for this edition is Browning’s final text: the first ten volumes of 1889 and the last six volumes of 1888-1889a, as described above. For this choice we offer the following explanation. Manuscripts used as printer’s copy for twenty of Browning’s thirtyfour book publications are known to exist; others mayyetbecome available. These manuscripts, or, inabsence, their the first editionsof the works, might be considered as the most desirable copy-text. And this would be the case foran author who exercised little controlover his text after the manuscript orfirst edition stage, orwhose text clearly became corrupted in asuccession of editions. T o preserve the intention of such an author, one would have to choose an early text and emend it as evidence and judgment demanded. With Browning, however, the situation is different, and our copytext choice results from thatdifference. Throughout his life Browning continually revised his poetry. He did more than correct printer’s errors and clarify previously intended meanings; his texts themselvesremained fluid, subject to continuous alteration. As the manuscript which he submitted to his publisherwas no doubt already a productof revision, so each subsequent edition under his control reflects the results of an ongoing process of creating, revising, and correcting. If we were to ix

choose the manuscript (whereextant) orfirst edition as copy-text, preserving Browning’s intention would require extensive emendation to capture the additions, revisions, and alterations which Browning deBy selecting Browning’s final correctmonstrably made in later editions. ed text as our copy-text, emending it only to eliminate errors and the consequences of changing house-styling, we present his works in the form closest tothat which he intended after yearsof revision and polishing. if Browning infact exercised extensive control But this is true only over the printing of his various editions. That he intended and attempted to do so is apparent in his comments and his practice. In 1855, demanding accuracy from the printers, he pointedout to his publisher Chapman, “I attach importance to the mere stops . . .” (DeVane and Knickerbocker, p. 83). There is evidence of his desire to control the details of his textas early as 1835, in thecase of Paracelsus. The Paracelsus manuscript, now in the Forsterand Dyce collection in the Victoria and Albert Museum Library, demonstrates a highly unconventional system of punctuation. Of particular note is Browning’s unrestrained use of dashes, oftenin stringsof two or three, instead of more preciseor orthodox punctuation marks. It appears that this was done for its rhetorical effect. One sheet of Part 1 of the manuscript and all but the first and lastsheets of Part 3 have had punctuationrevised in pencilby someone otherthan Browning, perhapsJ. Riggs, whose name appears three times in the marginsof Part 3. In additionto these revisions, there are analogous punctuation revisions (in both pencil and ink) which a verbal alterations obviously appear to be in Browning’s hand, and few in the poet’s &pt. A collation of the first edition (1835) with the manuscript reveals that a major restyling of punctuation was carried out before Parucelsus was published. However, the revisions incorporated into the first edition by no means slavishly follow the example set by the pencilled revisions of Parts 1 and 3 of the manuscript. Apparently the surviving manuscript was not used as printer’s copy for the first edition. Browning may have submitted a second manuscript, or he may have revised extensively in proof. The printers may have carried out therevisions topunctuation, with or without the poet’s point by point involvement. With the present evidence, we cannot be conclusiveabouttheextent of Browning’s control over the first edition of Paracelsus. It can be stated, however, in the light of the incompleteness of the pencilled revisions and the frequent lack of correspondence between the pencilled revisions and the lines as printed in 1835, that Browninghimself mayhave been responsible for thepunctuation of the first edition of Parucelsus. Certainly hewas responsible for the frequent instances in the first and subsequent edi-

X

tions where the punctuation defies conventional rules,as in the following examples: What though It be so?-if indeed the strong desire

Eclipse the aim in me?-if splendour break . (Part I, 11. 329-331)

I surely loved hem-that last night, at least, When we . . . gone! gone! the better: I amsaved (Part 11, 11. 132-133) Of the body, wen,)-what God is, what we are, (Part V, 1.642, 1849 reading)

The manuscripts of Colombe’s Birthday(1844)and Christmas-Eve and Easter-Day (1850) werefollowed very carefully in the printing of the of minor house-styling, such first editions. There are slight indications as the spellings colour and honour for the manuscripts’color and honor. But the unorthodox punctuation, used to indicate elocutionary and rhetorical subtleties as well as syntactical relationships, is carried over almost unaltered from the manuscripts to the first editions. Similar evidence of Browning’s painstaking attention to the smallest details in the printing of his poems can be seenin the manuscript and proof sheets of The Ringand the Book(1868-69).These materialsreveal an interesting and significant pattern. It appears that Browning wrote swiftly, giving primary attention to wording and less to punctuation, being satisfied to use dashes to indicatealmost anybreak in thought,syntax, or rhythm. Later, in the proof sheets for Books 1-6of the poem and inthe manuscript itself for Books 7-12, he changed thedashes to more specific and purposeful punctuation marks. The revised punctuation is what was printed, for the most part, in the first edition of The Ring and the Book; what further revisions there are conform to Browning’s practice, though hardly to standard rules. Clearly Browning was in control of nearly every aspect of the published form of his works, even to the “mere stops.” Of still greater importance inour choiceof copy-text is the substantial evidence that Browningtook similar care with hiscollected editions. Though he characterizedhis changes for later editions as trivial and few in number, collations reveal thousands of revisions and corrections in each successivetext. Paracelsus, for example, was extensively revisedfor the 1849 Poems; it was again reworked for the Poetical Works of 1863. Sordello, omitted in 1849, reappeared in 1863 with 181 new lines and short marginal glosses; Browning admitted only thati t was “corrected throughout” (DeVane and Knickerbocker, p. 157). The poems of Men

xi

and Women( 1855)werealtered in numerous small but meaningful ways for both the 1863 and 1865 editions of the Poetical Works(See Allan C. Dooley, “The TextualSignificance of Robert Browning’s1865 Poetical Works,” PBSA 71 [ 19771, 212-18). Professor Michael Hancher, editorof Browning’s correspondence with his publisher, George Smith, citedhas evidence of the poet’s close supervision of the 1868 collected edition (“Browning and thePoetical Worksof 1888-1889,” Browning Newsletter, Spring, 1971,25-27).Mrs. Orr, writingof the same periodin Browning’s life, reports his resentmentof those who garbled histext by misplacing his stops (Life, pp. 357-58). There is plentiful and irrefutable evidence that Browning controlled, in the same meticulous way, the text of his last collected edition, that which we term 1888-1889. Hancher has summarized the relevant information: The evidence is clear that Browning undertook the1888-1889edition of his Poetrcal Works intent o n controlling even the smallestminutiae of the text.Though heatone time considered supplying biographical and explanatory notes to the poems, he finally decided against such a scheme, concluding, in his letter to Smith of 12 November 1887, “I am correcting them carefully, and that must suffice.” On I3 January 1888, he wrote, regarding the six-volume edition of his collected works published in 1868 which was to Serve as the printer’s copy for the final edition: “I have thoroughly corrected the six volumesof the Works, and can let youhave them at once.” . . . Browning evidently kept asharpeye on the productionof all sixteen of the volumes, including those later volumes. . . . Browning returned proof for Volume 3 on 6 May 1888, commenting, “I have had, as usual, to congratulate myself on the scrupulous accuracy of the Printers”; on 31 December he returned proofs of Volume 11, “corrected carefully”;and hereturned “the corrected Proofs of Vol. XV” on 1 May1889.

Throughout his longcareer, then, Browning continuously revised and corrected his works. Furthermore, his publishers took careto follow his directions exactly, acceptinghis changes and incorporating them into each successive edition. This is not to say that no oneelse had any effect whatsoever on Browning’s text: Elizabeth Barrett made suggestions for revisions to A Soul’s Tragedy and Dramatic Romances and Lyrics. Browning accepted some suggestions and rejected others, and those which he accepted we regard as his own. Mrs. Orr reports that Browning sent proof sheets to Joseph Milsand, a friend in France, for accepted suggestions from corrections (Life, p. 265), and that Browning friends andreaders for the correctionsof errors in his printed works. In some of the editions,there are slightevidences of minor house-styling in capitalization and the indication of quotations. But the evidence of Browning’s own careful attention to revisions and correctionsin both his manuscripts and proof sheets assures us that other personsplayed only avery minor role inthe development of his text. We conclude that xii

the vast majority of the alterations in thetexts listed above as Primary Materials areBrowning’s own, and that only Browning’s final corrected text, the result of years of careful work by the poet himself, reflects his full intentions. The first impression of Browning’s final collected edition (i.e., 18881889a) isnot in andof itself the poet’s final corrected text. By the spring of 1889 some of the early volumes of the first impression were already sold out, and by mid-August it was evident that a new one would be required. About this time James Dykes Campbell, HonorarySecretary of the London BrowningSociety, was informed by Browning that he was to be incorporated into the new impression. making further corrections According to Dykes Campbell, Browning had corrected the first ten volumes and offered totranscribe the corrections into Dykes Campbell’s copy of1888-1889abefore leaving for Italy. The volumes altered in Browning’s hand are now in the British Library and contain on the flyleaf of Volume 1 Dykes Campbell’s note explaining precisely what happened. Of course’, Dykes Campbell’s copy was not the one used by the printer for the second impression. Nevertheless, these changes are indisputably Browning’s and are those which, according to his own statement, he proposed to make in the new impression. Thisset of corrections carries, therefore, great authority. set of corrections, alsoin BrownEqually authoritative is second a ing’s hand,for part of 1888-1889a.In thepoet’s possession at thetimeof his death, this handwritten list was included in lot 179 of Sotheby, Wilkinson, and Hodge’s auction of Browning materials in 1913; it is today located in theBrown University Library. The list containscorrections onlyfor Volumes 4-10 of 1888-1889a. Weknow that Browning,on 26 July 1889, had completed and sent to Smith “the corrections for Vol. I11 in readiness for whenever you need them.” By the latter part of August, accordingto Dykes Campbell, the poet had finishedcomxtions for Volumes 1- 10. Browning left forItaly on 29 August. The condition of the Brown University list does not indicate that itwas ever usedby the printer. Thus we surmise thatthe Brown list (completing thecorrections through volume 10) may be the poet’s copy of another list sent to his publisher. Whatever the case, theactualdocuments used by the printers-a set of marked volumes or handwrittenlists-are not known to exist. A possible exception is a marked copy of Red Cotton Night-Cap Country (now in theBerg Collection of the New York Public Library) which seems to have been used by printers. Further materialsused in preparing Browning’s final edition may yet appear. The matter is complicated further because neither set ofcorrections of 1888-1889a corresponds exactly to each other nor to the1889 second impression. Each set contains corrections the other omits, and in afew cases the sets present alternative correctionsof the same error. Our study of the Dykes Campbell copy of 1888-1889a reveals fifteen discrepancies

...

x111

between its corrections and the 1889 second impression. The Brown University list, which contains far fewer corrections, varies from the second impression in thirteen instances. Though neither of these sets of corrections was used by the printers, both are authoritative; we consider them legitimate textual variants, and record them as such. The lists are, of course, useful when emendation of the copy-text is required. The value of the Dykes Campbell copy of 1888-1889aand the Brown University list is not that they render Browning’s text perfect. The corrections to 1888-1889a must have existed in at least one other, still more authoritative form: the documents which Browning sent to his publisher. That thisis so is indicated by the presence of required corrections in the second impression which neither the Dykes Campbell copy nor the Brown University list calls for. The significance of the existing sets of corrections is that they clearly indicate two important points: Browning’s direct and active interest in the preparation of a corrected second impression of his final collected edition; and,given the . high degree of correspondence between the two sets of corrections and the affected lines of the second impression, the concern of the printers to follow the poet’s directives. The second impression of 1888-1889incowrated most of Browning’s corrections to the first tenvolumes of the first impression. There is no evidence whatever that any corrections beyond those which Browning sent to his publisher in the summer of 1889 were ever made. We choose, therefore, the 1889 corrected second impression of volumes 1-10 as copy-text for the works in those volumes. Corrections to the first impression were achieved by cutting the affected letters of punctuation out of the stereotype plates and pressing or soldering in the correct pieces of type. The corrected plates were then used for many copies, without changing the date on the title pages (except, of course, in volumes 17 [Asolando] and 18 [ N e w P o e m ] ,added to the set by the publishers in 1894 and 1914 respectively). External evidence from publishers’ catalogues and the advertisements bound intosome volumes of 1889 indicate that copies of this impression were produced as late as 1913, although the dates on the title pages of volumes 1-16 remained 1889. Extensive plate deterioration is characteristic of the later copies, and use of the Hinman collator on early and late examples of 1889 reveals that the inserted corrections were somewhat fragile, some of them having decayed or disappeared entirely as the plates aged. ( S e e Allan C. Dooley, “Browning’s Poetical Works of 1888-1889,”SBHC 7:l [ 1978],43-69.) We do notuse as copy-text volumes 11-16of 1889, becausethere is no present evidence indicating thatBrowningexercised substantial control do know that he over this partof the second impression of 1888-1 889. We made one correction, which he requested in aletter to Smith quotedby Hancher: xiv

I have just had pointed out to [me] that a n error, I supposed‘corrected. still is to be found inthe 13th Volume-(Aristophanes’ Apology) page 143.line9, where the word should be Opora-without an i. I should like it altered, if that may be possible.

This correction was indeed made in the second impression. Our collations of copies of volumes 11-16 of 1889a and 1889 show no other intentional changes. The later copies do show, however, extensive type batter, numerous scratches, and irregular inking. Therefore our copytext for the works in the last sixvolumes of 1888-1889is volumes 11-16of 1888-1889a. Iv

VARIANTS

In this edition we record, with a veryfew exceptions discussed below, all variants from the copy-text appearing inthe manuscripts and in the editions under Browning’s control. Our purpose in doing this is two-fold. 1. Weenable the reader to reconstruct the text of a work as it stood at the various stages of its development. 2. We provide the materials necessary to an understanding of how Browning’s growth and development as an artist are reflected in his successive revisions to his works. As a consequence of this policy our variant listings inevitably contain some variants that were not created by Browning; printer’s errors and readings that may result from house-styling will appear occasionally. But the evidence that Browningassumed responsibility for what was printed, and that he considered and used unorthodoxpunctuaof his meaning,is so persuasive that we must record eventhe tion as part smallest and oddest variants. The following examples, characteristic of Browning’s revisions, illustrate the point: Pauline, 1. 700: 1833: I am prepared-I have made life my own1868: I am prepared: I have made life my own. “Evelyn Hope.” 1. 41: 1855: I have lived. I shall say. so much since then. 1865: I have lived ( I shall say) so much since then, “Bishop Blougram’s Apo10.q~” 1. 267: 1855: That’s the first cabin-comfort I secure1865: That’s the first-cabin comfort I secure: T h e Ring and the Book, Book 11 (“Guido”), I. 1064: 1869: What if you give u p boys’ and girls’ fools’-play 1872: What it you give u p boy and girl fools’-play 1889a: What if you give u p boy-and-girl-fools’ play

sv

We have concluded that Browninghimself is nearly always responsible for such changes. But even if he onlyaccepted these changes (rather than originating them), their effect on syntax, rhythm, and meaning is so significant that they must be recorded in our variantlistings. The only variantswe do notrecord are those which strongly appear to result from systematic house-styling. For example, Browning nowhere indicated that he wished to use typography to influence meaning, and our inference is that any changes in line-spacing, depth of paragraph indentation, and the like, were the responsibilityof the printersof the various editions, not the poet himself. House-styling was also very probably the cause of certain variants in the apparatusof Browning’s plays, including variants in stage directions which involve a change only inmanner of statement,such as EnterHampden instead of Hampden enters; variants in the printing of stage directions, such as Aside instead of aside, or [Aside.] instead of [Aside], or [Strajjord.] instead of [Strajjord];variants in characterdesignations, such as Lady Carlisle instead of Car or Carlisle. Browning also accepted current convention for indicating quotations (see section V below). Neither do we list changes in type face (except when used for emphasis), nor the presence or absence of a period at theend of the title of a work.

v

ALTERATIONS TO THE COPY-TEXT

We have rearranged the sequenceof works in the copy-text, so that they appear in the order of their first publication. Thisprocess involves the restoration to the original order of the poems included in Dramatic Lyrics, Dramatic Romances and Lyrics, and Men and Women. We realize, of course, that Browninghimself wasresponsible for the rearrangement of these poems in the various collected editions; in his prefatory note for the 1888-1889 edition, however, he indicates that he desired a chronological presentation: The poems that follow areagain,as before, printed in chronological order; butsoonly far asproves compatible with the prescribed sizeof each volume, which necessitates an occasional change in the distribution of its contents.

We would like bothto indicate Browning’s stated intentions about the placement of his poems and to present the poems in the order which suggests Browning’s developmentas a poet.We have chosen, therefore, to present the poems in order of their first publication, withan indication in the notes as to their respective subsequent placement. We also include thetables of contents of the editionslisted asPrimary Materials above. xvi

We have regularized or modernized the copy-text in the following minor ways: 1. We do not place period a at theend of the titleof a work, though the copy-text does. 2. In some of Browning’s editions] including thecopy-text, lirst the word of each work isprinted in capital letters. We have usedthe modern practice of capitalizing only thefirst letter. 3. The inconsistent use of both anampersand and the word and has been regularized to the use of and. 4. We have eliminated thespace between the two parts of a conuaction; thus the copy-text’s it ’S is printed as it’s, for example. 5 . We uniformly place periods andcommas within closingquotation marks. 6. We have employed throughout the modem practice of indicating quoted passages with quotation marks only at the beginning and end of the quotation. ThroughoutBrowning’s career, no matter which publisher or printer was handling his works, this matterwas treatedvery inconsistently. Insome of the poet’s manuscripts and in most of his first editions, quotations are indicated by quotation marksonly at thebeginning and end. In the collected editions of 1863 and 1865,issuedby Chapman and Hall,some quoted passages have quotation marks at the beginning of each line of the quotation, while othersfollow modem practice. In Smith, Elder’s collected editions of 1868 and 1888-1889, of each line ofa quotation.We quotation marks appear at the beginning have regularized and modernized what seems a matterof house-styling in both copy-text and variants. The remaining way in whichthe copy-text is altered is emendation. Our policy is to emend the copy-text to eliminate apparent mors of either Browning or his printers. It is evident that Browning did make errors and overlook mistakes, as shown by the following example from “One Word More,” the last poem in Men and Women. Stanza sixteen of the copy-text opens with the followinglines: What, there’s nothing in the moon noteworthy? Nay: for if that mmn could love a mortal, Use. to charm him (so to fit a fancy, All her magic (’tis the old sweet mythos) She . . .

Clearly the end punctuation in the third line is incorrect. A study of the of the line in various texts is illuminating. Following are the readings each of the editions for which Browning was responsible: MS: P:

fancy) fancy)

1855: 1863:

fancy) fancy)

xvii

1865: 1868:

fancy) fancy)

1888:

1889

fancy fancy,

The omission of one parenthesis in 1888 wasalmost certainly a printer’s error. Browning,in the Dykes Campbell copy corrections to 1888-1889a, missed or ignored the error. However, in the Brown University list of corrections, he indicated that fancy should be followed by a comma. This is the way the line appears in the corrected second impression of Volume 4, but the correction at best satisfiesthe demands of syntax only partially. Browning might have written the line: Use, to charm him, so to fit a fancy,

or, to maintain parallelism between the third and fourth lines: Use, to charm him (so to

fit

a fancy),

or he mightsimply have restored the earlier reading. Oversights of this nature demand emendation, and our choice would be to restore the punctuation of the manuscript through 1868. All of our emendations will be based,as far as possible, on the historical collation of the passage involved, the grammatical demands of the passage in context, and the poet’s treatment of other similar passages. Fortunately, the multiple editions of most of the works provide the editor with ample textual evidence to make an informed and useful emendation. All emendations to the copy-text are listed at the beginning of the Editorial Notes for each work. The variant listings for thecopy-text also incorporate the emendations, which arepreceded and followed there by the symbol indicating an editor’s note.

VI

APPARATUS

1. Variants. In presenting the variants from the copy-text, we list at the bottom of each page readings from the known manuscripts, proof sheets of the editions when we have located them, and the first and subsequent editions. A variant is generally preceded and followed by a pickup anda drop word (example a).N o note terminates witha punctuation mark unless the punctuation mark comes at the endof the line; if a variant dropsor adds a punctuation mark, the next word is added (example b). If the normal pickup.word has appearedpreviously in the same line,the note begins with the word preceding it. If the normaldrop word appears subsequently in the line, thenext word is added (example c). If a capitalized pickup word occurs within the line,i t is accompaniedby the preceding words, however, are used forany word (example d). No pickup or drop variant consistingof an internal change,for example a hyphen in a compounded word, an apostrophe, a tense change or a spelling change xviii

(example e). A change in capitalization within a line of poetry will be preceded by a pickup word, for which, within an entry containing other variants, the < > is suitable (examplef). No drop word is used when the variant comes at the end of a line (example g ) . Examples from Sordello (all from Book 1 except c [2] which is from Book 4): a. 6111 1840:butthatappeared1863:butthisappeared b. variant at end of line: lq 184O:invigue:” 1863: intrigue. variant within line: I84O:forestslike 1863:forests, like ”1 184O:toosleeps; but 1863:toosleeps: but ’ 1 1840:that night by C. 1863:that. night by night, 1888:bynight

d. my 1840.m Padua torepulsethe 1863.at Padua whorepulsed the e. 2 8 1 I84O.are 1863.were 344

f.

184O:dying-day. 1863.dyingday,

capitalizationchangewith

noother variants:

retaining Will, 1863~etainingwill, withother variants: 84’1 1840:Was

Is

g.

‘21

7411

1840:

< > Him bark!Why1863:

<> back!”Why1865:him 184O:dregs; 1863:dregs.

Each recorded variant will be assumed to be incorporated in the next edition if there is no indication otherwise. This rule applies even in cases where the only changeoccurs in 1888- 1889, although it means that the variant note duplicates the copy-text. A variant listing, then, traces brings itforward to the point where i t matches the history of a line and the copy-text. An editor’s note always refers to the single word or mark of punctuation immediately preceding or following thecomment, unless otherwise Specified.

In Browning’s plays, all character designations which happen to occur in variant listings are standardized to the copy-text reading. In listing variants in the plays, we ignore character designations unless the designation comes within a numbered line. In such a case, the variant is treated as any otherword, and can be used as a pickup or drop word. When a character designation is usedas a pickup word, however, the rule excludingcapitalized pickup words (except at the beginning of a line)does not apply, andwe do not revert to the next earliest uncapitalized pickup word. 2. Linenumbers. Poetic lines are numberedin the traditional manner, taking one complete poetic line as one unitof counting. In prose passages the unit of counting is the type line of this edition. 3. Table of signs in variant listings. We have avoided all symbols and signs used by Browning himself. The following is a table of the signs used i n the variant notes: xix

§

.

.

m

§

<>, / ’

/ / , / l / . ,.

.

Editor’s note Words omitted Line break Line break plusoneor more lines without internal variants

4. Annotations. In general principle, we have annotated proper of names, phrases that function as proper names, and words or groups words the full meaningof which requires factual, historical, or literary background. Thus we have attempted to hold interpretationto a minimum, althoughwe realizethat the act of selection itself istosomeextent interpretative. Notes, particularly on historical figures and events, tend to fullness and even to the tangential and unessential. As a result, someof theinformation provided may seem unnecessary to the scholar. On the other hand, it is not possible to assume that all whouse this edition are fully equipped to assimilate unaided all of Browning’s copiousliterary, historical, and mythological allusions. Thus we have directed our efforts toward a diverse audience.

TABLES 1. Manuscripts. We have located manuscripts for the following of Browning’s works; the list is chronological. Paracelsus Forster and Dyce Collection, Victoria and Albert Museum, London Colombe’s Birthday New York Public Library Christmas-Eve and Easter-Day Forster and Dyce Collection, Victoria and Albert Museum, London “Love Among the Ruins” Lowell Collection, Houghton Library, Harvard University “The Twins” Pierpont Morgan Library, New York “One Word More” Pierpont Morgan Library, New York Dramatis Personae Pierpont Morgan Library, New York The Ring andthe Book British Library, London Baluwtion’s Adventure Balliol College Library, Oxford xx

Prince Hohenstiel-Schwangau Balliol College Library, Oxford Fifine at the Fair Balliol College Library, Oxford Red Cotton Night-Cap Country Balliol College Library, Oxford Aristophanes’ Apology Balliol College Library, Oxford The Inn Album Balliol College Library, Oxford Of Pacchiarotto, and How He Workedin Distemper Balliol College Library, Oxford The Agamemnonof Aeschylus Balliol College Library, Oxford La Saisaiz and The Two Poets of Croisic Balliol College Library, Oxford Dramatic Idylls Balliol College Library, Oxford Dramatic Idylls, Second Series Balliol College Library, Oxford Jocoseria Balliol College Library, Oxford Ferishtah’s Fancies Balliol College Library, Oxford Parleyings With Certain People of Importance in Their Day Balliol College Library, Oxford Asolando Pierpont Morgan Library, New York We have been unable to locate manuscripts for the following works, and request thatpersons with informationabout anyof them communicate with us.

Pauline Return The of the Druses A Blot ’Scutcheon in the Strafford yrics and Romances Dramatic sordello Luria Pippa Passes King Victor and King Charles A Soul’s Tragedy “Essay on Shelley” “Essay on Chatterton” Men and Women Dramatic Lyrics

2. Editions referred to in VolumesVIZ, VIII, and IX.The following editions have been used in preparing the text and variants presented in this volume.The dates given below are used as symbols in the variant listings at the bottom of each page. xxi

T h e R i n g and the Book. Volumes 1 and 2. Two Volumes. London: Smith, Elder and Company. 1869 The Ring and the Book. Volumes 3 and 4. Two Volumes, London: Smith, Elder and Company. 1872 T h e R i n g andtheBook. Four Volumes. London: Smith, Elder and Company. 1888 T h e Poetical Works. Volumes 1-8. London: Smith, Elder and Company. 1889a T h e Poetical Works. Volumes 9-16. London: Smith, Elder and Company. 1889 T h e Poetical Works. Sixteen Volumes. London: Smith, Elder and Company. (second impression of 1888- 1889a) 1868

3. Short titles and abbreviations. The following short forms of reference have been used in notes for this edition: Altick

B’ BrU Cook

Corrigan

DC DeVane, H b k .

DeVane and Knickerbocker EBB Gest

T h e R i n gand the Book,ed.Richard D. Altick. Baltimore: Penguin Books, 1971. Browning Browning’s list of corrections 1ocated.atBrown University A.K. Cook. A Commentary upon Browning’s “The Ring and theBook.” Hamden, Gmnecticut: Archon Books, 1966 (first pub. 1920). Curious Annals: New Documents Relating to Browning’s Roman Murder Story, ed. and U. Beatrice Corrigan. Toronto:University of Toronto Press, 1956. Browning’s corrections in James Dykes Campbell’s copy of 1888- 1889a William Clyde DeVane. A Browning Handbook. NewYork: Appleton-Century Crofts, 1955. New Letters of Robert Browning, d.William Clyde DeVane and Kenneth L. Knickerbocker. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1950. Elizabeth Barrett Browning The Old Yellow Book, ed. and U. John Marshall Gest. Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press, 1927. xxii

Griffin and Minchin Heydon and Kelley

Hodell

Hood, Ltrs.

Irvine and Honan

Landis and Freeman

Letters of EBB

New Poems

Orr, Hbk.

Orr, Life

OYB OYB, E

P-c

RB-EBB, ed. Kintner

W. H. Griffin and H.C. Minchin. The Lifeof Robert Browning.New York:Macmillan, 1910. Elizabeth Barreft Browning’s Letters to Mrs. David Ogilvy, ed.Peter N. Heydon and Philip Kelley. London: Murray, 1974. The Old Yellow Book, in facsimile, ed.and tr. W. Hodell. Washington: The Carnegie Charles Institution, 1908. Letters of Robert Browning Collected byT. J . Wise, ed.Thurman L. Hood. New Haven: Yale University Press, 1933. William Irvine and Park Honan. The Book, the Ring, and the Poet. New York: McGrawHill, 1974. Letters of the Brownings to George Barrett,ed. Paul Landis and Ronald E. Freeman. Urbana: University of Illinois Press, 1958. T h e Letters of Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ed. F.G. Kenyon. 2 vols. New York: Macmillan, 1897. New Poems by Robert Browningand Elizabeth Barrett Browning, ed.F.G. Kenyon. New York: Macmillan, 1915. Mrs. Sutherland Orr. Handbook to the Works of Robert Browning. New Edition. Revised and in Part Rewritten by F.G. Kenyon. New York: McMillan, 1915. Mrs. Sutherland Orr. Life andLetters of Robert Browning. Second Edition.London:Smith, Elder, 1891. Browning’s source for T h e R i nand g the Book, in its original format. The Old Yellow Book,ed. and tr. Charles W. Hodell. New York: E. P. Dutton (Everyman’s Library), 191 1. The Complete Works of Robert Browning,ed. Charlotte Porter and Helen A. Clarke. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell. 1898. T h e Letters of Robert Browningand Elizabeth Barrett Barrett, 1845-1846,ed.Elvan Kintner. 2 vols. Cambridge, Mass.: T h e Fklknap Press of Harvard University Press, 1969. xxiii

story

Treves

Vasari

2 vols. William Wetmore Story. Roba di Roma. Boston and New York:Houghton, Mifflin and Co., 1887 (first published 1862). Sir Frederick Treves. The Country of T h e Ring and the Book. London: Cassell and Company, 1913. Giorgio Vasari. Lives ofthe Painters, Sculptors and Architects, ed. and tr. A. B. Hinds. Intro.by William Gaunt. 4 vols. London: Dent (Everyman’s Library), 1963.

Citations and quotationsfrom the Bible refer to the King JamesVersion. Citationsandquotations from Shakespeare referto TheRiverside Shakespeare, ed. G . B. Evans, et. al. Boston: Houghton MiWin, 1974. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS For providing money and services which have made it possible for us to assemble the vast materials required for the preparation of this edition, the following institutionshave our especial appreciation: the Ohio University Press, the Ohio University Library, the Ohio University English Department, theBaker Fund Awards Committee of Ohio of University; Baylor University and the Armstrong Browning Library Baylor University; the American Council of Learned Societies; the Kent State University Library and its Bibliographical andTextual Center, the Kent State University Research Council, the Kent State University English Department. We also thank the following for making available to us materials under their care: the Armstrong Browning Library;the Balliol College Library, Oxford; the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library,Yale University, and its director Mr. H. W. Liebert; the British Library; the John Hay Library, Brown University; the Houghton Library, Harvard University; the Henry E. Huntington Library; the Department of Special Collections, Kent State University; Mr. E. V. Quinn; Mr. Philip Kelley;Mr. John Murray; the Library of the Victoria and Albert Museum. We are also gratefulto Professor Paul Murphyand Professor Bartolomeo Martello for their invaluable assistance in translation of Latin and Italian sources and passages, and to Susan E. Dooley for editorial labors on this volume. The frontispiece is reproduced by permission of the Armstrong Browning Libraryof Baylor University. Morgan Library. xxiv

T H E RING AND THE BOOK Books IX-XI1

Edited by Roma A. King, Jr. and Susan Crow1

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THE RING AND THE BOOK IX. Juris Doctor Johannes-Baptista Bottinius X. The Pope XI. Guido X I . The Book and the Ring

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THE RING AND THE BOOK 1868-9

IX

JURIS DOCTOR JOHANNES-BAPTISTA BOTTINIUS FISCI E T REV. CAM. APOSTOL. ADVOCATUS

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Had I God's leave, how I would alter things! If I might read instead of print my speech,Ay, and enliven speech with many a flower Refuses obstinate to blow in print, As wildingsplantedina prim parterre,This scurvy room were turned an immense hall; Opposite, fifty judges in a row; This side and that of me, for audience-Rome: And, where yon window is, the Pope should hideWatch, curtained, but peep visibly enough. A buzz of expectation! Through the crowd, Jingling his chainand stumping withhis staff, Up comes an usher, louts him low, "The Court

MS in Department of Manuscripts of the British Library. P1868, CP1868, P1869, CP1869, Ed. 1868-69, 1872, 1888, 1889 1-161 MS:§ written in right hand margin, corrected, and then crossed out: copied on separate sheet which is glued to back of MS page; referred to here as MS1 and MS2 9 zdl MS:MSl:speech,-/ next two lines inserted to side Ay, and add Rowers of speech refuse in print/ To blow, like wildings in a prim parterre,-/ This little crossed out and replaced above by sorry C > turned inserted above line !j MSZ:speech,-/Ay, and enliven speech with many a flower/Refuses obstinately blow in print/ As wildings barren crossed out planted in a prim 5 last two words inserted above line parterre,-/ This sorry written over by scurvy1872:// < > print, 1889a://Refuses obstinate to blow 71 MSl:Opposite,-fifty <>row;MS2:Opposite. fifty <> row; MS:me for audience,-Rome; MSP:me, for audience-Rome P1869:audience-Rome: 91 MS1:And where the window <> should watch MS2:And, where yon window <> should be1872:should hide101 MS1:Curtained"but somehow visible the same! last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words and period no less. MS2:Watch. curtained, but yetvisibly enough. 1872:but peep visibly 11-141 MS:§ inserted to right It( MS1:expectation:thro' the MSZ:expecration! thro' 5 altered to Thro' CP1869:expectation! Through MSI:usher, bends him MS2:usher. louts him

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Requires the allocution of the Fisc!” 1 rise, I bend, I look about me, pause O’er the hushed multitude: I count-One,

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Have ye seen, Judges, have ye, lights of law,When it may hap some painter, much invogue Throughout ourcity nutritive of arts, Ye summon to a task shall test his worth, To manufacture, as he knows and can, A work may decorate a palace-wall, Afford my lords their Holy Family,Hath it escaped the acumen of the Court How such a paintersets himself to paint? Suppose that Joseph, Mary and her Babe A-journeying to Egypt, prove the piece: Why, first he sedulously practiseth, This painter,-girding loin and lightinglamp,On what may nourish eye, make facile hand; Getteth him studies (styled by draughtsmen so) From some assistant corpse of Jew or Turk Or, haply, Molinist, he cuts and carves,This Luca or this Carlo or thelike. To him the bones their inmost secret yield, Each notch and nodule signify their use: On him the muscles turn, in triple tier,

MSl:rise, I bow, I § last two words inserted above line 5 look around me,-calmly 5 written over illegible word; another word illegibly crossed out above 5 pause 5 perhaps added in revision 5 MS2:rise, I bend, I look about me, pause 161 MS1:hushed people; 5 word and semi-colon crossed out and replaced above by 5 multitude <> two, threeMS2:two191 MS:of such fjcrossed outand replaced 201 MS:task and 5 crossed out and replaced above by above by word and comma 5 arts, 5 shall 211 MS:And manufacture DC,BrU:To manufacture 1889:To manufacture 26( MS:That 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 Suppose 271 MS:to Egypt prompt 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 prove 1872:to Egypt, prove 281 MS:practiseth 301 MS:hand, P1869:hand; 311 MS:studies, styled <> so, PZ869:practiseth, P1869:studies (styled < > so) 32) MS:Of wh 5 last two words crossed out 5 $41 MS:This Luca or this Carlo 5 last four words crossed out, replaced by illegibly crossed out words above line, and then restored 5 < > like:- PZ869:like: 1872:like. 361 MS:Their use each <> signify, 5 transposed to 5 Each <> signify their use, 1872:use: Is]

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And pleasantly entreat the entrusted man “Familiarize thee with our play that lifts Thus, andthus lowers again, leg, arm and foot!” -Ensuring due correctness in the nude. Which done, is all done? Not a whit, ye know!. He,-to art’s surface rising from her depth,If some flax-polled soft-bearded sire be found, May simulate a Joseph, (happychance!)Limneth exact each wrinkle of the brow, Loseth no involution, cheek or chap, Till lo, in black and white, the senior lives! Is it a youngand comely peasant-nurse That poseth? (be thephrase accorded me!) Each feminine delight of florid lip, Eyes brimming o’er and brow bowed down with love, Marmoreal neck and bosom uberous,Glad on the paper in a trice they go To help his notion of the Mother-maid: Methinks I see it, chalk a little stumped! Yea and her babe-that flexure of soft limbs, That budding face imbued with dewy sleep, Contribute each an excellence to Christ. Nay, since he humbly lent companionship, Even the poor ass, unpanniered andelate Stands, perks an ear up, he a model too; While clouted shoon, staff, scrip and water-gourd,Aught may betoken travel, heat and haste,No jot nor tittle of these but in its turn Ministers to perfection of the piece: Till now, such piece before him, part by part,Such prelude ended,-pause our painter may, Submit hisfifty studies one by one,

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And in some sort boast “I have served my lords.” But what? And hath he painted once this while? Or when ye ay “Produce the thing required, Show us our pictureshall rejoice its niche, T h y Journey through the Desert done inoils!”What, doth hefall to shuffling ’mid his sheets, Fumbling for first this, then the otherfact Consigned to paper,-“studies,” bear the term!And stretch a canvas, mix a p o t of paste, And fasten here a head and there a tail, (The ass hath one, my Judges!) so dove-tail Or, rather, ass-tail in, piece sorrily outBy bits of reproduction of the lifeThe picture, the expected Family? I trow not! do I miss with my conceit The mark, my lords?-not so my lords were served! Rather your artist turns abrupt from these, And preferably buries him and broods (Quite away from aught vulgar and extern) On the inner spectrum,filtered through the eye, His brain-deposit, bred of many a drop, E pluribus unum: and the wiser he! For in that brain,-their fancy sees at work, Could my lords peep indulged,-results alone, Not processes which nourish suchresults, Would they discover and appreciate,-life Fed by digestion, not raw food itself,

MS:§ marginalnotethat new 7 begins 5 721 MSrequiredP1869:required, MS:niche P1869:niche. 751 MS:mid 1869:’mid 761 MS:this then ’8) MS:§ followed by erasure, perhaps up 5 791 MS:tail CPZ869:this, then 821 MS:life,PZ869:tail, MS:in,-plece<>out P1869:in,piece<>out851 MS:lords?PZ869:life. CPl869:lifeMS:not-do CP1869:not! do 861 MS:turns from these, abrupt 5 altered to 5 turnsabrupt Not P1869:lords?-not 871 MS:broods, CPZ869:broods MS:Quite <> from all from these, crossed out and replaced above by 5 aught externe, P1869:extern, CP1869:(Quite 921 MS:brain, <>extern) MS:The written over by 5 His which crossed outand replaced above by their P1869:brain,-their 931 MS:indulged, results P1869:indulged,-resuIts 9‘1 MS:nourish the result, 951 MS:life, PZ869:life 961 MS:digestion 1889a:nourish such results, not the 5 crossed out and replaced above by raw P1869:digestion. not 70-711

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No gobbets but smooth comfortable chyme Secreted from each snapped-up crudity,Less distinct, part by part, but inthe whole Truer to the subject,-the main central truth And soul 0’the picture, would my Judges spy,Not those mere fragmentary studied facts Which answer to the outwardframe and fleshNot this nose, not that eyebrow, the other fact Of man’s staff, woman’s stole or infant’s clout, But lo, a spirit-birthconceived of flesh, Truth rare and real, not transcripts,fact and false. The studies-for his pupils andhimself! The picture be for our eximiousRome And-who knows?-satisfy its Governor, Whose new wing to the villa he hath bought (God give him joy of it) by Capena, soon (’Tis bruited) shallbe glowing with the brush Of who hath long surpassed the Florentine, The Urbinate and . . . what if I dared add, Even his master, yea the Cortonese,I mean the accomplished Ciro Ferri, Sirs! (-Did not he die? I’llsee before I print.)

End we exordium, Phcebus plucks my ear! Thus then, justso and no whitotherwise, Have 1,-engaged as Iwere Ciro’s self, T o paint a parallel, a Family, The patriarch Pietro with hiswise old wife T o boot (as if one introduced Saint Anne By bold conjecture to complete the group)

MS:my Judges say,-

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And juvenile Pompilia withher babe, Who, seeking safety in the wilderness, Were all surprised by Herod, while outstretched In sleep beneath a palm-tree by a spring, And killed-the very arcumstance I paint, Moving the pity and terror of my lordsExactly so have I, a month atleast, Your Fiscal, made me cognizant of facts, Searched out, pried into,pressed the meaningforth Of every piece of evidence in point, How bloody Herod slew these innocents,Until the glad result is gained, the group Demonstrably presented in detail, Their slumber and hisonslaught,-like as life. Yea and, availingme of help allowed By law, discreet provision lest my lords Be too much troubled by effi-ontery,The rack, law plies suspected crime withal(Law that hath listened while the lyrist sang “Lene tormentum ingenio admoves.” Gently thou joggest by a twinge the wit, “Plerumque duro,”else were slow to blab!) Through this concession my full cup runso’er: The guilty owns his guilt without reserve. Therefore by part and partI clutch my case Which, in entirety now,-momentous task,My lords demand, so render them I must, Since, one poor pleading moreand I have done. But shall I ply my papers, play my proofs, Parade my studies, fifty in a row, AS though the Courtwere yet in pupilage, Claimed not the artist’s ultimate appeal? Much rather let me soar the height prescribed And, bowing low, proffer my picture’s self!

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No more of proof, disproof,-such virtue was, Such vice was never in Pompilia, now! Far better say “Behold Pompilia!”-(for I leave the familyas unmanageable, And stick to just one portrait, but life-size.) Hath calumny imputed to the fair A blemish, moleon cheek or wart on chini Much more, blind hidden horrorsbest unnamed? Shall Idescend to prove you, point by point, Never was knock-knee known nor splay-foot found In Phryne? (I must let the portrait go, Content me with the model, believe)I ”I prove this? An indignant sweep of hand, Dash at and doingaway with drapery, And,-use your eyes, Athenians, smooth she smiles! Or,-since my client can no longer smile, And more appropriate instances abound,What is this Tale of Tarquin, how the slave Was caught by him, preferred to Collatine? Thou, even from thy corpse-clothes virginal, Look’st the liedead,Lucretia! Thus atleast I, by the guidance of antiquity, (Our one infallible guide) now operate, Sure that the innocence thus shown is safe; Sure, too, that, while I plead, the echoes ay (Lend my weak voice thy trump, sonorous Fame!) “Monstrosity the Phrynean shape shall mar, Lucretia’s soul comport withTarquin’s lie,

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When thistles grow on vines or thorns yield figs, Or oblique sentence leave this judgment-seat!” 190

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A great theme: may my strength be adequate! For-paint Pompilia, dares my feebleness? How did I unawareengage so much -Find myself undertaking to produce A faultless nature in a flawless form? What’s here? Oh, turn aside nor dare the blaze Of such a crown, such constellation,say, As jewels here thy front, Humanity! First, infancy, pellucid as apearl; Then childhood-stone which, dew-drop at the first, ( A n old conjecture)sucks, by dint of gaze, Blue from the sky and turns to sapphire so: Yet both these gems eclipsed by, last and best, Womanliness and wifehood opaline, Its milk-white pallor,-chastity,-suffused With here and there a tint and hintof flame,Desire,-the lapidary loves to find. Such jewels bind conspicuously thy brow, Pompilia, infant, child, maid, woman, wifeCrown the ideal in our earth at last! What should afaculty like mine do here? Close eyes, or else, the rashlier hurry hand! Which is to say,-lose no time but begin! Sermocinando ne declamem, Sirs, Ultra clepsydram, as our preachers smile, Lest I exceed my hour-glass. Whereupon,

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As Flaccus prompts, I dare the epic plungeBegin at once with marriage, up till when Little or nothing would arrest your love, In the easeful life 0’the lady; lamb and lamb, How do they differ? Know one, you know all Manners of maidenhood: mere maiden she. And since all lambs are like in more than fleece, Prepare to find that, lamb-like, she t o o frisks0’the weaker sex, my lords, the weaker sex! To whom, the Teian teaches us, for gift, Not strength,-man’s dower,-but beauty, nature gave, “Beauty in lieu of spears, in lieu of shields!” And what is beauty’s sure concomitant, Nay, intimate essential character, But melting wiles, deliciousest deceits, The whole redoubted armoury of love? Therefore of vernal pranks, dishevellings 0’the hair of youth that dances April in, And easily-imagined Hebe-slips O’er sward which May makes over-smooth for footThese shall we pry into?-or wiselier wink, Though numerous and dear they may have been? For lo, advancing Hymen and his pomp! Discedunt nunc amores, loves, farewell! Maneat amor, let love, the sole, remain! Farewell to dewiness and prime of life! Remains the rough determined day: dance done, To work, with plough and harrow! What comes next?

~~

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’Tis Guidohenceforth guides Pompilia’s step, Cries “No more friskings o’er the foodful glebe, Else, ’ware the whip!” Accordingly,-first crack 0’the thong,-we hear that his youngwife was barred, Cohibita fuit, from the old free life, Vitam liberiorem ducere. Demur we? Nowise: heifer brave the hind? We seek not there should lapse the naturallaw, The proper piety to lord and king And husband: let the heifer bear the yoke! Only, I crave he cast not patience off, This hind;for deem you she endures the whip, Nor winces at the goad, nay, restive, kicks? What if the adversary’s charge be just, And all untowardly she pursue her way With groan and grunt,though hind strike ne’er so hard? If petulant remonstrance made appeal, Unseasonable, o’erprotracted,-if Importunate challenge taxed the public ear When silence more decorously had served For protestation,-if Pompilian plaint Wrought but to aggravate Guidonian ire,Why, such mishaps, ungainly though they be, Ever companion change, are incident To altered modes and novelty of life: The philosophic mind expects no less, Smilingly knows and names the crisis, sics Waiting till old things go and new arrive. Therefore, I hold a husband but inept ’

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M S : s t e p P1869:step, 2451 MS:oer P1869:o’er 2501 MS:Demur I PZ869:Demurwe 2511 MS:Iseek not 5 followed by illegible erasure 5 to see 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words there should P1869:We seek 2521 MS:king, P1869:king 2531 MS:The husband P1869:And husband 25‘/ MS:Only I P1869:0nly, I 2551 MS:hind, for P1869:hind; for 256( MS:nay“restive P1869:nay. restive 2571 MS:just CP1869:just, 2581 MS:And, all <>ways P1869:way CPl869:And all 2591 MS:grunt, though hind 5 last two words inserted above line strike husband crossed out 5 <> hard?2651 MS:aggravate her crossed out; followed by word illegibly crossed P1869:hard? out 5 chagrin crossed out; last three words replaced above by two words, comma and 2711 MS:go and § crossed out and then restored § new things dash Guidonian ire,2721 MS:husband for come 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 arrive.

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Who turns impatient atsuch transit-time, As if this running fromthe rod would last! 275

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Since, even while I speak, the end is reached: Success awaits the soon-disheartened man. The parents turn their backs and leave the house, The wife may wail but none shallintervene: He hath attained his object, groomand bride Partake the nuptial bower no soulcan see, Old things arepassed and all again is new, Over and gonethe obstacles to peace, Novorum-tenderly the Mantuan turns The expression, some such purposein his eyeNacicitur ordo! Every storm is laid, And forth from plain each pleasant herb may peep, Each bloom of wifehood in abeyance late: (Confer a passage in the Canticles.) But what if, as 'tis wont withplant and wife, Flowers,-after a suppression to good end, Still, when they do springforth,-sprout here, spread there, Anywhere likelier than beneath the foot 0' the lawful good-mangardener of the ground? He dugand dibbled, sowed and watered,-still 'Tis a chancewayfarer shall pluck the increase. Just so, respecting persons not too much, T h e lady, foes allege, put forth each charm And proper floweret of feminity

crossed outand replaced above by but 2751 MStransit-timePI869:transit-time, MS:§ marginal note t h a t new q begins 2751 PZ869:reached 1872:reached: 2761 MS:man, 1872:man. 2781 MSintervene, Z872:intervene: 2791 MS:object,-groom PZ869:object, groom zMll MS:soul to seePZ869:see, 2a11 MS:all is new again, transposed to allagain is new, 1872:soul can see, 2821 MS:peace PZ869:peace, MS:eye, Pl869:eye2871 MS:late288-89( MS:§ marginal note that new 1begins 1889a:s no 1889:s no PZ869:late: 7; emended to restore 1;see Editorial Notes 2891 MS:as the way last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 'tis wont with flower crossed out and MS:Of altered to f 0' thelawfullord and lasttwo replaced above by 5 plant 2951 MS:wayfarer will words crossed outand replacedabove by good-man overwritten by shall C > the prize crossed out and replaced above by increase. 2971 MS:lady, 'tis crossed out and replaced above by foes allegedaltered to allege 27'-751

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To whosoever had a nose to smell Or breast to deck: what if the chargebe true? The fault were graver had she looked with choice, Fastidiously appointed who should grasp, Who, in the whole town, go without the prize! To nobody she destined donative, But, first come was first served, the accuser saith. Put case her sort of . . . in this kind . . . escapes Were many and oft and indisaiminateImpute ye as the action were prepense, The gift particular, arguing malice so? Which butterfly of the wide air shall brag "I was preferred to Guido"-when 'tis clear The cup, he quaffs at, lay with olentbreast Open to gnat, midge, bee and moth as well? One chalice entertained the company; And if its peevish lord object the more, Mistake, misname such bounty in a wife, Haste we to advertise him-charm of cheek, Lustre of eye, allowance of the lip, All womanly components in a spouse, These areno household-bread each stranger's bite Leaves by so much diminished for the mouth 0' the master of the house at supper-time: But rather like a lump of spice they lie,

MS:The case Q crossed out and replaced above by Q fault were 'O'l MS:the grace altered 5 crossed outand replaced above by Q graver 5 crossed out 5 MS:To 5 inserted inmargin Q Nobody she Q inserted above line Q destined to such Q last two words crossed out 5 PI869:To )051 MS:But, Q word and comma inserted in margin Cj First 5 altered nobody to 5 first <> served, saith the accuser: 5 transposed to 5 the accuser saith: 5 followed by illegibly crossed out word in margin Q P1869:saith )061 MS:of . . in <> kind . . escapes Z889a:of . . . in <> 1872:saith. kind . . . escapes so7[ MS:often Q altered to 3 oft '081 MS:Impute 'lol MS:Which denizen Q not 5 crossed out and replaced above by Q ye crossed out and replaced above by Q butterfly MS:company, '151 MS:if a 5 altered to Q its 'I6[ MS:misname the CPZ869:company; liberal 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by Q such bounty here, 5 word and comma crossed out and replaced above by three words and comma Q in a '191 MS:a wife Q crossed out Q wife, MS:Lustre of the Q crossed out Q sml MS:household bread CP1869:household-bread '221 MS:O' the good man Q last two words crossed out andreplaced above by Q master <> supper-time,P1869:supper-time: '2'1 MS:liken 5 altered to Q like loll

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Morsel of myrrh, which scents the neighbourhood Yet greets its lord no lighter by a grain. Nay, even so, he shall be satisfied! Concede we there was reason in his wrong, Grant we his grievance and content the man! For lo, Pompilia, she submitsherself; Ere three revolving years have crowned their course, Off and away she puts this same reproach Of lavish bounty, inconsiderate gift 0’the sweets of wifehood stored to other ends: No longer shall he blame “She none excludes,” But substitute “She laudably sees all, Searches the best out and selects the same.” For who is here, long sought and latest found, Waiting his turnunmoved amid the whirl, “Constans in levitate,”-Ha, my lords? Calm in his levity,-indulge the quip!Since ’tis a levite bears the bell away, Parades him henceforth as Pompilia’schoice. ’Tis no ignoble object, husband! Doubt’st? When here comes tripping Flaccus with his phrase “Trust me, no miscreant singled from the mob, Crede non illum tibi descelesta Plebe delectum,” but a man of mark, A priest, dost hear? Why then, submit thyself! Priest, ay and very p h m i x of such fowl, Well-born, of culture, young and vigorous, Comely too, since precise the precept pointsOn the selected levite be there found Nor mole nor scar nor blemish, lest the mind Come all uncandid through the thwarting flesh!

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MS:§ marginal note that new begns 5 Sz61 MS:so,-he PZ869:so, he MS:man! PZ869:man! $291 MSlo, Pompilia-she < > herself-PZ8<9:lo, Pompilia, she <> herself; ’$31 MS:Of 5 altered to 0’< > ends,PZ869:ends: $361 MS:same:”PZ869:same.” MS:is there 5 crossed out andreplacedabove by 3 here MS:levitate, “indulge a quip!- 5 last three words andpunctuation crossed out 5 1401 MS:quip,-CPZ869:quip!’+l( MS:bears away the bell 5 transposed to 5 bears the bell away P1869:away, $551 MS:blemish lest PZ869:blemish, lest 3541 MS:Come out 8 crossed out andreplacedabove by all <> flesh.P1869:fleshl

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Was not the sonof Jesse ruddy, sleek, Pleasant to look qn, pleasant every way? Since well he smote the harp andsweetly sang, And danced tillAbigail came out to see, And seeing smiled and smilingministered The raisin-cluster and the cake of figs, With ready meal refreshed the gifted youth, Till Nabal, who was absent shearing sheep, Felt heart sink, tookto bed (discreetly doneThey mighthave been beforehand withhim else) And died-would Guido have behaved as well! But ah, the faith of early days is gone, Heu przscafides! Nothing died in him Save courtesy, good sense and proper trust, Which, when they ebb from souls they should o'erflow, Discover stub, weed, sludge and ugliness. (The Pope,we know, is Neapolitan And relishes a sea-side simile.) Deserted by each charitable wave, Guido, left high and d r y , shows jealous now! Jealous avouched, paraded: tax the fool With any peccadillo, he responds "Truly I beat my wife through jealousy, Imprisoned her and punished otherwise, Being jealous: now would threaten, sword in hand, Now manage to mix poison in her sight, And so forth: jealously I dealt, in fine." Concede thusmuch, andwhat remains to prove?

MS:sleek P1869:sleek, '561 MS:wayP1869:way? '571 MS:sang s581 MS:And deftly crossed out f 1601 MS:§ crowded between P1869:sang, 359-61 s611 MS:The ready meal, refreshed P1869:With ready meal refreshed '651 MS:would Guido but crossed outand replaced above by had behaved1872:would 168( MS:and gTacefuls crossed outand replaced above by Guido have behaved '70-7s( MS:ugliness./ marginal note that new 7 begins proper trustP1869:trust. Deserted P1869:ugliness./ 5 7 (The Pope,you know, is Neapolitan/ And relishes a sea-side simile.) Deserted CP1869:s 7 replaced to beginning of line 373 8 1869:s 9 omitted both at line 371 and at line 373 5 1889a:The Pope,we know 1889:s no between lines 372-73; emendedtorestore 7;see Editorial Notes $751 MS:the f o o l written '761 MS:peccadillo he P1869:peccadillo, he MS:Now over man 'a21 MS:Concede silently crossed outand replaced above by two words manageto

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Have I to teach my masters what effect Hath jealousy, and how, befooling men, It makes false uue, abuses eye and ear, Turns mere mist adamantine, loads with sound Silence, and intovoid and vacancy Crowds a whole phalanxof conspiring foes? Therefore who owns“I watched with jealousy My wife,” adds “for no reason in the world!” What need that, thus proved madman, he remark “The thingI thought a serpent proved an eel”?Perchance the right Comacchian,six foot length, And not an inch too long for that rare pie (Master Arcangeli has heard of such) Whose succulence makes fasting bearable; Meant to regale some moody splenetic Who, pleasing to mistake the donor’s gift, Spying I know not whatLernaean snake I’ the luscious Lenten creature, stamps forsooth The dainty in the dust. Enough! Prepare, Such lunes announced, fordownright lunacy! Insanit homo, threat succeeds to threat, And blow redoubles blow,-his wife, the block.

the faaand 1872:Concede thus much, and ’841 MS:jealousy and 1872:jealousy, and MS:§ word illegibly crossed outand replacedabove by Q Turns themist 3901 MS:wife” adds 2872:wife.” adds ’911 MS:What 1872:Turns mere mist Q over illegible word Q need that who says “madman” should remark 1872:says “Madman” 3921 MS:thing hethought <> eel?”1889a:that, thusprovedmadman, he remark ’9’1 MS:-Perchance P1869:Perchance 1872:thing I thought 1889aeel”?’94-961 MS:And 3 inserted in margin Q Not an Q inserted above Q <> that same dainty Q last two words crossed out andreplaced above by Q illustrious 3 crossed out andreplaced, still above, by Q same pie/ < > bearable, P1869:And not <> / (Master Arcangeli has heard of )97-991 MS:regale the crossed out and such)/ 2869:bearable; 1889a:that rare pie Who pleases to mistake the donor’s replaced above by Q some C > / Who spies-I P1869:/ ‘011 MS:dust. Q note gift,/ And spies 1872:/Who, pleasingto <> / Spying I ‘02( MS:My judges Q lasttwo words crossed out Q that new 1begms Q Enough His lunes announced, and Q aossed out and replaced above by word and syllable for 40’1 MS:homo,downright the Q aossedout Q 1872:Such lunes announced 4041 MS:blow redoubles blow: ’tis to threat succeedsP1869:homo, threat succeeds blow: but in Q last seven words crossed out; then first two restored his wife the Q over

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But, if a block, shall not she jar the hand That buffets her? The injurious idle stone Rebounds and hitsthe head of him who flung. Causeless rage breeds, i’ the wife now, rageful cause, Tyranny wakes rebellion from its sleep. Rebellion, say I?-rather, self-defence, Laudable wish to live and see good days, Pricks our Pompilia now to fly the fool By any means, at any price,-nay, more, Nay, most of all, i’ the very interest 0’the fool that, baffled of his blind desire At any price, were truliest victor so. Shall heeffect his crime and lose his soul? No, dictates duty to a lovingwife! Far better that the unconsummate blow, Adroitly baulked by her, should back again, Correctively admonish his ownpate! Crime then,-the Court is with me?-she must crush: How crush it?By all efficacious means; And these,-why, what in woman should they be? “With horns the bull, withteeth the lion fights; To woman,” quoth the lyrist quoted late, “Nor teeth, nor horns, but beauty, Nature gave.”

illegible word Pl869:redoubles blow,-his wife, the 407) MS:and breaks fj crossed out and replaced above by 5 fits the <> flung: P1869:flung. 1872:and hits the 409) MS:Tyranny calls 5 crossed out and replaced above by brings Fj crossed out and replaced, still above, by wakes rebellion into life last two words crossed out fj< > sleep, 411) MS:Praiseworthy crossed outand replaced above by Q Laudable P1869:sleep. llZl MS:Impels 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 Pricks our Pompilia onto fly the f o e 1872:our Pompilia now to fly the fool 4131 MS:more,P1869:more, 4141 MS:in altered to 3 i’ the true 5 crossed out and replaced above byvery 4151 MS:Of the f o e that 1872:O’ the f o o l that 4161 MS:price, is truliest < > soP1869:so.1872:price, were truliest 4171 MS:Let him § last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 Shallhe ’181 MS:Who dictates such a duty to a wife? 1869:No, Pl869:What dictates duty to a loving wife? CP1869:No,-dictates <>wife. ”91 MS:blow CPZ869:blow, ’201 MS:baulked, I say, should dictates <> wife! 4211 MS:Correctively <>again P1869:again, CP1869:baulked by her, should rebound to 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by admonish 421-221 MS:§ marginalnotethat new 7 begins 4221 MS:me?-we must crush; 4251 MS:fights, 1889a:fights; 4261 MS:To P1869:me?-she must 1889a:crush: 4271 MS:nature gave!“ P1869:beauty, woman” quoth P1869:To woman,” quoth

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Pretty i' the Pagan! Who dares blame the use Of armoury thus allowedfor natural,Exclaim against a seeming-dubious play 0' the sole permitted weapon, spear and shield Alike, resorted to i' the circumstance By poor Pompilia? Grant she somewhat plied Arts that allure,the magic nod and wink, The witchery of gesture, spell of word, Whereby the likelier to enlist this friend, Yet stranger, as a champion onher side? Such man, being butmere man, ('twas all she knew), Must be made sureby beauty's silken bond, The weakness that subdues the strong, and bows Wisdom alike and folly. Grant the tale 0' the husband, whichis false, were provedand true To the letter-or the letters, 1 should say, Abominations he professed to find And fix upon Pompilia and the priest,Allow them hers-for though she could not write, In early days of Eve-like innocence That plucked no apple from the knowledge-tree, Yet, at the Serpent's word, Eve plucks and eats And knows-especially how to read and write: And so Pompilia,-as the move 0'the maw,

Nature 1889a:gave. 5 emended to 5 gave." 5 see Editorial Notes 5 '281 MS:the pagan! '291 MS:Of Whoshall 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 dares P1869:the Pagan the armoury he finds 5 replaced above by 5 owns but 5 last four words crossed out and "O1 MS:Exclaim replaced above by three words 5 thus allowed for 2889a:Of armoury 5 inserted in margin 5 Except against 5 last two words crossed out, agatnst restored, replaced above by 5 Cry out unfair 5 last three words aossed out5 a single 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 seeming-dubious '$71 MS:Nay, 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 That stranger 1869:Yet stranger 1889a:Yea 4181 MS:Such, 5 word stranger 5 emended to 5 Yet stranger 5 see Editorial Notes 5 and comma inserted in margin 5 Who 5 crossed out 5 being <> man, 'twas <> knew, 4421 MS:the Husband P1869:mere man, ('rwas <> knew), 1872:Such man, being < > false, were 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 for proved P1869:the husband "1' MS:letter.-or 2872:letter"or "'1 MS:The 1872:false, were proved "61 MS:Allow them 5 written over illegible abominations 1872:Aborninations MS:plucks < > knowledge-tree,P2869:plucked <> knowledge-tree, word 5 "91 MS:the serpent's P1869:the Serpent's '501 MS:write, Pl869:write: '511 MS:at the spur 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 move 0' the taste 5 crossed out 5 maw PI869:at <> maw CP2869:as < > maw,

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Quoth Persius, makes a parrot bid “Good day!” A crow salute the concave, and a pie Endeavour at proficiency in speech,So she, through hunger after fellowship, May well have learned, though late, to play the scribe: As indeed, there’s one letter on the list Explicitly declares did happen here. “You thought my letters could be none of mine,” She tells her parents-“mine, who wanted skill; But now I have the skill, andwrite, you see!” She needed write love-letters, so she learned, “Negatas artifex sequi voces”-though This letter nowise ’scapes the common lot, But lies i’ the condemnation of the rest, Found by the husband’s self who forged them all. Yet, for the sacredness of argument, For this oncea n exemption shall it pleadAnything, anything to let the wheels Of argument run glibly to their goal! Concede she wrote (which were preposterous) This andthe other epistle,-what of it? Where does the figment touch her candid fame? Being in peril of her life-“my life, Not an hour’s purchase,” as the letter runs,And having but onestay in this extreme, Out of the wide world but a singlefriendWhat could she other than resort to him,

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MSat the spur crossed out and replaced above by move 0’the taste Q crossed out maw PZ869:at <> maw CP1869:as < > maw, (521 MS:§ crowded between 451-53 Q Which crossed out and replaced in margin by Quoth Persius, found would Q last two words crossed out makes Qs apparently 4531 MS:§ added added in revision Q a parrot speaks Q crossed out Q 4541 MS:§ added in left margin in left margin and a inserted above line 8 Strives to attain last three words crossed out and replaced below by two words Endeavor 454-56 I MS:speech,-/ -MayPZ869:speech.--/MayCPZ869:speech,-/ at So she, through hunger after fellowship./ May 4581 MS:Declares explicitly to be the 4M)/ MS:skill, PZ869:skill; case. CP1869:Explicitly declares did happen here. 462[ MS:learnedPZ869:learned CPZ869:learned. 46’1 MS:voces”!-though 4651 MS:Lies in <> rest PZ869:But lies i’ <> rest, PZ869:voces”--though 4661 MS:forged the same Q last two words crossed out Q <> all,P1869:all. 47’1 MS:wrote . . which < > preposterous . . PZ869:wrote (which < > preposterous) 4731 MS:figment fleck her CPZ869:figment touch her 4771 MS:And out <> world a

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And how with any hoperesort but thus? Shall modesty dare bid a stranger brave Danger, disgrace, nay death in her behalfThink to entice thesternness of the steel Yet spare love's loadstone moving manly mind? "Most of all, when such mind is hampered so By growth of circumstance athwart the life 0' the natural man, that decency forbids He stoop andtake the common privilege, Say frank "I love," as all the vulgar do. A man is wedded to philosophy, Married to statesmanship; a man iso l d A man is fettered by the foolishness He took for wisdom and talked ten years since; A man is, like our friend the Canon here, A priest, and wicked if he break his vow: Shall he dare love, who may be Pope oneday? Despite the coil of such encumbrance here, Suppose this man could love, unhappily, And would love, dared he only let love show! In case the woman of his love, speaks first, From what embarrassment she sets him free! " 'Tis I whobreak reserve, begin appeal, Confess that, whether you love me or no, I love you!" What an ease to dignity, What help of pride from the hard high-backed chair Down to the carpet where the kittens bask,

2872:Out <> world but a 4791 MS:but so? 2869:but thus? 4801 MS:What 4831 MS:Save by this magnet moves modesty shall bidP1869:Shallmodesty dare bid the manly mindCP2869:mind? 2872:Yet spare love, loadstone moving manly 4841 MS:Most of all when 2869:"Most 1872:all. when 2889a:love's loadstone 4w1 MS:statesmanship,a < > old, P2869:statesmanship; a <> old; 4921 MSsince, 494) MS:vow, 1869:vow: 495-5011 MSAnd dare to P1869:since: 2869:since; love-he may <>day!/ Suppose this man could love, though, all the same-/ From what embarrassment you set him free/ Should you, a womanhe could love, speak first"/ " 'Tis CP1869:/ / <>embarrassment she sets him<> / Should one,a < > / '' 'Tis 1869:He dare to love, who may <> day? /// " 'Tis 2872:Shall he dare love <> / Despite the coilof such encumbrance here,/ Suppose <> love, unhappily,/ And would love, dared he only let love )02) MS:And show!/In case thewoman of his love, speaks first,/ <> free!/ " 'Tis 5 crossed out 5 confessed altered to 5 Confess- 5 dash crossed out and replaced above 5051 MS:kittens roll 5 crossed out 3 by 3 that, <> or not 5 altered to 5 no,

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All under the pretenceof gratitude!

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From all which, I deduce-the lady here Was bound to proffer nothing short of love To the priest whose service was to save her.What? Shall she propose him lucre, dust 0’the mine, Rubbish 0’the rock, some diamond, muckworms prize, Some pearl secreted by a sickly fish? Scarcely! She caters for a generous taste. ’Tis love shall beckon, beauty bid to breast, Till all the Samson sink into the snare! Because, permit the end-permit therewith Means to the end! How say you, good my lords? I hope you heard my adversary ring The changes on this precept: now, let me Reverse thepeal!Quiadatolicitofine, Ad illum assequendum ordinata Non sunt damnandamedia,-licit end Enough was found in mere escape from death, To legalize our means illicit else Of feigned love, false allurement, fancied fact. Thus Venus losing Cupid on a day, (See that IdylliumMoschi) seeking help, In the anxietyof motherhood, Allowably promised “Who shall bring report Where he is wandered to, my winged babe,

506( MS:under cover crossed out and replaced above by thepretense of mere crossed out 506-071 MS:§ new 7 indicated in margin 5071 MS:deduce the 5121 MS:Or pearl 1872:Some pearl 5’31 MS:taste: P1869:deduce“the 5161 MS:In fact crossed outand replacedabove by Because P1869:taste. 5l7-201 MS:end! Quta dufo licifofine, PI869:end! How say you, good my lords?/ I hope you heard my adversary ring/ The changes on this precept: now, let me/ Reverse 5231 MS:Enough was the escape fromdeath, the peal! Qu24 dnfolicitofine, I hope 1872:Enough in the 1889a:Enough was found in mere escape from death, 524( MS:Which legalized themeans P1869:To legalize 1889a:legalize our means 5251 MS:factPZ869:fact Z869:fact. 5271 MS:that Idyllium Moschi, masters mine!) help, 5281 MS:motherhd PI869:motherhd, CP1869:that Idyllium Moschi) seeking 5rJI MS:promised “Who shallinserted above linebringsaltered to bring

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I give him for reward a nectared kiss; But who brings safely back the truant’s self, His be a super-sweet makes kiss seem cold!” Are not these things writ for example-sake? 535

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T o such permitted motive, then, refer All those professions, else were hard explain, Of hope, fear, jealousy, and the rest of love! He is Myrtillus, Amaryllis she, She bums, he freezes,-all a mere device To catch and keep the man,may saveher life, Whom otherwise nor catches she nor keeps! Worst, once, turns best now: in all faith, shefeigns: Feigning,-the liker innocence to guilt, The truer to the life in what shefeigns! How if Ulysses,-when, for public good He sunk particular qualmsand played the spy, Entered Troy’s hostile gate in beggar’s garbHow i€he first had boggled at this clout, Grown dainty o’er that clack-dish? Grime is grace To whoso gropes amid the dung for gold. Hence, beyond promises, we praise each proof

5311 MS:Shall have 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words 5 I give 5321 MS:But him for recompense 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 reward 5 inserted in margin 5 Who brings safely back last two words inserted above line 5 <> self, 53s1 MS:An in safetyback- 5 last three words crossed out 5 P1869:But who 53’1 MS:To such 5 last two words ambrosial super-sweet P1869:His be a super-sweet 534-351 MS:§ marginalnotethat new 7 crossed out and replaced above by 8 Are not begm 5 5371 MS:jealousy and P1869:jealousy, and 5391 MS:bums, she 5401 MS:the 5 followed by word illegibly crossed out 5 man may CP1869:bums, he 5 inserted above line 5 saved 5 altered to 5 save1872:man. may 5’11 MS:Who 5 altered to 5 Whom 5421 MS:once,isbest now: for good ends, we feign: P1869:now: 5441 MS:life andthing she plays inall faith,she feigns: 1872:once. turns b e s t 5 crossed out 5 P1869:lifeis whatshe 1889a:life in what 5451 MS:What if 5’61 MS:sunk his private 5 last two words crossed out and replaced P1869:Howif MS:Entered Troy’s hostile inserted above line 5 above by 5 particular 54SI MS:What if he eyed daintily 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two 5491 MS:Grown squeamish Q crossed outand words 5 first had P1869:Howif 550-511 MS:§ marginalnotethat new begm 5 replaced above by 5 dainty 5511 MSAnd, more than 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words Q Hence, beyond <> we applaud when 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by 25

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That promise was not simply made to break, Mere moonshine-structure meant to fade at dawn: We praise, as consequent and requisite, What, enemies allege, were more than words, Deeds-meetings at the window, twilight-trysts, Nocturnal entertainments in the dim Old labyrinthinepalace; lies, we knowInventions we, long since, turned inside out. Must such external semblance of intrigue Demonstrate that intrigue there lurks perdue? Does every hazel-sheath disclose a nut? He were a Molinist who dared maintain That midnight meetings in a screened alcove Must argue folly in a matron-since So would he bring a slur on Judith’sself, Commended beyond women, that she lured The lustful to destruction through his lust. Pompilia took not Judith’sliberty, No faulchion find you in her hand to smite, No damsel to convey in dish the head Of Holophernes,-style the Canon soOr is it the Count? If I entangle me With my similitudes,-if wax wings melt, And earthward down I drop, not mine the fault:

two words 5 praise each 5521 MS:break,1872:break, 55’1 MS:No moon shine 5 crossed out and then restored 5 fabric 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 fabrication 5 crossed out and replaced above by 3 suucture <> at d a y 0 crossed out 5 P1869:moonshine5541 MS:So call-(Proofs consequent and structure 1872:Mere moonshine-suucture 5551 MS:What enemies requisite)1872:We praise, asconsequent and requisite, 5561 MS:meetings <> allege of-more 1872:What, enemies allege, were more twilight-tryst, P1869:meeting 1872:meetings <> twilight-trysts, 5581 MS:And <> palace,-liesP1869:Old <> palace; lies 5591 MS:we have 5 crossed out 5, long since, 5 word and comma inserted above line 5 MS:Does such P1869:Would s6l1 MS:inuigue must lurk 1872:intrigue there lurks such 1872:Must such 5621 MS:hazel-sheath contain 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 disclose 5651 MS:Shall§ crossed outand replaced above by 5 Must 5661 MS:% does 5671 MS:women that 1872:women, that he P1869:So would he 5’01 MS:smite,1872:smite, 5711 MS:convey the head in dish, 1872:convey in 5741 MS:similitudes,-and 5 crossed outand replaced above by 3 if dish the head 5751 MS:earth-ward down I drop, like Icarus 5 last five wax-wings P1869:wax wings words crossed out andreplaced above by four words and comma 3 Icarus comes a-tumbled Down, 5 last four words crossed out and the following three words restored 5 down I drop, not mine the fault,- 3 last four words, comma and dash inserted below line 5 P1869:fault:

26

Blame your beneficence, 0 Court, 0 sun, Whereof the beamy smile affects my flight! What matter, so Pampilia’s fame revive I’ the warmth thatproves the bane of Icarus? 580

585

590

595

Yea, we haveshown it lawful, necessary Pompilia leave her husband, seek the house 0’the parents: and because ’twixt home and home Lies a long road with many a danger rife, Lions by the way and serpents in the path, To rob and ravish,-much behoves she keep Each shadow of suspicion from fair fame, For her own sake much, but for his sake more, The ingrate husband’s. Evidence shall be, Plain witness to the world how white she walks I’ the mire she wanders through ere Rome she reach. And who so proper witness as a priest? Gainsay ye? Let me hear who dares gainsay! I hope we still can punish heretics! “Give me the man” I say with him of Gath, “That we may fight together!” None, I think: The priest is granted me. Then, if a priest, One juvenile and potent: else, mayhap, That dragon, our Saint George would slay, slays him. And should fair face accompany strong hand,

MS:beneficence, 0 Court, my crossed out sun, P1869:beneficence. 0 Court, 0 sun, 5771 MS:RightP1869:flight! 5781 MS:-What matter, since crossed out and replaced above by if Pompilia’s P1869:What matter, so Pompilia’s 579-801 MS:§ marginal note t h a t new n begins MS:Pompilia quit crossed out 5821 MS:Of P1869:O’ 5O81 MShusband! and replaced above by leave Evidence must speak, last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words shall be, 1872:husband Evidence 1889a:husband’s. Evidence 5891 MS:A crossed out and replaced in margin by Some witness 1889a:Plain witness 59O1 MS:ere Rome be crossed out and replaced above by 5 she reached 5 altered to 8 reach. 5911 MS:who that crossed out and replaced above by two words 8 so proper but Q crossed out and 5931 MS:§ crowded between 592-94 replaced by as a priest? How crossed out 5951 MS:to-gether P1869:together 5961 MS:me. new 9 indicated in margin 5971 MS:potent-else P1869:potent: else 5991 MS:And if crossed out < > accompany stout crossed out and replaced above by strong 5761

27

6oo

605

610

615

The more complete equipment: nothing mars Work, else praiseworthy, like a bodily flaw I’ the worker: as ’tis said Saint Paulhimself Deplored the check 0’the puny presence, still Cheating his fulminationof its flash, . Albeit the bolt therein went true to oak. Therefore the agent, asprescribed, she takes,Both juvenile and potent, handsome too,In all obedience: “good,” you grant again. Do you? I would you were the husband, lords! How prompt and facile might departure be! How boldly would Pompilia andthe priest March out of door, spreadflag at beat of drum, But that inapprehensive Guido grants Neither premiss nor yet conclusion here, And, purblind, dreads a bear in every bush! For his own quietude andcomfort, then, Means must be found for flight in masquerade At hour when all things sleep.-“Save jealousy!”

wlI MS:Work else lasttwo words written in margin Praiseworthy altered to praiseworthy work crossed out like P1869:Work,else praiseworthy, P1869:worker: like MS:the workman altered to worker-as as w51 MS:Deplored the check 0’the last three words inserted above w41 MS:fulminations of its crossed out and replaced above by 5 line their flash, P1869:fulmination of its flash, w5-81 MS:Albeit the crossed outand replaced above by each bolt therein inserted above < > true enough crossed out <> / marginal note that new 7 begins <> takes/ In PZ869:Albeit the bolt < > / 1 <> takes,- / A priest, juvenile, potent, handsome too,-/ In 1869:/ no 1 5 /// 1872://Both juvenile and potent < > / 2889:/ no q; emended to restore 7; see Editorial Notes /// MS:would ye 1872:you 6l01 MS:and easy crossed out and replaced above by facile would crossed out and replaced above by had departure be 5 altered to been! 611-1*1 MS:§ crowded between610-13 and divided by P1869:facile mightdeparture be! slash between Priest and Marched boldly had written over by would <> Priest/ Marched altered to March bag and baggage forth, last four words crossed out and priest MS:But replaced above by five words out of door, spread flagP1869:the crossed out and replaced had altered to that the crossed out inapprehensivehusband G15( MS:And, 5 word and comma added in marginPurblind below by Guido 6171 MS:found to altered to for fly !j altered to purblind, he crossed out 5 altered to flight in privacy 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words secret crossed out masked altered to masquerade 6181 MS:By night last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words At hour < > sleep.-“Save Jealousy!” Pl869:sleep.-

61JI

28

Right, Judges! Therefore shall the lady’s wit Supply the boon thwart nature baulks him of, And do him service with the potent drug (Helen’s nepenthe,as my lords opine) Which respites blessedly each fretted nerve 0’the much-enduring man:accordingly, There lies he, duly dosed and sound asleep, Relieved of woes or real or raved about. While soft she leaves his side, he shall notwake; Nor stop whosteals away to join her friend, Nor do him mischief should he catch that friend Intent on more than friendly office,-nay, Nor get himself raw head and bones laid bare In payment of his apparition!

620

625

630

Thus Would I defend the step,-were the thing true Which is a fable,-see my former speech,That Guido slept (who never slept a wink) Through treachery, an opiate from his wife,

635

~~

~~~

~~

~~~~

~

~

6211 MS:And added in margin Do his altered to him work “Save jealousy!” P1869:do < > drug 6221 MS:as the skilled uncertain; crossed out < > druglast two words crossed out and replaced above by two words my lords opine)6231 MS:Shall § added inmargin § Brings § crossed out and replaced P1869:opine) above by gives crossed out blessed altered to blessedly respite transposed to read respite blessedly to crossed out 0 each frittered nerve 1872:Which respites <>each fretted 624-251 MS:Accordingly, watch reading uncertain there lies he sound asleep,/ nerve And keeps the frightened man would harm himself 3 both lines crossed out andreplaced by 0’the much-enduring man: accordingly,/ There lies he, duly dosed and sound asleep, 626( MSof all crossed out woes, or real or last three words inserted above line <> about, or real, last two words crossed out P1869:about.1889a:woes or real 6271 MS:-While <> side; he <> wake P1869:While <>side, he <> wake; 6281 MS:Noradded inmargin And crossed outstop her asshe last three words crossed out and replaced by who steals away inserted above line to join the priest last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two words, dash and comma her 6-1 MS:do a altered to him 63’1 MS:Obtain a friend-, dash crossed out bloody last three words crossed out and replaced above by four words Nor get himself the 6321 MS:his interference 5 crossed crossed out raw head and broken crossed out out and replaced above by apparition! No crossed out; marginal note that new 7 begins 5 6y11 MS:That crossed out would altered to Would I justify 5 crossed outand replaced 635-3’1 MS:That Guido got anopiate from his wife, altered by defend thestep to That Guido slept (who never slept a wink)/ Through treachery, an opiate from P1869:I his wife, who not so much as knew what opiates mean. line added in margin

Who not so much as knew what opiates mean.

640

645

650

655

Now she may start: or hist,-a stoppage still! A journey is an enterprise of cost! As in campaigns, we fight but others pay, Suis expensis, nemo militat. ’Tis Guido’s self we guard from accident, Ensuring safety to Pompilia, versed Nowise in misadventures by the way, Hard riding and rough quarters, the rude fare, The unready host. What magic mitigates Each plague of travel to the unpractised wife? Money, sweetSirs! And were the fiction fact She helped herself thereto with liberal hand From out her husband’sstore,-what fitter use Was ever husband’s money destined to? With bag and baggage thus did Dido once Decamp,-for more authority, a queen!

So is she fairly on her route at last, Prepared for either fortune: nay and if The priest, now all a-glow with enterprise, Cool somewhat presently when fades the flush 0’the first adventure, clouded o’er belike By doubts, misgivings how the day may die,

<> wife,/ Who

6)7-’81 MS: 5 marginalnotethat new 9 begins 18890:s no 1 1889:s no 8: emended to restore 1:see Editorial Notes 638) MS:start: but 6391 MS:is a thing last two words crossed outand hist 1872:start: or hist replaced above by two words an enterprise which costs! which costs! 5 last two 64*411 MS:§ crowded between words crossed out 5 I872:Enterprise of cost! 639-42 P1869:pay, pay: 6411 MS:milital! Pl869:militat. 6461 MS:host,-whatPI869:host. What 6471 MS:Dur uncertain:partly erased 6481 MS:sweet sirs <> fact, CP1869:sweet Sirs 1889a:fact 65O1 MS:out a Each 5 written over by thehusband’s 1872:out her husbands 6521 MS:baggage thus 9 crossed out and then restored 5 did word inserted above line and 6531 MS:Decamp: 5 colon crossed out whywe have that illegibly crossed out queen’s authority last six words crossed out and replaced above by seven words and exclamation point so crossed out ,-for our crossed out more authority, a queen! 654) MS:§ marginal note that new 7 begins So is she last two words written over illegible PI869:last, 6561 MS:now ardent in the last three words words < > lastcrossed out and replaced above by four words 5 all a glow with P1869:a-glow

5

30

660

665

670

675

680

Though born with such auroral brilliance,-if The brow seem over-pensive and the lip ’Gin lag andlose the prattle lightsomelate,Vanquished by tedium of a prolonged jaunt In a close carriage o’er a joltingroad, With only one youngfemale substitute For seventeen other Canonsof ripe age Were wont to keep him company in church,Shall not Pompiliahaste to dissipate The silent cloud that, gathering,bodes her bale?Prop theirresoluteness may portend Suspension of the project,check the flight, Bring ruin onthem both? Use every means, Since means to the end are lawful! What i’ way the Of wile shouldhave allowance like akiss Sagely and sisterly administered, Sororia saltem oscula? We find Such was the remedy her wit applied T o each incipient scrupleof the priest, If we believe,-as, while my wit is mine I cannot,-what the driver testifies, Borsi, called Venerino, the mere tool Of Guido and hisfriend the Governor,-

6a1 MS:§ word illegibly written over by § Though <> brilliance-if Pl869:brilliance,6621 MS:the play was if MS:The brow followed by illegible erasure pleasant 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words prattle lightsome 66)) MS:Thoughtbut through lastthree words crossed out latePl869:late,and replaced above by 5 Induced by < > a lengthy crossed out and replaced above by 3 prolonged Pl869:Vanquished by MS:road P1869:road, 6651 MS:one companion to replace last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words 6661 MS:For added inmargin 5 The 5 crossed out youngfemalesubstitute 668) MS:haste by all her main 5 last four words crossed out and replaced above by two words might and last two words crossed out to dissipate last two words added in s91 MS:To dissipate 5 last two words crossed out the altered to 5 The margin silent 5 inserted above line5 <> that, gathering, 5 word and commainserted above line 6721 MS:both?-use 1872:both? Use 67’1 MS:Since <>bale,Pl869:bale?added in margin Those crossed out means to 5 inserted above line the Court allows her, 5 last three wordsand commacrossed out andreplaced above by three words and question mark end, are lawful?that 5 written over by What P1869:end are 1872:lawful! What 6751 MS:administeredP1869:administered. 6771 MS:the calm crossed out and 678) MS:§ added inmargin To word illegibly crossed replaced above by 9 remedy out 5 < > priest,Pl869:priest, 680) MS:I shall crossed outand replaced above by cannot,-half crossed outand replaced above by what M”821 MS:§ crowded

31

685

690

695

700

705

Avowal I proved wrung from out the wretch, After long rotting in imprisonment, As price of liberty and favour: long They tempted, he at last succumbed, and lo Counted them outfull tale each kiss and more, “The journey being one long embrace,” quoth he. Still, though we should believe the driver’s lie, Nor even admit as probableexcuse, Right reading of the riddle,-as I urged In my first argument, with fruit perhapsThat what the owl-likeeyes (at back of head!) 0’the driver, drowsed by driving night andday, of lips, Supposed a vulgar interchange This was but innocent jog of head ’gainst head, Cheek meeting jowlas apple may touch pear From branch and branch contiguous in the wind, When Autumnblusters and the orchard rocks:That rapid run andthe rough road were cause 0’the casual ambiguity, no harm I’ the world to eyes awake and penetrative. Say,-not to grasp a truth I can release And safely fight without, yet conquer stil1,Say, she kissed him, say, he kissed her again!

between 680-83incontinuous linewithslash between tool and Of 68s1 MS:The 6861 MS:succumbed,-and P1869:succumbed, and avowal 1872:Avowal 6871 MS:kiss required,1872:kiss and more, 6881 MS:§ crowded between 687-895 The journey was one <> embrace, quoth he: P1869:he. CPZ869:“The <> embrace,” 6901 M.S:excuseP1869:excuse, Ggll MS:riddle-what 1872:journey being one I P1869:riddle, as I CP1869:riddle,-as 6931 MS:That thus 5 crossed out.and 6951 MS:a followed by twoillegiblewords crossed out, the replaced above by what second perhaps more Q vulgar Q followed by two or more words, the first perhaps case; illegibly crossed out andreplaced above by three words and comma interchange of love, 6961 MS:was an 5 altered to Q but 6981 MS:On orchard-boughs 1872:of lips, 8 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by four words From branch and branch 6991 MS:§uowded between 698-700 rocks. 1872:rocks:700) MS:The rapid followed by word, perhaps march, illegibly crossed out and replaced below by run 7011 MS:ambiguity,-no P1869:arnbiguity, no Z872:That rapid ’O*1 1872:penetrative:1889a:penetrative. 70’1 MS:Yet, shall Q crossed out and replaced above by -not so 5 altered to 5 to < > c a n forego 1872:Say,-not <>can release MS:without and conquer still? Q altered to still,1872:without. yet conquer 7051 MS:him, and he kissed her again Q last three words transposed to agazn kissed her and then original reading restored Q ,- P1869:again! 1872:him. say, he

32

710

715

720

725

Such osculation was a potent means, A very efficacioushelp, no doubt: Such with a third part of her nectar did Venus imbue: why should Pompilia fling The poet’s declaration in his teeth?Pause to employ what-since it had success, And kept the priest her servant to the endWe must presume of energy enough, No whit superfluous, so permissible? The goal is gained: day, night and yet a day Have run their round a long anddevious road Is traversed,-many manners, various men Passed in review, what cities did they see, What hamlets mark, what profitable f o o d For after-meditation cull and store! Till Rome, that Rome whereof-this voice Would it might make our Molinists observe, That she is built upon a rock nor shall Their powers prevail against her!-Rome, I say, Is all but reached; one stage more and they stop Saved: pluck u p heart, ye pair, and forward, then! Ah, Nature-baffled she recurs, alas! Nature imperiously exacts her due,

~~

~~

~~~~~

~

MS:§ crowded between 705-8 as a continuous line with a division indicated between 7081 MS:This with 1872:Such with means and A means-/ A P1869:means,/ A 7091 MS:fling over illegible word 710( MS:teeth,P1869:teeth?7111 MSnvhat,-since DC,BrU:what-since 1889:what”since 7121 MS:end,7’fl MS:energy nowhit last two words crossed out DC,BrU:end1889:end7141 MS:No whit last two words added in margin above line Superfluous altered to superfluous, so permissible? Pass we on! last three words crossed out 71+-1s1 MS:§ 1889~:s no(I 1889:s no (I; emended to restore (I; marginal note that new (I begins see Editorial Notes 7l51 MS:and another fjuncertain; crossed outand replaced above 718/ 1872:in view, what DC,BrU:in review, what I889:in by two words yet a 7201 MS:store, P1869:store! 7211 MS:Till Rome-that review, what < > this voice,CP1869:Till Rome, that 1872:voice 72’1 MS:her,7251 MS:reached,-one P1869:reached. one Rome PI869:herl-Rome 7261 MS:Saved,-pluck u p heart, ye pair, last two words and punctuation 7271 MS:§ marginal note that inserted above line P1869:Saved: pluck Nature < > new 1begms fj Ah, nature C > alas!- P1869:alas! CP1869:Ah. 706-71

33

730

735

740

745

750

Spirit is willing butthe flesh is weak: Pompilia needs must acquiesce and swoon, Give hopes alike and fears a breathing-while. The innocentsleep soundly: sound she sleeps, So let her slumber, then, unguarded save By her own chastity, a triple mail, And his good hand whose stalwart arms have borne The sweet and senseless burthen like a babe From coach.to couch,-the serviceable strength! Nay, what andif he gazed rewardedly On the pale beauty prisoned in embrace, Stooped over, stole a balmy breath perhaps For more assurance sleep was not decease“Ut vidi,” “how I saw!” succeeded by “Ut gerii,” “how I sudden lost my brains!” -What harm ensued to her unconscious quite? For, curiosity-how natural! Importunateness-what a privilege In the ardent sex! And why curb ardour here? How can the priest but pity whom he saved? And pity is so near to love, and love So neighbourly to all unreasonableness! As to love’s object, whether love were sage Or foolish, could Pompilia know orcare, Being stillsound asleep, as I premised?

7 q MS:Pompilia’s spirit is 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 Spirit is willing, but C > weak, P1869:willing but 1872:weak 73’1 MS:Lay 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 Give <> breathing-while: 7321 MS:sleeps. 1872:sleeps. 7331 MSThere P1869:breathing-while. crossed outand replaced above by 5 So 7S41 MS:triplecharm 5 crossed out 5 mail, 7171 MS:servicable man! 1872:to coach,-the serviceable 1889:to couch,-the 7391 MS:prisoned by 5 strength! DC.BrU: to couch,-the crossed out and replacedabove by 5 in 7401 MS:breath perhaps 5 written over illegible 7431 MS:my wits, word and comma crossed outand replaced above by word word 7441 MS:inconscious and comma 5 head, 5 word andcomma crossed out 5 7471 MS:sex! And whence 5 alteredto 5 why the 5 crossed out 5 P1869:unconscious want 5 inserted above line 5 ardour P1869:why curbardour 7481 MS:saved,- 5 altered P1869:saved? 7491 MSis how near 1872:is U)near 75O( MS:How to 5 saved?neighbourlytounreasonableness-PI869:unreasonableness! 1872:So neighbourly to all 7511 MS:And for Pompilia 5 crossed out and replaced above by two unreasonableness! words 5 love’s object, whether he was 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two 7521 MS:care CP1869:care, 7531 MS:Being still 5 written over words 5 love were

34

755

760

165

770

775

Thus the philosopher absorbedby thought, Even Archimedes, busyo’er a book The while besiegers sacked his Syracuse, Was ignorant of the imminence0’the point 0’the sword till it surprised him: let it stab, And never knew himself was dead at all. So sleep thou on,secure whate’er betide! For thou, too, hast thy problem hard to solveHow so much beauty is compatible With so much innocence! Fit place, methinks, While in this task she rosily is lost, To treat of and repel objection here Which,-frivolous, I grant,-my mind misgives, May somehow still have flitted, gadfly-like, And teased the Court attimes-as if, all said And done, there seemed, the Court might nearly say, In a certain acceptation, somewhat more Of what may pass for insincerity, Falsehood, throughout the course Pompilia took, Than befits Christian. Pagansheld, we know, Man alwaysought to aim atgood and truth, Not always put one thing inthe same words: Non idem semper diceresed spectare Debemus. But the Pagan yoke was light;

illegibleword T5’1 MS:philosopher immersed crossed outand replaced above by 5 absorbed by written over in fj 75*-)61 MS:§ crowded between 754-57 in continuous line, divided between book and The Even Archimedes busy <> book,/ <> besiegers P1869:Even Archimedes, busy <> book/ sacked written over perhaps took 7581 MS:the followed by word illegibly crossed out swordtillitlasttwo words inserted 7601 MSbetide- P1869:betideI 7a1 MS:§ marginal note that new above line 1begm with Fit 7661 MS:frivolous, I know crossed outand replaced above by 5 grant,-but, why misgives Pl869:grant,-but, still misgives 1872:grant,-my mind 7671 MS:My mind,it inserted above line may still 5 crossed out misgives, 7681 MS:teazed < > said and done have1872:May somehowstill have 7691 MS:there still seemed, one might last two words crossed out 5 1889a:teased 1872:there seemed, the Courtmight 7711 MS:may nearly 8 insertedaboveline 5 7721 MS:took PZ869:took. 7751 MS:befits followed by illegible erasure 7741 MS:We always < > a t a Christian: Pagans P1869:befits Christian.Pagans crossed out goodendaltered to 5 and, 5 crossed out 1872:Man always 7771 MS:Debemur: but <> light: MS:always put inserted above

35

780

785

790

195

800

“Lie not at all,” the exacter precept bids: Each least lie breaks the law,-is sin, we hold. I humble me, but venture to submitWhat prevents sin, itself is sinless, sure: And sin, which hinders sin of deeper dye, Softens itself away by contrast so. Conceive me! Little sin, by none at all, Were properly condemned for great: but great, By greater, dwindles into small again. Now, what is greatest sin of womanhood? That which unwomans it, abolishes The nature of the woman,-impudence. Who contradicts mehere? Concede me, then, Whatever friendly fault may interpose To save the sex from self-abolishment Is three-parts on the way to virtue’s rank! And, what is taxed here as duplicity, Feint, wile and trick,-admitted for the nonce,What worse do one and all thaninterpose, Hold, asit were, a deprecating hand, Statuesquely, in the Medicean mode, Before some shame which modesty would veil? Who blames the gesture prettily perverse? Thus,-lest ye miss a point illusrrative,Admit the husband’s calumny-allow

P1869:Debemus.But <> light; 7791 MS:sin, ye say 5 crossed out 5 hold. 1872:sin, 7801 MS:to replyP1869:to submit78’1 MS:so: P1869:so. we hold. 788( MS:unwomans, and 5 comma and and crossed out and replaced above by two words it, which 5 crossed out 7891 MS:The 5 written over perhaps Her virtue 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 nature <> woman,-impudence 5 crossed out and replaced 7901 MS:here? by illegibly crossed out word above line; original restored S. Proceed a step 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by Concede 7911 MS:friendly faultwritten over illegible word 5 7921 MS:sex 5 followed by word illegibly marked out andreplaced above by 5 from self-abolishment, Pl869:seif-abolishment 79’1 MS:rank:P1869:rank! 79’1 MS:Now, what is taxed here 5 inserted above 5 as next word ends in iry but illegibly crossed out and altered to 5 duplicity. 1872:And, 7951 MS:Such uncertain; crossed outand replaced above by word and comma what 5 Feint, 7961 MS:What other 5 crossed outand replaced above by worse d o they 5 crossed out andreplaced above by word illegibly crossed out andreplaced by three 8011 MS:miss an 5 crossed out and words 5 one and all than thus 5 crossed out 5 8021 MS:Allow written over by 5 Admit the replaced above by two words a point P1869:the husband’s Husband’s calumny-put case 5 last two words crossed out

36

805

810

815

820

825

That the wife, having penned the epistle fraught With horrors, charge on charge of crime she heaped 0' the head of Pietro and Violante-(still Presumed her parents)-having despatched the same To their arch-enemy Paolo, through free choice And no sort of compulsion in the worldPut case she next discards simplicity . For craft, denies the voluntary act, Declares herselfa passive instrument I' the husband's hands; that, dupedby knavery, She traced the characters she could not write, And took on trust the unread sense which, read, And recognized wereto be spurned at once: Allow this calumny, I reiterate! Who is so dull as wonder at the pose Of our Pompilia in the circumstance? Who sees not that the too-ingenuous soul, Repugnant even at a duty done Which brought beneath too scrutinizing glare The misdemeanours,-buried in the dark,Of the authorsof her being, as believed,Stung to the quick at her impulsive deed, And willing to repair what harmi t worked,

8031 MS:§ illegibly crossed out word replaced above by three words and comma That the "1 MS:With written over illegible wife, having <> epistle which crossed out 8061 MS:parents)-and despatched the word <> crime, she 1872:crime she inserted above 5 thing 1872:parents)-having dispatched the same 1889a:despatched MS:Putcase last two words added in marginthat inserted above She,-taking thought, last two words crossed out P1869:that she discards 1872:case she next 8121 MS:the hands of Guido;duped by the dull brain last three words discards crossed outand replaced by knavery,P1869:knavery.1872:the husband'shands; 8131 MS:She added in marginTraced the inserted above line that, duped characters, followed by word illegibly crossed out she P1869:She traced the 8141 MS:the unread inserted above 8151 MS:Were 1872:characters she recognized followed by two words illegibly crossed out and replaced above by three words 8161 MS:calumny, for but to be < > once. 1872:And recognizedwere to <>once: truth I say: last four words and colon crossed out and replaced by two words, comma and P1869:reiterate! 817-181 MS:§ crowded between 816-19 in dash I reiterate,continuous line with break indicated between pose and Of the followed by two words 8211 MS:brought before crossed outand replaced above illegibly crossed out <> / by beneath too written over a < > glarewritten over illegible word 82y1 MS:being, she believed,-1872:being, as believed,82'1 MS:her own righteous 8*51 MS:§ crowded last two words crossed outand replaced above by impulsive 37

830

835

840

845

She-wise in this beyond what Nero proved, Who when folk urged the candid juvenile To sign the warrant, doom the guilty dead, “Would I had never learned to write,” quoth he! ”Pompilia rose above the Roman, cried “To read or write I never learned at all!” 0 splendidly mendacious! But time fleets: Let us not linger: hurry to the end, Since flight does end, and that disastrously. Beware ye blame desert for unsuccess, Disparage each expedient else to praise, Call failure folly! Man’s besteffort fails. After ten years’ resistance Troy succumbed: Could valour save a town, Troy still hadstood. Pompilia came off halting in no point Of courage, conduct, her long journey through: But nature sank exhausted at the close, And as I said, she swooned and slept all night. Morn breaks and brings the husband: we assist At the spectacle. Discovery succeeds. Ha, how is this? What moonstruck rage is here? Though we confess to partial frailty now,

between 824-26 5 8261 MS:what Nero proved 5 written over war 5 , 8271 MS:Who, in his youthful candour called one day 5 last seven words crossed out and replaced above by six words 5 when needs were the candid juvenile 1872:when folks urged 8Z81 MS:To 5 crossed outand replaced in margin by Should sign the 1889a:folk < > warrant, dooming 5 tng crossed out 1872:To sign 8301 MS:the Roman-cried a321 MS:mendacious! 5 marginal notethat new begins 5 P1869:the Roman, cried fleets,-P1869:fleets: 8’31 MS:I linger not but huny to the close 5 crossed out 5 CP1869:Let usnot linger: hurry 8341 MS:Since added in margin End 5 altered to end does our 5 crossed out 5 flight and all disastrously. 1872:Since Right does end and that, disastrously. DC,BrU: end, and that disastrously. 1889:end, and that disastrously. 8’51 MS:unsuccess- PI869:unsuccess. 8361 MS:Disparage the 5 crossed out and MSxesistance Troy replaced above by each expedients 5 altered to 5 expedient flatfell P1869:Rat: 1872:resistance Troy succumbed: MS:a c i t y crossed MS:Pompilia proved deficient out town, Troy 5 written over illegible word 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by three words 5 came off halting 8411 MS:conduct, the long <> through,- P1869:through: 1872:conduct. her long 8461 MS:moonstruck rage MS:And, as <> night: Pl869:night. 1889a:And as 5 written over illegible word 5 have we last two words crossed out and replaced above by 8471 MS:§ crowded between 84648 5 frailty two words and question mark 5 is here?

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To error in a womanand a wife, Is’t by the rough way she shallbe reclaimed? Who bursts upon her chambered privacy? What crowd profanes the chaste cubiculum? What outcriesand lewd laughter, scurril gibe And ribald jest to scare the ministrant Good angels that commerce with souls in sleep? Why, had the worst aowned Guido to his wish, Confirmed his most irrationalsurmise, Yet there be bounds to man’s emotion,checks To an immoderate astonishment. ’Tis decent horror, regulated wrath, Befit our dispensation: have we back The old Pagan license? Shall a Vulcan clap His net 0’the sudden and expose the pair To the unquenchable universal mirth? A feat, antiquity saw scandal in So clearly, that the nauseous tale thereofDemodocus his nugatory songHath ever been concluded modern stuff Impossible to the mouth of the grave Muse, So, foisted into that Eighth Odyssey By some impertinent pickthank. 0 thou fool, Count Guido Franceschini, what didst gain By publishing thy seaet to the world? Were all the precepts of the wise a wasteBred in thee not one touch of reverence?

here, PZ869:frailty now, 8‘81 MS:Whenweconfess 5 last three words crossed out 5 to 5 altered to 5 To <> in a woman and 5 last three words inserted above line 5 85’1 MS:profanes the 5 written over her 5 < > cubiculumP1869:cubiculum? 85’1 MS:the ministry 5 altered to 5 ministrant 85‘1 MS:O’ the 5 last two words crossed 8581 MS:astonishment,PZ869:astonishment. out 5 Cood 5 inserted above line 5 8591 MS:His 5 altered to 5 ‘Tis 8631 MS:the quenchless 5 altered to 5 unquenchable <> mirth?-a feat 5 last two words crossed out 5 PZ869:mirth? 8641 MS:A feat, 5 last two words and comma added in margin 5 Antiquity itself 5 crossed out 5 P1869:feat, 868( MS:grave muse 5 altered to 5 Muse P1869:grave Muse, antiquity 8691 MS:% foisted P1869:So, foisted 8701 MS:pickthank. Still, despite 5 last two 8711 MS:what were gained 1872:what words crossed out 5 <> f o o l CP1869:fool. 87*1 MS:thy shame thus to 1872:thy secrets to 1889a:secret didst gain 87’1 MS:wise a 5 written over m 5 waste?- 5 question mark crossed out 5

39

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Admit thy wife-admonish we the fool,Were falseness' self, whychronicle thy shame? Much rather should thy teeth bite out thy tongue, Dumb lip consort with desecrated brow, Silence become historiographer, And thou-thine own Cornelius Tacitus! But virtue, barred, still leaps the barrier, lords! "Still, moon-like, penetrates the encroaching mist And bursts, all broad and bare, on night,ye know! Surprised, then, in the garb of truth, perhaps, Pompilia, thus opposed,breaks obstacle, Springs to her feet, and stands Thalassian-pure, Confronts the foe,-nay, catches at hissword And tries to kill the intruder, he complains. Why, so she gave her lord his lesson back, Crowned him, this time, the virtuous woman's way, With an exact obedience; he brought sword, She drew the same, since swords are meant to 'draw. Tell not me 'tis sharp play with tools on edge! It was the husband chose the weapon here. Why did not he inaugurate the game With some gentility of apophthegm Still pregnanton the philosophic page,

8751 MS:"Why,saymy wife"-admonishes the sage, P1869:Why.saythy wife-admonish 8761 MS:"Were false, and I bid chronicle we the fool, 1869:fool.1872:Admit thy the first last two words crossed out my shame, last two words obviously added in revision P1869:and thou bid 1872:Were falseness' self, why chronicle thy shame? MS:should my teeth <> out my tongue, P1869:should thy teeth <> out thy tongue, 8781 MS:And added inmarginand crossed outDumb my crossed out < > brow,PI 869: brow, 8791 MS:Silencewereever lasttwo words crossed outand uncertain; 8801 MS:And I-mine own <> Taatus!" P1869:And replaced above by become 8-811 MS:§ marginal notethat new 1begins thou-thine own <> Taatus! 881( MS:lords, 1869:s no ll $j 1889:s no 1;emended to restore 7; see Editorial Notes 8821 MS:-Still, moon-like, last word and commas inserted above <> P1869:lords! encroaching cloud crossed out 88'1 MS:And, all its illegible word peeps through last five words crossed out and replaced above by six words bursts, all broad and 88'1 MS:§ crowded between 883-85 8891 MS:his bare, on PZ869:And bursts MS:this time written over own followed by illegible word, both crossed out true and crossed out the 5 inserted above line < > wayCP1869:way, 89'1 MS:weapons hereP1869:here. CP1869:weapon 8971 MS:Still over illegible word <> page? questionmark erased and replaced by ,- P1869:page,

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Some captivating cadence still a-lisp 0’the poet’s lyre? Such spells subdue the surge, Make tame the tempest, much more mitigate The passions of the mind, and probably Had moved Pompilia to a smiling blush. No, he must needs prefer the argument 0’the blow: and she obeyed, in duty bound, Returned him buffet ratiocinativeAy, in the reasoner’s own interest, For wife must follow whither husband leads, Vindicate honour as himself prescribes, Save him the very way himself bids save! No question but who jumps into a quag Should stretch forth hand andpray us “Pull me out By the hand!” such were the customary cry: But Guido pleased to bid “Leave hand alone! Join both feet, rather, jump uponmy head: I extricate myself by the rebound!” And dutifully as enjoined she jumpedDrew his own sword and menaced his own life, Anything to content a wilfulspouse. And so he was contented-one must do Justice to the expedient which succeeds, Strange asit seem: at flourish of the blade, The crowd drew back, stood breathless and abashed,

8981

MS:Some artful crossed out and replaced above by captivating MS:lyre? written over illegible word the surge written Such spells inserted above linesubdue 9001 MS:tempest-much P1869:tempest. much 9011 MS:mindover sea , P1869:mind, and 9021 MS:a rosy and most of all lastthree words crossed out 90’1 MS:No,-he must needs last two words inserted blush. CP1869:a smiling blush. above line preferred altered to prefer brute force, last two words and comma crossed 9041 MS:and she inserted above 9051 MS:Retumed the out P1869:No, he 9101 MS:question but written over that crossed out and replaced above by tj him who sinks crossed outand replaced above by jumps 9111 MS:Should added in margin stretches altered to stretch a crossed out handforth transposed to forth hand and pray one last two words inserted above line cries 1889a:pray us “Pull crossed out and replaced above by bids S crossed out “Pull 9121 MS:hand? altered to ! 9131 MS:to a y crossed outand replaced above by P1869:bid “Leave < > alone! 9l.1 MS:head,1872:head: bid, “Leave < > aloneg151 MS:myself by written over on the reboundcrossed outand replaced by !” 9171 MS:§ crowded between 916-18 9191 MS:§ marginal note that new 1begins

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Then murinured‘‘This should be no wanton wife, No conscience-stricken sinner, caught i’ the act, And patiently awaiting our first stone: But a poor hard-pressed all-bewildered thing, Has rushed so Ear, misguidedly perhaps, Meaning no more harm thana frightened sheep. She sought for aid; and if she mademistake I’ the man could aidmost, why-so mortals do: Even the blessed Magdalen mistook Far less forgiveably: consult the placeSupposing him to be the gardener, ‘Sir,’ said she, and so following.” Why more words? Forthwith the wife is pronounced innocent: What would the husbandmore than gain hiscause, And find that honour flash in the world’s eye, His apprehension was lest soil had smirched? S o , happily the adventure comes to close Whereon my fat opponent grounds hischarge Preposterous: at mid-day he groans “Howdark!” Listen to me, thou Archangelic swine! Where is the ambiguity to blame, The flaw to find in ourPompilia? Safe She stands, see! Does thy comment follow quick “Safe, inasmuch as at the end proposed;

MS:wifeP1869:wife. 92’1 MS:conxience-stricken creature, caught 1872:conscience-stricken sinner, caught 9261 MS:thing P1869:thing. 9271 MS:far-misguidedly perhapsP1869:far, misguidedly perhaps, MS:for 9J01 MS:could help best last two help crossed outand replaced above by aid words crossed out and replaced above by two words aid most, chose crossed out < > mortals do 5 written over are : 9321 MS:forgiveably altered to forgivably 9341 MS:and what crossed outand replaced by 3 so follows P1869:forgiveably erasure gJ71 MS:honour altered to following < > words? followed by illegible 9381 MS:Which added in margin white crossed outand replaced above by flash His crossed out <>soil besmirched altered to 5 had smirched? P1869:His 9’91 MS:§ marginal note that new begins MS:my great crossed out and 9411 MS:Preposterous-at PZ869:Preposterous: replaced above by fat 9421 MS:§ inserted between 941-43 me,thou over illegible erasure 8 at MSblame? P1869: blame, 9441 MS:find or Sinuncertain 5 , Venus-like she stands, last five words crossed out and replaced above by in our Pompilia?-Safe 9451 MS:Pompilia crossed out 5 shestands, there crossed PZ869:our Pompilia? Safe 9461 MS:“Safe-inasmuch < > proposed outand replaced above by see! P1869:She

92’1

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But thither she picked way by devious pathStands dirtied, no dubiety at all! I recognize success, yet, all the same, Importunately will suggestion promptBetter Pompilia gained the right to boast ‘No devious path, no doubtful patch was mine, I saved my head nor sacrificed my foot!’ Why, being in a peril,show mistrust Of the angels set to guard the innocent? Why rather hold by obvious vulgar help Of stratagem and subterfuge, excused Somewhat, but still no less a foil, a fault, Since low with high, andgood with bad is linked? Methinks I view some ancient bas-relief. There stands Hesione thrust out by Troy, Her father’s hand has chainedher to a crag, Her mother’s from the virgin plucked the vest, At a safe distance both distressful watch, While near and nearer comes the snorting orc. I look that, white and perfect to the end, She wait till Jove despatch some demigod; Not that,-impatient of celestial club Alcmena’s son should brandish atthe beast,She daub,disguise her dainty limbs with pitch, And so elude the purblind monster! Ay,

P1869:“Safe. inasmuch <> proposed; 9471 MS:But there 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 thither <> picked a path 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 way by devious 5 illegible erasure 3 9‘81 MS:Is 5 added in margin Dirtied, 5 comma apparently added in revision 5 beyond 3 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 without 5 crossed out 5 no 5 apparently added in revision 5 P1869:Stands dirtied wgl MS:I 5 written over we 3 9501 MS:Importunately the 5 crossed out and replaced above by 3 will suggestion prickP1869:pnck CPl869:prick.1869:pnck1889a:suggestion 95l1 MS:What, had Pompilia <>boastP1869:boast 1872:Better prompt9521 MS:patch were mine, P1869:patch was mine, 95’1 MS:foot?’ Pompilia 958) MS:Somewhat, butstill 5 last two words inserted above line 5 <> 1872:foot!’ faultP1869:fault. 9591 MS:high and CP1869:high, and 9601 MS:Methinks we 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 I < > bas-relief- P1869:bas-relief. 9621 MS:crag 5 over illegible erasure 5, 1’69 MS:from 3 followed by two words illegibly crossed out and replaced above by 3 the virgin <>vest and veil 5 last two words 9651 MS:and near comesCP1869:and nearer comes crossed out 5 ,- P1869:vest, 9701 MS:daubs 3 altered to 5 daub, disguises 5 altered to 5 disguise her pure 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 dainty 9711 MS:eludes 5 altered to 5 elude

43

The trick succeeds, but ’tis an ugly trick, Where needs have been no trick!”

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My answer? Faugh; Nimis incongrue!Too absurdly put! Sententiam ego teneo contrariam, Trick, I maintain, had no alternative. The heavens were bound with brass,- Jove far at feast (No feast like that thou didst not ask me to, Arcangeli,-I heard of thy regale!) With the unblamed Ethiop,-Hercules spun wool I’ the lap of Omphale, whileVirtue shriekedThe brute came paddling all thefaster. You Of Troy, whostood at distance, where’s the aid You offered in the extremity? Most and least, Gentle and simple, here the Governor, There the Archbishop, everywhere the friends, Shook heads and waited for a miracle, Or went their way, left Virtue to her fate. Just this one rough andready man leapt forth! “Was found, sole anti-Fabius (dare Isay) Who restored things, with no delay at all, Qui haud cunctando rem restituit!He, He only,Caponsacchi ’mid acrowd, Caught Virtue up, carried Pompilia off Through gapingimpotence of sympathy In ranged Arezzo: what you take for pitch,

MS:tis P1869:’tis 97’1 MS:answer? Faugh! 1872:answer? Faugh; MS:absurd 5 altered to 5 absurdly a speech 5 last two words crossed out g751 MScontrariamP1869:contrariam, 9761 MS:,I comma and word added in margin 5 Maintain, Q comma added in revision that crossed out trick transposed to beginning of lineand altered to 5 Trick P1869:I maintain 97*791 MS:§ crowded between 977-80 in continuous line withbreak indicated between to and Arcangeli 9811 MS:virtue 0 altered to Virtue 9821 MS:And crossed out the altered to The 98’1 MS:Of the earth last two wordscrossed out and replaced above by Troy 9851 MS:the Governor p1869:the Governor. gR61 MS:everywhere the mob 9901 MS:Was <> anti-Fabius,-dare I P1869:mob, CP1869:everywhere the friends, say,P1869:anti-Fabius (dare I say) CP1869:”Was MS:To restore things 99’1 MS:Qui, haudcunctando, with P1869:things, with 1872:Who restored things 9 31 MS:mid 1869:’mid rem 1872:Qui haud 1889a:cunctando r e m 9951 MS:Thro’ the gaping MS:Caught virtue altered to Virtue 9961 MS:ranged Arezzo: strains altered to what 1872:Through gaping 97‘1

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Is nothing worse, belike, than black and blue, Mere evanescent proof that hardy hands Did yeoman’s service, cared not where the gripe Was more than duly energetic: bruised, She smarts a little, but her bones are saved A fracture, and her skin will soon show sleek. How it disgusts when weakness, false-refined, Censures the honest rudeeffective strength,When sickly dreamers of the impossible Decry plain sturdiness which does the feat With eyes wide open! Did occasion serve, I could illustrate, if my lords allow; Quid vetat, what forbids I aptly ask With Horace, that I give my anger vent, While I let breathe, no less, and recreate, The gravity of my Judges, by a tale? A case in point-what though an apologue Graced by tradition?-possibly a fact: Tradition must precede all scripture, words Serve as our warrant ere our books can be: So, to tradition back we needs must go For any fact’s authority: and this

971 MS:nothing worse, $ word and comma added above line 3 MS:An loool MS:energetic-skin crossed out 5 bruised evanescent P1869:Mere evanescent 10011 MS:Might 5 crossed out and replaced above by 3 She P1869:energetic: bruised, smart altered to 3 smarts < > but the 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 her bones were $ altered to 3 are lW*l MS:A breaking crossed out and replacedabove by 3 fracture, and the 3 crossed out andreplaced above by 3 her skin would 3 crossed out and replaced above by 3 will soon grow3 crossed out and replaced above by 5 show 10031 MS:disgusts me crossed out 9 when the 3 crossed out and replaced above by word P1869:false-refined, loo41 MS:Blam 3 crossed and comma 3 weakness, false-refined out and replaced above by 3 Censures 1005) MS:Andsickly 3 over illegible erasure 3 P1869:Whensickly 1o061 MS:Decry the sturdiness which did 3 crossed out and ‘0071 MS:open! 5 marginal rrplaced below by 3 does CP1869:Decry plain sturdiness note that new 1begins Did Iw81 MS:illustrdte . . would crossed out 9 if 5 inserted above line 5 < > allow’? PZ869:illustrate. if < > allow; IO091 MS:forbids, I P1869:forbids I 1872:forbids. I 1889u:forbids I 10101 MS:With Flaccus, that 10111 MS:recreare 1872:recreate, lo1Zl MS:a a 1’1869:With Horace, that 3 crossed out tale1872:tale? 101‘1 MS:tradition,-possibly <> fact: P1869:fact? 1872:tradition?-possibly a fact: MS:Must be 5 last two words crossed out and l0lRl MS:For best 9 crossed out and replaced replaced above by two words 3 Serve as

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Hath lived so far (like jewel hid in muck) On page of that old lyingvanity Called “Sepher Toldoth Yeschu:” God be praised, I read no Hebrew,-take the thing ontrust: But I believe the writer meant no good (Blind ashe was to truth in some respects) To our pestiferous and schismatic . . . well, My lords’ conjecture be the touchstone, show The thingfor what it is! The authorlacks Discretion, and his zeal exceeds:but zea1,How rare in ourdegenerate day! Enough! Here is the story: fear not, I shallchop And change a little,else my Jew would press All too unmannerly before the Court. It happened once,-begins this foolish Jew, Pretending to write Christian history,That three, held greatest, best and worst of men, Peter and John andJudas, spent a d a y In toil and travel through the country-side On some sufficient business-I suspect, Suppression of some Molinism i’ the bud. Foot-sore and hungry, dropping withfatigue, They reached by nightfall a poor lonely grange, Hostel or inn: so, knocked and entered there.

above by two words any fact’s authority,-and this I cite last two words crossed out 10201 MS:O’ the page 1872:On page 10211 MS:Called PI869:authority: and “Sephir Toldos Jeschu”: God P1869:Called “Sephir Toldos Jeschu:” God CP1869:Called “Sepher Toldoth Yeschu:” God ‘0211 MS:§ line squeezed between lines loZ51 MS:schismatic . . 1023-25 Blind <> respects, P1869:(Blind <> respects) well, 1889a:schismatic . . . well, 10291 MS:How all crossed out losO1 MS:story; fear written over illegible word 9 not me. who last two words crossed out 1872:story: fear and replaced above by two words I shall PZ869:story.-fear l0s1l MS:little, spare 9 crossed out IOJ2-J’l MS:§marginal notethat new 7 begins 101‘1 MS:§ line squeezed between lines 1033-35 10s71 MS:thro’ CPI869:through loSRl MS:suspect PI869:suspect, 10391 MS:some heresy 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 Molinism in altered to i‘ the egg crossed out and replaced by bud: 10401 MS:§ line squeezed between lines 1039-41 Foot-sore, and PI869:bud. 10411 MS:They 9 inserted in margin 3 Andcrossed out 9 1869:Foot-sore and 10’21 MS:inn: they crossed out and replaced above by 5 so knocked 1869:so, knocked

46

Your pleasure, great ones?”-“Shelter, rest and food!” For shelter, there was one bare room above; For rest therein, three beds of bundled straw: For food, one wretched starveling fowl, no moreMeat for one mouth, butmockery for three. “You have my utmost.” How should supper serve? Peter broke silence: “To the spit withfowl! And while ’tis cooking, sleep!-since beds there be, And, so far, satisfaction of a want. Sleep we an hour,awake at supper-time, Then each of us narrate the dream he had, And he whose dream shall prove the happiest, point The clearliest out the dreamer as ordained Beyond his fellows to receive the fowl, Him let our shares be cheerful tribute to, His the entiremeal, may it do himgood!” Who could disputeso plain a consequence? So said, so done: each hurried to his straw, Slept his hour’s-sleep and dreamed his dream, and woke. “I,” commenced John, “dreamed that I gained the prize We all aspire to: the proud place was mine, Throughout the earth and to the end of time I was the Loved Disciple: mine the meal!” “But I,” proceeded Peter, “dreamed, a word Gave me the headship of our company, Made me the Vicar and Vice-gerent, gave The keys of heaven and hell into my hand, And o’er the earth, dominion: mine the meal!” “While I,” submitted in soft under-tone The Iscariot-sense of his unworthiness ‘I

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MS:ones?”-“Shelter, f o o d and rest!” CP1869:ones?”--“Shelte~,rest and food!” MS:above, P2869:above; lo’s1 MS:straw, P1869:straw: 10491 MSsilence. lo501 MS:sleep!- 5 punctuation added in revision 5 “To 1872:silence: “To lO5ll MSsatisfaction for 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 of 1055( MS:clearliest to 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 out 10581 MS:meal-mayP1869:meal,may 10621 MS:“I” commenced John ”dreamed P2869:“1,” commenced John, “dreamed MS:“But I” proceeded Peter “dreamed a P2869:“But I,” proceeded Peter, “dreamed, a MS:I was last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 Made me < > Viceregent, held 5 crossed out 5 P1869:and Vice-regent 1889a:and Vice-gerent 10691 MS:of Heaven and Hell 2872:of heaven and hell 107s1 MS:Turning his ’0‘31

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Turning each eye up to the inmost whiteWith longdrawn sigh, yet letting both lipssmack, “I have had just the pitifullest dream That ever proved man meanest of his mates, And born foot-washer and foot-wiper, nay Foot-kisser to each comrade of you all! I dreamed I dreamed; and in that mimic dream (Impalpable to dream as dream to fact) Methought I meanly chose to sleep no wink But wait until I heard my brethren snore; Then stole from couch, slipped noiseless o’er the planks, Slid downstairs, furtively approached the hearth, Found the fowl duly brown, both back and breast, Hissing in harmonywith the cricket’s chirp, Grilled to a point; said no grace but fell to, Nor finished till the skeleton lay bare. In penitence for which ignoble dream, Lo, I renounce my portion cheerfully! Fie on the flesh-be mine the ethereal gust, And yours the sublunary sustenance! See that whate’er be left ye give the poor!” Down the two scuttled, one on other’s heel, Stung by a fell surmise; and found, alack, A goodly savour, both the drumstick bones, And that which henceforth took the appropriate name 0’the Merry-thought, in memory of the fact

Q crossed out and replaced above by Q eacheyes Q altered to Q eye 107‘1 MS:YetQ word and dash crossed out andreplaced above by two words Q With long-drawn sigh-yet C > smackCPZ869:sigh. yet <> smack, ’0’61 MS:mates PZ869:mates, 10771 MS:The altered to Q And < > foot-washer Q fool written over illegible word 5 10821 MS:brethren breathe: Q last word written over word, perhaps snore Q Z889a:brethren 10831 MS:noiseless IO the door, Z889a:noiseless o’er the planks, snore; 1’J871 MS:point,-said PZ869:point: said 10881 MS:thebones Q crossed out and replaced above by skeleton lay picked and Q last two words crossed out Q logll MS:gust, 5 last word written over illegible word ’OgS1 MS:See, that <> left, ye 10941 MS:scuttled, onon PZ869:scuttled, oneon Z872:See t h a t < > left ye 1w51 MS:found, t o o late Q last two wordscrossed out Q loq61 MS:drumstick-bones, 10981 MS:merry-thought < > fact. PZ869: <> fact Z872:the Z872:drumstick bones,

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That to keep wide awake is man’s best dream. 1100

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So,-as was said once of Thucydides And his sole joke, “The lion, lo, hathlaughed!”Just so, the Governor and all that’s great I’ the city, never meant that Innocence Should quite starve while Authority sat at meat; They meant to fling a bone at banquet’s end: Wished well to our Pompilia-in their dreams, Nor bore the secular sword in vain-asleep. Just so the Archbishopand all good like him Went to bed meaning to pour oil andwine I’ the wounds of her, next day,-but long ere day, They had burnedthe one and drunkthe other, while Just so, again, contrariwise, the priest Sustained poor Nature in extremity By stuffing barley-bread into her mouth, Saving Pompilia (grant the parallel) By the plain homely and straightford way Taught himby common sense. Let others shriek “Oh what refined expedients did we dream Proved us the only fit to help the fair!”

Merry-thought 1w+11021 MS:§ marginalnote that new begins after line 10% is the crossed out and replaced above by our best <> / Just P1869:So,-as was said once of Thucydides/ And his sole joke, “The lion,lo, hath laughed!”-/ Just llosl MS:the 1889a:is man’s best 1889a:dream DC,Bru:dream. 1889:dream. last three words and dash crossed out and replaced above City < > that she should starve11’J4-51 MS:§ lines crowded between 1103-6 in by Innocence PZ869:the city continuous line with break indicated between meat and They Amid crossed out Should starve thus written over they so while <> meat illegible blot / <>end: P1869:meat./ <> end, 1872:Should quite starve while <> meat;/ <>end: 11071 MS:asleep: 1872:asleep. l1l0( MS:her, next day,- Q last two words, comma and dash inserted above line <> ere dawned the day last three words crossed out and replaced 11111 MS:other: while 1872:other, while above by word and comma day, 11121 MS:again, not otherwise last two words crossed out and replaced above by word and comma 5 contrariwise, 111’1 MS:poor nature 1869:poor Nature 111’1 MS:§ 11151 MS:Saving crowded between lines 1113-15 mouth. P1869:mouth, 5 written inmargin(Pompilia) both parentheses crossed out -if you last P1869:Saving Pompilia (grant MS:common-sense two words crossed out lll*l MS:“Oh, what CP1869:“Oh what 1872:common sense

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He cried“A carriage waits, jump in with me!” And now, this application pardoned,lords,This recreative pause and breathing-while,Back to beseemingness and gravity! For Law steps in: Guido appeals to Law, Demands she arbitrate,-does well for once. 0 Law, of thee how neatly was it said By that old Sophocles, thou hastthy seat I’ the very breast of Jove, no meanlier throned! Here is a piece of work now, hitherto Begun and carried on, concluded near, Without aneye-glance cast thy sceptre’s way; And, lo the stumbling anddiscomfiture! Well may you call them “lawless” means,men take To extricate themselves through mother-wit When tangled haply in thetoils of life! Guido would uy conclusions with hisfoe, Whoe’er the foe was and whate’er the offence; He would recover certain dowry-dues: Instead of asking Law to lend a hand, What potherof sword drawn and pistolcocked, What peddling with forged letters and paid spies, Politic circumvention!-all to end As it began-by loss of the fool’s head, First in a figure, presently in a fact.

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It is a lesson to mankind atlarge. How other were the end, would men be sage And bear confidingly each quarrel straight, 0 Law, to thy recipient mother-knees! How would the children light come and promptgo, This witha red-cheeked apple for reward, The other, peradventure red-cheeked too I’ the rear, by taste of birch for punishment. N o foolish brawling murderany more! Peace for the household, practise for the Fisc, And plenty for the exchequer of my lords! Too much to hope, in this world: in the next, Who knows?Since, why should sit the Twelve enthroned To judge the tribes, unless the tribes be judged? And ’tis impossible but offences come: So, all’s one lawsuit, all one longleet-day! Forgive me this digression-that I stand Entranced awhileat Law’s first beam,outbreak 0’the business, when the Count’s goodangel bade “Put up thy sword, born enemy to the ear, And let Law listen to thy difference!” And Law does listen and compose thestrife, ~

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Settle the suit, how wisely and how well! On our Pompilia,faultless to a fault, Law bends a brow maternally severe, Implies the worth of perfect chastity, By fancying the flaw she cannot find. Superfluous sifting snow, nor helps nor harms: ’Tis safe to censure levity in youth, Tax womanhood with indiscretion, sure! Since toys, permissible to-day, become Follies to-morrow: prattle shocks in church: And that curt skirt which lets a maiden skip, The matron changes for a trailing robe. Mothers may aim a blow with half-shut eyes Nodding above their spindles by the fire, And chance to hit some hidden fault, else safe. Just so, Law hazarded a punishmentIf applicable to the circumstance, Why, well! if not so apposite, well too. “Quit the gay range 0’the world,” I hear her cry, “Enter, in lieu, the penitential pound: Exchange the gauds of pomp for ashes, dust! Leave each mollitious haunt of luxury! The golden-garnished silken-couched alcove,

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11711 MS:B~ and replaced above by four words andcomma 5 worth of perfect chastity, fancying 5 ing added in revision 5 of 5 crossed out 5 the speck 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 flaw < > find, 5 comma crossed out and replaced by 5 . 1172( MS:-Superfluous P1869:Superfluous 117J( MS:Tis PI869:’Tis 117‘) MS:sureP1869:sure! 1177) MS:maiden leap, PI869:rnaiden skip, 11781 MS:robe:PZ869:robe. 11791 MS:Will 5 crossed out 5 mothers altered to 5 Mothers risk crossed out and replaced above by two words should risk thus much with P1869:Mothers may risk thus much with 1872:Mothers may aim a blow with 11811 MS:§ crowded between lines 1180-82 5 On the chance < > else missed 5 crossed out 118*( P1869:so, CP1869:so. law Law llR4( MS:well-if safe. 1872:And chance llR51 MS:gay range 0’the 5 last PI869:opposite CPI869:apposite 1872:well! if three words inserted above 5 world,” methinks 5 crossed out I hear the voice 5 last two words crossed out and replaced below line by same two words and dash 5 the voice11861 MS:Enter. inlieu, Q lasttwo words and commas inserted CP1869:hear her cry, 118’1 MS:dust:1872:dust! lls*l MS:Then old 5 last two words above line 5 crossed OUK and replaced above by three words 5 Leave the 5 crossed out 5 each < > luxur).,

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The many-columned terrace that so tempts Feminine soul put foot forth, extend ear T o fluttering joy of lover’s serenade,Leave these for cellular seclusion! mask And dance no more, but fast and pray! avauntBe burned, thy wicked townsman’s sonnet-book! Welcome, mild hymnal by . . . some better scribe! For the warm arms were wont enfold thy flesh, Let wire-shirt plough andwhipcord discipline!” If such an exhortation proved, perchance, Inapplicable, words bestowed in waste, What harm, since Law has store, can spend nor miss? And so, our paragon submits herself, Goes at command into the holy house, And, also at command,comes out again: For, could the effect of such obedience prove Too certain, too immediate? Being healed, Go blaze abroad the matter, blessed one! Art thou sound forthwith?Speedily vacate The step by pool-side, leave Bethesda free To patients plentifully posted round, Since the whole need not the physician! Brief,

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She may betake her to her parents’ place. Welcome her, father, with wide arms oncemore, Motion her, mother, to thy breast again! For why? Since Law relinquishes the charge, Grants to your dwelling-place aprison’s style, Rejoice you with Pompilia! golden days, Redeunt Saturnia regna. Six weeks slip, And she is domiciled in house and home As though she thence had never budged at all. And thither let the husband,-joyous, ay, But contrite also-quick betake himself, Proud that hisdove which lay among the pots Hath mued those dingy feathers,-moulted now, Shows silver bosom clothed with yellow gold! So shall he tempther to the perch she fled, Bid to domestic bliss the truant back. But let him not delay! Time fleets how fast, And opportunity, the irrevocable, Once flown will flout him! Is the furrow traced? If field with corn ye fail preoccupy, Darnel for wheat and thistle-beards for grain, Infelix lolium, carduus horridus, Will grow apace in combination prompt, Defraud the husbandman of his desire. Already-hist-what murmurs ’monish now The laggard?-doubtful, nay, fantastic bruit

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Of such an apparition, such return Znterdurn, to anticipate the spouse, Of Caponsacchi’s very self! ’Tis said, When nights are lone and company is rare, His visitations brighten winter up. If so they did-which nowise I believe(How can I?-proof abounding that the priest, Once fairly at his relegation-place, Never once left it) still, admit hestole A midnight march, would fain see friend again, Find matter for instruction in the past, Renew the old adventure in suchchat As cheers a fireside! He was lonely too, He, too, must need his recreative hour. Shall itamaze the philosophic mind If he, long wontthe empurpled cupto quaff, Have femininesociety at will, Being debarred abruptly from all drink Save at the spring whichAdam used for wine, Dreads harm to just the health he hopedto guard, And, trying abstinence, gains malady? Ask Tozzi, now physician to the Pope! “Little by little break”-(I hear he bids Master Arcangeli my antagonist, Who loves good cheer, and may indulge too much:

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So I explain the logic of the plea Wherewith he openedour proceedings 1ate)“Little by little break a habit, Don, Become necessity to feeble flesh!” And thus, nocturnal taste of intercourse (Which never happened,-but, suppose it did) May have been used to dishabituate By sip and sipthis drainer to thedregs 0’the draught of conversation,-heady stuff, Brewage which, broached, it took two days and nights T o properly discuss i’ the journey, Sirs! Such power has second-nature, men call use, That undelightfulobjects get to charm Instead of chafe: the daily colocynth Tickles the palateby repeated dose, Old sores scratch kindly, the ass makesa push, Although the mill-yoke-woundbe smarting yet, For mill-door bolted on a holiday: Nor must we marvel here if impulse urge T o talk the old storyover now and then, The hopes andfears, the stoppage and thehaste,Subjects of colloquy to surfeit once. “Here didyou bid me twine a rosy wreath!” “And there you paid my lips a compliment!” “Here you admiredthe tower could be so tall!”

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“And there you likened that of Lebanon To the nose of the beloved!” Trifles! still, “Forsan et h m olim,”-such trifles serve To make the minutes pass in winter-time. Husband, return then,I re-counsel thee! For, finally, of all glad circumstance Should make a prompt returnimperative, What in the world awaits thee, dost suppose? 0’the sudden, as good gifts are wont befall, What is the hap of our unconscious Count? That which lights bonfire and sets cask a-tilt, Dissolves the stubbom’st heart in jollity. 0 admirable, there is born a babe, A son, an heir, aFranceschini last And best 0’the stock! Pompilia, thine the palm! Repaying incredulity with faith, Ungenerous thrift of each marital debt With bounty in profuse expenditure, Pompilia scorns to have the old year end Without a present shall ring in the newBestows on her too-parsimonious lord An infant for the apple of his eye, Core of his heart, and crown completing life, True summumbonum of the earthly lot! “We,” saith ingeniously the sage, “are born Solely that others may be born of us.”

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So, father, take thy child, for thine that child, Oh nothingdoubt! In wedlock born, law holds Baseness impossible: since ‘Ifilius est Quem nuptitz demonstrant,”twits the text Whoever dares to doubt. Yet doubt he dares! 0 faith, where a r t thou flown from out the world? Already on what an age of doubt we fall! Instead of each disputing for the prize, The babe is bandied here from that to this. Whose the babe? “Cujum pecus?’ Guido’s lamb? “An Melibca’?’ Nay, but of the priest! “Non sed Kgonis!” Someone must be sire: And who shallsay, in such a puzzling strait, If there were not vouchsafed some miracle To the wife who had been harassed and abused More than enough by Guido’s family For non-production of the promised fruit Of marriage? Whatif Nature, I demand, Touched to the quick by taunts upon her sloth, Had roused herself, put forth recondite power, Bestowed this birth to vindicate her sway, Like the strange favour, Mar0 memorized As granted Aristaus when his hive Lay empty of the swarm? not onemore beeNot one more babe to Franceschini’s house!

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And lo, a new birth filled the air withjoy, Sprung from the bowels of the generous steer, A novel son and heir rejoiced the Count! Spontaneous generation,need I prove Were facile feat to Nature at a pinch? Let whoso doubts, steep horsehair certain weeks In water, there will be produced a snake; Spontaneous product of the horse, which horse Happens to be the representativeNow that I think on’t-of Arezzo’s self, The very city our conception blessed: Is not a prancinghorse the City-arms? What sane eye fails to see coincidence? Cur ego, boast thou, my Pompilia, then, Desperem fieri sineconjuge Mater-how well the Ovidian distich suits!Et parere intacto dummodo Casta viro? Such miracle was wrought! Note, further, as to mark the prodigy, The babe in question neither took the name Of Guido, from the sire presumptive, nor Giuseppe, from the sire potential, but Gaetano-last saint of our hierarchy, And newest namer for a thing so new!

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Therefore be peace again: exult,ye hills! Ye vales rejoicingly break forth in song! Zncipe, pame puer, begin, small boy, Risu cognoscere patrem,with a laugh To recognize thy parent! Nor do thou Boggle, oh parent, to return the grace! Nec anceps here, pater, puero Cognoscendo-one may well eke out the prayer! In vain! The perverse Guido doubts his eyes, Distrusts assurance, lets the devil drive. Because his house is swept and garnished now, He, having summonedseven like himself, Must hurry thither, knock and enter in, And make the last worse than the first, indeed! Is he content? We are. No further blame 0’the man and murder! They were stigmatized Befittingly: the Court heard long ago My mind 0’the matter, which,outpouring full, Has long since swept like surge, i’the simile Of Homer, overborne both dyke and dam, And whelmed alike clientand advocate: His fate is sealed, his life as good as gone, On him I am not tempted to waste word. Yet though my purpose holds,-which was and is

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And solely shall be to the very end, To draw the true effigies of a saint, Do justice to perfection in the sex,Yet let not some gross pamperer of the flesh And niggard in the spirit’s nourishment, Whose feeding hath offuscated his wit Rather than law,-he never had, to lose-’ Let not such advocate object to me I leave my proper function of attack! “What’s this to Bacchus?”-(in the classic phrase, Well used, for once) he hiccups probably. 0 Advocate 0’the Poor, thou born to make Their blessing void-beati pauperes! By painting saintship I depicture sin: Beside my pearl, I prove how black thy jet, And, through Pompilia’s virtue, Guido’s crime. Back to her, then,-with but one beauty more, End we our argument,-one crowning grace Pre-eminent ‘mid agony and death. For to the last Pompilia played her part, Used the right means to the permissible end, And, wily as an eel that stirs the mud Thick overhead, so baffling spearman’s thrust, She, while he stabbed her, simulated death, Delayed, for his sake, the catastrophe, Obtained herself a respite, four days’ grace, Whereby she told her story to the world,

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Enabled me to make the present speech, And, by a full confession, saved her soul. Yet hold, even here wouldmalice leer its last, Gurgle its choked remonstrance: snake, hiss free! Oh, that’s the objection? And to whom?-not her But me, forsooth-as, in the very act Of both confession and (what followed close) Subsequent talk, chatter and gossipry, Babble to sympathizing he and she Whoever chose besiege her dying bed,As this were found at variance with my tale, Falsified all I have adduced for truth, Admitted not one peccadillo here, Pretended to perfection, first and last, 0’the whole procedure-perfect in the end, Perfect i’ the means, perfect in everything, Leaving a lawyer nothing to excuse, Reason away and show his skill about! -A flight, impossible to Adamic flesh, Just to be fancied, scarcely to be wished,‘ And, anyhow, unpleadable in court! “How reconcile,” gasps Malice, “that with this?” Your “this,” friend, is extraneous to the law, Comes of men’s outside meddling, the unskilled

MS:make thisaltered to the 141e171 MS:§ marginalnotethat new 7 begins MS:here spent crossed out and replaced above by 5 would < > leers 5 altered to leer 1418( MS:Gurgles altered to Gurgle 1‘201 MS:forsooth,-that 5 crossed out and 14211 MS:Of not crossed out and replaced replaced above by word and commaas, above by both confession but crossed out and replaced above by and what <> close, 1’25( MS:That talk last two words P1869:and, what 1872:and (what <> close) crossed out and replaced above by two words As this was altered to were < > taleI had altered to 5 have adduced for 5 written over illegible P1869:tale, MS:all as 14271 MS:one part crossed out 142*1 MS:to a crossed word, perhaps 1431) MS:Leaving a written above word illegibly crossed out, possibly the out 1‘351 MS:And, certainly not 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by word and comma 5 anyhow, unpleaded 0 altered to unpleadable in a crossed out MS:reconcile” gasps Malice “this with that?” transposed to 5 that with this?” 1+36-J7) MS:§ marginal I889a:reconcile.” .gasps Malice, “that l4sRl MS:of mere 5 altered to men’s notethat new 7 begins

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Interposition of such fools as press Out of their province. Must I speak my mind? Far better had Pompilia died 0'the spot Than found a tongue to wag and shame the law, Shame most of all herself,-could friendship fail And advocacy lie less on the alert: But no,they shall protect her to the end! Do I credit the alleged narration? No! Lied our Pompilia then, to laud herself? Still, no! Clear u p what seems discrepancy? The means abound: art's long, thoughtime is short; So, keeping me in compass, all I urge Is-since, confession at the point of death, Nam in articulo mortis, with the Church Passes for statement honest and sincere, Nemo presumitur reus esse,-then, If sure that all affirmed would be believed, 'Twas charity, inher so circumstanced, To spend the last breath in one effort more For universal good of friend and foe: And,-by pretending utter innocence, Nay, freedom from each foible we forgive,Re-integrate-not solely her own fame,

1"3( MS:herself,-if 5 crossed out and replaced above by should friendship failed altered to fail, P2869:herself,-did friendship 1"41 MS:advocacylay 5 altered to 5 lie 1872:herself,-could friendship 2889n:fail 14'5( MS:Listen how these protect 2872:But no, they shall P1869:alert. 2872:alert: protect MS:Do I trust to 5 last two words crossed outand replaced above by 5 credit MS:Did she speak falsely last four words crossed outand replaced above by three words and comma 3 Lied our Pompilia, then P2869:our Pompilia 144Bl MS:no;-explain the 5 last two words crossed outand replaced above by then four words 5 clear up what seems1872:no! Clear 1'491 MS:abound,-art's long,but 8 crossed out and replaced above by 5 though <> short, 2872:abound art's <> short; MS:Nam next word illegibly crossed out MS:for truth, in simple charity last four words and punctuation crossed out andreplaced below by four words and 14561 MS:How fitting last two words crossed comma 5 statement honest and sincere, out and replaced above by two words and comma What charity, in one so P2869:'Twas 1'571 MS:spend her last 1872:spend the last charity 2872:in her so l1581 MS:For the 5 crossed out 5 < > foeP2869:foe, 2872:foe: 1'591 MS:And and replaced over illegible word, perhaps Now MS:not simply 5 crossed out

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But do the like kindoffice for the priest Whom telling the crude truth about mightvex, Haply expose to peril, abbreviate Indeed the longcareer of usefulness Presumably before him: while her lord, Whose fleeting life is forfeit to the law,What mercy to the culprit if, by just The gift of such a fullcertificate Of his immitigable guiltiness, She stifled in him the absurd conceit Of murder as it were a mere revenge ”Stopped confirmation of that jealousy Which, did she but acknowledge the first flaw, The faintest foible, had emboldened him To battle with the charge, baulk penitence, Bar preparation for impending fate! Whereas, persuade him that he slew a saint Who sinned not even where she may have sinned, You urge him all the brisklier to repent Of most and least and aught andeverything! Still, if this view of mine content you not,

above by 5 solely 11621 MS:like 5 over illegible word 5 lt6’1 MS:Whom the crude truth might treat less courteously: P1869:courteously, 2872:Whom telling the crude truth about might vex, MS:Indeed, expose to danger or cutshort 3 lastfour words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 peril, abbreviate 1872:Haply expose MS:The life and long 1872:Indeed the long MS:him,-while 14671 MS:Whose fleeting 5 added above line 5 life willsoon be 5 last P2869:him: while MSWhat kindness three words crossed outand replaced above by 5 is 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 mercy <> if thereby 5 altered to by CPf869:if, by 1468-701 MS:§ lines crowded in margin; marks indicate placement 1471) MS:him that 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 the 14721 MS:a just crossed outand replaced P1869:revenge! 1872:revenge MS:That 5 crossed above by 5 mere revengeout and replaced above by 5 Stopped confirmation 5 over illegible word, perhaps satzsjaction of the altered to that violence 5 crossed out P1869:--Stopped MS:Which, if 5 crossed out and replaced above by 3 had she 1872:Which, did she 14751 MS:foible, might embolden 1872:foible had emboldened 1’761 MS:with his judge, 5 written above illegibly crossed out word 5 baulk 1872:with the charge, baulk 1’771 MS:And fail 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 Bar prepare 5 altered to 5 preparation himself 5 crossed out for what 5 crossed out 5 < > fate. 1872:fate! 14781 MS:Whereas-persuade him he has slain a PZ869:Whereas. persuade 1872:him that 14791 MS:not in the little she did sin, 1872:noteven where she may have he slew a 14*01 MS:the louder 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 brisklier sinned, 14821 MS:Next,-if this view of mine, last two words and comma added above line 5

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Lords, nor excuse the genial falsehood here, We come to our Triarii, last resource: We fall back on the inexpugnable, Submitting,-she confessed before she talked! The sacrament obliterates the sin: What is not,-was not, therefore, in a sense. L e t Molinists distinguish, “Souls washed white But red once, still show pinkish to the eye!” We say, abolishment is nothingness, And nothingness hasneither head nor tail, End nor beginning! Better estimate Exorbitantly, thandisparage aught Of the efficacity of the act, I hope!

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Solvuntur tabula? May we laugh and go? Well,-not before (in filial gratitude To Law, who, mighty mother,waves adieu) We take on us to vindicate Law’s self! For,-yea, Sirs,-curb the start, curtail the stare!-

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content ye not, 1872:Still. if <> minecontent you not, 14831 MS:§ crowded between MS:§ word illegibly crossed out; replaced in margin by ‘Tis lines 1482-84 5 We come <>resource: MS:We §addedinmarginFall come <>resource, 1872: 14861 MS:Admit altered to fallback on 5 added above word illegibly crossed out 9 altered to Submit that crossed out and replaced below by word, comma and dash 14871 MS:This altered to 5 The Sacrament you,-she 1872:Submitting.-she altered to 5 sacrament obliterates all crossed out and replaced above by the MS:Who then, 3 last two words and comma crossed out 3 what 5 altered to What is not, clearly never was last three words crossed out and replaced above by six words, dash, comma and period 5 -was not, in a certain sense. 1872:was not, therefore, in a sense. 1’891 MS:distinguish, “Which is last two words crossed out and replaced above by two 14901 MS:Were words Souls grown white 1869:distinguish, “Souls washed white 14911 Mknothingness CP1869:nothingness, 1869:nothingness 1872:But red red 14921 1872:tail, MS:beginning;-else MS:tail a 1872:nothingness, doubt be cast 5 last five words crossed out and replaced above by three words better doubt 14g41 MS:§ crowded between crossed out estimate 1872:beginning! Better 14951 MSOn !jaltered to fjOf <> act, fjnext three words illegibly lines1493-95 9 crossed out and replaced above by two words and exclamation point I hope! 1495-961 MS:§ marginalnotethat new 9 begins 1889a:S no 1 5 1889:s no 7 ; emended to restore 7 ; see Editorial Notes 5 1‘971 MS:before; in P1869:before,-in 14981 MS:adieu,1869:adieu) 1491 MS:self1872:self! 1869:before (in lSo0l MS:For,-oh, crossed out and replaced above by word and comma Q yea, <>start, Sirs restrain 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 curtail Pl869:sirs CP1869:yea,

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Remains that we apologize for haste I’ the Law, our lady who here bristles up “Blame my procedure? Could the Court mistake? (Which were indeed amisery to think) Did not my sentence in the former stage 0’the business bear a title plain enough? Decretum”-I translate it wordfor word‘Decreed: the priest, for his complicity I’ the flight and deviation of the dame, As well as for unlawful intercourse, Is banished three years:’ crime and penalty, Declared alike. If he be taxed with guilt, How can you call Pompilia innocent? If both be innocent, have I been just?” “

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Gently, 0 mother, judge men-whose mistake Is in the mere misapprehensiveness! The Titulus a-top of your decree Was but to ticket there the kind of charge You in good time would arbitrateupon. Title is one thing,-arbitration’s self, Probatio, quite anotherpossibly. Subsistit, there holds good the oldresponse, Responsio tradita, we must not stick, Quod non sit attendenus Titulus, To the Title, sed Probatio, but the Proof,

l5011 MSapologise P2869:apologize 15021 MS:the Law, our last two words added above line fj lady of us all, last three words and comma crossed out who here 5 added 15031 MS:“Andmy procedure? Did I then 5 last two wordscrossed out and above line replaced above by two words the Court 2872:“Blame my procedure? Could the 15071 MS:Decretum”-I recite 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 translate l5llJ MS:years:’ p 5 crossed out 5 crime 1889a:years: crime emended to 5 years:’ see 15121 MS:guilt 2872:guilt, 15141 MS:If he be P2869:If they Editorial Notes be 2872:If both be 151+151 MS:§ no 7 CP1869:§ marginalnotethat new 1begins 15151 MS:men! Their 5 crossed out and replaced above by dash and word “whose 15161 MS:the p o o r misapprehensiveness. 2872:the mere 2872:men“whose 15171 MS:atop CP2869:a-top ’52 1 MS:Subsistit-there misapprehensiveness! <> response P2869:Subsistit, there CP1869:response. l5231 MS:not name 5 crossed out and replaced above by stick, 15251 MS:but the 5 crossed outand replaced above

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Resultans ex processu, the result 0’the Trial, andthe style of punishment, Et p m a @er sententiam imposita. All is tentative, till the sentence come: An indication of what menexpect, But nowise an assurance they shall find. Lords, what if we permissibly relax The tense bow, as the law-godPhebus bids, Relieve our gravity at labour’s close? I traverse Rome, feel thirsty, need a draught, Look for a wine-shop, find it by the bough Projecting as to say “Here wineis sold!” So much I know,-“sold:” but what sort of wine? Strong, weak, sweet, sour, home-madeor foreign drink? That much must I discover by myself. “Wine is sold,” quoth the bough, “butgood or bad, Find, and informus when you smack your lips!” Exactly so, Law hangsher title forth, To show she entertains you with such case ~~~

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About such crime. Come in! she pours, you quaff. You find the Priest good liquor in the main, But heady and provocative of brawls: Remand the residue to flask once more, Lay it low where it may deposit lees, I’ the cellar: thence produce it presently, Three years the brighter and the better! Thus,

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Law’s son, have I bestowed my filial help, And thus I end, tenax proposito; Point to point as I purposedhave I drawn Pompilia, and implied as terribly Guido: so, gazing, let the world crown LawAble once more, despite my impotence, And helped by the acumen of the Court, To eliminate, display, make triumph truth! What other prize than truth were worth the pains?

There’s my oration-much exceeds in length That famed panegyric of Isocrates,

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They say it took him fifteen years to pen. But all those ancients could say anything! He put in just what rushed into his head: While I shall have to prune andpare and print. This comes of being born in modem times With priests for auditory. Still, it pays.

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X THE POPE Like to Ahasuerus, that shrewd prince, I will begin,-as is, these seven years now, My daily wont,-and read a History (Written by one whose deft right handwas dust To the last digit, ages ere my birth) Of all my predecessors, Popes of Rome: For though mine ancientearly dropped the pen, Yet others picked it up andwrote it dry, Since of the making books there is no end. And so I have the Papacy complete From Peter first to Alexander last; Can question each andtake instruction so. Have I to dare?-I ask, how dared this Pope? To suffer?-Suchanone, how suffered he? Being about to judge, as now, I seek How judged once, well or ill,some other Pope; Study some signal judgment thatsubsists To blaze on, orelse blot, the page which seals The sum up of what gain or loss to God Came of His one moreVicar in the world. So, do I find example, rule of life; So, square andset in order the next page, Shall be stretched smooth o’er my own funeral cyst. Eight hundred years exact before the year I was made Pope, men made Formosus Pope,

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Say Sigebert and other chroniclers. Ere I confirm or quash the Trial here Of Guido Franceschini and his friends, Read,-How there was a ghastly Trial once Of a dead man by a live man, and both, Popes: Thus-in the antique penman’s very phrase. “Then Stephen, Pope and seventh of the name, Cried out, in synod as he sat in state, While choler quivered on his brow and beard, ‘Come into court, Formosus, thou lost wretch, That claimedst to be late Pope as even I!’ “And at the word the great door of the church Flew wide, and in they brought Formosus’ self, The body of him, dead, even as embalmed And buried duly in the Vatican Eight months before, exhumed thus for the nonce. They set it, that dead body of a Pope, Clothed in pontific vesture now again, Upright on Peter’s chair as if alive. “And Stephen, springing up, cried furiously ‘Bishop of Porto, wherefore didst presume To leave that see and take this Roman see,

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“Then one-(a Deacon who, observing forms, Was placed by Stephen to repel the charge, Be advocate and mouthpiece of the corpse)Spoke as he dared, set stammeringly forth . With white lips and dry tongue,-as but a youth, For frightful was the corpse-face to behold,How nowise lacked there precedent for this. “But when, for his last precedent of all, Emboldened by the Spirit, out he blurts ‘And, Holy Father, didst not thou thyself Vacate the lesser for the greater see, Half a year since change Arago for Rome?’ ‘-Ye have the sin’s defence now, Synod mine!’ Shrieks Stephen in a beastly froth of rage: ‘Judge now betwixt him dead and me alive! Hath he intruded, or do I pretend? Judge, judge!’-breaks wavelike one whole foam of wrath. “Whereupon they, being friends and followers, Said ‘Ay, thou art Christ’s Vicar, and not he! Away with what is frightful to behold! This act was uncanonic and a fault.’ “Then, swallowed up in rage, Stephen exclaimed ‘So, guilty! So, remains I punish guilt!

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He is unpoped, and all he did I damn: The Bishop, that ordained him, I degrade: Depose to laics those he raised to priests: What they have wroughtis mischief nor shall stand, It is confusion, let it vex no more! Since I revoke, annul andabrogate All his decrees in allkinds: they are void! In token whereof and warning to the world, Strip me yon miscreant of those robes usurped, And clothe him with vile sergebefitting such! Then hale the carrion to the market-place: Let the town-hangman chop from hisright hand Those same three fingers which he blessed withal; Next cut the head off once was uowned forsooth: And last go fling them, fingers, head and trunk, To Tiber that my Christian fish may sup!’ “Either because of IXBTC which meansFish And very aptly symbolizes Christ, Or else because the Pope is Fisherman, And seals with Fisher’s-signet. “Anyway, So said, so done: himself, to see it done, Followed the corpse they trailed from street to street Till into Tiber wavetheythrewthe thing. The people, crowded on the banks to see,

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Were loud ormute, weptor laughed, cursed or jeered, According as thedeed addressed their sense; A scandal verily: and out spake Jew a ‘Wot ye your Christ hadvexed our Herod thus?’ “Now when, Formosus being dead a year, His judge Pope Stephentasted death in turn, Made captive by the mob and strangled straight, Romanus, his successor for a month, Did make protest Formosuswas with G o d , Holy, just, truein thought andword and deed. Next Theodore, who reigned but twenty days, Therein convoked a synod, whose decree Did reinstate, repope thelate unpoped, And do away with Stephen as accursed. So that when presently certain fisher-folk (As if the queasy river could not hold Its swallowed Jonas, but discharged the meal) Produced the timely product of their nets, The mutilated man,Formosus,-saved From putrefaction by the embalmer’sspice, Or, as some said, by sanctity of flesh,‘Why, lay the body again,’ bade Theodore, ‘Among hispredecessors, in the church And burial-place of Peter!’ which was done. ‘And,’ addeth Luitprand, ‘many of repute, Pious and stillalive, avouch to me That, as they bore the body up the aisle,

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The saints in imaged row bowed each his head For welcome to a brother-saint come back.’ As for Romanus andthis Theodore, These two Popes, through the brief reign granted each, Could but initiate what John came to close And give the final stamp to: he it was Ninth of the name, (I follow the best guides) Who,-in full synod at Ravenna held With Bishops seventy-four, and present too Eude King of France with his Archbishopry,Did condemn Stephen, anathematize The disinterment, and make all blots blank, ‘For,’ argueth here Auxilius in a place De Ordinationibus, ‘precedents Had been, no lack, before Formosus long, Of Bishops so transferred from see to see,Marinus, for example:’ read the tract. “But, after John, came Sergius, reaffirmed . The right of Stephen, cursed Formosus, nay Cast out, some say, his corpse a second time. And here,-because the matter went to ground, Fretted by new griefs, other cares of the age,Here is the last pronouncing of the Church, Her sentence that subsists unto this day.

1241 MS:The imaged saintsin row P1869:The saintsin imaged row lZ51 MS:In l271 MS:two Popes through P1869:two Popes, welcome P1869:For welcome through lZ81 MS:what had close by last three words crossed out 5 MS:was, lS0l MS:§ inserted between 129-31 name, I followP1869:name. (I 1872:was follow the best guides) 1511 MS:Who. in <> Ravenna sat P1869:Who,-in <> Ravenna held ls21 MS:seventy four PI869:seventy-four MS:Eudes <> Archbishopry, P1869:Eude < > Archbishopry,MS:blank. 1889a:blank, ls61 MS:argueth here 5 inserted above 5 1371 MS:De ordinattonibus Pap=,‘precedents P1869:De Ordinattonibus, ’precedents 1381 MS:long § over illegible 19’ MS:Of Bishops thus transferred P1869:Of Bishops so transferred word , 1411 MS:But after John came P1869:But, after John, came MS:here, because <> ground P1869:here,-because ground, 1451 MS:Fretted 5 over illegible word 5 of 3 crossed out and replaced above byby < > other cares over illegible erasure < > age, 1461 MS:the Church P1869:the Church, 1171 MS:And sentence P1869:age,76

Yet constantly opinion hath prevailed I’ the Church, Formosus was a holy man.” 150

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Which of the judgments was infallible? Which of my predecessors spoke for God? And what availed Formosus that this cursed, That blessed, and then this other cursed again? “Fear ye not those whose power can kill the body And not the soul,” saith Christ, “but rather those Can cast both soul and body into hell!” John judged thus in Eight Hundred Ninety Eight, Exact eight hundredyears ago to-day When, sitting in his stead, Vice-gerent here, I must give judgment on my own behoof. So worked the predecessor: now, my turn! In God’s name! Once more on this earth of God’s, While twilight lasts and time wherein to work, I take His staff with my uncertain hand, And stay my six and fourscore years, my due Labour and sorrow, on His judgment-seat, And forthwith think, speak, act, in place of HimThe Pope for Christ. Once more appeal is made From man’s assize to mine: I sitand see Another poor weak trembling human wretch Pushed by his fellows, who pretend the right, Up to the gulf which, where I gaze, begins

PZ869:Her sentence 1491 MS:In PZ869:I’ 150-511 MS:of my predecessors spoke the truth last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words for G o d ? / “Fear P2869:of the judgments was infallible? / Which of my predecessors spoke for God?/ And what availed Formosus that this cursed, / That blessed, and then this other cursed again? / “Fear IS5I MS:soul.”-saith Christ-§ last two words and dashes inserted above 8 “but PZ869:soul.” saith Christ, “but MS:Exact in margin 5 Eight <> to-day. 1591 MS:stead, and both for Christ 5 replaced above by God P2869:eighr < > to-day last five words crossed outand replaced above by Vice-gerent here, ’621 MS:of His 1641 MS:take his <> hand 2869:take His <> hand, altered to God’s, 166( MSon his PZ869:on His 1651 MS:myfive and P2869:my six and MS:where I shall be led § last four words 167) MS:of him PZ869:of Him1’2)

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From this world to the next,-gives way and way, Just on the edge over the awful dark: With nothing to arrest him but my feet. He catches at me with convulsive face, Cries “Leave to live the natural minute more!” While hollowly the avengers echo “Leave? None! So has he exceeded man’s due share In man’s fit license, wrung by Adam’s fall, To sin andyet not surely die,-that we, All of us sinful, all with need of grace, Ail chary of our life,-the minute more Or minute less of grace which saves a soul,Bound to make common cause with who craves time, -We yet protest against the exorbitance Of sin in this one sinner, and demand That hispoor sole remaining piece of time Be plucked from out his clutch: put him to death! Punish him now! As for the weal or woe Hereafter, God grant mercy! Man be just, Nor let the felon boast he went scot-free!” And I am bound, the solitary judge, To weigh the worth, decide upon the plea, And either hold a handout, orwithdraw A foot and let the wretch drift to the fall. Ay, and while thus Idally, dare perchance Put fancies for a comfort ’twixt this calm

crossed out 5 17‘1 MS:dark P1869:dark: 1751 MS:feetPZ869:feet. 17q MS:Catches <>with his convulsiveP1869:Hecatches <>with convulsive la0l MS:licence wrung <> fallPI869:licence, wrung < > fall, la*[ MS:us guilty 5 aossed out and replaced above by 5 sinful and with P1869:sinful, L8J-851 MS:of that grace the <> more, / Bound therefore 5 aossed allwith out 5 P1869:of our life,-the <>more / Or minute less of grace which saves a 1871 MS:Of this <>demand his sole PZ869:Of sinin this soul,--/ Bound <> demand IR81 MS:Remaining < > time to purchase heavenPZ869:That his 189) MS:clutch: punishhim now! PZ869:clutch: put poor sole remaining <> time 1901 MS:Put him to death! As PI869:Punish himnow! As him to death! 19’1 MS:mercy! Man was just, PZ869:mercy! Man be just, 1921 MS:scot-free. 19’1 MS:the sole tribunal here, PZ869:the solitary judge, P1869:scot-free!” 19‘1 MS:weigh its worth <> upon such plea, PZ869:weigh the worth <> upon the plea, 1951 MS:out o r P1869:out, or 1971 MS:while even 5 crossed out 5 lg81 MS:fancies like a <> twixt myface PI869:fancm for a <> ‘twixt this calm

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And yonder passion that I have to bear,As if reprieve were possible for both Prisoner and Pope,-how easy were reprieve! A touch 0’the hand-bell here, a hasty word To those who wait, and wonder they wait long, I’ the passage there, and I should gain the life!Yea, though I Batter me with fancy thus, I know it is but nature’scraven-trick. The case is over, judgment at an end, And all thingsdone now and irrevocable: A mere dead man is Francheschini here, Even as Formosus centuries ago. I have worn through thissombre wintry day, With winter in my soul beyond the world’s, Over these dismalest of documents Which drew night down on me ere eve befel1,Pleadings and counter-pleadings, figure of fact Beside fact’s self, thesesummaries to-wit,How certain three were slain by certain five: I read here why it was, and how it went, And how the chief 0’the five preferred excuse, And how law rather chose defence should lie,What argument heurged by wary word When free to play off wile, start subterfuge, And what the unguarded groantold, torture’s feat When law grew brutal, outbroke, overbore

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MS:And yon pale crossed out and replaced above by 3 black passion that it hates to bear, P1869:And yonder passion that I have to bear,2w2021 MS:How still reprieve is possible for both,-/ A < > of Pl869:As if reprieve were possible for both/ Prisoner and 2MI MS:In <> I have gained over Pope,-how easy were reprieve! / A <> 0’ illegible word, possibly found the life! P1869:I shall gain CP1869:I’ <> I should gain 2051 MS:thus P1869:thus, 2061 MS:craven-trickthe life!2071 MS:judgment absolute, word crossed out and replaced above P1869:craven-trick. m81 MS:things ended crossed outand replaced above by by three words atan end, 2091 MS:here P1869:here, two words done now and irrevocable, P1869:irrevocable: 2121 MS:A winter P1869:With winter 2141 MS:draw <>eve be come,Z151 MS:counterpleadings P1869:counter-pleadings P1869:drew < > eve befell,2171 MS:five, P1869:five: 218( MS:was and < > went P1869:was, and < > went, 2191 MS:of P1869:o’ 221( MS:Such argument P1869:What argument 22’1 MS:And here the < > groan was torture’s P1869:And what the <> groan told, l-1

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And glutted hunger on the truth, at last,No matter for the. fleshand bloodbetween. All’s a clear rede and nomore riddle now. Truth, nowhere, lies yet everywherein theseNot absolutely in a portion, yet Evolvible from the whole: evolved at last Painfully, held tenaciously by me. Therefore there is not any doubt to clear When I shall write thebrief word presently And chink the hand-bell, which I pause to do. Irresolute? Not I, more than themound With the pine-trees on it yonder! Some surmise, Perchance, that since man’s wit is fallible, Mine may fail here? Suppose itso,-what then? Say,-Guido, I count guilty, there’s no babe So guiltless, for Imisconceive the man! What’s in the chance shouldmove me from my mind? If, as I walk in a rough country-side, Peasants of mine cry “Thou arthe can help, Lord of the land and countedwise to boot: Look at ourbrother, strangling inhis foam, He fell so where we find him,-prove thy worth!” I may presume, pronounce, “A frenzy-fit, A falling-sickness or a fever-stroke! Breathe a vein, copiously let blood at once!”

torture’s n5-271 MS:truth, blood and all,- / There’s a <>nowPZ869:uuth, at last,- / No matter for the flesh and blood between. / All’s a < > now. 228( MS:nowhere, and 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 lies <> these PI869:nowhere <> theseMS:a part, no less P1869:a portion, yet *’O-J2( MS:Evolvable <> whole: so held by me. / Therefore Pl869:Evolvible <> who1e:evoived at last/ 21‘1 MS:handbell P1869:hand-bell Painfully, held tenaciously by me. / Therefore 2’51 MS:Irresolute? Not I more the P1869:Irresolute? Not I, more than the 216( MS:yonder. Some P1869:yonder! Some 2”( MS:Since the best wit of man is fallible, mine P1869:Perchance, that since man’s wit is fallible, 2’81 MS:Also may <>here? Why, suppose it so,- P1869:Minemay <>here? 2’91 MS:Guido I doom as guilty P1869:Say,-Guido, Suppose it so,-what then? I count guilty 2‘01 MS:Guiltless, so much I < > man: P1869:So guiltless, for I <> man! 2411 MS:Well, whatisthere should P1869:What’s in thechance 2‘21 MS:If as <> countryside P1869:If. as C > country-side, should 2’11 P1869:ay, “Thou CP1869:ay ‘Thou 2‘4) MS:to-boot, P1869:to boot: MS:I might presume and say “A P1869:I may presume, pronounce, “A 2481 MS:fever-strokeP1869:fever-stroke! 2‘91 MS:once! P1869:once!”

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So perishes the patient, and anon I hear my peasants-“All was error, lord! Our story, thy prescription: for there crawled In due time from our hapless brother’s breast The serpent which had stung him:bleeding slew Whom a prompt cordial had restored to health.” What other should Isay than “God so willed: Mankind is ignorant, a manam I: Call ignorance my sorrow, not my sin!” So and not otherwise, in after-time, If some acuter wit, fresh probing, sound This multifarious mass of words and deeds Deeper, and reach through guilt to innocence, I shall face Guido’s ghost norblench a jot. “God who set me to judge thee, meted out So much of judging faculty, no more: Ask Him if I was slack in use thereof!” I hold aheavier fault imputable Inasmuch as I changed a chaplain once, For no cause,-no, if I must bare my heart,Save that he snumed somewhat saying mass. For I am ware it is the seed of act, God holds appraising in His hollow palm, Not act grown great thence on the world below, Leafage and branchage, vulgar eyes admire. Therefore I standon my integrity, Nor fear at all: and if I hesitate,

2511 MS:Reproach my P1869:I hear my S21 MS:presuiption, for 25’1 MS:brother’s heart P1869:brother’s breast P1869:presaiption: for 2541 MShim,-bleeding P1869:him: bleeding 2551 MS:When a <>restored 256( MS:willedthesick.” P1869:Whom a C > restored to health.” 257) MS:Man is anignorant,none otherI, P1869:Mankind P1869:willed: 258( MS:sorrow andnot sin!” P1869:sorrow is ignorant,a manam I: not my sinl” 1889a:sorrow, not 259) MSothenvisein aftertime 2Mll MS:fresh probeshallsound P1869:fresh P1869.0therwise. in after-time, 2621 MS:Deeper and P1869:Deeper. and 261) MS:I would tell probing, sound P1869:I shall face Guido’s ghost nor <> jot. Guido’s ghost, nor <>jot, 2661 MSAsk him P1869:Ask Him 2671 MS:I thinka heaver P1869:I hold a 269) MS:my breast,P1869:my heart,27’1 MS:seeds of act heavier 2721 MS:in his P1869:in His 27’1 MS:below P1869:below, P1869:seed of act, Z7‘) MS:branchage vulgar P1869:branchage. vulgar z76) MS:Fear not at <> 81

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It is because I need to breathe awhile, Rest, as the human right allows, review Intent the little seeds of act, my tree,The thought, which, clothed in deed, I give the world At chink of bell and pushof arrased door.

0 pale departure, dimdisgrace of day! Winter’s in wane, his vengeful worst art thou, To dash the boldness of advancing March! Thy chillpersistent rain has purged our streets Of gossipry; pert tongue and idleear By this, consort ’neatharchway, portico. But wheresoe’er Rome gathers in the grey, Two names now snap andflash from mouth to mouth(Sparks, flint and steel strike) Guido andthe Pope. By this same hour to-morrow eve-aha, How do they call him?-the sagacious Swede Who finds by figures how the chances prove, Why one comes rather than another thing, As, say, such dots turnu p by throw of dice, Or, if we dip inVirgil here and there And prick for such a verse, when such shall point. Take this Swede, tell him, hidingname and rank, Two men are in our city this dull eve; One doomed to death,-but hundreds in suchplight Slip aside, clean escape by leave of law

hesitate P1869:Nor fear at<>hesitate, 2791 MS:The little seedoffact 5 altered to act the spreading tree, P1869:Intent the little seeds of act, the tree,- 1872:act, my tree,280( MS:thought I clothe in § illegible erasure § deed to give P1869:thought, to clothe in 2821 MSdeparture, of the deed, and give 1872:thought. which,clothed in deed, I give ignoble last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words dim disgrace of day, P1869:day! z8’1 MS:his sullen crossed outand replaced above by 5 vengeful 2851 MS:Thy dull crossed out and replaced above by 5 chill <> purged the place 5 last 2861 MS:gossipry, pert twowords crossed outand replaced above by our streets 2871 MS:House and 5 last two words inserted in margin 5 P1869:gossipry; pert Consort ’neath palace 5 crossed out <>portico,-PZ869:By this, consort <> portico. 2881 MS:But 5 over And 5 wheresoe’er 5 soe’m inserted above 5 <>grey, two words last 2901 MS:Sparks flint <> strike,-Guido PI869:(Sparks, flint two words crossed out < > strike) Guido 292) MS:do we call him, the P1869:dothey callhim?-the 29’1 MS:chances should inserted above go, P1869:chances prove, MS:And 5 altered to Why 2951 MS:up in throw of dice P1869:up by throw of dice, 2961 MS:if you dip CP1869:if we dip 2991 MS:eve Pl869:eve; l‘‘’ MS:dath,

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Which leans to mercy in this latter time; Moreover in the plenitudeof life Is he, with strengthof limb and brain adroit, Presumably of service here: beside, The manis noble, backed by nobler friends: Nay, they so wish him well, the city's self Makes common cause with who-house-magistrate, Patron of hearth and home, domestic lordBut ruled his own, let aliens cavil. Die? He'll bribe a gaoleror break prison first! Nay, a sedition may be helpful, give Hint to the mob to batter wall, burn gate, And bid the favouritemalefactor march. Calculate now these chances of escape! "It is not probable, butwell may be." Again, there is another man, weighed now By twice eight years beyond the seven-times-ten, Appointed overweight to break our branch. And this man's loaded branch lifts, more than snow, All the world's a r k and care, though a bird'snest Were a superfluous burthen: notably Hath he been pressed, as if his age were youth, From to-day's dawn till now that d a y departs,

MS:adroit P1869:adroit, 3051 MS:Presumably beside P1869:beside. soGI MS:noble, backed by <> friends, CP1869:friends: Z872:noble, backed, byZ889a:noble, '071 MS:And, for who wish P1869:Nay, for 1872:Nay, so they wish backed by so wish 308) MS:with the house-magistrate, 1872:with whoZ889a:Nay, they SO9[ MS:Rules 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 Laws of the house-magistrate, 5 inserted above 5 hearth <> domestic right, P1869:The lord of hearth < > domestic judge S1O1 MS:Who ruled <> let men cavil 1872:But Z872:Patron of < > domestic lordjl'( MS:Why, bribe P1869:He'll bribe ruled <> let aliens cavil 3121 MS:sedition once was helpful, gave P1869:sedition may be helpful, give $1'1 MS:mob that battered down the 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two 3141 MS:And bade a words 5 wall, burned gate PZ869:mob to batter wall. bum gate, '151 MS:escape,favorite Pl869:And bids the favourite CP1869:bid '161 MS:It is not certain,probable,but may be. PZ869:It is not Pl869:escape! '191 MS:branch,P1869:breaks probable, but well may CP1869:"It is <> be." our branch. CPZ869:break s20( MS:And this same loaded branch lifts 5 over bears 5 P1869:And this man's loaded '2ll MS:care, when a PZ869:care, though a '*21 MS:burthen,-notably P1869:burthen: notably '231 MS:pressed as <> youth '241 MS:From this day's dawn <>that it departs P1869:pressed, as < > youth, but

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Trying onequestion with truesweat of soul “Shall the said doomed man fitlier die or live?” When a straw swallowed in his posset, stool Stumbled on where his path lies, any puff That’s incident to such a smokingflax, Hurries the natural end and quenches him! Now calculate, thou sage, the chances here, Say, which shall die the sooner, this or that? “That, possibly, this in all likelihood.” I thought so: yet thou tripp’st, my foreign friend! No, it will be quite otherwise,-to-day Is Guido’s last: my term is yet to run. But say the Swede were right, and I forthwith Acknowledge a prompt summons and lie dead: Why, then I stand already in God’s face And hear “Since by its fruit a tree is judged, Show me thy fruit, the latest act of thine! For in the last is summed the first and al1,What thy life last put heart and soul into, There shall I taste thy product.” I must plead This condemnation of a man to-day. Not so! Expect nor question nor reply At what we figure as God’s judgment-bar! None of this vile way by the barren words Which, more thanany deed, characterize Man as made subject to a curse: no speech-

P1869:Fromto-day’s dawn <> that day departs, 3z51 MS:with such sweat 3281 MS:Tripped upon last two words crossed out and P1869:with true sweat $291 MS:incidental 5 altered to 5 incident replaced above by two words 5 Stumbled on to the 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 such a JJo( MS:him. PI 869: him ! 3 3 1 ( MS:calculate in turn these 5 altered to 5 the chances here 5 over perhaps loo , P1869:calculate, thou sage, the 33’1 MS:possibly, but 5 crossed out 5 thisinall 5 inserted above 5 3)41 MS:trippest, egregious friend 0 over illegible my foreign friend! 3371 MS:right and P1869:right. and erasure 5 ! P1869:tripp’st, y381 MS:lie 0 over died 5 dead, P1869:dead: 3391 MS:Why then <> face. 34*1 MS:all, PZ869:Why, then <>face MS:thine, P1869:thine! “1’ MS:.% shall P1869:There shall 3’51 MS:”This <> to-day.’’ Pl869:all,’461 MS:so! Nor < > reply expect P1869:so! Expect nor <> P1869:This <> to-day. reply s471 MS:At that we P1869:At what MS:of we the vile P1869:of this ’501 MS:speech P1869:sp~chvile MS:That, more P1869:Which. more

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That still bursts o’er some lie which lurks inside, As the split skin across the coppery snake, And most denotes man! since, in all beside, In hate orlust or guile orunbelief, Out of some coreof truth the excrescence comes, And, in the last resort, the man may urge “So was I made, a weak thing that gave way To truth, to impulse only strong since true, And hated, lusted, used guile, forwent faith.” But when man walks the garden of this world For his own solace, and, unchecked by law, Speaks or keeps silence as himself sees fit, Without the least incumbency to lie, “Why, can he tell you what a rose is like, Or how the birds fly, and not slip to false Though truth serve better? Man must tell his mate Of you, me and himself, knowing he lies, Knowing his fellow knows the same,-will think “He lies, i t is the method of a man!” And yet will speak for answer “It is truth” To him who shall rejoin “Again a lie!” Therefore these filthy rags of speech, this coil Of statement, comment, queryand response, Tatters all too contaminate for use, Have no renewing: He, the Truth, is, too,

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MS:o’er the lie that lurks inside P1869:o’er some lie that lurks inside, CP1869:lie which lurks MS:As his split P1869:As the split MS:man since 55’1 MS:His hate < > o r disbelief, P1869:In hate <> or unbelief, P1869:man! since 355( MS:excrescence shows 3 crossed out 5 winds, P1869:excrescencecomes, ’561 MS:resort, excusemay 3 illegible wordcrossed out beP1869:resort, the man may J5’( MS:made, the weak Pl869:made. a weak S5Rl MS:truth, an impulse urge MS:forewent P1869:forwent 1889a:forewent Pl869:tmth, to impulse 36’1 MS:and unchecked by law Pl869:and. DC.BrU:forwent I889:fonvent 36*) MS:or is silent as he sees most f i t P1869:orkeeps silence as unchecked by law, fit. 364) MS:Why P1869:”Why s6 1 MS:better. Man himself sees 3671 MS:lies P 1869:Iies, 36R( MS:And that his <>will say P1869:better? Man ’691 MS:He <> man, P1869:”He <> man!” P1869:Knowing his < > will think s701 MS:And I shall fitly answer P1869:Andyet will speak for answer 97’1 MS:To one who <> lie!”P1869:To him who 1889a:lie!’ 5 emended to lie!” 3 see Editorial J721 MS:Therefore this filthy rags Pl869:this speak for rags CP1869:this Notes 3 3751 MS:And past 3 last two wordscrossed out and filthy rags 1872:these 35’1

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The Word. We men, in our degree, may know There, simply, instantaneously, ashere After long time and amid many lies, Whatever we dare think we know indeed -That I am I, as He is He,-what else? But be man’s method for man’s life at least! Wherefore, Antonio Pignatelli, thou My ancient self, who wast no Pope so long But studiedst God and man,the many years I’ the school, i’ the cloister, in the diocese Domestic, legate-rule in foreign lands,Thou ocher force in those old busy days Than this grey ultimate decrepitude,Yet sensible of fires that more and more Visit a soul, in passage to the sky, Left nakeder than when flesh-robe was newThou, not Pope but the mere old man 0’the world, Supposed inquisitive anddispassionate, Wilt thou, the onewhose speech I somewhat trust, Question the after-me, this self now Pope, Hear his procedure, criticize his work? Wise in its generationis the world. This is why Guido is found reprobate. I see him furnished forth for his career,

replaced above by two words Have no s761 MS:The Word. And man,indue degree s77-791 MS:here/WhateverP1869:hereI P1869:TheWord.We men,inour degree J8D-811 MS:§ 1s 1869:s no 15 After longtimeandamid many lies, / Whatever 1889:s no 7 ; emended to restore 7 ; see Editorial Notes 3811 MS:But theman’s y8s1 MS:self who P1869:self. who J84( MS:studied P1869:But be man’s 5851 MS:In <> in the cloister, diocese P1869:I’ DC,BrU:studiedst 1889:studiedst < > i’the cloister, inthe diocese ’861 MS:legate-lifein < > lands PI869:legate-rule MS:soul P1869:soul, in in y911 MS:Nakeder <> in < > lands,when fleshly robes were whole- P1869:Left nakeder <> when flesh-robe was newy921 MS:not the Pope but the old man of P1869:not Pope but the mere old man 0’ s931 MS:Supposed sagaciousand PI869:Supposed inquisitiveand 3g4( MS:speech I can somewhat PI869:speech I somewhat ’951 MS:Speak to the after-me, the self 3981 MS:wh.y Guido I that’s Pope, P1869:Question the after-me, this selfnow Pope, 5991 MS:Ifind him < > career call reprobate, P1869:why Guido is found reprobate.

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On starting for the life-chance in ourworld, With nearly all we count sufficient help: Body and mind inbalance, a sound frame, A solid intellect: the wit to seek, Wisdom to choose, and courage wherewithal To deal in whatsoever arcurnstance Should minister to man, make life succeed: Oh, andmuch drawback! what were earth without? Is this our ultimate stage, or starting-place To try man’s foot, if i t will creep or climb, ’Mid obstacles in seeming, points that prove Advantage for who vaults from low to high And makes the stumbling-block a stepping-stone? So, Guido, born with appetite,lacks f o o d : Is poor, whoyet could deftly play-off wealth: Srraitened, whose limbs are restless till at large. He, ashe eyes each outlet of the cirque And narrow penfold for probation, pines After the good things just outsideits grate, With less monition, fainterconscience-twitch, Rarer instinctive qualm at the first feel

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401) MS:all God P1869:I see him <> career, ‘W1 MS:world P1869:world. 4021 MS:balance. the sound frame counts <> help; P1869:allwe count < > help: 40’1 MS:The solid 5 inserted above 5 intellect: its P1869:balance, a sound frame, match 5 last two words crossed out 5 a wit to 9 illegible erasure 5 seek 5 over illegible erasure 5 , P1869:A solidintellect: the wit 4041 MS:Judgment to choose, courage to force an 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 deal for good P1869:Wisdom to choose, and courage wherewithal ‘O51 MS:Of bothwith what of earthly circumstance “1 MS:life P1869:To dealwith whatsoever circumstance 1872:deal in whatsoever ‘071 MS:Oh. and 8 over with 5 much <> were success. Pl869:life succeed. life exempt 9 crossed out and replaced above by 9 without? P1869:were earth ’081 MS:this the ultimate P1869:this our ultimate ’091 MS:That without? tries the foot if < > climb P1869:To try man’s foot, if < > climb, 410( MS:MidP1869:‘Mid ‘111 MS:Advantage to who P1869:Advantage for who 4121 MS:Tuming 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 And makes <> stepping-stone. P1869:stepping-stone? MS:So Guido with much appetite lacks f o o d , P1869:So. Guido, born with appetite, lacks 1872:food: ‘I4( MS:poor who <> play off wealth, P1869:pr, who CPI869:play-off 1872:wealth: ‘151 MSStraitened whose <> largeP1869:Straitened. whose <> large: 4161 MS:And, as < > cirque PI869:cirque. 1872:He. as < > cirque 1889a:large. ’171 MS:His narrow P1869:The narrow 1872:And narrow MS:outside the 4201 MS:tirst 5 over illegibleword 5 sense P1869:first grate, P1869:outside its grate,

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Of greed unseemly, prompting grasp undue, Than nature furnishes her main mankind,Making it harder to do wrong than right The first time, careful lest the common ear Break measure, miss the outstep of life’s march. Wherein I see a trial fair and fit For one else too unfairly fenced about, Set above sin, beyond his fellows here: Guarded from the arch-tempter all mustfight, By a great birth, traditionary name, Diligent culture, choice companionship, Above all, conversancy with the faith Which puts forth for its base of doctrine just “Man is born nowise to content himself, But please God.” He accepted such a rule, Recognized man’s obedience; and the Church, Which simply is such rule’s embodiment, He clave to, he held on by,-nay, indeed, Near pushed inside of, deep as layman durst, Professed so much of priesthood as might sue For priest’s-exemption where the layman’sinned,G o t his arm frocked which, bare, the law would bruise. Hence, at this moment, what’s hislast resource, His extreme stay and utmost stretch of hope But that,-convicted of such crime aslaw ~~

feel

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MS:Of the unseemly over crossed out greed andundue grasp transposed to grasp undue,P1869:undue, 1872:Of greed unseemly, prompting grasp 4221 MS:furnishes the mainmankind Pl869:mankind,- 1872:fumishes her main ‘2’-261 MS:time, miss the outstep of life’s march. / Herein P1869:time. careful lest the ’271 MS:Of one P1869:For one common ear/ Break measure, miss < > / Wherein 4281 MS:sin beyond <>here, P1869:sin, beyond 1872:here: 429) MS:arch-foe man needs must fight P1869:arch-tempter, ail must fight, 1889a:arch-tempter all MS:docuine this P1869:doctrine just MS:himself 1889a:himself, MS:please God”-he P1869:please God.” He 436( MS:Recognized man obeys crossed out and replaced above by and the Church P1869:Recognized man’s here,-took 1’‘ MS:is thatrule’s P1869:is such rules’ obedience; and Lhe Church, ‘$91 MS:He pushed P1869:Near pushed 4401 MS:might plead CP1869:rule’s (’11 MS:priests’ exemption from crossed out and replaced above by crossed out “21 MS:Thrust his < > bruise: P1869:Got his <> where P1869:priest’s-exemption bruise. ‘$1 MS:Hence at this juncture 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words the moment what’s P1869:Hence, at this moment, what’s 4’41 MS:and solitary crossed out and replaced above by three words utmost stretch of 4 51 MS:that, convicted of over illegible erasure P1869:that,-convicted

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Wipes not away save with a worldling’s blood,Guido, the three-parts consecrate, may ’scape? Nay, the portentous brothers of the man Are veritably priests, protected each May do his murder in the Church’s pale, Abate Paul, Canon Girolamo! This is the man proves irreligiousest Of all mankind, religion’s parasite! This may forsooth plead dinned ear, jaded sense, The vice 0’the watcher who bides near the bell, Sleeps sound because the clock is vigilant, And cares not whether it be shade orshine, Doling outday and night to all men else! Why was the choice 0’the manto niche himself Perversely ’neath the tower where Time’sown tongue Thus undertakes to sermonize theworld? Why, but because the solemn is safe too, The belfry proves a fortress of a sort, Has other uses than to teach the hour: Turns sunscreen, paravent and ombrifuge To whoso seeks a shelter in its pale, “ A y , and attractive to unwary folk Who gaze at storied portal, statuedspire, And go home with full head but empty purse,

MS:with the 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 a < > blood, PZ869:blood,MS:scape: P2869:’xape? 4‘91 MS:protectedly altered to 5 protected both 5 crossed out 5 MS:do his 5 over illegible word 5 <> thechurches P2869:the 451-541 MS:Abate Paul,Canon Girolamo!/ This illegible word crossed out Church’s and replaced above by 5 one forsooth would 5 crossed out 5 pleads dulled brain 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by three words 5 dinned sense 5 crossed out and replaced by 5 ear, jaded sense 5 over perhaps ear 5 , PZ869:This is the man proves irreligiousest / Of all mankind, religion’s parasite! / T h i s may forsooth plead 455( MS:of < > bellP2869:o’ <> bell, ‘56-581 MS:clock wakes, beats his brain, / Doling P2869:clock is vigilant, / And cares not whether it be shade or shine, / Doling ‘591 MS:of P2869:o’ MS:neath 5 over near 5 P2869:’neath ‘6’1 MS:Teaches the world, 5 last three words and comma crossed out and replaced 462*) MS:Because the solemn above by three words 5 Thus undertakes to Belfrey is <> / Has <> hour, PZ869:Why, but because the solemn is <> / The belfrey ‘65671 MS:Is sunscreen < > / proves a fortress of a sort, / Has 2872:/ / hour: Ay <> to a crowd of 5 last three words crossed out andreplaced above by 5 unwary P2869:Tums sunscreen <> / To whoso seeks a shelter in its pale, / “ A y ‘681 MS:Who gape 5 altered to 5 gaze at the 5 crossed out 5 <>portal, splendid 5 crossed out and replaced above by statued 4691 MS:To go < > with a crossed out 5 <> head “61

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Nor dare suspect the sacristan the thief! Shall Judas,-hard upon the donor'sheel, To filch the fragments of the basket,-plead He was too near the preacher's mouth, nor sat Attent with fifties in a company? No,-closer to promulgated decree, Clearer the censure of default. Proceed! I find him bound, then, to begin life well; Fortified by propitious circumstance, Great birth, goodbreeding, with the Churchfor guide, How lives he? Cased thus in a coat of proof, Mailed like a man-at-arms, thoughall the while A punystarveling,-does the breast pant big, The limb swell to the limit, emptiness Strive to become solidity indeed? Rather, he shrinks up like the ambiguous fish, Detaches flesh from shell and outside show, And steals by moonlight (I have seen the thing) In and out,now to prey and now to skulk. Armour he boasts when a wave breaks on beach, Or bird stoops for the prize: with peril nigh,The man of rank, the much-befriended-man, The man almost affiliate to the Church,

and empty poke crossed out purse P1869:And go <> head but'empty 1889a:purse, '701 MS:thief. P2869:thief! 1711 MS:Shall Judas, hard < > heel P1869:Shall "2) MS:filch over illegible erasure <> basket, plead Judas,-hard <> heel, CP1869:filch the 47fl MS:nor heard crossed out P2869:fill the < > basket,-plead 4741 MS:Seatedcrossed outand replaced above by and replaced above by sat 4751 MS:closest P2869:closer 47&771 MS:§ no 7 P1869:S 7 Attent '771 MS:bound then to <> well P1869:bound, then, to <> well; 4791 MS:breeding, '811 MS:man-at-arms and and the < > guide. 1889a:breeding, with the < > guide, 4821 MS:starveling, does Pl869:starveling,all P1869:man-at-arms, though all 481 MS:Eachover illegible word,perhaps The limb swell u p crossed out does 48') MS:tobe that solidity which seems? P1869:to become solidity P2869:The limb '851 MS:Rather he < > fish PZ869:Rather. which seems? CP1869:solidity indeed? 4861 MS:and show outside P2869:outside,CP2869:and outside show, he <> fish, '841 MS:beach P1869:beach. MS:and now to hide, P1869:and now to skulk. 4w1 MS:A hawk crossed out and replaced above by bird < > for a prize: the erased 1 ' 9 MS:much befriended man P1869:muchP1869:Or bird <> for the prize 4921 MS:affiliate by the Pl869:affiliate to the befriended 1889a:much-befriendedd-man

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Such is to deal with, let the world beware! Does the world recognize, pass prudently? Do tides abate and sea-fowl hunt i’ the deep? Already is the slug from out its mew, Ignobly faring with all loose and free, Sand-fly and slush-wormat their garbage-feast, A naked blotch no better than they all: Guido has dropped nobility, slipped the Church, Plays trickster if not cut-purse, body and soul Prostrate among the filthy feeders-faugh! And when Law takes him by surprise at last, Catches the foul thing onits carrion-prey, Behold, he points to shell left high and dry, Pleads “But the case out yonder is myself!” Nay, it is thou, Law prongs amidthy peers, Congenial vermin; that was none of thee, Thine outside,-give it to the soldier-crab!

For I find this black mark impinge the man, That he believes in just thevile of life. Low instinct, base pretension, are these truth? Then, that aforesaid armour, probity He figures in, is falsehood scale on scale; Honour andfaith,-a lie and a disguise, Probably for all livers in this world, Certainly for himself! All say good words ’To who will hear, all do thereby bad deeds To who must undergo; so thrive mankind!

MS:with let P1869:with, let 4951 MS:hunt elsewhere? PZ869:hunt i’ the deep? MS:the thing from P1869:the slug from 4971 MS:fares < > a l l the l o o s e and free 5021 MS:Prostrate over illegible word PZ869:faring <> all loose and free, 50’1 MS:when law followed by illegible erasure P1869:when Law 5071 MS:thou 5101 MS:this illegible word or words erased and we prong P1869:thou, Law prongs replaced above by four words black mark runs through denotes uossed out the 5111 MS:lifeP1869:life. 5121 MS:propension, these P1869:mark impinge the aretruth? transposed to propension,are these truth? P1869:pretension 5131 MS:Then that P1869:Then, that 5141 MS:scale. P1869:scale; 5’51 MSfaith, a PZ869:faith,-a 5171 MS:Past question for himself one says good 5181 MS:hear, one does thereby ill crossed PI869:Certainly for himself! All say good 5191 MS:who will outand replaced above by 5 bad P1869:hear, alldo thereby (9))

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See this habitual creed exemplified Most in the last deliberate act; as last, So, very sum andsubstance of the soul Of him that planned andleaves one perfect piece, The sin brought under jurisdiction now, Even the marriage of the man: this act I sever from his life as sample, show For Guido’s self, intend to test him by, As, from a cup filled fairly at the fount, By the components we decide enough Or to let flow as late, or staunch the source. He purposes this marriage, I remark, On no onemotive that should prompttheretoFarthest, by consequence, from ends alleged Appropriate to the action; so they were: The best, he knew and feigned, the worst he took. Not one permissible impulsemoves the man, From the mere liking of the eye and ear, To the true longing of the heart that loves, No trace of these: but all to instigate,

crossed out and replaced above by Q must <> thrive Q over live Q mankind. 5z01 MS:habitual trait exemplified P1869:habitual creed P1869:mankind! 5211 MS:deliberate Q inserted above line Q act, of the man 5 last three exemplified 5231 MS:That planned followed by illegible words crossed out Q as P1869:act; as erasure Q and leaves this Q crossed out and replaced above by Q one < > piece, the same 5241 MS:Which brings Q illegible erasuresin under P1869:Of himthat < > piece, 5t71 MS:For Guidoand intend P1869:For Guido’s P1869:The sinbroughtunder sz8) MS:As from <> fairly from the fount Pl869:As, from <> fairly at self, intend 5291 MS:components I decide P1869:components we decide the fount, 5s01 MS:Shall I let flow as late last two words inserted above or <> the living Q crossed 5311 MS:purposes to marry out Q source? P2869:Or to let <> late, or <> source. Q last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two words Q a marriage, I perceive Q crossed out and replaced above by Q remark, P1869:purposes this marriage 5321 MS:On the worst Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words Q no 5331 MS:-Furthest, by consequence Q followed by one motives Q altered to Q motive illegible erasure , from those Q crossed out and replaced above by 8 ends P1869:Farthest 5341 MS:were,P1869:were: 5351 MS:He knew and feigned Q last two words inserted above Q the best and Q crossed out and replaced above by Q he took. the worst; of all. Q semi-colon, two words and period crossed out; line transposed to Q The best he knew and 5’61 MS:No one <> feigned the worst he took. P1869:best, he < > feigned, the impulse Q illegible erasure Q P1869:Not one 5371 MS:ear P1869:ear, 5381 MS:heart that’s love, P1869:heart that loves, 5391 MS:Not a trace: all that

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Is what sinks man past level of the brute Whose appetite if brutish is a truth. All is the lustfor money: to get gold,Why, lie, rob, if it must be, murder! Make Body and soul wring gold out, lured within The clutch of hate by love, the trap’spretence! What good else get from bodies and from souls? This got, there were some life to lead thereby, -What, where or how, appreciate those whotell How the toadlives: it lives,-enough for me! To get this good,-with but a groan or so, Then, silence of the victims,-were the feat. He foresaw, made a picture in his mind,Of father and mother stunned andecholess To the blow, as they lie staring atfate’s jaws Their folly danced into, till the woe fell; Edged in a monthby strenuous cruelty From even the poor nook whence they watched the wolf Feast on their heart, the lamb-like child his prey; Plundered to thelast remnant of their wealth, (What daily pittancepleased the plunderer dole)

instigates,-and so P2869:Notrace of these: but all to instigate, 5’OI MS:Sinks the man past the level PI869:Is what sinks man past level <>brute, 1889a:brute 5411 MS:tmth,- P1869:truth. 5.31 MSLie, rob, and, if <> murder-make P1869:Why, lie, rob, if <> murder! Make 5451 MS:Thegrasp 5 crossed outand 5481 MS:What < > appreciate you who P1869:”What replaced above by clutch 5491 MS:lives:he lives <> me:P1869:lives: it lives <> me! <>appreciate those who 5501 MS:And to get this with just a <> so P1869:To get this good,-with but a <> so, 5511 MS:Then silence <> victims were success 5 crossed out andreplaced above by two 5521 MS:made the words 5 the feat: PI869:Then, silence <> victims,-were the feat. 5531 MS:Father P1869:Of picture < > mind, PI869:made a picture < > mind,5541 MS:blow as stones lie, staringatthe 5 crossed out 5 PZ869:blow, as they father 5551 MS:into,-till the trap fell: P1869:into, till the woe lie fell; 5561 MS:Chased crossed outand replaced above by 5 Edged <> strenuous 5571 MS:even the suand wherefrom last two words crossed out villany crossed out 5 5581 MS:heart, his sport 5 last and replaced above by three words 5 poor nook whence two words crossed out and replaced above by two words the lamb-like <> prey,5591 MS:Robbed so § last two words crossed out and replaced above by § P1869:prey; Plundered 5mI MS:And written over by 5 That sorry 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words 5 What poor 5 crossed out d a i l y < > the thief to dole apace last four words crossed out and replaced above by 5 plunderer dole 5 last word

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Hunted forth to go hide head, starve and die, And leave the pale awe-stricken wife, past hope Of help i’ the world now, muteand motionless, His slave, his chattel, to first use, then destroy. All this, he bent mind how to bring about, Put plain inact and life, as painted plain, So have success, reach crown of earthly good, In this particularenterprise of man, By marriage-undertaken in God’s face With all these lies so opposite God’s truth, For end so other than man’s end. Thus schemes Guido, and thuswould carry out his scheme: But when an obstacle first blocks the path, When he finds none may boast monopoly Of lies and trick i’ the tricking lying world,That sorry timid natures, even this sort 0’the Comparini, want nortrick nor lie Proper to the kind,-that as the gor-crow treats The bramble-finch so treats the finch the moth, And the great Guido is minutely matched By this same couple,-whether true or false The revelation of Pompilia’s birth,

restored S, P1869:(What <>dole) 561( MS:Hunted to Rome, there 5 crossed out hide head < > die,P1869:Hunted forth to go hide <> die, 5621 MS:So leave 56’) MSin P1869:i’ 56‘) MS:slave.-his <> to use then l872:And leave destroy- P1869:slave, his <> to use and then destroy: 1872:tofirst use, then destroy 1889a:destroy. MS:This putin<>life as P1869:Put this in <> life, as 5671 MS:Such 3 written over perhaps Thzs 5 were success, thecrown 1872:Put plain in < > good P1869:And have success <> good, 1872:So have success, reach crown 5691 MS:A marriage 1872:By marriage 5701 MS:those <>opposite the truth 5711 MS:For ends quite P1869:tmth, CPl869:opposite God’s truth, 1872:these other than this end. So schemes P1869:For ends so other than such end. 5 1 5 Thus schemes 5721 MS:and so would P1869:and thus CP1869:than man’s end. 1872:For end 57‘1 MS:he discovers nonemonopolise P1869:hefinds there is no monopoly would 5751 MS:Lies <> in P1869:Of lies <> i’ 1872:finds none may boast monopoly 5771 MS:Of P1869:O’ 5791 MS:The bramble inserted above finch < > the finch P1869:bramble-finch 58O1 MS:matched,P1869:matched the butter crossed out 581-831 MS:§ inserted incontinuous line between 580 and 584 5811 MS:same stop’ whether P1869:same couple,-whether 5821 MS:This revelation <> to

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Which in a moment brings his scheme to nought,Then, he is piqued, advances yet a stage, Leaves the low region to the finch and fly, Soars to the zenith whence the fiercer fowl May dare the inimitable swoop. I see. He draws now on the curious crime, the fine Felicity and flower of wickedness; Determines, by the utmost exercise Of violence, made safe and sureby craft, To satiate malice, pluck one last arch-pang From the parents, else would triumph outof reach, By punishing their child, within reach yet, Who, by thought, word or deed, could nowise wrong I’ the matter that now moves him. So plans he, Always subordinating (note the point!) Revenge, the manlier sin, to interest The meaner,-would pluck pang forth, but unclench No gripe in the act, let fall no money-piece. Hence a plan for so plaguing, body and soul, His wife, so putting, day by day, hour by hour, The untried torture to the untouched place, As must precipitate an end foreseen, Goad her into some plain revolt, most like Plunge upon patent suicidal shame, Death to herself, damnation by rebound

58’1 MS:-Why, he <> advances birth PZ869:The revelation <> birth, 5861 MS:the nobler fowl PZ869:thefiercer PZ869:Then, he < > advances fowl 587) MS:swoop, I see: PZ869:swoop. I see. s891 MS:wickedness, PZ869:wickedness; 5901 MS:Determines by CPZ869:Determines, by 59’1 MS:violence made < > craft PZ869:violence. made < > craft, 5g21 MS:pluck 9 over illegible word 5gJI MS:parents in their triumph PZ869:parents, else would 59’1 MS:child within PZ869:child, within 5951 MS:Who nowise triumph wronged him, thought nor word nor deed, PZ869:nowise could have wronged, thought, 5961 MS:In word o r deed, 1872:Who, by thought, word or deed, could nowise wrong <> him,-so PZ869:I’ <>him. So 5971 MS:subordinating,-note the point, 5991 MS:meaner.-pluck the pang P1869:subordinating (note the point!) PZ869:meaner,-would pluck pang MS:money-piece! PZ869:money-piece. M)’I MS:plaguing body and soul P1869:plaguing. body and soul, m21 MS:putting crossed out and replaced above by lay, and then restored day by d a y and hour by hour 6031 MS:The PZ869:putting, day by day andhour by hour, 2889a:by day, hour by happy crossed out and replaced above by novel torture to 3 over on 8 PZ869:The untried torture 1‘06 MS:precipitate an unnatural 8 crossed out 5 M)61 MS:Some

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TOthose whose hearts he, holding hers, holds still: Such plan as, in its bad completeness, shall Ruin the three together and alike, Yet leave himself in luck and liberty, No claim renounced, no righta forfeiture, His person unendangered, his good fame Without a flaw, his pristine worthintact,While they, with all their claims and rights that cling, Shall forthwith crumble off him every side, Scorched into dust,a plaything for the winds. As when, in ourCampagna, there is !ked The nest-like work that overruns ahut; And, as the thatch burns here, there, everywhere, Even to the ivy and wild vine, that bound And blessed the home where men were happy once, There rises gradual, black amid the blaze, Some grim and unscathed nucleus of the nest,Some old malicious tower, some obscene tomb They thought a temple in their ignorance, And clung about and thoughtto lean uponThere laughs it o’er their ravage,-where are they? So did his cruelty burn life about, And lay the ruin bare in dreadfulness, Try the persistency of torment so

crossed outand replaced above by two wordsPlunge upon m91 MS:Such a plan as P1869:as,in its completeness, shall 1872:Such in its completeness shall over could 6121 MS:right in forfeiture, PI869:right a forfeiture, plan as, in its bad completeness 6141 MS:pristine self intact P1869:pristine worth intact,6151 MS:they andall < > claims, and inserted above <>cling P1869:they, with all <>claims and <>cling, 6161 MS:Shall over illegible word <> side P1869:side. 6171 MS:winds,6181 MS:when in our Campagna there P1869:when, inour Compagna, P1869:wind.s. 6191 MS:that lets some peasant house Pl869:that lets a peasant house; there 6201 MS:And as the poor crossed out thatch blazes 1889a:that overruns a hut; 6221 MS:the hut where crossed outand replaced above by 5 bums P1869:And. as 62’) MS:The grim <> nestP1869:Some grim <> nest,1889a:the home where GZ51 MS:The old <> tower, the obscene P1869:Some old < > tower, some obscene GZ61 MS:§ inserted between lines 625-27 6271 MS:They crossed outand replaced 6281 MS:ravage and where in margin by 9 So clung CP1869:And clung 6*s11 MS:So cold calm cruelty turned 5 altered to tums P1869:ravage,-where winch and wheel, / Tried altered to Tries the crossed out and replaced above by its persistency P1869:So did his cruelty burn life about, / And lay the ruin bare in

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Upon the wife, that, at extremity, Some crisis brought about by fire and flame, The patient frenzy-stung must needs break loose, Fly anyhow, find refuge anywhere, Even in the arms of who should front herfirst, No monster but a man-while nature shrieked “Or thus escape, or die!” The spasm arrived, Not the escape by way of sin,-0 God, Who shall pluck sheep Thou holdest, from T h y hand? Therefore shelay resigned to die,-so far The simple cruelty was foiled. Why then, Craft to the rescue, let craft supplement Cruelty and show hell a masterpiece! Hence this consummate lie, this love-intrigue, Unmanly simulationof a sin, With place and time and circumstance to suitThese letters false beyond all forgeryNot just handwriting andmere authorship, But false to body and soul they figure forthAs though the man had cut out shape and shape From fancies of that other Aretine, To paste below-incorporate the filth

dreadfulness, / Try the persistency 63*3)( MS:On the wife, harmless inthought, word and deed, / With 5 crossed out 5 To this and that, atsome extremity, / Some < > by scrape of screw, P1869:O’ the wife, that, at some fierce extremity, / Some <> by fire and flame, 63‘1 MS:patient stung to frenzy should 5 over 1872:Upon the < > a t extremity, / shall 5 break PI869:frenzy should break 1872:patient frenzy-stung must needs break 6361 MS:who might 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 may front her first P1869:who 6371 MS:shrieked 5 ed blotted and mightfront h a first, 1872:who shouldfront 6381 MS:spasm arrive 5 over illegible word 5 P1869:mived, almost illegible 5 6’91 MS:sin,-0 God P1869:sin,-O God, MS:Who plucks that sheep thou 6411 MS:she holdest from thy P1869:Who shall pluck sheep Thou holdest, from Thy was 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 is resigned P1869:she lay resigned 6‘21 MS:cruelty was 5 crossed out andreplaced above by illegible word 5 foiled: why 64s1 MS:rescue. craft shallsupplement P1869:craft P1869:uuelty was foiled. Why 6451 MS:love-intrigue should supplement 1872:rescue, let craft supplement 6461 MS:The unmanly < > a man, P1869:Unmanly < > a sin, 1869:love-intrigue, 6’71 MS:A place, a time, a circumstance P1869:With place and time and circumstance 6501 MS:soulthey 5 over that 5 <> forth Pl869:forth6511 MS:and shape. 6531 MS:And 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 To pasted P1869:and shape 5 altered to 3 paste them as indivisible and 5 last four words crossed out and replaced above

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With cherub faces on a missal-page! 655

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Whereby the man so far attains his end That strange temptation is permitted,-see! Pompilia wife, and Caponsacchi priest, Are brought together as nor priest nor wife Should stand, and there is passion in the place, Power in the air for evil as for good, Promptings from heaven and hell, as if the stars Fought in their courses for a fate to be. Thus stand the wife and priest, a spectacle, I doubt not, to unseen assemblage there. No lamp will mark that window for a shrine, No tablet signalize the terrace, teach New generations which succeed the old The pavement of the street is holy ground; No bard describe in verse how Christ prevailed And Satan fell like lightning! Why repine? What does the world, told truth, but lie the more?

A second time the plot is foiled; nor, now, By corresponding sin for countercheck, No wile and trick that baffle trick and wile,The play 0’the parents! Here the blotis blanched

by word and dash below6541 MS:From two pure last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 With cherub <> missal-page: P1869:missal-page! 65c55) MS:§ noli P1869:S li 6551 MS:far affects 5 crossed outand replaced above 6561 MS:A strange P1869:That by attainshis end 5 written over illegibleerasure 6571 MS:Pompilia, wife, and Caponsacchi, priest, 1889a:Pompilia wife, and strange 6591 MS:Should followed by one wordwritten over another, Caponsacchipriest, 5621 MS:for what 5 crossed outand both illegible 5 , and P1869:Should stand, and replaced above by 5 the 5 crossed out and replaced by 5 a fate should fall. 5 last two 6631 MS:There stand the words crossed out and replaced above by two words 3 to be. priest and wife 5 last three words transposed to wife and priest P1869:Thus stand 5671 MS:generations that succeed MS:Nor tablet !j erasure of word perhaps will 6681 MS:ground: <>old, P1869:generations which succeed DC,BrU:old 1889:old 5691 MS:bard shall ever sing 3 last two words uossed out and replaced PZ869:ground describe in 6701 MS:lightning. Why above by three words 5 putin verseP1869:bard 6711 MS:told over illegible erasure 67l-721 MS:§ no P1869:lightning! Why 1 5 P1869:s 5 6721 MS:foiled, nor now P1869:foiled nor, now, 6751 MS:of the parents,-how the blot was MS:and wile, P1869:andwile,-

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By God’s gift of a purity of soul That will not take pollution, ermine-like Armed from dishonour by its own soft snow. Such was this gift of God who showed for once How He would have the world go white: i t seems As a new attribute were born of each Champion of truth, the priest and wife I praise,As a new safeguard sprang up indefence Of their new noble nature: so a thorn Comes to the aid of and completes the roseCourage to-wit, no woman’s gift nor priest’s, I’ the crisis; might leaps vindicating right. S e e how the strong aggressor, bad and bold, With every vantage, preconcerts surprise, Leaps of a sudden at his victim’s throat In a byeway,-how fares he when face to face With Caponsacchi? Whofights, who fears now? There quails Count Guidoarmed to the chattering teeth, Cowers at the steadfast eye and quietword 0’the Canon of the Pieve! There skulks crime Behind law called in to back cowardice: While out of the poor trampled worm the wife, . Springs up a serpent! But anon of these.

blanched P2869:parents! Here the blot is blanched 2872:o’ 6771 MS:That would 6781 MSArmedagainst all f last two words crossed outand not P2869:That will not replaced above by f from <> by its own f last two words inserted above f soft f over a f snow: P2869:snow. 6791 MS:Today f crossed outand replaced above by two words f Such was this is 5 crossed out andreplaced above by f of God’s g i f t f transposed to f g i f t of God’s,-who showed sometimes f crossed out P2869:of God who 6So1 MS:How he < > white,-there s e e m s P2869:How He < > white: it s e e m s 6821 MS:Champion S over perhaps Man f of truth, this priest < > praise, P2869:truth. the priest < > praise,6831 MS:And a P2869:As a 6841 MS:Of the new admirable crossed outand replaced 685( MS:rose: above by stainless nature; so P2869:Of their new noblenature: so 6861 MS:to wit P2869:to-wit 6871 MS:In the crisis, might < > P2869:roseright; P2869:In the crisis; might <> right. CPZ869:I’ 6901 MS:Flies of 2872:Leaps of 6931 MS:quails Count Guido, armed DC,BrU:quails CountGuido 6951 MS:Of the peaceful Canon at the Pieve! armed 2889:quails CountGuido armed ”skulks P2869:O’ the Canon at the Pieve! There skulks crime 2889a:the Canon of the 696) MS:cowardice! DC.BrU:cowardice: 1889:cowardice: 6981 MS:serpent . . . but

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Him I judge now,-of him proceed to note, Failing the first, a second chance befriends Guido, gives pause ere punishment arrive. The law he called, comes, hears, adjudicates, Nor does amiss i’ the main,-secludes the wife From the husband, respites the oppressed one, grants Probation to the oppressor, could he know The mercy of a minute’sfiery purge! The furnace-coals alike of public scorn, Private remorse, heaped glowingon his head, What if,-the force and guile, the ore’s alloy, Eliminate, his baser soul refinedThe lost be saved even yet,so as by fire? Let him, rebuked, go softly all hisdays And, when no graver musings claim their due, Meditate on a man’s immense mistake Who, fashioned to use feet and walk, deigns crawlTakes the unmanly means-ay, though to ends Man scarce should make for, would but reach thro’ wrong,May sin, but nowise needs shame manhood so: Since fowlers hawk, shoot, nay and snarethe game, And yet eschew vile practice, nor find sport In torch-light treachery or the luring owl. But how hunts Guido?Why, the fraudful trapLate spumed to ruin by the indignant feet Of fellows in the chase who loved fair playHere he picks u p its fragments to the least, Lades him and hies to the old lurking-place Where haply he may patch again, refit

n

PZ869:serpent! 5 But <>these! DC,BrU:these. Z889:these. 6991 MS:now,7021 MS:adjudicatesandthusproceedPZ869:now,-ofhimproceed 7051 MS:Escape to PZ869:Probation 70JI MS:in P1869:i’ P1869:adjudicates, to MS:head P1869:head, 7091 the MS:if, P1869:if,-the 7101 MS:soulburnt clean, PZ869:soulrefined7121 MS:Letthemanbut go PZ869:Let him, rebuked, go 7151 MS:Who fashioned PZ869:Who. fashioned 7171 MS:for, shall but <>wrong, P1869:for, would but <> wrong,7181 MS:but <> so- PZ869:so: Z889a:but nowise needs 7191 MS:gamemust not needs P1869:game, 7201 MS:practice nor PZ869:practice, nor 721-221 MS:§ no P PZ869:S 7 7221 MS:trap, P1869:mp7251 MS:up fragments the <> least

730

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145

The mischief, file its blunted teeth anew, Make sure, next time, first snap shall break the bone. Craft, greed and violence complot revenge: Craft, for its quota,schemes to bring about And seize occasion and be safe withal: Greed craves its act may work both far and near, Crush the tree, branch and trunk and’root,beside, Whichever twig or leaf arrests a streak Of possible sunshine else would coin itself, And drop down onemore gold piece in the path: Violence stipulates “Advantage proved And safety sure, be pain the overplus! Murder with jagged knife! Cut but tear too! Foiled oft, starved long, glut malice for amends!” And what, craft’s scheme? scheme sorrowful and strange As though the elements, whom mercy checked, Had mustered hate for one eruption more, One final deluge to surprise the Ark Cradled and sleeping on its mountain-top: Their outbreak-signal-what but the dove’s coo, Back with the olive in her bill for news Sorrow was over? ’Tis an infant’s birth,

P1869:least. DC,BrU:up its fragments 1889:up its fragments 7281 MS:The old 7291 MS:time, a snap mischief, file the blunted P1869:The mischief, file its blunted 7311 MS:Craft for its quota schemes <>about, PZ869:Craft. for 1872:time,first snap its quota, schemes < > about 7321 MS:Seize the occasion P1869:Andseize occasion 7331 MScraves that one act <> and wide aossed out and replaced above by near, 7341 MS:Break the tree branch <> r o o t beside P1869:Crush P1869:aaves its act DC,BrU:root, beside.1889:root,beside. the tree, branch <> root beside,1889a:beside. emended to beside, see Editorial Notes 7’71 PZ869:path. 1872:path: 7JBI MS:stipulates,-advantage P1869:stipulates, “Advantage proved, CP1869:stipulates 7391 MS:pain my overplusPI869:pain “Advantage DC,BrU:proved 1889:proved 7401 MS:knife,-cut P1869:knife! Cut 7411 MS:malice at this last! the overplus! 7421 MS:And craft did seize the occasionP1869:last!”CP1869:malice for amends!” sad § last five words crossed out and replaced above by four words § does scheme,-sorrowful scheme PZ869:And. last, craft schemes,-sorrowful scheme CP1869:scheme sorrowful 74’1 MS:elements whom < > checked 1872:And what, craft’s scheme? scheme 7451 MS:Last and altered and transposed PZ869:elements. whom <> checked, to And last worst deluge should surprise P1869:One final deluge to surprise 7471 MS:The out-break-signal < > dove’s flight P1869:For outbreak-signal < > dove’s flight CPl869:The outbreak-signal <>dove’s coo,1869:coos 1872:Their 749) MS:over! ’Tis P1869:is over? ’Tis CP1869:was outbreak-signal <> dove’s coo,

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Guido’s first born, his son and heir, that gives The occasion: other men cut free their souls From care in such a case, fly u p in thanks T o God, reach, recognize His love for once: Guido cries “Soul, at last the mire is thine! Lie there in likeness of a money-bag My’babe’sbirth so pins down past moving now, That I dare cut adriftthe lives I late Scrupled to touch lest thou escape with them! These parents and their child my wife,-touch one, Lose all! Theirrights determined on a head I could but hate,not harm, since from each hair Dangled a hope for me: now-chance and change! No right was in their child but passes plain T o that child’s childand through such childto me. I am a father now,-come what, come will, I represent my child; he comes betweenCuts sudden off the sunshine of this life From those three: why, the gold is in his curls! Not with old Pietro’s, Violante’s head, Not his grey horror, her more hideous blackGo these, devoted to the knife!” ’Tis done: Wherefore should mind misgive, heart hesitate? He calls to counsel, fashions certain four Colourless natures counted clean till now, ”Rustic simplicity, uncorrupted youth, Ignorant virtue! Here’s the gold 0’the prime

7511

MS:The glad 5 crossed out 5 7531 MS:recognise his PI869:recognize His MS:cries, Soul CP1869:cries “Soul 7551 P1869:money-bag, 1889a:money-bag 7561 MS:This babe’s birth so 5 inserted above 3 pins me 5 crossed out 5 down <> now 7571 MS:adrift 3 written over illegible P1869:so pins down <> now, 1872:My babe‘s 7581 MS:them: P1869:them! 7591 MS:These Parents and <> wife, word 3 touch one P1869:These parentsand CP1869:wife.-touch1889a:one. 7601 MS:all,-their < > on the head P1869:all! Their < > on her head CP1869:on a head 762( MS:hope of mine: now P1869:hopefor me: now ’69) MS:What right <> passes 7641 MS:me? P1869:me. now P1869:No right 1889a:passes plain 7651 MS:am the father 1872:am a father 7661 MS:child. he P1869:child; he 768-701 MS:why the < > curls, / Not that grey horror, that more P1869:why, the < > curls! / Not with old Pietro’s, Violante’s head, / Not his grey horror, her more 771( MS:Go then, devoted to the dark!” 5 5 ‘Tis P1869:Go these, devoted to the knife!” 5 7 5 ‘Tis 77‘1 MS:counted white till PI869:counted clean till 7761 MS:The ’5’1

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When Saturn ruled, shall shock our leaden dayThe clown abash the courtier! Mark it, bards! The courtier tries his hand onclownship here, Speaks a word, names a crime, appoints a price,Just breathes on what, suffused with all himself, Is red-hot henceforth past distinction now I’ the common glow of hell. And thus they break And blaze on us at Rome, Christ’s birthnight-eve! Oh angels that sangerst “On the earth, peace! To man, good will!”-such peace finds earth to-day! After the seventeen hundred years, so man Wills good to man, so Guido makes complete His murder! what is it I said?-cuts loose Three lives that hitherto hesuffered cling, Simply because each served to nail secure, By a corner of the money-bag, his soul,Therefore, lives sacred till the babe’s first breath O’erweights them in the balance,-off they fly!

So is the murder managed, sinconceived To the full: and why not crowned with triumph too? Why must the sin, conceived thus, bring forth death? I note how, withinhair’s-breadth of escape, Impunity and the thing supposed success, Guido is found when the check comes, the change,

clown’s rude last three words crossed out and replaced above by 5 Ignorant virtue: here’s 7771 MS:ruled shall shockover perhaps the age 0’ Pl869:virtue! Here’s the gold 0’ shame P1869:ruled. shall 1781 MS:courtier! Trow ye, bards? P1869:courtier! Mark 7801 MS:uime andnotes the pay, P1869:crime, appomts a price,” it, bards! 7R11 MS:on to suffuse with P1869:on what, suffused with 7R21 MS:Red-heat 78’1 MS:In CP1869:I’ henceforward past P1869:Is red-hot henceforth past 7R‘I MS:at Rome. Christ’s Birthnight eve!P1869:at Rome, Christ’s Birthnight-eve! 7851 MS:peaceP1869:peace! 7861 MS:to-day,1872:birthnight-eve! 7891 MS:murder,-whatis it I say? cuts PZ869:murder! what is it I CP1869:to-day! said?-cuts 7901 MS:cling Pl869:cling, 7921 MS:SOUI, P1869:~0~1,T9S1 MS:Therefore lives P1869:Therefore, lives 79‘1 MS:fly. P1869:fly! 794-951 MS:§ no 7 P1869:S 7 5 7951 MS:% over is was < > managed, 7961 MS:fuII: and inserted above why not a crossed wickedness crossed out 5 out and replaced by perfect §crossed out crowned with 8 last two words inserted above 5 7971 MS:Why the plan last two words crossed out and replaced above by must 79RI MS:how within P1869:how, within 799( MS:thing he calls fj last two words ROO1 MS:Stands crossed out and replaced above by supposed success PI869:success,

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The monitory touch 0’the tether-felt By few, not marked by many, named by none At the moment, only recognized aright I’ the fulness of the days, for God’s, lest sin Exceed the service, leap the line: such checkA secret which this life finds hard to keep, And, often guessed, is never quite revealedNeeds must trip Guido ona stumbling-block Too vulgar, too absurdly plain i’ the path! Study this single oversight of care, This hebetude that marred sagacity, Forgetfulness of all the man best knew,How any stranger having need to fly, Needs but to ask and have the means of flight. Why, the first urchin tells you, to leave Rome, Get horses, you must show the warrant, just The banal scrap, clerk’s scribble, a fair word buys, Or foul one, if a ducat sweeten word,And straight authoritywill back demand, Give you the pick 0’the post-house!-how should he, Then, resident at Rome for thirty years, Guido, instruct astranger! And himself

crossed out and replaced above by Gets Guido when <>comes and the P1869:Guido is MS:That monitory <>of P1869:The monitory found when < > comes, the <> 0’ MS:In < > days for God’s check over illegible word sign crossed out 3 lestP1869:I’ <>days, for Cod‘s, lest 805( MS:leap the limit crossed outand replaced above by two words line traced here: PI869:leap the line: such checkMS:The secret of § crossed out andreplaced above by § which < > life finds § over is § PI869:Asecret 8071 MS:Yet. somehow guessed, shall crossed outand replaced above by is never be crossed out and replaced above by 9 quite revealed. PI869:And. often ROBl MS:Guido must needs tripon 1872:Needs must trip guessed 187Z:revealedGuido on MS:vulgar, all crossed out t o o absurdly inserted above < > in 810-15( MS:This <> of sagacity, / Forgetfulness of whatthe <> knew / One P1869:i’ has to ask < > / Why, the first stranger crossed out and replaced above by urchin Pl869:Study this <> of care, / This hebetude that marssagacity, / <> knew! / Here is a stranger who, with need to fly, / Needs but to ask <> / Why 1872:/ <> marred<> / <> of all the < > knew,- / How any stranger having need < > / / Why R171 MS:scrap, of crossed outand replaced above by 5 clerk’s scribble a P1869:scribble, a 81sI MS:Or P1869:Or a foul <>ducat follow crossed out and replaced above by 8 sweeten such,8191 MS:And there’s authority will foul <>sweeten wood,CPl869:word.over wzth P1869:And straightauthority R20-221 MS:of the post-house: how I hear 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words in such wise / Guido instructs some crossed out and replaced above by a P1869:o’ the post-house!-insuch

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Forgets just this poor paper scrap, wherewith Armed, every door he knocks at openswide T o save him: horsed and manned, with such advance 0’the hunt behind, why, ’twere the easy task Of hours told onthe fingers of one hand, To reach the Tuscan frontier, laugh at-home, Light-hearted with hisfellows of the place,Prepared by that strange shameful judgment, that Satire upon a sentence just pronounced By the Rota andconfirmed by the Granduke,Ready in acircle to receive their peer, Appreciate his goodstory how, when Rome, The Pope-King and the populace of priests Made common cause with their confederate The other priestling whoseduced his wife, He, all unaided, wipedout the affront With decent bloodshed and could face his friends, Frolic it in the world’s eye. Ay, such tale Missed such applause, and by such oversight! So, tired and footsore, those blood-flustered five Went reeling on the road through dark and cold, The few permissible miles, to sink at length, Wallow and sleep in the &stwayside straw, As the other herd quenched, i’ the wash0’the wave, -Each swine, the devil inside him: so slept they,

wise / The resident at Rome for thirty years,/ Cuido, instructs a 1872:post-house!-how 8zsl MS:saap wherewith should he, / Then, resident < > / Guido, instruct a 8251 MS:him, horsed and mannedwith P1869:him: horsed P1869:saap. wherewith 8261 MS:Of < > whytis the PZ869:O’ < > why’twere the andmanned,with 8271 MS:hand P1869:hand. 8281 MS:the Tuscan Frontier <> 1872:why, ’twere athome P1869:home, 1872:the Tuscan frontier DC,BrU:at-home, 1889:at-home, 8291 MS:with the best of the land, I see,- P1869:with his fellows of the place,MS:to salute § crossed out and replaced above by § receive < > peer P1869:peer, 83‘1 MSAppreciatethat good P1869:Appreciate his good 8J51 MS:The Pope King 8s91 MS:With the decent P1869:With decent P1869:The Pope-King a411 MS:applause by one such oversight; P1869:applause, all by such oversight! 8421 MS:So 5 over The 5 <> footsore, andaossed out and 1872:applause, and by 8‘31 MS:cold P1869:cold, 84.1 MS:miles to <> replaced above by those length P1869:miles, to < > length, 8451 MS:straw P1869:straw. 8461 MS:A~ the ancient swine cooled last three words aossed out andreplaced above by three words i‘ < > wave,MS:Each swine other herd quenchedin < > wavePl869:quenched.

83sI

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And so were caught andcaged-all through one trip, One touch of fool in Guido the astute! He curses the omission, I surmise, More than the murder. Why, thou fool and blind, It is the mercy-stroke that stops thy fate, Hamstrings andholds thee to thy hurt,-but how? On the edge 0' the precipice! One minute more, Thou hadst gone fartherand fared worse, my son, Fathoms down on theflint and fire beneath! T h y comrades each and allwere of one mind, T h y murder done, to straightway murder thee In turn, because of promised pay withheld. So, to the last, greed found itself at odds With craft in thee, and, proving conqueror, Had sent thee, the same night that crowned thy hope, Thither where, this sameday, I see thee not, Nor, through God's mercy, need, to-morrow, see. Such I find Guido, midmost blotchof black Discernible in this group of clustered crimes Huddling together in the cave they call Their palace outraged day thus penetrates. Around him ranged, now close and now remote,

5 over illegible word 5 the P1869:"Each swine, the MS:one fault crossed out 8491 MS:Touch of forgetfulness in Guido!Fault and replaced above by trip, P1869:of the fool in Guido:the astute! CP1869:in Guido the 1872:One touch of f o o l 8501 MS:curses at this minute, I PI869:curses theomission, I 85'1 MS:rnurder: why 8521 MS:This is 5 over perhaps was P1869:It is P1869:murder. Why 85Jl MS:but where? P1869:but how? 8541 MS:of the precipice: one < > more P1869:o' the precipice! One <> more, 8551 MS:§ inserted between 854-56 5 MS:son P1869:son. 8561 MS:flint beneath 5 over illegible erasure 5 : for why? P1869:flint and fire beneath! 8571 MS:mind 1872:mind. 85Bl MS:Straitway, thy <> to murder 1872:Thy <> to straightway 8591 MS:withheld. PI869:withheld. 8601 MS:So to the last murder greed finds itselfP1869:So, to the last, greed found itself 8611 MS:and proves craft's 8621 MS:And sends thee, the 5 over conqueror, P1869:and. provingconquerer, perhaps that < > night of thy success 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by four words and comma 9 that uowns thy hope, P1869:Had sent thee <>crowned 864-651 MS:§ no P1869:S a 8651 MS:find Guido, central 5 crossed out and 861 MS:group, these crossed outand replaced above replaced above by midmost 8671 MS:in that altered to the 8681 MS:Arezzo by of P1869:group of crossed out and replaced above by two words Their palace, outraged 1889a:palace 869( MS:Round him are ranged CP1869:Around him ranged outraged

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Prominent or obscure to meet the needs 0’the mage and master, I detect each shape Subsidiary i’ the scene nor loathed the less, All alike coloured, all descried akin By one and the same pitchy furnace stirred At the centre: see, they lick the master’s hand,This fox-faced horrible priest, this brother-brute The Abate,-why, mere wolfishness looks well, Guido stands honest in the red 0’the flame, Beside this yellow that would pass for white, Twice Guido, allcraft but noviolence, This copier of the mienand gait and garb Of Peter and Paul, that he may go disguised, Rob halt andlame, sick folk i’ the temple-porch! Armed with religion, fortified by law, A man of peace, who trims the midnight lamp And turns theclassic page-and all for craft, All to work harm with, yet incur no scratch! While Guido brings the struggle to a close, Paul steps back the due distance, clear 0’the trap He builds and baits. Guido I catch and judge; Paul is past reach in this world and my time: That is a case reserved. Pass to the next,

8711 MS:Of the Mage in the middle 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 and master, I detect those 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 each shapes 5 altered to 5 shape P1869:O’ the mage 8721 MS:in the scene 5 followed by illegible erasure 874( MS:pitchyflame, he 5 last two words crossed replaced above by 5 nor P1869:i’ out and replaced above by 5 furnace stirs 5 altered to §stirred 875) MS:master’sfoot,8771 MS:The Abate, why this § crossed out and replaced above P1869:master‘s hand,mere < > well, 8781 MS:And 5 crossed by 5 mere < > wellP1869:TheAbate,-why, out 5 Guido stands 5 inserted above 5 < > of the flame P1869:flame, CP1869:o’ 8801 MS:This Guido all craft and no violence P1869:This Guido, all craft but no violence, 8811 MS:the gait and mien 5 transposed to 5 mien and gait 1872:Twice Guido, 8821 MS:Of Peter followed by illegible erasure <> disguised P1869:disguised, 88s1 MS:lame, and blind 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 sick folk in thetemple-porch. P1869:i’ the temple-porch! 8861 MS:the 5 followed by illegible erasure student’s 5 crossed out and replaced above by antique page CP1869:the 8871 MS:with yet <>scratch P1869:with, yet <>scratch! classic page 8881 MS:While Guido 5 followed by illegible erasure <>close P1869:close, 8891 MS:distance, tempts notrap P1869:distance, clear 0’the trap 8g01 MS:baits. Guido has found his fate, 5 last four words and comma crossed out andreplaced above by 8911 MS:But 5 inserted in four words and period 5 I catch and judge. P1869:judge; 8921 MS:That is margin 5 Paul, is 5 crossed out 5 < > time, P1869:Paulis <> time:

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The boy of the brood, the young Girolamo Priest, Canon, andwhat more? norwolf nor fox, But hybrid, neither craft nor violence Wholly, part violence part craft: such cross Tempts speculation-will both blend one day, And prove hell’s better product? Or subside And let the simple qualityemerge, Go on with Satan’s service the old way? Meanwhile, what promise,-what performance too! For there’s a new distinctive touch, I see, Lust-lacking in the two-hell’s own blue tint That gives a character and marks the man More than a match for yellow and red. Once more, A case reserved: whyshould I doubt? Then comes The gauntgrey nightmare in the furthest smoke, The hag that gave these three abortions birth, Unmotherly mother and unwomanly Woman, that near turns motherhood to shame, Womanliness to loathing:no oneword, No gesture to curb cruelty a whit More than the she-pard thwartsher playsome whelps Trying their milk-teeth on the soft 0’the throat 0’the first fawn, flung, with those beseeching eyes, Flat in the covert! How should she but couch, Lick the d r y lips, unsheath the blunted claw,

inserted inmargin A <> next PZ869:is a <> next, 8941 MS:more? Nor 8g81 MS:prove the PZ869:nor 8961 MS:craft, a cross P1869:craft: such cross 8991 MS:emerge PZ869:emerge. betterCPZ869:provehell’sbetter 9031 MS:the other crossed out and replaced above by MS:too, PZ869:too! 9041 MS:gives over illegible erasure two-hell’s own inserted above 9061 MS:should I care? Then PZ869:should I doubt?Then 9091 MS:mother, the glO1 MS:Woman, that over perhaps unwomanly CPZ869:mother and unwomanly who turns PZ869:that near turns 9111 MS:The womanliness to loathing: what, word and comma crossed outnoone insertedabovePZ869:Womanliness 9131 MS:the wild beast last two words crossed out and replaced above by she-pard 9141 MS:Trying their 8 over thwarts each crossed out and replaced above by her 9151 MS:Of <> fawn, flung, word andcomma perhaps t t s < > of PZ869:o’ 9L61 MS:Capturedcrossed out and replaced above by inserted above PZ869:O’ Flat < > covert: what does last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 9171 MS:lips, half inserted above unsheathe the how should P1869:covert! How followed by illegible erasure replaced above by blunted PZ869:lips, unsheath

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Catch ’twixt her placid eyewinks at whatchance Old bloody half-forgotten dream may flit, Born when herself was novice to the taste, The while she lets youth take its pleasure. Last, of life, These God-abandoned wretched lumps Thesefourcompanions,-country-folk this time, Not taintedby the unwholesomecivic breath, Much less the curse 0’the Court! Mere striplings too, Fit to do human naturejustice still! Surely when impudence in Guido’s shape Shall propose crime and proffer money’s-worth To these stout tall rough bright-eyed black-haired boys, The blood shall bound in answer to each cheek Before the indignantoutcry break from lip! Are these i’ the mood to murder, hardly loosed From healthy autumn-finish of ploughed glebe, Grapes in the barrel, work at happy end, And winter near with rest and Christmas play? How greet they Guido with hisfinal task(As if he but proposed “Onevineyard more To dig, ere frost come, then relax indeed!”)

MS:twixt her placid winking eyelids 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 placid eyewinks at what 5 over perhaps an 5 old 5 crossed out 5 P1869:’twixt 919-211 MS:Old 5 inserted in margin 5 Bloody 5 altered to 5 bloody and 5 erased 5 half-forgotten <> / And let youth <> Last of all P1869:bloody half-forgotten <> / Born when herself was novice to the taste, / The which she lets youth <> Last, gnl MS:life P1869:life, 92’1 MS:Untainted 5 altered CP1869:// The while she to 5 Nortainted P2869:Not tainted 9251 MS:Muchless 5 last two words inserted in margin 3 The 5 altered to 5 the <> of the court. Just striplings P2869:o’ the court! Mere 9261 MS:stillP2869:still! 9271 MS:And here striplings 1889a:the Court 9281 MS:Shall§ over Will 5 propose goes impudence P1869:Surely when impudence murder for his 5 last three words crossed out andreplaced above by three words 5 a i m e and 9291 MS:tall bright-eyed and black-haired 1889a:tall rough bright-eyed proffer 9’01 MS:With the 5 crossed out 5 blood P1869:The blood black-haired 951) MS:indignant speech can break P1869:indignant outcry break 9’21 MS:Why, they are just in the mood, loose hardly yet P1869:Are these i’ the mood to murder, hardly 95’1 MS:From the healthy Autumn labour, the ploughed CP1869:From loosed MS:end healthy autumn-finish, the 2889a:autumn-finish of ploughed 9’5) MS:winter come with <> play! P2869:play? 2889a:winter near P1869:end, 9’71 MS:he said, one <> more to dig P1869:he but proposed “One <> more with 9581 ” i r e <> relax with all my heart)P2869:To dig, ere <> relax indeed!”) 9181

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“Anywhere, anyhow and anywhy, Murder me some three people, old andyoung, Ye never heard the names of,-and be paid So much!” And the whole four accede at once. Demur? Do cattle bidden march or halt? Is it some lingering habit, oldfond faith I’ the lord 0’the land, instructs them,-birthright-badge Of feudal tenure claims its slaves again? Not so at all, thounoble human heart! All is done purely for the pay,-which, earned, And not forthcoming atthe instant, makes Religion heresy, and the lord 0’the land Fit subject for a murder in his turn. The patron with cut throat and rifled purse, Deposited i’ the roadside-ditch, his due, Nought hinders each good fellow trudging home, The heavier by a piece or two in poke, And so with new zest to the common life, Mattock and spade, plough-tailand waggon-shaft, Till some such other piece of luck betide, Who knows? Since this is a mere start in life, And none of them exceeds the twentieth year. Nay, more i’ the background yet? Unnoticed forms

9391 MS:§ inserted between 938-40 “Anywhereanyhow and anywhy P1869:“Anywhere, 9401 MS:people oldandyoung P1869:people. oldand young, anyhowand anywhy, g4’1 MS:You <> of and P1869:Ye <> of,-and 9‘21 MS:once, P1869:once. g43( MS:Demur? As cattle do bid march or halt: P1869:cattle would, bid < > halt! 9451 MS:In <> of the land, compels 1889a:Demur? Do cattlebidden march or halt? crossed out and replaced above by instructs them, birthright badge P1869:I’ <> them,-birthright-badge 1872:o’ < > birthright badgeemended to birthright-badge see 9481 MS:AII was Editorial Notes MS:Offeudal the P1869:Of feudal 9491 MS:instant, made P1869:instant. makes done P1869:All is done 9501 MS:of P1869:o’ 9521 MS:purse P1869:purse. 9551 MS:in roadside the 95’1 MS:What hinders CP1869:Nought ditch his CP1869:i’ the roadside-ditch, his 9551 MS:by the piece CP1869:by a piece 9561 MS:And going 8 crossed hinders out back with a newzest last four words inserted above < > life again crossed out 9571 MS:plough-tail or waggon-shaft, P1869:ploughP1869:And so with new < > life, 9581 MS:luck befall crossed out 9591 MS:knows? tail and waggon-shaft, %I’ MS:exceeds over illegible word 8 Since is Pl869:knows? Sincethis is 960611 MS:§ no 7 P1869:S Q 1872:§ no 7 1889:s no ; emended to restore ; see Editorial Notes 9611 MS:Nay, still crossed out more in the background, still

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Claim to be classed, subordinately vile? Complacent lookers-on that laugh,-perchance Shake head as their friend’s horse-play grows too rough With the mere child he manages amissBut would not interfere and make bad worse For twice the fractious tears and prayers: thou know’st Civility better, Marzi-Medici, Governor for thy kinsman the Granduke! Fit representative of law, man’s lamp I’ the magistrate’s grasp full-flare, no rushlight-end Sputtering ’twixt thumb and finger of the priest! Whose answer to the couple’s cry for help Is a threat,-whose remedy of Pompilia’s wrong, A shrug 0’the shoulder, and facetious word Or wink, traditional with Tuscan wits, T o Guido in the doorway. Laud to law! The wife is pushed back to the husband, he Who knows how these home-squabblings persecute

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new last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 yet, unnoticed 9631 MS:Complacent friends thatstand P1869:Nay. more i’ < > yet? Unnoticed forms and last four words crossed out and replaced above by two words lookers-on that 9MI MS:Sigh over 5 last two words see,-perchance P1869:that laugh,-perchance crossed out and replaced above by three words Q Shake heads as their comrade’s crossed out and replaced by friend’s horse-play, grows too 5 last two words inserted above 5 rough and rash, last two words and comma crossed out 5 P1869:horse-play grows CPl869:head 9651 MS:§ inserted between 964-66 5 child,he P1869:childhe 9661 MS:and spoilthe game 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words make bad worse MS:Their duty 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by Civility better, 9691 MS:thy cousin the Grand-Duke P1869:thy Marzi-Medici Pl869:Mani-Medici. 9701 MS:This representative of human 5 crossed out 5 law, kinsmantheGranduke! 9711 MS:In the 5 inserted in man’s light crossed out P1863:Fit representative margin 3 magistrate’s grasp5 over hand 5 < > n o twist of wax 5 last three words crossed out 972) MS:sputtering and replaced above by rushlight-end P1869:I’ the magistrate’s 5 over illegible word 5 twixt <> priest,- P1869:’twixt <> priest! 9711 MS:to these Comparini’s cry 1889a:to the couple’s Comparini’s cry for help DC,BrU:couple’s cry 1889:couple’s cry 97’1 MS:a menace,-whose cure of P1869:a threat,-whose remedy of g751 MS:of <> word 5 blotted, perhaps over illegible word 5 , CP1869:o’ 9761 MS:The 5 over illegibleerasure 5 wink P1869:Or wink 9771 MS:doorway; and 97*1 MS:There’s the wife pushed you’ve law, PI869:doorway. Laud to law! 9791 MS:That knows <> these domestic 5 crossed out and P1869:The wife is pushed P1869:Who knows <> replaced above by 3 home squabblings plague 5 crossed out

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People who have the public good to mind, And work best with a silence in the court! Ah, but I save my word at least for thee, Archbishop, who artunder me, i’ the Church, As I am under God,-thou, chosen by both To do the shepherd’s office, feed the sheepHow of this lamb that panted at thy f o o t While the wolf pressed on her within crook’s reach? Wast thou the hireling that did turnand flee? With thee at least anon the littleword!

Such denizens 0’the cave now cluster round And heat the furnace sevenfold: time indeed A bolt from heaven should cleave roof and clear place, Transfix and show the world, suspiring flame, The main offender, scar and brand the rest Hurrying, each miscreant to his hole: then flood And purify the scene with outside dayWhich yet, in the absolutest drench of dark, Ne’er wants a witness, some suay beauty-beam To the despair of hell. First of the first, Such I pronounce Pompilia, then as now

home-squabblings 9801 MS:mind,P1869:mind. MSAnd what a lovely 98l-821 MS:§ no a P1869:S (I silence P1869:And work best with a silence 9821 MS:but I have my < > thee P1869:but I save my <> thee, MS:Archbishop, who a r t last two words inserted above 5 under me as I last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words and comma in the church, Pl869:the Church, 984( MS:thou 1889a:under, i’ Q emended to 5 under me, i’ see Editorial Notes 5 placed crossed out and replaced above by 5 chosen PZ869:thou, chosen 989-901 MS:§ no 7 9 P1869:§ (I5 MS:Such occupants 5 crossed outand replaced above by denizens of the cave now 5 inserted above 5 cluster around 8 crossed 9911 MS:The cauldron and 5 last three words crossed out 5 Who out 5 CP1869:o’ feeds the furnace last three words crossed out and replaced above by four words heats the 9961 MS:with outside 5 inserted above furnace sevenfold P1869:And heat 9981 MS:stray beauty- 5 word and dash inserted above 5 beam of God‘s 5 last two words 999) MSWrestling with last two words crossed outand replaced above crossed out§ by four words To the despair of hell. marginal note that new paragraph begins 5

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Perfect in whiteness: stoop thou down,my child, Give one good moment to the poor old Pope Heart-sick at having all his world to blameLet me look at thee in the flesh as erst, Let me enjoy the old clean linen garb, Not the new splendid vesture! Armed and crowned, Would Michael, yonder, be, nor crowned nor armed, The less pre-eminent angel?Everywhere I see in the world the intellect of man, That sword, the energy his subtle spear, The knowledge which defends him like a shieldEverywhere; but they make not up, I think, The marvel of a soul like thine, earth's flower She holds up to the softened gaze of G o d ! It was not given Pompilia to know much, Speak much, to write a book, to move mankind, Be memorized by who records my time. Yet if in purity andpatience, if In faith heldfast despite the plucking fiend, Safe like the signet stone with thenew name That saints are known by,-if in right returned For wrong, most pardon for worst injury, If there be any virtue, any praise,Then will this woman-child have proved-who knows?-

l'JO1( MS:Splendid of § last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words § Perfect in whiteness-stand crossed out and replaced above by look thou up crossed thou 1872:whiteness: out and replaced above by downPl869:whiteness"stoop 10021 MS:the aged 3 crossed outand replaced above by two words p o o r old stoop 1w3-sI MS:all this 8 crossed out and replaced above by 8 his <> / Let me enjoy P1869: / Let me look at thee in the flesh as erst, / Let 10061 MS:vesture!Sword and shieldlast three words and dash crossed out andreplaced above by three words and comma I'JO71 MS:Would not princelasttwo wordscrossed Armed and crowned, out Michael, stand, apart from these last four words crossed out and replaced above byfive words 8 yonder, nor crowned nor armed, P1869:yonder, be, nor l'JO81 MSpreeminent P1869:pre-eminent l0l1) MS:which over fhal <> shield Pl869:shield10121 MS:Everywhere, but P1869:Everywhere; 10141 MS:of God. P1869:of God! 10151 MS:given to this last two but 10161 MS:book,to rule aland 8 last three words crossed outand words crossed out 10191 MS:faithkept uossed outand replaced above by twowords 5 move mankind, replaced above by still fum despite <> fiend P1869:faith held fast despite <> fiend, 10201 MS:Held 5 inserted in marginLikethewhite crossed out signet-stone 10221 MS:wrong, forgive wife lasttwo words P1869:Safe likethe 1872:signet stone loZ41 MS:have proved 5 over become well nigh 9 last two words crossed crossed out 5

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Just the oneprize vouchsafed unworthy me, Seven years a gardener of the untoward ground, I till,-this earth, my sweat and blood manure All the long d a y that barrenly grows dusk: At least one blossom makes me proud at eve Born ’mid the briers of my enclosure! Still (Oh, here as elsewhere, nothingness of man!) Those be the plants, imbedded yonder South To mellow in the morning, those made fat By the master’s eye, that yield such timid leaf, Uncertain bud, as product of his pains! While-see how this mere chance-sown cleft-nursed seed That sprang up by the wayside ’neath the foot Of the enemy, this breaks all intoblaze, Spreads itself, one wide glory of desire To incorporate the wholegreat sun i t loves From the inch-height whence it looks and longs! My flower, My rose, I gather for the breast of God, This I praise most in thee, where all I praise, That having been obedient to the end

out and replaced above by’two words, question mark and dashes -who knows?10261 MS:Just § inserted in margin § The one reward § crossed out and replaced above by § prize me P1869: Just the me, IOz6[ MS:Tenyears the crossed out and

<>

<>

replaced above by a <> ground P1869:ground.1872:Sevenyears 1027-291 MS:This earth I till, which 8 crossed out and replaced above bymy < > manure. / At least this blossom crossed out and replaced above by beauty meets my hand at eve§ last five words and dash crossed out andreplaced above by five words § makes me proud at eve P1869:I till,-this earth, my < > manure / All the long day t h a t barrenly grows dusk:/ At least one blossom makes 10-’o) MS:mid thebriars P1869:’mid the briers 1os21 MS:Those are the plants, setcrossed out and replaced above by imbedded yonder in P1869:Those be 1os41 MS:yield thetimid leaf the last two words crossed out lOs5l MSThe uncertainbud,product of allthepainsP1869:yield suchtimid leaf, 10361 MS:this mere § insertedabove § P1869:Uncertain bud,asproduct of hispains! chance-sown, cleft-nursed seed P1869:seed, DC,BrU:chance-sown cleft-nursed seed 10s71 MS:This that inserted above <> neath 1889:chance-sown cleft-nursed seed 10’81 MS:breaks out intoone crossed out and replaced above P1869:That < > ’neath 10’91 MS:itself, in alast two words crossed by a blaze, P1869:breaks allinto blaze, out and replaced above by two words one wide 10401 MS:whole wide crossed out word 10411 MS:longs. My and replaced above by great <> loves over illegible P1869:longs! My 10421 MS:Perfect andtrue rose gatheredfor G o d ’ s breast, Pl869:My 1”I MS:all ispraise, P1869:all I praise, rose, I gather for the breast of God,

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According to the light allotted, law Prescribed thy life, still tried, still standing test,Dutiful to the foolish parents first, Submissive next to the bad husband,-nay, Tolerant of those meaner miserable That did his hests, eked out the dole of pain,Thou, patient thus, couldst rise from law to law, The old to the new, promoted at onecry 0’the trump of God to the new service, not To longer bear, but henceforth fight, be found Sublime in new impatience with the foe! Endure man and obey God: plant firm f o o t On neck of man, tread man into the hell Meet for him, and obey God all the more! Oh child that didst despise thy life so much When it seemed only thine to keep or lose, How the fine ear felt fall the first low word “Value life, and preserve life for My sake!” Thou didst . . . how shall I say? . . . receive so long The standing ordinanceof God on earth, What wonder if the novel claim had clashed With old requirement, seemed to supersede

MS:allotted her 5 written over by 5 law, 10461 MSAnd law of 5 lastthree words crossed out andreplaced above by two words 5 Prescribed thy <> tried and standing test, 10511 MS:to law P1869:to law, 105’1 MS:Of P1869:tried, still standing test,105’1 MS:Bear anymore 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by P1869:O’ 5 longer, but fight now, be sublime 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 found henceforth lO55l MS:Sublime 5 inserted in P1869:To longer bear, buthenceforth fight, be found margin 5 In all impatience <> foe. P1869:Sublime in new impatience <> foe! 10561 MS:Bear with 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 Endure <> God: plant 5 crossed out andthen restored 5 a 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 lirm f o o t 5 crossed out and then restored 5 10571 MS:On the face 5 crossed out and replaced above by neck of man, and 5 crossed out 5 tread him 3 crossed out and replaced above by 8 man CP1869:Onneck 10581 MS:That 5 followed by illegible word, both crossed out lffi01 MS:lose P1869:lose, and replaced above by two words 5 Meet for 10611 MSWho gave the 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 How felt <> ear for 5 crossed out andreplaced below by 5 felt 5 crossed out andreplaced by 5 prick the small 5 crossed out andreplaced above by three words5 distinguished crossed out and replaced by 5 first low P1869:How the < > e a r felt fall the 10621 MS:for my sake?” P1869:for My sake!” 106s) MS:Thou hadst . . how <> say? . . receiveP1869:Thou d i d s t . . how <> receive1889a:didst . . . how < > say? . . . receive 10651 MS:claim should clash P1869:claim had clashed IoN1 MS:seem

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Too much the customary law? But, brave, Thou atfirst prompting of what I callGod, And fools call Nature, didst hear, comprehend, Accept the obligation laid on thee, Mother elect, to save the unborn child, As brute and birddo, reptileand the fly, Ay and, I nothing doubt, even tree, shrub, plant And flower 0’ the field, all in a common pact To worthily defend the trust of trusts, Life from the Ever Living:-didst resistAnticipate the office that is mineAnd with his ownsword stay the upraised a r m , The endeavour of the wicked, and defend Him who,-again in my default,-was there For visible providence: one less true than thou To touch, i’ the past, less practised in the right, Approved less far in all docility T o all instruction,-how had such an one Made scruple “Is this motion a decree?” It was authentic to the experienced ear 0’the good and faithful servant. Go past me And get thy praise,-and be not far to seek Presently when I follow if I may! And surely not so very much apart Need I place thee, my warrior-priest,-in

whom

P1869:seemed lW71 MS:law? But, brave! 5 over no. 5 P1869:brave, MScall God P1869:call God, 10691 MS:call nature P1869:call Nature lo7*l MS:As the 5 crossed out 3 Io7’1 MS:doubt, the 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 even 10741 MS:of the field, all 5 crossed out tree, shrub 5 over illegible word 5 and replaced above by 5 found 5 aossed out and originalrestored 5 P1869:o’ 10751 MS:To save 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 recognize 5 crossed out 5 the glory of that gift, 5 last five words and comma crossed out and replaced above by seven words 5 To worthily defend that trust of trusts P1869:trusts, 10781 MS:sword break 5 crossed outand replaced above by 1872:defend thetrust 5 stay loall MSprovidence: how had 5 last two words aossedoutand replaced 1m21 MS:touch in above by 5 fright 5 aossed out 5 <> thou, 5 erased 5 10851 MS:Approved inall docility so far P1869:Approved so farin CP1869:touch. i’ 10841 MSsuch one straight P1869:such anone alldocility 1872:Approved less far 10851 MS:sauple, “Is CP1869:sauple “Is 10871 MS:Of P1869:O’

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What if I gain the other rose, the gold, We grave to imitate God’s miracle, Greet monarchs with, good rose in its degree? Irregular noble ’scapegrace-son the same! Faulty-and’peradventure ours the fault Who still misteach, mislead, throw hook and line, Thinking to land leviathan forsooth, Tame the scaled neck, play with him as a bird, And bind him for our maidens! Better bear The King of Pride go wantoning awhile, Unplagued by cord in nose and thorn in jaw, Through deep to deep, followed by all that shine, Churning the blackness hoary: He who made The comely terror, He shall make thesword To match that piece of netherstone his heart, Ay, nor miss praise thereby; who else shut fire I’ the stone, to leap from mouth at sword’s firststroke, In lamps of love and faith, the chivalry That dares the right and disregards alike The yea and nay 0’the world? Self-sacrifice,What if an idol took it? Ask the Church Why she was wont to turn each Venus here,Poor Rome perversely lingered round, despite Instruction, for the sake of purblind love,Into Madonna’s shape, and waste no whit Of aught so rare on earth as gratitude! All this sweet savour was not ours but thine,

MS:mirade P1869:’grave <> miracle, CP1869:grave losl MSAnd crossed out greet altered to Greet some crossed out monarchs, Q crossed out with, 5 word and comma inserted above good rose inserted lm51 MS:scapegmce DC,BrU:’scapegrace 1889:’scapegrace above lO9’) MS:line 1889a:line, lwal MS:to bring crossed out MS:maidens! bear 11061 MS:heart P1869:heart, Better leave PZ869:maidens! Better 11081 MS:Fastcrossed out In <> leap out, at last two words crossed out and replaced llw( MSInburning 8 crossed above by four words from mouth at sword’s P1869:I’ 11111 MS:The smile crossed outand replaced above byyea and frown out 5 PZ869:o’ the crossed out and replaced above by nay of the world,-self-sacrifice,world? Self-sacrifice,lllfl MS:each idol § crossed out and replaced above by § Venus 11151 MS:love, CP1869:love,11161 MS:Into a God and here CP1869:here,so last four words crossed out and replaced above by three words !jMadonna’s shape, and

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Nard of the rock, a natural wealth we name Incense, and treasure up as food for saints, When flung to us-whose function was to give Not find the costly perfume. Do I smile? Nay, Caponsacchi, much I find amiss, Blameworthy, punishable in this freak Of thine, this youth prolonged, though agewas ripe, This masquerade in sober day, with change Of motley too,-now hypocrite's disguise, Now fool's-costume: which lie was least like truth, Which the ungainlier, more discordant garb With that symmetric soul inside my son, The churchman's or the worldling's,-let him judge, Our adversary who enjoys the task! I rather chronicle thehealthy rage,When the first moan broke from the martyr-maid At that uncaging of the beasts,-made bare My athlete on the instant, gave such good Great undisguised leap over post and pale Right into the mid-cirque, free fighting-place. There may have been rash stripping-every rag Went to the winds,-infringement manifold Of laws prescribed pudicity, I fear, In this impulsiveand prompt self-display! Ever such tax comes of the foolish youth; Men mulct the wiser manhood, andsuspect

MShcense and P1869:Incense, and llz5l MS:prolonged though 11271 P1869:hypocrite'~-disguise, 1872:hypoaite's disguise, 1872:prolonged, though 1128) MS:fooi's costume Pl869:fool's-costume 11'1) T h e Churchman's <> the Worlding's <> judge P1869:The churchman's <> worldling's C > judge, l 'zl MS:Thine adversary <> task: P1869:OurAdversary <> task! 1872:Our adversary 11381 MS:the cirque's midst and last three words altered to mid-cirque, free 1 '91 MS:rash work when every altered to rash stripping-every I1'O1 MS:infringements 5 altered to 5 infringement much I fear, last three words and 11'11 MS:laws our time last comma crossed outand replaced above by 5 manifold L1'21 MS:self-displayP1869:self-display! two words crossed out 5 l l ' q MS:§ crowded between 1142-46 andin margin 11'$1 MS:Ever 5 inserted in margin 5 Such is the fruit 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 tax comes of the first 5 crossed out 5 foolish life wasting 5 last two words crossed out 5 youth, P1869:such <> youth; 11") MS:the wiser nay love 5 last two words crossed out

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No veritable star swims out of cloud. Bear thou such imputation, undergo The penalty I nowise dare relax,Conventional chastisement and rebuke. But for the outcome, the brave starry birth Conciliating earth with all that cloud, Thank heaven as I do!Ay, such championship Of God at first blush, such prompt cheery thud Of glove on ground that answers ringingly The challenge of the false knight,-watch we long And wait we vainly for its gallant like From those appointed to the service, sworn His body-guard with pay and privilegeWhite-cinct, because in white walks sanctity, Red-socked, how elseproclaim fine scorn of flesh, Unchariness of blood when blood faith begs! Where are the men-at-arms withcross on coat? Aloof, bewraying their attire: whilst thou In mask and motley, pledged to dance not fight, Sprang'st forth thehero! In thought, word and deed, How throughout allthy warfare thou wast pure, I find i t easy to believe: and if At any fateful moment of the strange Adventure, the strong passion of that strait, Fear and surprise, may have revealed t o o much,As when a thundrous midnight, withblack air That burns, rain-drops that blister, breaks a spell, Draws out the excessive virtue of some sheathed

5 inserted above and then crossed out 5 manhood

P1869:the wiser manhood MS:cloud 1889a:cloud. 11461 MS:thou the 5 crossed out and replaced below 11471 MS:nowise must 5 crossed out and replaced above by dare by 5 such 114*1 MS:Loving the son, I 5 last four words crossed out and replaced above by 5 Conventional chastise 3 altered to 3 chastisement 11491 MS:outcome, the inserted llMl MS:cloudP1869:cloud, above 5 brave bold 3 crossed out 5 11541 MS:knight,-look 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 watch we long, DC,BrU: long 1889:long 11551 MS:Exp 9 crossed out and replaced above by 5 And 1ImI MS:begs? 1872:begs! 11611 MS:the soldiery 0 crossed out and replaced above 11631 MS:In the p o o r frippery 5 last three words crossed out and by 5 men-at-arms 11641 MS:Sprangest replaced above by three words 3 mask and motley 11651 MS:pure P1869:pure, 11671 MS:of that 3 crossed out and PI869:Sprang'st 11691 MS:surprise may P1869:surprise. may replaced above by the 'l701 MS:when some 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 a 11721 MS:some flower 5 11451

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Shut unsuspected flower that hoards and hides Immensity of sweetness,-so, perchance, Might the surprise and fear release t o o much The perfect beauty of the body and soul Thou savedst in thy passion for God’s sake, He who is Pity. Was the trial sore? Temptation sharp? Thank God a second time! Why comes temptation but for man to meet And master and make crouch beneath his foot, And so be pedestaled in triumph?Pray “Lead us into nosuch temptations, Lord!” Yea, but, 0 Thou whose servants are the bold, Lead such temptations by the head and hair, Reluctant dragons, up to who dares fight, That so he may do battle and have praise! Do I not see the praise?-that while thy mates Bound to deserve i’ the matter, prove at need Unprofitable through the very pains We gave to train them well and start them fair,Are found t o o stiff, with standing ranked and ranged, For onset in good earnest, t o o obtuse Of ear, through iteration of command, For catching quick the sense of the real cry,Thou, whose sword-hand was used to strike the lute, Whose sentry-station graced some wanton’s gate, Thou didst push forward and show mettle, shame The laggards, and retrieve the day. Well done! Be glad thou hast let light into theworld ~

_

_

_ ~

~

~

crossed out and replaced above by 5 sheathed 11751 MS:fear draw 5 crossed out 5 11771 MS:Thou barest 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 savedst on thy bosom for P1869:savedst in thy passion for I1781 MS% Pity: was1889a:is Pity. Was 1185-871 MS:temptations by the head and hair 5 last five words inserted above 5 reluctant dragons, 5 last two words and comma inserted below 5 u p to who dares fight / That 11891 MS:in < > proved 5 altered to 5 prove P1869:hairJ Reluctant < > fight,/ That l19ll MS:them u p to 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two P1869:i’ 11921 MS:stiff with standing in the 5 last two words crossed words 5 well and 11951 MS:For 5 over To 5 catch 5 altered to 5 catching at out 5 P1869:stiff, with the first breath 5 last four words crossed out and replaced above by four words 5 quick aright 5 crossed out 5 the sense of the battle- 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 real 11971 MS:Whose watch and 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 12WI MS:glad 5 over illegible two words 5 sentry station Pl869:sentry-station

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Through that irregular breach 0’the boundary,-see The same upon thy path and marchassured, Learning anew the use of soldiership, Self-abnegation, freedom from all fear, Loyalty to the life’s end! Ruminate, Deserve the initiatory spasm,-once more Work, be unhappy but bear life, my son! And troop you, somewhere ’twixt the best and worst, Where crowd the indifferent product, all too poor Makeshift, starved samples of humanity! Father and mother, huddlethere and hide! A gracious eye may find you! Foul and fair, Sadly mixed natures: self-indulgent,-yet Self-sacrificing too: how the love soars, How the craft, avarice, vanity and spite Sink again! So they keep the middle course, Slide into silly crime at unaware, Slip back upon the stupid virtue, stay Nowhere enough for being classed, I hope And fear. Accept the swift and rueful death, Taught, somewhat sternlier than is wont, what waits The ambiguous creature,-how the one black tuft Steadies the aim of the arrow just as well As the wide faultless white on the bird’s breast! Nay, you werepunished in the very part That looked most pure of speck,-’twas honest love

~

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erasure 5 P2869:world. DC,BrU:world 2889:world lZo11 MS:of P2869:o’ lZo51 MS:end: ruminate, PZ869:end! Ruminate, lZo81 MS:twixt P2869:’twixt 12111 MS:hide,P2869:hide! 12121 MS:-A P1869:A 12171 MS:into silly 5 inserted above 5 easy and half- 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by two lzl*l MS:back as readily into 5 last three wordscrossed out and syllables 5 at un lZ2O1 MS:the sharp 5 crossed out replaced above by three words 5 upon thestupid and replaced above by 5 swift and pitious5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 rueful death 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 fate 5 crossed out andoriginal restored 5 , 12211 MS:Taught 5 next word illegibly crossed out and replaced above by two words 8 somewhat stemlier than the rest 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two words 5 is wont what chasm 5 crossed out 5 betides 5 crossed out 5 awaits L2241 MS:As the broad 5 crossed out PZ869:Taught, somewhat <>wont, what waits and replaced above by three words 5 wide speckless 5 crossed out 5 faultless <> breast. lZz61 MS:speck,-the honest 2872:speck,-”twas honest 1872:breast!

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Betrayed you,-did love seem most worthy pains, Challenge such purging,since ordained survive When all the rest of you was done with? Go! Never again elude the choice of tints! White shall not neutralize the black, nor good Compensate badin man,absolve him so: Life’s business being just theterrible choice.

So do I see, pronounce on all andsome Grouped formy judgment now,-profess no doubt While I pronounce: dark,difficult enough The human sphere, yet eyes grow sharp by use, I find the truth, dispartthe shine from shade, As a mere man may, with no special touch 0’the lynx-gift in each ordinary orb: Nay, if the popular notion class me right, One of well-nigh decayed intelligence,What of that? Through hardlabour and good will, And habitude that gives a blind man sight At the practised finger-ends of him, I do Discern, and dare deaee in consequence, Whatever prove the peril of mistake.

122’1 MS:did it 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 love 12281 MS:purging, aswhat should survive CP1869:as ordained survive 1872:purging, since ordained survive ln91 MS:with? Dare crossed out 5 12s01 MS:again alternate black with white 5 crossed out and replaced above by six words and colon play 5 crossed out 3 elude the 12s11 MS:Good 5 crossed outand replaced above by choice of tints: P1869:tints! White < > the black 5 over bad 8 , nor yet bad 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced 12321 MS:The bad 5 last two words crossed out 5 compensated above by 8 good 8 altered to 5 Compensate by good 5 last two words crossed out andabove by three words and comma 5 bad in man, absolve the soul last two words crossed out and 12J41 MS:do I class, declare of replaced above by two words and colon him so: last three words crossed out andreplaced above by three words 5 see, pronounce on 12s61 MS:While I declare: dark P1869:While I pronounce:dark 12s81 MS:I in the main 8 last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words and comma 5 find the 12s9( MS:I. a mere man, with P1869:As a mere man may,with truth, 12101 MS:Of < > orb, P1869:O’ < > orb: 124ll MS:notion shall decide, 8 last two words and comma crossed out and replaced above by 5 weigh at all last three words crossed l2‘21 MS:Absolute, 8 word and comma crossed outand out 5 <>right P1869:right, replaced above by three words 5 One well nigh of decayed P1869:One of well nigh decayed 1889u:well-nigh 121’) MS:will P1869:will, 12461 MS:Discern and dare over illegible word, possibly now shall act 8 last two words crossed out and replaced above by lZ4’( MS:mistake: decree in consequence PI869:Discern, and <> consequence, 122

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Whence, then, this quite new quick cold thrill,-cloud-like, This keen dread creeping from a quarterscarce Suspected in the skies I nightly scan? What slacks the tense nerve, saps the wound-up spring Of the act that should and shallbe, sends the mount And mass 0’the whole man’s-strength,-conglobed so lateShudderingly into dust, a moment’swork? While I stand firm, go fearless, in this world, For this life recognize and arbitrate, Touch andlet stay, or else remove a thing, Judge “This is right, this object out of place,” Candle in hand that helps meand to spare,What if a voice deride me, “Perk and pry! Brighten each nook with thine intelligence! Play the good householder, ply man and maid With tasks prolonged into the midnight, test Their work and nowise stint of the due wage Each worthy worker: but with gyves and whip Pay thou misprision of a single point Plain to thy happy self who lift’st the light, Lament’st the darkling,-bold to all beneath! ’

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P1869:mistake. lz4*1 MS:Whence then this other crossed outand replaced above by two words quite new < > thrill, cloud-like P1869:Whence. then, this <> thrill,12‘91 MS:This keen § last two words inserted in margin § Dread § altered cloud-like, to dread <> from what crossed out and replaced above by a quarter followed by 12511 MS:wound u p P1869:wound-up 12521 MS:mountillegible erasure 1z’I MS:Of fjerased The pride last two words crossed outand P1869:mount replaced above by two words 5 And mass of the whole strength S over perhaps man c o n h e d so over illegible word late PI869:mass of the whole strength,-conglobed so lateCP1869:o’ the whole man’s-strength 125‘1 MSShudderingly moment to the dust last six words crossed out and replaced above by five words and question mark 12551 MS:standfirmly into dust, one moment’swork? P1869:dus~a moment’s 12561 MSarbimteP1869:arbitrate. altered to firm, go 9 over nay 12581 MS:Say “This<>place” P1869:place,”CP1869:Judge “This MS:pvP1869:pv! 1265( MS:the mid inserted above lZ6’( MS:of the over hi5 1265) MS:The well deserving Q last three words crossed outand replaced above by three words Each worthy worker, but spare crossed out and replaced 12661 MS:With whoso stumbled at a last five above by with P1869:worker: but words crossed out and replaced above by seven words Pay in margin Spare crossed misprision of a single MS:lift P1869:lift’st 12681 MS:Look on out 3 thou last two words crossed out and replaced above by Lament < > beneath!” ”@(

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What if thyself adventure, now the place Is purged so well? Leave pavement and mountroof, Look round thee for the light of the upper sky, The fire which lit thy fire which finds default In Guido Franceschini to his cost! What if, above in the domain of light, Thou miss the accustomed signs, remark eclipse? Shalt thou stillgaze on ground nor lift a lid,Steady in thy superb prerogative, Thy inch of inkling,-nor once face the doubt I’ the sphere above thee, darkness to be felt?” Yet my poor spark hadfor its source, the sun; Thither I sent the great looks which compel Light from its fount: all that I do and am Comes from the truth, orseen or else surmised, Remembered or divined, as mere man may: I know just so, nor otherwise. As I know, I speak,-what should I know, then, and how speak Were there a wild mistake of eye or brain As to recorded governance above? If my own breath, only,blew coal alight I styled celestial and the morning-star? I, who in this world act resolvedly, Dispose of men, their bodies and their souls, As they acknowledge or gainsay the light

P1869:Lament’st < > beneath! 12721 MS:lit the fire which over illegibleerasure 5 CPZ869:litthyfire 1271( MS:In the work of such an one as Guido herelast nine words crossed out andreplaced above by five words 5 Guido Franceschini to his cost? 127j MS:if above <> light P1869:if, above <> light, CP1869:cost! 12751 MS:signs, perceive crossed outand replaced above by 5 remark 12761 MS:thou look steadily down 5 last three words crossed out andreplaced above by four words 5 still 1f771 MS:Rejoice crossed outand replacedabove by 8 Steady w e on ground l2781 MS:The inch P1869:Thy inch 12791 MS:In <> felt? P1869:I’ <> felt?” 127Fno1 MS:§ no 1 P1869:S 12801 MS:Yet inserted margin in This <> had first kindled at last three words crossed out andreplaced above by three words and comma poor 128l/ MS:Thither in margin 128+1 MS:may, for its source P1869:Yet my lZ86( MS:know then and P1869:know. then, and MS:In the PZ869:may: I872:As to recorded recorded governance of erased 5 above?-P1869:above? 12891 MS:My < > blew thecoal P1869:If my <> blew coal lsol MS:I called lrJll MS:Shall crossed out 5 I 1292( MS:men, celestial 1872:I styled celestial IrJ31 MS:gainsay the body and the soul, 1872:men, their bodies and their souls,

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I show them,-shall I too lack courage?-leave I, too, the post of me, like those I blame? Refuse, with kindred inconsistency, T o grapple danger whereby souls grow strong? I am near the end; but still not at the end; All to the very end is trial in life: At this stage is the trial of my soul Danger to face, or danger to refuse? Shall I dare try the doubt now, or not dare?

0 Thou,-as represented here to me In such conception as my soul allows,Under Thy measureless,.my atom width!Man's mind, what is i t but a convex glass Wherein are gathered all the scattered points Picked out of the immensity of sky, To re-unite there, be our heaven for earth, Our known unknown, our God revealed to man? Existent somewhere, somehow, as a whole;

this light P1869:gainsay the light 1294( MS:too lack 5 over illegible word 12951 MS:I too heart,-desert PZ869:lack courage,-leave CP1869:courage?-leave the <> blame, PI869:1, too, the CP1869:blame? MS:Refuse with <> inconsistency CP1869:Refuse, with <> inconsistency, lm71 MS:To grapple with the danger <> grow? CP1869:Grapple with danger <> grow strong? 1872:To grapple 1m( MS:AIl till the 1872:All to the 11O 'I MS:the peril to my danger lloll MS:Danger I face, or danger I refuse? P1869:the trial to CP1869:crial of my lol MShere over illegible word to me PI869:Danger to face, or danger to refuse? 5 last two words crossed out, restored and replaced above by two crossed out words Q and 13041 MS:In this followed by illegible word, possibly was Pl869:here to me Q crossed out andreplaced above by 5 such conception, wide Q crossed out 5 as my Q inserted above Q life allows 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 lets lie 5 last two words crossed out CP1869:conception as andoriginal restored ,- P1869:my soul allows,11051 MS:§ inserted in margin 5 Under the measureless an atomwidth, under Q crossed out PZ869:Under Thy measureless my atom width!- 1872:measureless, my "1 MS:(Oh Q over The Q mind of man that 5 over what Q that little 5 last four words crossed out and replaced above by dash and five words 5 -what is it but followed by word illegibly crossed out, possibly thy convex PI869:Man's mind <> but a convex 1'071 MS:the scattered inserted above Q 130BI MS:§ word 1872:mind, what illegibly crossed out, possibly Devised, and replaced above by two words Picked out of 0 over in Q of the <>of sky over illegible erasure PI869:sky, l'wl MS:reunite there Q over illegible word , make man's 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by <>heaven for e a r t h , two words Q be our heaven on earth P1869:earth, Z872:re-unite lllol MS:Our 5 over His 5 <> Unknown, his crossed out andreplaced above by 5 our <> Man,-) P1869:unknown <>man?CP1869:man? 11111 MSwhole,

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Here, as a whole proportionedto our sense,There, (which is nowhere, speech must babble thus!) In the absolute immensity, the whole Appreciable solely by Thyself,Here, by the little mindof man, reduced To littleness that suits his faculty, In the degree appreciable too; Between Thee andourselves-nay even, again, Below us, to the extreme of the minute, Appreciable by how many and what diverse Modes of the life Thou madest be! (why live Except for love,-how love unless they know?) Each of them, only filling to the edge, Insect or angel, his just lengthand breadth, Due facet of reflection,-full, no less, Angel or insect, as Thou framedst things. I i t is who have been appointed here T o represent Thee, in my turn, onearth, Just as, if new philosophy know aught, This one earth, out of all the multitude Of peopled worlds, as stars are now supposed,Was chosen, and nosun-star of the swarm,

P1869:whole; 13121 MS:As here, a <> sense, P1869:Here, as <> sense,lylyl MS:There,-which is nowhere, we § crossed out and replaced above by § speech <> thus,PZ869:There, (which <> thus!) 13141 MS:§ inserted between 1313-15 l3l5l MSAppreciable solely inserted below 13181 MS:Appreciable too in the 1y191 MS:even again degree,P1869:deg~ee; 1872:In the degree appreciable too; 13211 MS:Appreciable, by how many and last three words P1869:even. again, llnl MS:life thou makest be,-why life inserted above P1869:Appreciable by 13*JI MS:know? P1869:life Thou <> be! (why live Z872:life Thou madest be 1'2'1 MS:the brim crossed out edge PZ869:edge, PI869:know?) lYz51 MS:his allotted crossed out and replaced above by two words just length and over space 8 breadth P1869:breadth, 13261 MS:Due over illegibleword 5 <> less 11271 MS:insect as thou <> things,P1869:insect, as Thou P1869:less, 1y281 MS:It is I who PZ869:I it is who lJm1 MS:represent Thee in Z872:things. IJ3"I MS:as, 'tisheld by some my turnon PZ869:represent Thee, in my turn,on last four words crossed out andreplaced above by two words 5 if new philosophy, knows lfsll MS:earth, not crossed out and replaced above by three Pl869:philosophyknow lJ'*) MS:Of peopled inserted above 5 worldswhich stars words 5 out of all PI869:worlds, as stars 1Jy31 MS:sun star inserted above of all 9 crossed out 8

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For stage and scene of Thy transcendent act Beside which even the creation fades Into a puny exercise of power. Choice of the world, choice of the thing I am, Both emanate alike from Thy dread play Of operation outside thisour sphere Where things are classed and counted small or great,” Incomprehensibly the choice is Thine! I therefore bow my head and take Thy place. There is, beside the works, a tale of Thee In the world’s mouth, which Ifind credible: I love it with my heart: unsatisfied, I try i t with my reason, nor discept From any point I probe and pronouncesound. Mind is not matter norfrom matter, but Above,-leave matter then, proceed with mind! Man’s be the mind recognized at the height,Leave the inferior minds and look at man! Is he the strong, intelligent and good Up to his own conceivable height? Nowise. Enough 0’the low,-soar the conceivable height, Find cause to match the effect in evidence, The work i’ the world, not man’s but God’s; leave man! Conjecture of the worker by the work:

P1869:sun-star lSs61 MSpower: P1869:power. 1s’7( MS:thing fj over man fj 13’81 MS:Both 5 over Each fj <> from the dread 1872:from T h y dread 1’411 MS:is 1’421 MS:take P1869:take thy Thy 1’4’1 MS:There thineP1869:is Thine! 1’4*461 MS:mouth which I find fj over is fj over WM fj <>of thee P1869:of Thee found 5 / I try P1869:of Thee P1869:mouth. which <> / I love it with my heart: 1s471 MS:sound: P1869:sound. 1’49) MS:matter then fj over unsatisfied,/ I try and 5 <> mind: 1872:mind! ls5Ol MS:Man isthe <> recognised <> height, I’s11 MS:Leave all fj crossed out fj P1869:Man’s be the <> recognized < > height,the other 5 crossed out and replaced above by fj inferior <> Man, P1869:man. 1872:man! 1’5’1 MS:height? Nowise: P1869:height? Nowise. 1’541 MS:Leave man 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by four words 5 Enough of the low,-go on with the 1’551 MSFind cause 5 last two <>height. P1869:o’ the low,-soar the <> height, words written in margin 5 To <>effect fj over illegible erasure 5 in evidence; not Man’s: 5 last two words, and semi-colon crossed out 5 P1869:cause to <> evidence, 1’561 MS:Works in 5 last two words inserted in margin 5 the world fj last two words inserted above 5 Not man’s fj altered to 5 man, then G o d ’ s : leave man. P1869:world, not man’s <> G o d ’ s ; leave man: 1872:The work i’ < > man’s but God’s< > man! 1’571 MS:the

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Is there strength there?-enough: intelligence? Ample: but goodness in a like degree? Not to the human eye in the present state, An isoscele deficient in the base. What lacks, then, of perfection fit for God But just the instance whichthis tale supplies Of love without a limit?So is strength, So is intelligence; let love be so, Unlimited in itsself-sacrifice, Then is the tale true and God shows complete. Beyond the tale, I reach into the dark, Feel what I cannot see, and still faith stands: I can believe this dread machinery Of sin and sorrow, would confound me else, Devised,-all pain, atmost expenditure Of pain by Who devised pain,-to evolve, By new machinery in counterpart, The moral qualitiesof man-how else?To make him love in turn andbe beloved, Creative and self-sacrificing too, And thus eventually God-like, (ay, “I have said ye are Gods,”-shall it be said for nought?) Enable man to wring, from out all pain, All pleasure for a common heritage To all eternity: this may be surmised,

workman by thework, P1869:the worker by the work: IJmI MS:present world. MS:insertedbetween 1360-62 This isoscele <> baseP1869:present state, 13621 MS:lacks of the perfection then of God P1869:base. 1872:An isoscele P1869:lacks, then, of perfection fit for God IyMI MS:limit, likethestrength 13651 MSLike theintelligence,then love is s o , P1869:So P1869:limit? So is strength, 1872:intelligence; letlovebe so, 13661 MS:§ inserted in isintelligence;then <>so, l3671 MSthe 5 over margin self sacrifice: Pl869:self-sacrifice: 1872:self-sacrifice, that angel’s 5 inserted above < > true and over illegible word God is crossed out !j complete. P1869:the tale <> and God showscomplete. lY7l1 MS:sorrow, that confounds me P1869:sorrow, would confound me 1y721 MS:pain at P1869:pain, 1’7’1 MS:by 5 over illegible word who devised last two words inserted above at pain’s ’5 crossed out deviser crossed out , -to evolve P1869:by Who <> evolve, 1y7’1 MS:counterpart,- P1869:counterpart. 13751 MS:rnan, to wit, P1869:manP1869:To make <> how else?MS:Which make < > beloved,13781 MS:eventually God-like,-ay, CP1869:eventually God-like, (ay, beloved, 1379-81] MS:are Gods,”-evolve thereby / All pleasures as a P2869:are Gods,”-shall it be said for nought?)/ Enable man to wring, from out all pain, / All pleasure for a

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The other is revealed,-whether a fact, Absolute, abstract, independent truth, Historic, not reduced to suit man’s mind,Or only truthreverberate, changed, made pass A spectrum into mind, the narrow eye,The same and not thesame, else unconceivedThough quiteconceivable to the next grade Above it in intelligence,-as truth Easy to man were blindness to the beast By parity of procedure,-the same truth In a new form, but changed in either case: What matter so intelligence be filled? To a child, the sea is angry, for it roars: Frost bites, else why the tooth-like freton face? Man makes acoustics deal with the sea’s wrath, Explains the choppy cheek by chymic law,T o man andchild remains the same effect On drumof ear and root of nose, change cause Never so thoroughly: so my heart be struck, What care 1,-by God’s gloved hand or the bare? Nor do I much perplex me withaught hard, Dubious in the transmitting of the tale,No, nor with certain riddles set to solve. This life is training anda passage; pass,Still, we march over some flat obstacle

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MS:Absolutely 5 altered to 5 Absolute, abstractedly5 altered to 5 abstract lf85l MS:Historic, and uncoloured by 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by five words, the first of which is crossed out 5 uncramped not reduced to suit 1’861 MS:reverberate, uuth 5 crossed outand replacedabove by 5 changed 1’-*1 MS:Above, below it,inintelligence / By P1869:Above itin 1’9’1 MS:form, intelligence,-as truth/ Easy to man were blindness to the beast / By l’g41 MS:so stillchanged <>case. P1869:form, butchanged <> case: 1’951 MS:To the child <> angry-for theintelligence 1872:so intelligence 13%1 MS:the fret of itroars, P1869:angry, for itroars: 1872:To a child 1’931 MS:To both, oneand thesame effect toothon P1869:the tooth-like fret on remains P1869:both, remains one <> effect 1872:To man and child remains the same 14011 MS:so the 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 our heart 5 over illegible word, 140’l MS:perplex 5 overillegible perhaps soul 5 be 5 over is 5 1 8 7 2 : ~my heart l”J41 MS:transmitting 9 over transmission 5 14051 MS:solve,word 5 14061 MS:and probation 5 crossed outand replaced above by two words P1869:solve. 14071 MS:Why,you march <> flat 5 over illegible word 5 P1869:Still,we a passage

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We made give way before us; solid truth In front of it, what motionfor the world? The moral sense grows but by exercise. ’Tis even as man grew probatively Initiated in Godship,set to make A fairer moral world than this hefinds, Guess now what shall be known hereafter. Deal Thus with the present problem: as we see, A faultless creature is destroyed, and sin Has had its way i’ the world where Godshould rule. Ay, but for this irrelevant circumstance Of inquisition after blood, we see Pompilia lost and Guidosaved: how long? For his whole life: how much is that whole life? We are not babes, but know the minute’s worth, And feel that life is large and the world small, So, wait till life have passed from out the world. Neither does this astonish at the end, T h a t whereas I canso receive and trust,

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Other men, made withhearts and souls the same, Reject and disbelieve,-subordinate The future to the present,-sin, nor fear. This I refer still to the foremost fact,

march 14081 MS:You made <> before you;solid P1869:We made <> before us; solid 14091 MS:front, how then were motionpossible 5 crossed out P1869:front of it, were 1872:it, whatmotion 14111 MS:Tis <> grew by probation hereP1869:’Tis < > grew probatively 14121 MS:in godship P2869:in Godship MS:than 14141 MS:hereafter. Thus, 1872:hereafter. Deal what he PZ869:than this he 14151 MS:Of the <> problem.-as we men m a y speak, P2869:O’ <> problem: as we see 14171 MS:way in theworld in 5 crossed out and speak, 1872:Thus with the < > see, and replaced above by one word where G o d ’ s 5 altered to God despite !jcrossed out and 14191 MS:blood, we’llseeP2869:blood, we replaced above by 5 should P1869:way i’ 14201 MSsaved and P1869:saved: set how long? 14211 MS:Glorious for see many a day last three words crossed out andreplaced above by 5 his whole life<> that? 14n-251 MS:babes:we know <> / Nor fear 5 over P1869:For <> thatwholelife? illegible word this world sufficient for our course. 5 line crossed out and replaced above by new line 5 And feel life large and the world small, so wait. / Neither P1869:babes. but know < > /And feel that life is large <> small, / So wait till lifehave passed from outthe 142c251 MS:§no y 5 P1869:s (I5 1889a:s no world. / Neither CP2869:/ / S o , wait 7 5 1889:s no ; emended to restore 7 ; see Editorial Notes 14261 P1869:That. 14nl MS:Men made <> same as mine PI869:Men, whereas 2872:That whereas 14sl MS:the leading crossed out and made <> mine, 1872:Othermen <> same,

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Life is probation and the earth no goal But starting-point of man: compel him strive, Which means, in man, asgood as reach the goa1,Why institute that race, his life, at all? But this does overwhelm me with surprise, Touch me to terror,-not that faith, thepearl, Should be let lie by fishers wanting food,Nor, seen and handled by a certain few Critical and contemptuous, straight consigned T o shore and shingle for the pebble it proves,But that, when haply foundand known and named By the residue made rich for evermore, These,-that these favoured ones, should in a trice Turn, and withdouble zest go dredge for whelks, Mud-worms that make the savoury soup! Enough 0’the disbelievers, see the faithful few! How do the Christians here deport them, keep Their robes of white unspotted by the world? What is this Aretine Archbishop, this Man under me as I am under God, This champion of the faith, I armed and decked, Pushed forward, put upon a pinnacle, T o show the enemy his victor,-see! What’s the best fighting when the couple close?

replaced above by 5 foremost 1‘311 MS:probation and this 5 last two words inserted above 5 earth is not the 5 last three words aossed out andreplaced above by 5 no 1”2-)’1 MS:starting-place 5 altered to 5 startingpoint <> strive over illegible word 5 , / Why <> race his life, at all?5 last five words transposed to 5 race at all, his life? PZ869: / Which means, in man, asgood as reach the goal,- / Why <> race, his life, atall? 14351 MS:surprise P2869:surprise, 14361 MS:terror, that thepearl of faith 5 lastsix PZ869:faith, thepearl, 1”71 MS:by words altered to 5 terror,-not thatfaiththepearl PZ869:by fishers 14401 MS:To theshore the fishers wanting food 5 over work 5 <> the stoneit PZ869:To shore <> thepebbleit 14411 MS:that when PZ869:that, 14431 MS:These,-ay these CP1869:ay, these Z872:These,-that when 1444) MS:wilks PZ869:whelks, 14’51 MSAnd 5 crossed out 5 these mud 0 altered to 5 Mudworms < > the savoury 5 last two words inserted above 5 soup: of 5 aossed out 5 Enough PZ869:Mud-worms <> soup. Enough 144q MS:Of the Disbelievers CP2869:O’ the disbelievers 2872:soup! Enough 1‘511 MS:faith I arm and deck PZ869:faith, I armed and decked, MS:To show 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 scare the enemy with 5 inserted above 5 his victor,-see 1’541 MS:What 5 altered to 5 What’sthe PZ869:To show the enemy his victor,-see! 5 over hi5 5 best fight 5 altered to !j fighting amounts to 5 last two words crossed out and

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Pompilia cries, "Protect me from the wolf!" He-"No, thy Guido is rough,heady, strong, Dangerous to disquiet:let him bide! He needs some bone to mumble,help amuse The darkness of his den with: so, the fawn Which limps up bleeding tomy foot and lies, "Come to me, daughter!-thus I throw him back!" Have we misjudged here, over-armed our knight, Given gold and silk where plain hard steel serves best, Enfeebled whom we sought tofortify, Made an archbishop and undone a saint? Well, then, descend these heights, this prideof life, Sit in the ashes with a barefoot monk Who long ago stamped out the worldly sparks, By fasting, watching, stonecell and wire scourge, " N o such indulgenceas unknits the strengthThese breed the tight nerve and tough cuticle, And the world's praiseor blame runs rillet-wise Off the broad back and brawny breast, we know! He meets the first cold sprinkle of the world, And shudders to the marrow."Save this child?

replaced above by three words 5 is 5 crossed out 5 when the 14551 MS:This poor girl cries, protect <> the fiend! P1869:Pompilia cries, "Protect <> fiend!" 1872:the wolf!" 145q MS:"Ay, but this Guido is a heady P1869:"No, for thy Guido is one heady 1.571 MS:Dangerous brute 5 over perhaps 1872:He--"No, thy <> isrough, heady man to deal with 0 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 disquiet <> bide: 1*581 MS:someprey 5 crossed out and replaced above by P1869:Dangerous to < > bide! 5 bone to mumble, help 5 over and 1'591 MS:with,-so thisfawn P1869:with: s o , the fawn MS:--Look at 5 last two words written over illegibleword or words 5 me, daughter,-thus I throw thee back!" P1869:"Come to me <> throw him back!" 14621 MS:overmed the knight, P1869:over-armed 1872:daughter!-thus 146)) MS:silkto boot where plain steel servesP1869:silk 1872:over-armed ourknight, hard steel 14651 MS:Made a 5 altered to 5 where the plain < > servesbest,1872:plain an saint 5 crossed outand replaced above by 3 arch 1 4 q MS:Well then 1872:Well, 14681 MSWho has 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 long ago put then 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 stamped out the greedy 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 worldly sparks; we boast,- 8 last twowords, comma anddash crossed out 5 PI869:sparks.1872:sparks, 14691 MS:Fasting and prayer 8 crossed outand replaced above by 5 watching, the stonecell and the 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 wire 1'701 MS:strength 5 over illegible P1869:watching, stone 1872:By fasting,watching "71 MS:cuticle P1869:cuticle, 14721 MS:Let 5 crossed out 5 the <> word 5 run rillet wise P1869:Let <> rillet-wise 1872:And the <> runs MS:He faces 5 crossed outand replacedabove by 0 meets world 1872:world, 14751 MS:marrow,

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Oh, my superiors, oh, the Archbishop’s self! Who was it dared lay hand upon the ark His betters saw fall nor put finger forth? Great ones couldhelp yet help not: why should small? I break my promise: let her break her heart!” These are the Christians not the worldlings, not The sceptics, who thus battle for the faith! If foolish virgins disobey and sleep, What wonder?But, this time, the wise that watch, Sell lamps and buy lutes, exchange oil for wine, The mystic Spouse betrays the Bridegroom here. To our last resource, then! Since all flesh is weak, Bind weaknesses together, we get strength: The individual weighed, found wanting, uy Some institution, honest artifice Whereby the units grow compact and firm! Each props the other, andso stand is made By our embodied cowards that grow brave. The Monastery called of Convertites, Meant to help women because these helped Christ,A thing existent only while i t acts, Does as designed, else a nonentity,For what is an idea unrealized?Pompilia is consigned to these for help.

“Save 1872:marrow. “Save 1‘761 MS:superiors, oh the Archbishop here,14771 MS:it dared P1869:superiors, oh, the <> here! 1872:the Archbishop’s self! 1.781 MS:betters let crossed outand replaced above by fj over laid fj lay over his Saw 14791 MS:They alllast two words crossed out and replaced above by two words fj Since Law <>help and will fj last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two words l’wl MS:heart.” yet help <> should I? P1869:Great ones could <> should small? 1481-811 MSthe infidel! / T h e foolish P1869:the worldlings,not <> / P1869:heart!” The sceptics, who thus battle for thefaith!/ If foolish 148‘1 MS:wonder? But the <> watch,thistime 1872:wonder? But,this time, the <> watch, 14871 MS:On to <> resource,-all < > weak PI869:To <> resource, then! Since all <> weak, 1’881 Mktogether you get P1869:together, we get l‘911 MS:firm: I872:fum! 14921 MS:and both fj crossed out and replaced above by so <> made: P1869:made MS:Embodied <> brave: to-wit, P1869:By our embodied C > brave. 14941 MS:of ConvertitesP1869:of Convertites, 14951 MS:§ inserted between 14971 MS:% fjover illegible word 1494-96 fj helped Christ P1869:helped Christ,1498) MS:unrealised? non-entity. PI869:nonentity, 187Z:nonentity,14*1 MS:This poorchildis <> these over illegibleword fj for Pl869:unrealued?-

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They do help: they are prompt to testify T o her pure life and saintly dying days. She dies, and lo, who seemed so poor, proves rich. What does the body that lives through helpfulness T o women for Christ’s sake? The kiss turns bite, The dove’s note changes to the crow’s cry: judge! “Seeing that this our Convent claims of right What goods belong to those we succour, be The same proved women of dishonest life,And seeing that this Trial made appear Pompilia was i n such predicament,The Convent hereupon pretends to said Succession of Pompilia, issues writ, And takes possession by the Fisc’s advice.” Such is their attestation to the cause Of Christ, who had one saint at least, they hoped: But, is a title-deed to filch, a corpse To slander, and aninfant-heir to cheat? Christ must give up his gains then! Theyunsay All the fine speeches,-who was saint is whore. Why, scripture yields no parallel for this! The soldiers only threw dice for Christ’s coat; We want another legend of the Twelve Disputing if it was Christ’s coat at all,

help: P1869:Pompilia is <> help. lSo0l MS:help,-they 5 over illegible word it is who last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words are prompt to 1So1) MS:days: PZ869:days. 15021 PI869:help 1872:help: they they P1869:rich 1872:rich! 1889a:rich DC,BrU:rich. 1889:rich. 15031 MS:lives in lso‘l MS:sake? The 3 followed by word helpfulness P1869:lives through helpfulness illegibly crossed out and replaced above by 9 kiss turns brute over illegible word, crossed ls05l MS:There is the dove’s note outand replaced above by bite P1869:bite, changed to <> ay- P1869:The dove’s note changes to <> c r y : judge! l5W1 MS:“For seeing that the Convent PZ869:“Seeing that this our Convent 15071 MS:those they succour, grant crossed out P1869:thosewe succour 1M81 MS:same but women P1869:same proved women 15091 MS:makes L5101 MS:Pompilia stood in < > predicament P1869:Pompilia was in P1869:made <> predicament,15121 MS:of Pompilia,-issues writ P1869:of Pompilia, issues 15151 MS:advice. PI869:advice.” 15141 MS:We have their P1869:Such is writ, 15151 MS:Of Christ,-he had <> they knew: PZ869:Of Christ,whohad <> their they hoped: l5I61 MS:There is a title- over illegible erasure 8 <> f i l c h over is 1sL71 MS:cheat,P1869:cheat? illegible erasure 5 P1869:But, 15181 MS:then,-they P1869:then! They 15191 MS:speeches,-call the saint a whore. 152’1 MS:Disputing that it P1869:speeches,-who was saint is whore.

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Claiming asprize the woof of price-for why? The Master was a thief, purloined the same, Or paid for it outof the common bag! Can it be this is end and outcome, all I take with me to show as stewardship’s fruit, The best yield of the latest time, this year The seventeen-hundredth since God died for man? Is such effect proportionate to cause? And still the terror keeps on the increase When I perceive . . . how can I blink the fact? That the fault, the obduracy to good, Lies not with the impracticable stuff Whence man is made, his very nature’s fault, As if it were of ice the moon may gild Not melt, or stone’twas meant the sun should warm Not make bear flowers,-nor ice nor stone to blame: But it can melt, that ice, can bloom, that stone, Impassible to rule of day and night! This terrifies me, thus compelled perceive, Whatever love and faith we looked should spring At advent of the authoritative star, Which yet lie sluggish, curdled at the source,These have leapt forth profusely in old time, These still respond with promptitude to-day, At challenge of-what unacknowledged powers 0’the air, what uncommissioned meteors, warmth

P2869:Disputing if it 152‘1 MS:Claiming it as a prize: the <> price-for why? 15261 MS:bag.P2869:bag! P2869:Claiming as prize <> price-for why? 15’01 MS:seventeenth hundredth PI869:seventeen-hundredth 15’11 MS:to such cause? l5f’l MS:perceive . . how 2889a:perceive . . . how P2869:to cause? 15341 MS:fault, this obduracy to good P2869:fauk the obduracy to good, 15’51 MS:not with 5 over zn 5 15’61 Whence man 5 last two words over illegible 15’71 MS:ice, the 2889a:ice the l5’*l MS:or rock the sun was erasure 5 meant to warm P1869:or stone, ’twas meant the sun should warm 2889a:stone 15’91 MS:make bear 5 crossed out and then restored 5 grass 5 crossed ’twas out and replaced above by 5 flowers,-nor sun’s nor moon’s the blame: P2869:nor 15‘01 MS:melt this ice, and bloom. this rock, ice nor stone to blame: P2869:melt, that ice, and bloom,thatstone, 2872:ice, can bloom l5‘21 MS:That 15’41 MS:star P2869:star, 1545l MS:And shall terrifies P2869:This terrifies 3 crossed out and replaced above by 5 yet <>source, P1869:Which <> source,l5’71 MS:to-dayP1869:to-day, 15’81 MS:of what < > powers of the air 5 last three 15‘91 MS:What <> meteors, law words crossed out 5 , P1869:of”what < > powers

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By law, and light by rule should supersede? For see this priest, this Caponsacchi, stung At the first summons,-“Help for honour’s sake, Play the man, pity the oppressed!”-no pause, How does he lay about him in the midst, Strike any foe, right wrongat any risk, All blindness, bravery and obedience!-blind? Ay, as a man would be inside the sun, Delirious with the plenitudeof light Should interfuse him to the finger-endsLet him rush straight, andhow shall he go wrong? Where are the Christians in their panoply? The loins we girt aboutwith truth, the breasts Righteousness plated round, the shield of faith, The helmet of salvation, and that sword 0’the Spirit, even the word of God,-where these? Slunk into corners! Oh, I hear at once Hubbub of protestation! “What, we monks We friars, of such an order, such a rule, Have not we fought, bled, left our martyr-mark At every point along the boundary-line’Twixt true and false, religion and the world, Where this or the other dogma of our Church Called for defence?” And I, despite myself, How can I but speak loud what truth speaks low, “Or better than the best, or nothingserves! What boots deed, I can cap andcover straight With such another doughtiness to match,

PZ869:O’ the air, what <> meteors, warmth MSAnd <> rule were sent to supersede? P1869:By law, andlight by rule should supersede? 155’1 MS:this 1553) MS:oppressed,-” no Caponsacchi,quick 5 crossed out 5 stung 155‘1 MS:There does PZ869:How does 1555) MS:foe PZ869:oppressed!”-no to right at PZ869:foe, right wrong at 15561 MS:obedience,-blind? CPZ869:obedience!-blind? 15591 MS:Has interfused P1869:Should interfuse 15601 MS:him go straight PI869:him rush straight 1562-651 MS:§ inserted between 1561-63inand margin MS:faith P1869:faith. 15651 MS:Of P1869:O’ 1566( MS:comers: oh PZ869:comers! Oh 15671 MS:protestation.-what 15701 MS:boundary line CPI869:boundary-line PZ869:protestation! “What 157’1 MS:defence? And P1869:defence?” And 157‘1 MS:truth breathes low. 15751 MSserves: PZ869:serves! 1576) MS:boots PZ869:truth speaks low, I PZ869:boots deed, 1 1S771 MSmatch P1869:match. deed a

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Done at aninstinct of the natural man?” Immolate body, sacrifice soul too,Do not these publicans the same? Outstrip! Or else stop race you boastruns neck and neck, You with the wings, they with the feet,-for shame! Oh, I remark your diligence and zeal! Five years long, now, rounds faith into my ears, “Help thou, orChristendom is done to death!” Five years since, in the Province of To-kien, Which is in China as some people know, Maigrot, my Vicar Apostolic there, Having a great qualm, issues a decree. Alack, the converts use as God’s name, not Tien-chu but plain Tien or else mere Shang-ti, As Jesuits please to fancy politic, While, say Dominicans, it calls down fire,For Tien means heaven, and Shang-ti, supreme prince, While Tien-chu means the lord of heaven: all cry, “There is no business urgent for despatch As that thou send a legate, specially Cardinal Tournon, straight to Pekin, there

MS:Done for a vanity by the < > man? P1869:Done at an instinct of the 15791 MS:sauifice thesoul,P1869:sacrifice soul too,158OI MS:Outstrip P1869:0utsuip! 15811 MS:& stop § over stay § that 15821 MS:wings,race you P1869:Or else stop race, you 1&89a:race you 15841 MS:long in my e a r s ringsfaith her peal, theyP1869:wings.they 15851 MS:Help now, or < > death! P1869:long, now,roundsfaith into my ears, P1869:“Help thou, or <> death!” 15861 MS:For whereas crossed outand replaced 15871 MSas thewhole above by three words 5 Fiveyears since in P1869:since, in 15881 MS:And 5 crossed out 5 Maigrot my world knows P1869:as somepeopleknow, 15891 MS:Hath a <>qualmand issues a inserted above P1869:Maigrot, my 15901 MS:Itis observed last decree-P1869:Having a <> qualm, issues a deuee. three words crossed out and replaced above by four words For why? The converts 1591-921 MS:§ written inonecontinuousline Tim nor P1869:Alack, theconverts Shang-ti, as Jesuits recommend, as politic, altered to Tien-chu, but plain Tien or else mere Shang-ti, / As Jesuits please to fancy politic, P1869:s names italicized 5 l59fl MS:But Tien-chu lasttwo words crossed out , whichaltered to Whileshould crossed out and replaced above by three words Dominicans say it C > fire from heaven,P1869:While.say Dominicans,it <> fire,-1594-951 MS:§ inserted between 1593-96 and inmargin 159’1 MS:§ names not underlinedprince P1869:s names in italics 15951 MS:While Tien-chu C > of Heaven: you say Pl869:While Tien-chu prince, <>of heaven: all cry, 15961 MS:There Pl869:“There 1597) MS:that I send a 15981 MS:Cardinal legate,-specially Pl869:that thou send a legate, specially 1578(

<> man?”

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To settle and compose the difference!” So have I seen a potentate all fume For some infringement of his realm’s just right, Some menace to a mud-built straw-thatched farm 0’the frontier; while inside the mainland lie, Quite undisputed-for in solitude, Whole cities plague may waste or famine sap: What if the sun crumble, the sands encroach, While he looks on sublimely at his ease? How does their ruin touch the empire’s bound? And is this little all thatwas to b e ? Where is the gloriously-decisive change, Metamorphosis the immeasurable Of human clay to divine gold, we looked Should, insome poor sort, justify its price? Had anadept of the mere Rosy Cross Spent his life to consummate the Great Work, Would not we start to see the stuff i t touched‘ Yield not a grain more thanthe vulgar got By the old smelting-process years ago? If this were sad to see in justthe sage Who shouldprofess so much, perform no more, What is it when suspected in that Power Who undertook to make and made the world,

Toumon straight P1869:Cardinal Tournon, straight 15991 MS:difference. 16021 MS:to some mud-built strawthatched P1869:to a mud-built P1869:difference!” 1603-51 MS:On <> lie / <> sap,P1869:O’ <> lie, / Quite straw-thatched a p CP1869:/ < > undisputed-for < > / <> sap: undisputed-for in solitude, / < > s Irnl MS:§ inserted between 1605-7 8 L e t the sun crumble and the P1869:What if the sun Im71 MS:ease: P1869:ease? 160B-91 MS:§ no 1 P1869:s 1 a m b l e , the l6l0I P1869:gloriously decisive CP1869:gloriously-decisive 16111 MS:The immeasurable metamorphosis 1872:Metamorphosis the immeasurable 16131 MS:Should in < > sort 3 illegible word crossed out and replaced above by justify the illegible word crossed out the price? P1869:justify its price? CP1869:Should. in < > sort,justify l6l41 MS:Had a mere adept of the Rosy1872:Had an adept of the mere 16151 MS:the Great Work P1869:the Great Work, I6l61 MS:not one start Rosy 16171 MSnot one grain P1869:not grain a 16191 MS:in just Pi869:not we start 16201 MS:more P1869:more. inserted above 5 the mere crossed out P1869:Who undertook <> world, l6221 MS:That that undertook <>world,-

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Devised and did effect man, body and soul, Ordained salvation for them both, and yet . . . Well, is the thing we see, salvation? I Put nosuch dreadful question to myself, Within whose circle of experience burns The central truth, Power, Wisdom, Goodness,-God: I must outlive athing ere know it dead: When I outlive the faith there is a sun, When I lie, ashes to the very soul,Someone, not I, must wail above the heap, “He died in dark whence never mom arose.” While I see day succeed the deepest nightHow can I speak but as I know?-my speech Must be, throughout the darkness, “It will end: The light that did burn,will burn!” Clouds obscureBut for which obscuration all were bright? Too hastily concluded! Sun-suffused, A cloudmay soothe the eye made blind by blaze,Better the very clarity of heaven: The soft streaks are the beautiful and dear. What but the weakness in a faith supplies The incentive to humanity, no strength Absolute, irresistible, comports? How can man love but what he yearns to help? And that which men think weakness within strength,

162’1 MS:soul,P1869:soul, 1624-261 MS:both, and . . . 6j 15 I / Put P1869:both, and yet . . / Well, is the thing we see, salvation? 5 7 5 I / Put 1889a:yet . . . l6281 MS:truth, Power, wisdom P1869:uuth, Power, Wisdom 1629”1( MS:One must outlive the thing oneknows for dead: / When I lie <> soul, P1869:I must outlive a thing ere know it dead: / When I outlive the faith there is a sun, / <> soul,16’21 MS:Something, not me, must P1869:Someone, not I, must 16s11 MS:He <> arose; P1869:“He <> arose.” 16’41 MS:Now, I P1869:While I 16’5-401 MS:know,-my <> / Is, t h a t !jcrossed out 5 the light did 5 inserted above 5 bums altered to 5 bum, therefore crossed out and replaced above by two words will bum: clouds obscure? / I know not vain that, 5 last five words crossed out and replaced above by three words and colon T o hastily concluded: all 5 crossed out 5 sun-suffused / <> may help 5 crossed out and replaced above by soothe < > blaze, P1869:know?-my <> / Must be, throughout the darkness, “It will end:” / The light that did bum, will bum!” Clouds obscure- / But for which obscuration all were bright? / < > concluded! Sun-suffused, / <> blaze,-1889a: / end: MS:heaven,P1869: heaven: lM6-491 MS:§ inserted in left margin 5 but when he <> help? / What is

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But angels know for strength andstronger yetWhat were it else but the first things madenew, But repetition of the miracle, The divine instance of self-sacrifice That never ends and aye begins forman? So, never I miss footing in the maze, No,-I have light nor fear the dark at all. But are mankind notreal, who pace outside My petty circle, world that’s measured me? And when they stumble even as I stand, Have I a right to stop ear when they a y , As they were phantoms whotook clouds for crags, Tripped andfell, where man’s march mightsafely move? Beside, the cry is other than aghost’s, When out of the old time there pleads some bard, Philosopher, or both, and-whispers not, But words i t boldly. “The inwardwork and worth Of any mind, what other mind may judge Save God who only knows the thing He made, The veritable service He exacts? It is the outward product men appraise.

it <> new, P1869:but what he <> help? / And that which men think weakness within 16MI MS:A strength, / But angelsknow for strength and stronger yet- / What were it 1652-541 MS:man? / No P1869:man? / S o , never I repetition P1869:But repetition miss footing in the maze, / No 1@+-551 MS:§ no 7 P1869:S 7 5 16551 MS:real, 165w2( MS:arcle,alltheworld to those men outside P1869:real. who pace outside me, / <> ears <> a y ? / When <> there stoops someman PZ869:circle, the world measured me/ And when they stumble even as I stand, / <> a y , / As they were phantoms, took the clouds for crags, / Tripped and fell, where the marchof man might move? / Beside, the ay is other than a ghost’s, / When <> there pleads some bard, 1872: 1 / <> ear <> / / <> men C > / / When 1889a:circle, world that’s measured me/ / / <> phantoms whotook clouds <> / < > fell, where man’s marchmight safely move? / / When MS:Philosopher or bard and P1869:Philosopher, or both and 1872:both, and 166f MS:But thuspleads boldly P1869:But words i t boldly le51 MS:any mindwhat l6661 MS:Save G o d ’ s who onlyknowswhat replaced above P1869:any mind,what 166’1 MS:And how by the thing he made PI869:Save God <> thingHe made, much last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words The veritable service 16681 MS:It is last two he exacts: therefrom crossed out PI869:service He exacts? words inserted in margin The <>product all may estimate blame last four words crossed out and replaced above by two words and colon we appraise: P1869:is the >

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Behold, an engine hoists a tower aloft: ‘I looked that it should move the mountain too!’ Or else ‘Had justa turret toppled down, Success enough!’-may say the Machinist Who knows what less or more result might be: But we, who see that done we cannot do, ‘A feat beyond man’s force,’ we men must say. Regard me and thatshake I gave the world! I was born, not so long before Christ’s birth As Christ’s birth haply did precede thy day,But many a watch before the star of dawn: Therefore I lived,-it is thy creed affirms, Pope Innocent, who a r t to answer me!Under conditions, nowise to escape, Whereby salvation was impossible. Each impulse to achieve the good and fair, Each aspiration to the pure andtrue, Being without a warrant or an aim, Was just assterile a felicity As if the insect, born to spend his life Soaring his circles, stopped them to describe (Painfully motionless in the mid-air) Some word of weighty counsel for man’s sake, Some ‘Know thyself‘or ‘Take the golden mean!’ ”Forwent his happy dance and the glad ray, Died half an hour the sooner and was dust.

product men appraise. l6691 MS:aloftPl869:aloft: 1670) MS:too’ P1 869: too! ’ 1672-751 MS:the Machinist: / Man says 5 last two words crossed out 5 ‘A P1869:the Mac / Who knows what less or more result might be: / But we, who see that 16761 MS:the earth 5 crossed outand done we cannot do, / ‘A CP1869:the Machinist 16771 MS:birth, I889a:birth 16791 MS:As poet replaced above by 5 world! or philosopher or both 5 line crossed out andreplaced above by But many a watch before the star of dawn. P1869:watch. before <>dawn: 1889a:watchbefore 1680-8*1 M S : a h s , - - / Under PI869:affums, / Pope Innocent. who art to answer me!- / Under 16841 MS:Each 5 over perhaps Such 5 aspiration 5 crossed out and replaced 16%( MS:aim P1869:aim. 1688( MS:insect above by two words 5 impulse to born <> life over illegible word 3 PI869:insect, born 1m9-911 MS:describe / Some <> sake P1869:describe / (Painfully motionless in the mid-air) / Some < > sake, 1692-q MS:mean,” / Died P1869:mean!’ / -Forwent his happy dance and the glad ray,/

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I, born to perish like the brutes, or worse, Why not live brutishly, obey brutes’ law? But I, of body as of soul complete, A gymnast at the games, philosopher I’ the schools, who painted, and made music,-all Glories that met upon the tragic stage When the Third Poet’s tread surprised the Two,Whose lot fell in a landwhere life was great And sense went free and beauty lay profuse, I, untouched by one adverse circumstance, Adopted virtue as my rule of life, Waived all reward, loved but for loving’s sake, And, what my heart taught me, I taught the world, And have been teaching now two thousand years. Witness my work,-plays that should please, forsooth! ‘They might please, they may displease, they shall teach, For truth’s sake,’ so I said, and did, and do. Five hundred years ere Paul spoke, Felix heard,How much of temperance and righteousness, Judgment to come, did I find reason for, Corroborate with my strong style that spared No sin, nor swerved the more from branding brow Because the sinner was called Zeus and God? How nearly did I guess at that Paulknew?

Died l6951 MS:brutes or PI869:brutes, or 16961 MS:obey my law? Z889a:obey l6-1 MS:In the schools, apainter,amusician, all PZ869:I’ the schools, brutes’ law? 17001 MS:that gathered crossed outand replaced who painted, and made music,-all 17011 MS:the Third Poet 5 altered to Poet’s above by 5 met on altered to 5 upon stood there by last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 tread surprised 17031 MS:sense was free and beaut.ywas profuse, 1869:sense went free and 17@1 MS:reward, and loved for 1889a:reward,loved but for beauty lay profuse, 17071 MS:§ line heavily revised 5 And what I saw, loved, h s t strove the world should see line altered to And what my heart taught me I taught the world to love last two words 17081 MS:teaching these crossed out 5 PZ869:And, what <> me, I <> world, 17wI MS:my plays,-things meant to 5 last crossed out and replaced above by 5 now four words crossed out and replaced above by four words 5 work,-plays that should 17111 MSAllS crossed out $ for altered to 5 For the crossed out truth’s <>said and did 17121 MS:§ inserted between 1711-13 and P1869:said. and did, and 17141 MS:come do I findover perhaps tell P1869:come. did I 17151 MS:Corroborate in that strong PZ869:Corroborate with my strong 1716( MS:swerved the more last two words inserted above 17171 MS:sinner was 5 crossed outand replaced above by is called P1869:sinner was called ‘7181 MS:that

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How closely come, in what I represent As duty, to his doctrine yet a blank? And as that limner not untruly limns Who draws an object round orsquare, which square Or round seems to the unassisted eye, Though Galileo's tube display the same Oval or oblong,-so, who controverts I rendered rightly what proves wrongly wrought Beside Paul's picture? Minewas true for me. I saw that there are, first and above all, The hidden forces, blind necessities, Named Nature, but the thing's self unconceived: Then follow,-how dependent upon these, We know not, how imposed above ourselves, We well know,-what I name the gods, a power Various or one: for great and strong and good Is there, and little, weak and bad there too, Wisdom and folly: say, these make no God,What is it else that rules outside man'sself? A fact then,-always, to the naked eye,And so, the one revealment possible Of what were unimagined else by man. Therefore, what gods do, man may criticize, Applaud, condemn,-how should he fear the truth?But likewise have in awe because of power, Venerate for the main munificence,

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1719) MS:As it is so uncertain u n m e 5 last five he knew P1869:that Paul knew? 17*01 MS:As words crossed out and replaced above by How closely come, inwhat over Man's duty, to the doctrine yet in blank? P1869:As duty, to his doctrineyet a blank? 17221 MS:Who draws 5 last two words over illegible erasure 17241 MS:§ written 17y01 MS:Named over illegible erasure nature CP1869:Named between 1723-25 l7321 MS:ourselves P1869:ourselves, 17331 MS:the Gods, P1869:the Nature gods, 17") MS:one, for PZ869:one; for 1872:one: for 17351 MS:weak, and 1 7 q MS:no God, P1869:no God,17371 MS:it thenthat Pl869:weak and P1869:it else that 1738( MS:always to P1869:always, to 17y91 MS:Therefore crossed out and replaced above by 8 And, as 1altered to so 1872:And so 17'01 MS:man, Pl869:man. 17411 MS:-Therefore what < > criticise, 17'21 MS:how should over canhe but speak PZ869:Therefore, what <> criticize, truth? P1869:how shouldhe fear thetruth? Z889a:tmth?1701 MS:awe and venerate 8 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by three words and comma 174'1 MS:Venerate inserted inmargin; followed by word because of power,

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And give the doubtfuldeed its due excuse From the acknowledged creature of a day To the Eternal and Divine. Thus, bold Yet self-mistrusting, should man bear himself, Most assured on what now concerns him mostThe law of his ownlife, the path he prints,Which law is virtue and notvice, I say,And least inquisitive where search least skills, I’ the nature we best give the clouds to keep. What could I paint beyond a scheme like this Out of the fragmentary truths where light L a y fitful in a tenebrific time? You have the sunrise now, joins truth to truth, Shoots life and substance into death and void; Themselves compose the whole we made before: The forces and necessity grow W,The beings so contrarious that seemed gods, Prove just His operation manifold And multiform, translated, as must be, Into intelligible shape so far As suits our sense and sets us free to feel. What if I let a child think, childhood-long, That lightning, I would have him spare hiseye, Is a real arrow shot at naked orb? The man knows more, but shuts his lidsthe same: Lightning’s cause comprehends nor man norchild.

inserted above line and illegiblycrossed out 5 C > main mercy and 5 last two words 5 17451 MS:deed the due P1869:deed its due 17461 creatures 17‘71 MS:and Divine: so, bold P1869:and Divine. Thus, bold P1869:ueature l’q MS:self-mistrusting should P1869:self-mistrusting, should ’7501 MS:life,17511 MS:§ inserted between 1750-52 5 175*1 MS:where the P1869:life, the 17531 MS:The nature P1869:I’ least search skills, 1889a:where search least skills, 175’1 MS:What but a scheme likethis behovedme paint P1869:What the nature could I paint beyond a scheme like this 187Z:schene1889a:scheme 17571 MS:sunrise,-which joins P1869:sunrise now, joins MS:void, 1759) MS:themselves make now the C > before. P1869:Themselves P1869:void; 17MI( MS:The force and all necessity grows C o d , compose the C > before: P1869:Theforces and necessity grow C o d , 176*1 MS:just hisoperation multiform crossed out P1869:just His 17651 MS:us right to feel: P1869:us free to 1889a:feel. 17661 MS:let thechild < > childhoodlong, P1869:let a child C > childhood-long, 1767) MS:The lightning I P1869:That lightning, I 17681 MS:at idle orb? P1869:at naked orb? 17701 MS:The first cause

crossed out

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Why then, my scheme, your better knowledge broke, Presently re-adjusts itself, the small Proportioned largelier, parts andwhole named new: So much, nomore two thousandyears have done! Pope, dost thou dare pretend to punish me, For not descrying sunshine at midnight, Me who crept all-fours, found my way so farWhile thou rewardest teachers of the truth, Who miss the plainway in the blaze of noon,Though just aword from thatstrong style of mine, Grasped honestly in hand as guiding-staff, Had pricked them a sure pathacross the bog, That mire of cowardice and slush of lies Wherein I find them wallow in wide day!” How should I answer this Euripides? Paul,-’tis a legend,-answered Seneca, But that was in the day-spring; noon is now: We have got too familiar withthe light. Shall I wish back once morethat thrill of dawn? When the whole truth-touched man burned up, onefire? “Assured the trial, fiery, fierce, but fleet, Would, from his little heapof ashes, lend Wings to that conflagration of the world Which Christ awaits ere He makes all things new:

P1869:Lightning’s cause 17711 MSthen my 1869:then, my 17721 MS:readjusts 17741 MS:done. P1869:done! 17751 MS:And do you dare 1872:re-adjusts 17761 MS:§ inserted between 1775-78 1777) MS:§ P1869:Pope. dost thou dare inserted in right margin W h o a e p t on all fours <> far, P1869:Me who crept 17781 MS:Reward yourbishops, priests, and friarshere all-fours <> far17791 MS:plain path P1869:While thou rewardest teachers of thetruth, 17801 MS:While just P1869:Though just a word in PI869:plain way in 17811 MS:guiding from CP1869:a help from original reading restored 5 17821 MS:across that bog PI869:aaoss the bog, staff CPZ869:guiding-staff, 1 7 q MS:and maze P1869:and of slush of 17841 MS:day?” 1889a:day!” 178c851 MS:§no f P1869:s1889a:S no 8 1889:s no l l ; emended to restore f ; see 17861 MS:legend, answered Seneca Pl869:legend,-answered Editorial Notes 17871 MS:day spring,-noon <> now P1869:day-spring; noon 1889a:now: Seneca, 17w1 MS:up one fireP1869:up, one lire? 17911 MS:Assured <> fiery fierce, and 17921 MS:Would from <> ashes fleet, P1869:”Assured <> fiery,fierce, but fleet, 1793) MS:to the conflagration lend P1869:Would, from < > ashes, lend 17911 MS:ere he <> newP1869:ere He 1872:to thatconflagration

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So should the frailbecome the perfect, rapt From glory of pain to glory of joy; and so, Even in the end,-the act renouncing earth, Lands, houses, husbands, wives and children here,Begin that other act which finds all, lost, Regained, in this time even, a hundredfold, And, in the next time, feels the finite love Blent and embalmed with the eternal life. So does the sun ghastlily seem to sink In those north parts, lean all but out of life, Desist a dread mere breathing-stop, then slow Re-assert day, begin the endless rise. Was this too easy for our after-stage? Was such a lighting-up of faith, in life, Only allowed initiate, set man's step In the true way by help of the great glow? A way wherein it is ordained he walk, Bearing to see the light from heaven still more And more encroached on by the light of earth, Tentatives earth puts forthto rival heaven, Earthly incitements that mankind serve God For man's sole sake, not G o d s and therefore man's. Till atlast, who distinguishes the sun From a mere Druid fire on a far mount? More praise to him who with his subtle prism

1889a:new: 17961 MS:so P1869:so. 17981 MS:husbands wives <> here, 17991 MS:all lost P1869:all. lost, PI869:husbands, wives < > here,180*18MI MS:An hundred fold in this time and the next / Blends P1869:Regained, in this time even, a hundredfold, / And, in the next time, feels the finite love / Blent 18031 MS:sun sink, say who followed by illegible word, last four words crossed out and replaced above by four words 5 steadily seem to die P1869:sun ghastlily seem to sink lsMl MS:parts, dip all P1869:paris, lean all 18051 MS:breathing-while, then 1807-91 MS:Was not 5 crossed out <> forthe PI869:breathingstop,then after-stage?- / Only P18691 MS:for our after-stage?/ Was such a lighting-up of faith, in 18101 MS:glow, P1869:glow? 18111 MS:The way he walks in,--'& life, / Only 18131 MS:light over thetrial's gist,P1869:A way whereinitisordained he walk, l81+171 MS:§ 1814,1815 inserted between 1813-17 §Earth's tentatives illegibleerasures put C > / Earth's motives for doing G o d ' s 'S crossed out service, / Till at last who <> sun over illegible word 5 P1869:Tentatives earth puts < > / Earthly incitements that mankind serve God / For man's sole sake, not G o d ' s and therefore man's, / <> last, who 1872: / / C > man's. 18181 MS:From the mere <> on the far hill? Pl869:From a 18191 MS:his new-foundprism P1869:his subtle prism mere <> on a far mount?

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Shall decompose both beams and name the true. In such sense, who islast proves first indeed; For how could saintsand martyrs fail see truth Streak the night’s blackness? Who is faithful now? Who untwists heaven’s white from the yellow flare 0’the world’s gross torch, without night’s foil that helped Produce the Christian actso possible When in theway stood Nero’s cross and stake,So hard now when the world smiles “Right and wise! Faith points the politic, the thrifty way, Will make who plods it in the end returns Beyond mere fool’s-sport and improvidence. We fools dance thro’ the cornfield of this life, Pluck ears to left and right andswallow raw, -Nay, tread, at pleasure, a sheaf underfoot, To get the better at some poppy-flower,Well aware we shall have so much less wheat In the eventual harvest: you meantime Waste not a spike,-the richlier will you reap! What then? There will be always garnered meal Sufficient for our comfortable loaf, While you enjoy the undiminished sack!” Is it not this ignoble confidence, Cowardly hardihood, that dulls and damps,

18211 MS:indeed, Pl869:indeed; 1889a:indeed: 18221 MS:For saints and martyrs cannot but see PI869:For how could saints and martyrs fail see 1823( MS:blackness,-who <> now P1869:blackness? Who < > now, 1889a:now? 1824) MS:Untwists the pure whitePI869:Untwists heaven’s pure white 1889a:Who 18251 MSOf <> without afoil to help. P1869:O’ < > help untwists heaven’s white 18261 M S 0 splendidChristian act so 1889a:without night’sfoilthathelped PI869:Produce theChristianact, so 1889a:act so 18281 MS:hard whenallthe <> smiles, “Rightly done, P1869:hard now that the <> smiles “Rightly done! 1889a:now 18291 MS:It isthe 1889a:Faith points the whenthe <> smiles “Rightand wise! 1830( MS:Will clearly make you in 1889a:Will make who plods it in 18s11 MS:Beyond our fool’s play and improvidence,P1869:our fool’s-sportand 1832( MS:fools go improvidence: 1889a:Beyond mere fool’s-sport and improvidence. thro’ <> life P1869:fools dancethro’ < > life, lSs4( MS:Nay, tread at P1869:-Nay, 18’61 MS:much wheat less 1889a:much less wheat 1837( MS:harvest,tread, at you meanwhile Pl869:harvest: you meantime 18381 MS:spike,-and richrewardwill ls‘ol MS:Enough to make our reap: Pl869:spike,-the richlier will you reap! P1869:Sufficient for our L841( MS:you go feast on theundiminished prize184’( MS:hardihood P1869:you enjoy the <> prize!” 1889a:undiminished sack!”

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Unless . . . what whispers me of times to come? What if i t be the missionof that age My death will usher into life, to shake This torpor of assurance from our creed, Re-introduce the doubtdiscarded, bring That formidable dangerback, we drove Long agoto the distance and the dark? No wild beast now prowls round the infantcamp: We have built wall and sleep in city safe: But if some earthquake uy the towers that laugh To think they once saw lions ruleoutside, And man stand out again, pale, resolute, Prepared to die,-which means, alive at last? As we broke up that old faith of the world, Have we, next age, to break u p this the newFaith, in the thing, grown faith in the reportWhence need to bravely disbelievereport Through increased faith i' the thing reports belie? Must we deny,-do they, these Molinists, At peril of their body and their soul,Recognized truths, obedient to some truth Unrecognized yet, but perceptible?Correct the portrait by the living face, Man's God, by God's God in the mindof man? Then, for the few that rise to the new height, The many that must sinkto the old depth,

that <> damps P1869:hardihood, that C > damps, 18441 MS:impossible . . unless 184+-45l MS:§ no P1869:S 9 18451 MS: . . What is it P1869:impossible? whispers 1889a:Unless . . . what 18461 MS:of whispers P1869:Unless . . what ISr71 MS:Waiting my death to begm life nextage P1869:of thatage, 1889a:age 18481 MS:ueed PI869:ueed, 18501 MS:The P1869:My death will usher into life 185ll MS:dark. PI869:dark? formidable 1872:That formidable 18521 MS:camp; P1869:camp; 1872:camp: 18541 MS:if the earthquake <> towers, 18561 MS:TiII man 1872:And man that 1872:if some earthquake 1889a:towers that 18571 MS:die,-that is, alive 1889a:die,-which means, alive 18581 MSworld 18601 MS:Faith inthe thing grown P1869:Faith, in the thing, grown Pl869:world. l8621 MS:faith inthing 1872:faith i' the thing ln6'1 MS:§ inserted between 1863-65 5 soul, P1869:soul,18651 MS:Received truths, in obedience to Pl869:Recognized to 18661 MSperceptible, PZ869:perceptible?truths, obedient 18671 MS:§ inserted between 1866-68 18'01 MS:that sink < > depth again,

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The multitude found fallaway! A few, E’en ere new law speak clear, may keep the old, Preserve the Christian level, call good good And evil evil, (eventhough razed and blank The old titles,) helpedby custom, habitude, And all else they mistake for finer sense 0’the’fact than reason warrants,-as before, They hope perhaps,fear not impossibly. At least some one Pompilialeft the world Will say “I know the rightplace by foot’s feel, I took it and tread firm there; wherefore change?” But what a multitudewill surely fall Quite through the crumbling truth, late subjacent, Sink to the next discoverable base, Rest upon human nature, settle there On what is firm, the lust and pride of life! A mass of men, whose very souls even now Seem to need re-creating,-so they slink Worm-like into the mud, light now lays bare,Whose future we dispose of with shut eyes And whisper-“They are grafted, barren twigs, Into the living stock of Christ: may bear

P1869:that mustsink <> depth, 1871 MS:multitude t h a t falls away! 187*1 MS:ere the new <> speaks clear, keep P1869:multitude foundfall away! 18741 MS:And evil evil, wen P1869:speak I872:ae new law speak clear, may keep 18751 MS:titles stand,-tho’ custom P1869:stand,) thro’ P1869:And evil evil, (wen 1872:titles,) helped by custom 18761 MS:all they take P1869:they 18771 MS:Of the fact than reason CP1869:O’ may mistake 1872:all else they mistake 18781 MS:Would 1889a:faa t h a t reason 5 emendedto 5 than 5 see Editorial Notes 5 l8791 MS:Surely some one Pompilia in the 1872:At hope P1869:They hope In8O1 MSWould say P1869:Will say least some one Pompilia left the 18811 MS:and I tread h; wherefore Pl869:and tread firm there; wherefore 1882) MS:multitude would fall forthwith, Pl869:multitude will fall, perchance, 1872:multitude will surely fall MS:uuth subjacent late P1869:late, ln851 MS:nature, take their stand 187~:nature,settle 1872:tmth. late subjacent, 18861 MS:is fact, the lusts and prides of P1869:lust and pride 1872:is there f i r m , the Ie87( MS:The mass 1872:A mass lee81MS:reaeating 18891 MS:the depths light P1869:the mud light 1872:mud, light PZ869:re-creating 1891 MS:“They are baptised,-grafted, the barren twigs 1872:And whisper-“They 18921 MS:of Christ:will bear P1869:of Christ: may bear aregrafted, barren twigs,

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One day, till when they lie death-like, notdead,”Those who with allthe aid of Christ succumb, How, without Christ, shallthey, unaided, sink? Whither but to this gulf before my eyes? Do not we end, the century and I? The impatient antimasque treads close on kibe 0’the very masque’s self it will mock,-on me, Last lingering personage, the impatient mime Pushes already,-will I block the way? Will my slow trail of garments ne’er leave space For pantaloon, sock, plume andcastanet? Here comes the first experimentalist In the new order of things,-he plays a priest; Does he take inspiration from the Church, Directly make her rule his law of life? Not he: his own mere impulse guides themanHappily sometimes, since ourselves allow He has danced, in gaiety of heart, i’ the main The right step throughthe maze we bade him foot. But if his heart had prompted him break loose And mar the measure? Why, we must submit,

ISg7 MS:death-like not PI869:death-like. not ‘89’1 MS:§ inserted 1895) MS:What between 1893-95 5 of Christ lie thus, 2872:of Christsuccumb, will they do, whither, unaided P1869:How, without Christ, whither 1872:without 1896-981 MS:What butthis here rehearsed before Christ, shall they, unaided my eyes- / The impatient 5 inserted above <> treads even 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 close on the heel 5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by 5 kibe P1869:but to this rehearsed <>eyes? / Do not we end, the century and I? / The law( MS:§ inserted between 1872:Whither but to this g u l f before <> / / T h e 1898-1900 5 Of the very 5 inserted above 5 <>will personage 5 crossed out 5 < > m e L*1W21 MS:Of the 5 last two words crossed out 5 last 5 altered to 5 P2869:O’ <> me, Last lingering masquer whom it mocks 5 last four words crossed out 5 personage, they press then 5 last three words crossed out and replaced above by the first pushing 5 inserted above 5 mime- / Will that 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 my slow-trail <> ne’er give place 5 last two words crossed out 5 P1869:personage, the impatient mime 1 Pushes 19O3( MS:For the already,-will I block the way? / Will CP1896:/ / <> slow trail new mime and mirthful interlude5 last six words crossed out andreplaced above by six words and question mark 5 pantaloon, sock, that 5 crossed out 5 plume andcastanet? Ig061 MS:Does he take 0 last three words over illegible erasure 5 MS:guides his courseP1869:guides the manMS:ourselves admit 2872:ourselves allow I9l11 MS:step in the mazewe had bade P1869:we bade 1872:step through the lgl*l MS:What if < > prompted to break 1872:But if 1889a:prompted him break 1913) MS:the figure? Why <>submit P1869:the measure? Why1872:submit.

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And thank the chance that brought him safe so far. Will he repeat the prodigy? Perhaps. Can he teach others how to quit themselves, Show why this step was right while thatwere wrong? How should he? “Ask your hearts as I asked mine, And get discreetly through the morrice too; If your hearts misdirect you,-quit the stage, And make amends,-be there amends to make!” Such is, for the Augustin that was once, This Canon Caponsacchi we see now. “But my heart answers to another tune,” Puts in the Abate, second in the suite, “I have my taste too, and tread no such step! You choose the glorious life, and may, for me! I like the lowest of life’s appetites,So you judge,-but the very truth of joy To my own apprehension which decides. Call me knave and you get yourself called fool! I live for greed, ambition, lust, revenge; Attain these ends by force, guile: hypocrite, To-day, perchance to-morrow recognized The rational man, the type of common sense.” There’s Loyola adapted to our time! Under such guidance Guido plays his part,

Ig1’1 MS:himsafely through. 2872:him safe so far. 19171 MS:Prove why < > right, 1g18-221 MS:he? Ask <> mine / This is, for while 1872:Show why <>right while that Saint Bernard that was once P1869:he? “Ask < > mine, / And get discreetly through the morrice so;/ If your hearts misdirect you,--quit the stage, / And make amends,--be there amends to make.” / Such is, for the saint <>once, CP1869: / / / / <> the Augustine 192s1 MS:The Canon 1872:/ morrice too; / / make!” / 1889a: / / / / <> Augustin 19241 MS:“And my <> tune” CP1869:tune.” 1872:“But my P1869:This Canon 19261 MS:too, for the opposite 8 last three words crossed out and replaced above by four 192)( MS:You live words 5 and choose no such step: P1869:and tread no such step! the <> may for me P1869:You choose the C > may, for me, 1872:me! 19281 MS:Who like 1872:I like l9291 MS:What you cal1,”and the P1869:you 19’01 MS:which must judge,P1869:judge. judge.-but the 1872:So you 1931( MS:fool. P1869:fool! 193*1 MS:revenge, 1872:which decides. 19331 MS:these ends 8 inserted above 5 < > guile,-hypocrite Pl869:revenge; 193‘1 MS:To-day,-perchance P1869:To-day. perchance P1869:guile: hypocrite, 19’51 MS:sense” P1869:sense.” 19371 MS:Under his guidance P1869:Under such

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He also influencing in the due turn These last clods where I track intelligence By any glimmer, these four at his beck Ready to murder any, and, at their own, As ready to murder him,-such make the world! And, first effect of the new cause of things, There they lie also duly,-the old pair Of the weak head and not so wicked heart, With the one Christian mother, wife and girl, -Which three gifts seem to make an angel up,The world's first foot 0'the dance is on their heads! Still, I stand here, not off the stage though close On the exit: and my last act, as my first, I owe the scene, and Him who armed me thus With Paul's sword as with Peter's key. I smite With my whole strength once more, ere end my part, Ending, so far as man may, this offence. And when I raise my arm, who plucks my sleeve? Who stops me in the righteous function,-foe Or friend? Oh, still as ever, friends are they Who, in the interest of outraged truth Deprecate such rough handling of a lie! The facts being proved and incontestable, What is the last word I must listen to? Perchance-"Spare yet a term this barren stock We pray thee dig about and dung and dress

~~~~

guidance 19421 MS:him,-these are the world: PZ869:world! Z872:him,-such make 19431 MS:And, the first effect Q over illegible erasure Q <> new state the world! Q crossed out and replaced above by Q cause PZ869:And' first I9441 MS:duly: the CPZ869:duly,-the 19461 MS:And the 1872:With the 19471 MS:Which <> gifts 194&491 MS:Q 7 Q make <> up, PZ869:-Which <> gifts seem to make <> up,1g481 MS:The 1872:s no f Q Z889:Q no ;emended to restore f ;see Editorial Notes Q 19501 MS:act as first <> of < > heads. PZ869:heads! Z872:The world's first <> 0' 19521 MS:keys,-I PZ869:key,-I CPZ869:key. I my first PZ869:act, as my first, 19531 MS:more then end PZ869:more, then end Z872:more, ere end l9551 MS:arm, 19561 MS:What stops <> foes PI869:Who stops what plucks 1872:arm, who plucks <>foe l9571 MS:friends? 0 Z889a:friend? Oh 19581 MS:of the outraged PZ869:of outraged 19601 MS:proved here incontestably PZ869:incontestable CPZ869:proved and incontestable, 19621 MS:Is it "Spare <> barren tree PZ869:barren stock, Z872:Perchance-"Spare Z889a:stock 19631 MS:We mean to dig PZ869:We

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Till he repent and bring forth fruit even yet!” Perchance-“So poor and swift a punishment Shall throw him out of life with all that sin: Let mercy rather pile up pain on pain Till the flesh expiate what the soul pays else!” Nowise! Remonstrants on each side commence Instructing, there’s a new tribunal now Higher than God’s-the educated man’s! Nice sense of honour in the human breast Supersedes here the old coarse oracleConfirming none the less a point or so Wherein blind predecessors worked aright By rule of thumb: as when Christ said,-when, where? Enough, I find it pleaded in a place,“All other wrongs done, patiently I take: But touch my honour and the case is changed! I feel the due resentment,-nemini Honorem trado is my quick retort.” Right of Him, just as if pronounced to-day! Still, should the old authority be mute Or doubtful or in speaking clash with new, The younger takes permission to decide. At last we have the instinct of the world Ruling its household without tutelage: And while the two laws, human and divine, Have busied finger with this tangled case,

pray thee dig 19641 MS:yet? PZ869:yet?” Z872:yet!” 19651 MS:Or also Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words Q Is it “So <> punishment? P2869:punishmen t 2872: Perchance-‘% MS:You throw <> sin? ”681 MS:else?” Z872:else!” 19691 MS:Nowise: PZ869:Shall throw 1872:sin: remonstrance on all sides begins PZ869:Nowise! Remonstrance Z872:Nowise! 19701 MS:Instruct me there’s PZ869:me, there’s Remonstrants on each side commence 1872:Insmcting, there’s 19711 MS:man’s,P1869.-man’s! 19741 MS:Confirming handsomely a 1872:Confirming none the less a I9751 MS:Wherein the predecessor 2872:Wherein blind predecessors ”771 MS:Enough we find it in a pleading here,PZ869:Enough I find CPZ869:Enough, I Z872:it pleaded in a place,19791 MS:changed. PI 869: changed! 19811 MS:trado, is Z889u:trudo is 19821 MS:Right, just as right as PZ869:Right of Him, just as 19831 MS:mute, 1889u:mute 19841 MS:doubtful, or Z889a:doubtful or 19851 MS:takes it on him to PZ869:takes permission to 19871 MS:tutelage, 1872: tutelage: 19891 MS:busied noddle with this knotty Q

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In pushes the brisk junior, cuts the knot, Pronounces for acquittal. How it trips Silverly o’er the tongue! “Remit the death! Forgive, . . . well, in the old way, if thou please, Decency and the relics of routine Respected,-let the Count go free as air! Since he may plead a priest’s immunity,The minor orders help enough for that, With Farinacci’s licence,-who decides That the mere implication of such man, So privileged, in any cause, before Whatever Court except the Spiritual, Straight quashes law-procedure,-quash it, then! Remains apretty loophole of escape Moreover, that, beside the patent fact 0’the law’s allowance, there’s involved the weal 0’the Popedom: a son’s privilege at stake, Thou wilt pretend the Church’s interest, Ignore all finer reasons to forgive! But herein lies the crowning,cogency(Let thy friends teach thee while thou tellest beads) That inthis case the spirit of culture speaks, Civilization is imperative.

replaced above by 5 tangled P1869:busied finger with MSIn 5 inserted in margin 5 The brisk youth 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 Junior pushes, in and5 last two words crossed out 5 c u t s the 5 crossed out and then restored 5 P1869:In the brisk 1872:In pushes the brisk junior, cuts 19921 MS:O’er the silverly 5 transposed to 5 Silverly o’er the tongue “You will 5 last two words crossed out 5 Remit the death; P1869:tongue! “Remit the death! crossed out and

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To her shall we remand all delicate points Henceforth, nor take irregular advice 0’the sly, as heretofore: she used to hint Remonstrances, when law was out of sorts Because a saucy tongue was put to rest, An eye that roved was cured of arrogance: But why be forced to mumble under breath What soon shall be acknowledged as plain fact, Outspoken, say, in thy successor’s time? Methinks we see the golden age return! Civilization and the Emperor Succeed to Christianity and Pope. One Emperor then, as one Popenow: meanwhile, Anticipate a little! We tell thee ‘Take Guido’s life, sapped society shall crash, Whereof the main propwas, is, and shall be -Supremacy of husband over wife!’ Does the man rule i’ the house, and may his mate Because of any plea dispute the same? Oh, pleas of all sorts shall abound, be sure, One but allowed validity,-for, harsh And savage, for, inept and silly-sooth, For, this and that, will the ingenious sex Demonstrate the best master e’er graced slave:

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And there’s but one short way to end the coi1,Acknowledge right and reason steadily I’ the man and master: then the wife submits To plain truth broadly stated. Does the time Advise we shift-a pillar? nay, a stake Out of its place i’ the social tenement? One touch may send a shudder through the heap And bring it toppling on our children’s heads! Moreover, if ours breed a qualm in thee, Give thine own better feeling play for once! Thou, whose own life winks o’er the socket-edge, Wouldst thou it went out in suchugly snuff As dooming sonsdead, e’en though justice prompt? Why, on a certain feast, Barabbas’self Was set free, not to cloud the general cheer: Neither shalt thou pollute thy Sabbath close! Mercy is safe and graceful. How one hears The howl begin, scarce the three little taps 0’the silver mallet silent on thy brow,‘His last act was to sacrifice a Count And thereby screen a scandal of the Church! Guido condemned, the Canon justified Of course,-delinquents of his cloth gofree!’ And so the Luthers chuckle, Calvins scowl,

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So thy hand helps Molinos to the chair Whence he may hold forth till doom’s day on just These fietit-maitre priestlings,-in the choir Sanctus et Benedictus, with a brush Of soft guitar-strings that obey the thumb, Touched by the bedside, for accompaniment! Does this give umbrage to a husband?Death To the fool, and to the priest impunity! But no impunity to any friend So simply over-loyal as these four Who made religion of their patron’s cause, Believed in him anddid his bidding straight, Asked not one question but laid downthe lives This Pope took,-all four lives together made Just his own lengthof days,-so, dead they lie, As these were times when loyalty’s a drug, And zeal in a subordinate too cheap And common to be saved when we spend life! Come, ’tis too much good breath we waste in words: The pardon, Holy Father! Spare grimace, Shrugs and reluctance! Are not we the world, A r t not thou Priam?Let soft culture plead Hecuba-like, ‘non tali’ (Virgil serves) ‘Auxilio’ and the rest! Enough, i t works! The Pope relaxes, and the Prince is loth, The father’s bowels yearn, the man’s will bends,

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Reply is apt. Our tears on tremble, hearts Big with a benediction, wait the word Shall circulate thro’the city in a trice, Set every window flaring, give each man 0’the mob his torch to wave for gratitude. Pronounce then, for our breath and patience fail!”

I will, Sirs: but a voice other than yours Quickens my spirit. “Quis YO Domino? Who is upon the Lord’s side?” asked the Count. I, who write“On receipt of this command, Acquaint Count Guido andhis fellows four They die to-morrow: could it be to-night, The better, but the work to do, takes time. Set with all diligence a scaffold up, Not in the customary place, by Bridge Saint Angelo, where die the common sort; But since the man is noble, and his peers By predilection haunt the People’s Square, There let him be beheaded in the midst, And his companions hanged on either side: So shall the quality see, fear and learn. All which work takes time: till to-morrow, then, ’

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For the main criminal I have no hope Except in such a suddenness of fate. I stoodat Naples once, a night so dark I could have scarce conjectured there was earth Anywhere, sky or sea or world at all: But the night’s black was burst through by a blazeThunder struck blow on blow, earth groaned and bore, Through her whole lengthof mountain visible: There lay the city thick and plain with spires, And, like a ghost disshrouded, white the sea. So may the truth be flashed out by one blow, And Guido see, one instant, andbe saved. Else I avert my face, nor follow him Into that sad obscure sequestered state Where God unmakes butto remake the soul He else made first in vain; which must not be. Enough, for I may die this very night And how should I dare die, this man let live? Carry this forthwith to the Governor!

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XI GUIDO

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You are the Cardinal Acciaiuoli, and you, Abate Panciatichi-two good Tuscan names: Acciaiuoli-ah, your ancestor i t was Built the huge battlemented convent-block Over the little forky flashing Greve That takes the quick turn at the foot 0’the hill Just as onefirst sees Florence: oh those days! ’Tis Ema, though, the other rivulet, The one-arched brown brick bridge yawns over,-yes, Gallop andgo five minutes, and you gain The Roman Gate from where the Ema’s bridged: Kingfishers fly there: how I see the bend O’erturreted by (Xrtosa which he built, That Senescal (we styled him) of your House! 1do adjure you, help me, Sirs! My blood Comes from as far a source: ought it to end This way, by leakage through their scaffold-planks Into Rome’s sink where her red refuse runs? Sirs, I beseech you by blood-sympathy, If there be any vile experiment In the air,-if this your visit simply prove, When all’s done, just a well-intentionedtrick That tries for truth truer than truth itself, By startling up a man, ere break of day, To tell him he must die at sunset,-pshaw! That man’s a Franceschini; feel his pulse, Laugh at your folly, and let’s all go sleep!

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You have my last word,-innocent am I As Innocent my Pope and murderer, Innocent as a babe, as Mary’sown, As Mary’s self,-I said, say and repeat,And why, then, should I die twelve hours hence? IWhom, not twelve hours ago, the gaoler bade Turn to my straw-truss, settle and sleep sound That I mightwake the sooner, promptlierpay His dueof meat-and-drink-indulgence,cross His palm withfee of the good-hand,beside, As gallants use who goat large again! For. why?All honest Rome approved my part; Whoever owned wife, sister, daughter,-nay, Mistress,-had any shadow of any right That looks like right, and,all the more resolved, Held it with tooth and nail,-these manly men Approved! I being for Rome, Rome was for me. Then, there’s the pointreserved, the subterfuge My lawyers held by, kept for last resource, Firm should allelse,-the impossible fancy!-fail, And sneaking burgess-spirit win theday. The knaves! One plea at least would hold,-they laughed,One grappling-ironscratch the bottom-rock Even should the middlemud let anchor go! I hooked my cause on to the Clergy’s,-plea Which, even if law tipped off my hat and plume, Revealed my priestly tonsure, saved me so.

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The Pope moreover, this old Innocent, Being so meek and mild and merciful, So fond 0’the poor andso fatigued of earth, So . . . fifty thousand devils in deepest hell! Why must he cure us of our strange conceit Of the angel in man’s likeness, that we loved And looked should help usat a pinch? Hehelp? He pardon? Here’s his mind and message-death! Thank the good Pope! Now, is he good in this, Never mind, Christian,-no such stuffs extant,But will my death docredit to his reign, Show he both lived and let live, so was good? Cannot I live if he but like? “The law!” Why, just the law gives him the very chance, The precise leave to let my life alone, Which the archangelic soul of him (hesays) Yearns after! Here they drop it in his palm, My lawyers, capital 0’the cursed kind,Drop life to take and hold andkeep: but no! He sighs, shakes head, refuses to shut hand, Motions away the gift they bid him grasp, And of the coyness comes-that off I run And down I go, he best knows whither! mind, He knows, who sets me rolling all thesame! Disinterested Vicar of our Lord, This way he abrogates and disallows, Nullifies and ignores,-reverts in fine To the good and right, in detriment of me!

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Talk away! Will you have the naked truth? He’s sickof his life’s supper,-swallowed lies: So, hobbling bedward, needs must ease his maw Just where I sit 0’the door-sill. Sir Abate, Can you do nothing?Friends, we used to frisk: What of this suddenslash in afriend’s face, This cuta-oss our good companionship That showed its front so gay when both were young? Were not we put into abeaten path, Bid pace the world,we nobles born and bred, We body of friends witheach his scutcheon full Of old achievement and impunity,Taking the laugh of morn and Sol’s salute As forth we fared, pricked on to breathe OUT steeds And take equestrian sport over the green Under the blue, across the crop,-what care? If we went prancing up hill and down dale, In and out of the level and the straight, By the bit of pleasant byeway, where was harm? Still Sol salutes me and the morning laughs: I see my grandsire’s hoof-prints,-point the spot Where he drew rein,slipped saddle, and stabbed knave For daring throw gibe-much less, stone-from pale: Then back, and on, and up with the cavalcade. Just so wend we, now canter, now converse, Till, ’midthe jauncing pride and jaunty port, Something of a suddenjerks at somebody-

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A dagger is out, a flashing cut and thrust, Because I play some prank my grandsire played, And here I sprawl: where is thecompany? Gone! A trot and a trample! only I lie trapped, Writhe in a certain novel springe just set By the good old Pope: I’m first prize.Warn me? Why? Apprise me that the law 0’the game is changed? Enough that I’m a warning, as I writhe, To all and each my fellows of the file, And make law plain henceforward past mistake, “For such a prank, death is the penalty!” Pope the Five Hundredth (what doI know or care?) Deputes your Eminency and Abateship To announce that, twelve hours from this time, he needs I just essay upon my body and soul The virtue of his brand-new engine, prove Represser of the pranksome! I’m the first! Thanks. Do you know what teeth you mean to try The sharpness of, on this soft neck and throat? I know it,-I have seen and hate it,-ay, As you shall, while I tell you! Let me talk, Or leave me, at your pleasure! talk I must: What is your visit but my lure to talk? Nay, you have something to disclose?-a smile,

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At end of the forced sternness, means to mock The heart-beats here? I call your two hearts stone! Is your charge to stay with me till I die? Be tacit as your bench, then! Use your ears, I use my tongue: how glibly yours will run At pleasant supper-time . . . Gods curse! . . . to-night When all the guests jump up, begin so brisk “Welcome, his Eminence who shrived the wretch! Now we shall have the Abate’s story!”

Life! How I could spill this overplusof mine Among those hoar-haired, shrunk-shanked odds and ends Of body and soul oldage is chewing dry! Those windlestraws that stare while purblind death Mows here, mows there, makes hay of juicy me, And misses just the bunch of withered weed Would brighten hell and streak its smoke with flame! How the life I could shed yet never shrink, Would drench their stalks with sap like grass in May! Is it not terrible, I entreat you, Sirs?With manifold and plenitudinous life, Prompt at death’s menace to give blow for threat, Answer his “Be thou not!” by “Thus I am!”Terrible so to be alive yet die? How I live, how I see! so,-how I speak!

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Lucidity of soul unlocks the lips: I never had the words at will before. How I see all my folly at a glance! “A man requires a woman and a wife:” There was my folly; I believed the saw. I knew that just myself concerned myself, Yet needs must look for what I seemed to lack, In a woman,-why, the woman’s in the man! Fools we are, how we learn things when too late! Overmuch life turns round my woman-side: The male and female in me, mixed before, Settle of a sudden: I’m my wife outright In this unmanly appetite for truth, This careless courage as to consequence, This instantaneous sight through thingsand through, This voluble rhetoric, if you please,-’tis she! Here you have that Pompilia whom I slew, Also the folly for which I slew her! Fool! And, fool-like, what is it I wander from? What did Isay of your sharp iron tooth? Ah,-that I know the hateful thing! this way. I chanced to stroll forth, many a good year gone, One warm Spring eve in Rome, and unaware Looking, mayhap, to count what stars were out, Came on your fine axe in a frame, that falls And so cuts off a man’s head underneath, Mannaia,-thus we made acquaintance first: Out of the way, in a by-part 0’the town, At the Mouth-of-Truth0’the river-side, you know:

I speak! 159-6LI MS:before./ A <>wife. P1869:before./ How I see all my folly at a 1621 MS:my bane, I was born man and strong: P1869:my glance!/ “A <>wife:” 1671 MS:Much life <> round the woman side of folly; I believed the saw:1889a:saw. me,P1869:Overmuch life <> round my woman-side; 1889a:woman-side: 1691 MS:Settles <> sudden, I’m P1869:Settle <> sudden: I’m MS:consequence 1791 MS:rhetoric if < > she, Pl869:rhetoric. if < > she! Pl869:consequence, 1751 MS:her,”I P1869:her! 5 1 8 Fool! 176781 MS:Am a fool, what <> / Ah <> thing: this P1869:And, fool-like, what < > / What, of the sharpness of your iron tooth?/ lS1l MS:out Ah1872:What did I sayof your sharp iron <> / Ah < > thing! this P1869:out. MS:your huge axe 1872:your fine axe MS:first, lS5l MS:bye-part of P1869:o’ 1889a:by-part lS61 MS:the Mouth of 1872:first:

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One goes by the Capitol: and wherefore coy, Retiring outof crowded noisy Rome? Because a very little time ago It had doneservice, chopped off head from trunk Belonging to a fellow whose poor house The thing must make a point to stand beforeFelice Whatsoever-was-the-name Who stabled buffaloes and so gained bread, (Our clowns unyoke them in the ground hard by) And, after use of much improper speech, Had struck at Duke Some-title-or-other’s face, Because he kidnapped, carried away and kept Felice’s sister who would sitand sing I’ the filthy doorway while she plaited fringe To deck the brutes with,-on their gear it goes,The good girl with the velvet in her voice. So did the Duke, so did Felice, so Did Justice, intervening with her axe. There the man-mutilating engine stood At ease, both gay and grim, like a Swiss guard Off duty,-purified itself as well, Getting dry, sweet and proper for next week,And doing incidental good, ’twas hoped, To the rough lesson-lacking populace Who now and then, forsooth, must right their wrongs! There stood the twelve-foot-square of scaffold, railed Considerately round to elbow-height,

Truthon Pl869:the Mouth-of-Truth 0’ l8*l MS:of 5 followed by word illegibly 1901 MS:trunk, 1889a:trunk crossed out and replaced above by 5 crowded lg21 MS:thing had made a <> before. 1872:thing must make a 1889u:beforelg51 MS:(People unyoke P1869:(0ur clowns unyoke l971 MS:Had spat in Duke Some- 5 over illegible word 5 <> face P1869:Had struck at Duke <> face, MS:sister that would 1872:sister who would MS:In P1869:I’ 2021 MS:voiceP1869:voice. 20JI MS:% did Felice crossed out and replaced above 2051 MS:man-mutilating business 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 by 3 the engine 2061 MS:grim like CP1869:grim, like 207( MS:duty,-being purified as PZ869:duty,-purified itself as 2091 MS:good, belike, P1869:good. ’twas hoped 2101 MS:To the gross 5 crossed out and replaced above DC,BrU:hoped, 1889:hoped. 2111 MS:and then; P1869:and by 5 rough lesson-lacking multitude 5 crossed out 21 1 MS:elbow-height P1869:elbow-height: 1872:elbow-height, then,

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For fear an officer should tumble thence And sprain his ankle andbe lame a month Through starting when the axe fell and head too! Railed likewise where the steps whereby ’twasreached. All of it painted red: red, in the midst, Ran up two narrow tall beams barred across, Since from the summit, some twelve feet to reach, The iron plate with the sharp shearing edge Had slammed, jerked, shot, slid,-I shall soon find which!And so lay quiet, fast in its fit place, The wooden half-moon collar, now eclipsed By the blade which blocked its curvature: apart, The other half,-the under half-moon board Which, helped by this, completes a neck’s embrace,Joined to a sort of desk that wheels aside Out of the way when done with,-down you kneel, In you’re pushed, over you the other drops, Tight you’re clipped, whiz, there’s the blade cleaves its best, Out trundles body, down flops head on floor, And where’s your soul gone? That, too, I shall find! This kneeling-place was red, red, never fear! But only slimy-like with paint, not blood, For why? a decent pitcher stood at hand, A broad dish to hold sawdust, and a broom By some unnamed utensil,-scraper-rake,Each with a conscious air of duty done. Underneath, loungers,-boys and some few men,Discoursed this platter, named the other tool,

MS:-Suppose an P1869:(Suppose an 1872:For fear an 2151 MS:a week z161 MS:falls <> too? P1869:fell P1869:a month, DC,BrU:month 1889a:month <> too?) 1872:too! 2181 MS:painted red: red inthe midst P1869:painted red: red, in the midst, n21 MS:Had . . slammed < > shot or slid <> which. P1869:which! 2z51 MSThere i t lay 1872:And 1872:Had slammed <> shot, slid 1889a:which!so lay 2241 MS:eclipses P1869:eclipsed 2251 MSapart P1869:apart, 2271 MS:That, helped P1869:Which. helped 2501 MS:you’re wheeled, over 2311 MS:tight you are clipped <> blade on you, 1872:tight 1872:you’re pushed, over 25y1 MS:find.P1869:find! you’re clipped <> blade cleaves its best, 1889a:kneeling place DC,BrU:kneeling-place 1889:kneeling-place z181 MS:With 8 crossed out and replaced above by 5 By <>utensil, saaper-rake, P1869:utensil,-scrapr-rake,z4O1 MS:Underneath loungers, boys <>men, 24l1 MS:platter and the P1869:Undemeath, loungers,-boys < > men,-

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Just as, when grooms tie up anddress a steed, Boys lounge and look on, andelucubrate What the round brush is used for, what the square,So was explained-to me the skill-less thenThe mannerof the groomingfor next world Undergone by Felice What’s-his-name. There’s no such lovely month in Rome as MayMay’s crescent is no half-moon of red plank, And came now tiltingo’er the wave i’ the west, One greenish-golden sea, right ’twixt those bars Of the engine-I began acquaintance with, Understood, hated, hurried from before, T o have it out of sight and cleanse my soul! Here it is all again,conserved for use: Twelve hours hence, I may know more, not hate worse. That young May-moon-month! Devils of the deep! Was not a Pope then Pope as much as now? Used not he chirrup o’er the Merry Tales, Chuckle,-his nephew so exact the wag To play a jealous cullion such atrick As wins the wife i’ the pleasant story! Well? Why do things change? Wherefore is Rome un-Romed? I tell you, ere Felice’s corpse was cold, The Duke, that night, threw wide his palace-doors, Received the compliments 0’the quality For justice done him,-bowed and smirked his best,

1872:platter. named 2‘21 MS:as when <> steed P1869:as. when < > steed, 2‘31 MS:Ebys and men 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 lounge and < > on,lucubratealoud P1869:on, and elucubrate 2451 MS:explainedto <> skilless man P1869:explained“to <> skill-less man- 1872:skill-less thenZI’ MS:wave, the west PZ869:wave i’ the west, MS:plank P1869:plank, 25’1 MS:twixt P1869:’twixt 2521 MS:engine I P1869:engine-I 25’1 MS:before P1869:before, 25’1 MS:soul: P1869:soul! z551 MS:use, 2561 MS:hence I 1872:hence, I 25+571 MS:§ no 5 P1869:s 5 P1869:use: 2571 MS:The young P1869:That young 2581 MS:not the Pope PZ869:not Pope a 259) MS:the Merry Tales P1869:the Merry Tales, 2G11 MS:Would play thejealous 2621 MS:wins his wife in <> story:well? P1869:wins the PZ869:To playajealous 26‘1 MS:cold P1869:cold. 2651 MS:palace doors, wife i’ <>story! Well? 2661 MS:of PZ869:o’ 2671 MS:Onjustice the P1869:For P1869:palace-doors,

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And in return passed round a pretty thing, A portrait of Felice’s sister’s self, Florid old rogueAlbano’s masterpiece, As-better than virginity in ragsBouncing Europa on the back 0’the bull: They laughed and took their road the safelier home. Ah, but times change, there’s quite another Pope, I do the Duke’s deed, take Felice’splace, And, being no Felice, lout and clout, Stomach but ill the phrase “I lose my head!” How euphemistic! Lose what? Lose your ring, Your snuff-box, tablets, kerchief!-but, your head? I learnt the process at an early age; ’Twas useful knowledge, in those same old days, To know the way a head is set on neck. My fencing-master urged “Would you excel? Rest not content with mere bold give-and-guard, Nor pink the antagonist somehow-anyhow! See me dissecta little, and know your game! Only anatomy makes a thrust the thing.” Oh Cardinal, those lithe live necks of ours! Here go the vertebrz, here’s Atlas, here Axis, and here the symphyses stop short, So wisely and well,-as, o’er a corpse, we cant,And here’s the silver cord which . . . what’s our word?

MS:a masterpiece Q crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 pretty MS:Minature 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words 0 A portrait 270-721 MS:masterpiece,/ Bouncing <> bull,P1869:masterpiece,/ As-better than z76) MS:Who, being no Felice lout virginity in rags-/ Bouncing <> bull: 2771 MS:phrase, “I <>head.” PZ869:phrase “I P1869:And, being no Felice, lout <>head!” 1889a:lost DC,BrU: lose 1889:lose 2791 MS:kerchief,-but your 2801 MS:age, P1869:age; head! CP1869:kerchief!-but, your head? 281-8’1 MS:knowledge in <> / My fencing master PZ869:knowledge, in <> / To know 2841 MS:bold the way a head isset on neck./ My 1889a:/ / My fenang-master cut 3 crossed out andreplaced above by Q give and thrustQ crossed out andreplaced 2851 MS:somehow anyhow,above by 5 guard P1869:give-and-guard9 2861 MS:game, Pl869:game! PI869:somehow-anyhow,Z872:somehow-anyhow! 287) MS:thing. PZ869:thing.” 2891 MShere’s atlas P1869:here‘s Atlas 2911 MS:well, as o’er a corpse we P1869:well,-as, o’er a corpse, we 2921 MSwhich . . what’s the word? P1869:which . . . what’s our word? justice thing,

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Depends from the gold bowl, which loosed (not “lost”) Lets us from heaven to hell,-one chop, we’re loose! “And not much pain i’ the process,” quoth a sage: Who told him? Not Felice’s ghost, I think! Such “losing” is scarce Mother Nature’s mode. She fain wouldhave cord ease itself away, Worn to a thread by threescore years and ten, Snap while we slumber: that seems bearable. I’m told one clotof blood extravasate Ends one as certainly as Roland’ssword,One dropof lymph suffused proves Oliver’s mace,Intruding, eitherof the pleasant pair, On the arachnoid tunic ofmy brain. That’s Nature’s way of loosing cord!-but Art, How of Art’s processwith the engine here, When bowl and cord alike are crushed across, Bored between, bruised through? Why, if Fagon’s self, The French Court’s pride, that famed practitioner, Would pass his cold pale lightning of a knife, Pistoja-ware, adroit ’twixtjoint and joint, With just a“See how facile, gentlefolk!”The thing were not so bad to bear! Brute force Cuts as he comes, breaks in, breaks on, breaks out 0’the hardand soft of you: is that the same? A lithe snake thrids the hedge, makes throb no leaf: A heavy ox sets chest to brier and branch,

MS:Lets you from < > chop, you’re loose! P1869:Lets us from <> chop, we’re loose! 2971 MS:losing is MS:in <>quoth the sage: P1869:i’ 1889a:quoth a sage: P1869:“losing” MS:away scarce Mother Nature’s way 5 crossedout ’O01 MS:while you slumber <> bearable: P1869:whilewe slumber P1869:away, ’O*1 MS:Endsyou as < > sword, Pl869:Ends one as < > sword,1889a:beamble. ’O’I MS:One ounce of <> mace P1869:One drop of < > mace,’051 MS:of the M61 MS:cord,-but P1869:cord!-but brain. P1869:of my brain. SO8[ MS:aaoss P1869:aaoss, s091 MS:self MS:hae? 1872:here, llol MS:ThatfamedpractionertheFrenchCourtpays, P1869:The P1869:self, fl*l MS:and joint CP1869:and joint, French Court’spride,that famed practioner, S1’l MS:gentlefolks!” P1869:gentlefolks!”1889cgentlefolk!”’141 MS:Not so bad were the thing to bear: brute P1869:The thing were not so bad to bear! Brute ”61 MS:Of hard P1869:O’ the hard MS:hedge, nor throb one leafJ1sl MS:to briar and bough, P1869:hedge.makes throbno leaf-CP1869:leaf:

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Bursts somehow through, and leaves one hideous hole Behind him! And why, why must this needs be? Oh, if men were but good! They are not good, Nowise like Peter: people called him rough, But if, as I left Rome, I spoke the Saint, . "'Petrus, quo vadis?"-doubtless, I should hear, "To free the prisoner and forgive his fault! I plucked the absolutedead from G o d s own bar, And raised up Dorcas,-why not rescue thee?" What would cost one such nullifying word? If Innocent succeeds to Peter's place, Let him think Peter's thought, speak Peter's speech! I say, he is bound to it: friends, how say you? Concede I be all one bloodguiltiness And mystery of murder in the flesh, Why should that fact keep the Pope's mouth shut fast? He execrates my crime,-good!-sees hell yawn One inchfrom the red plank's end which I press,Nothing is better! What's the consequence? How should a Pope proceed that knows his cue? Why, leave me linger out my minute here, Since close on death comes judgment andcomes doom, Not crib at dawn its pittance from a sheep Destined ere dewfall to be butcher's-meat! Think, Sirs, if I have done you any harm,

P1869:and branch, 1869:brier 'l9[ MS:Burst somehow PI869:Bursts somehow JZo( MS:him: and P1869:him! 5 7 And MS:call P1869:calIed '231 MS:left Rome, I met the P1869:left Rome, I spokethe 1241 MS:-"Petrus, quo vadis?" "Guido," I P1869:--"Petnu, quo vadis?"-doubtless, I '251 MS:fault!" PI869:fauIt! MS:Raised up Jairus daughter,-why not t h e e ? 2869:And raised u p ' 2 91 MS:place P1869:place, "01 MS:speech. Dorcas,-why not rescue thee?" 193' MS:my moment 5 crossed outand replaced above by minute P2869:speech! "O1 MS:comes <> and such 8 over illegible word doom, PI869:come < >and the doom, "*l MS:Nor cribs 1872:Nor u i b 1889a:Not crib 1872:comes C > and comes doom, 3+21 MS:Because crossed out and replaced above by 5 Destined ere dewfall destined uossed out andreplaced aboveby two words 5 to be butcher's meat. PI869:butcher's-meat! "1' MS:if I had done <> harm P 1 8 6 9 : h , 1872.3 I have

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And you require the natural revenge, Suppose, and so intend to poison me, ”Just as you take and slip intomy draught The paperful of powder that clears scores, You notice on my brow a certain blue: How you both overset the wine at once! How you both smile! “Our enemy has the plague! Twelve hours hence he’ll be scraping his bones bare Of that intolerable flesh, and die, Frenzied with pain: no need for poison here! Step aside and enjoy the spectacle!” Tender for souls are you, Pope Innocent! Christ’s maxim is-one soul outweighs theworld: Respite me, save a soul, then,curse the world! “No,” venerable sire, I hear you smirk, “No: for Christ’s gospel changes names, not things, Renews the obsolete, does nothing more! Our fire-new gospel is re-tinkered law, Our mercy, justice,- Jove’s rechristened God,Nay, whereas, in the popular conceit, ’Tis pity that old harsh Law somehow ‘limps, Lingers on earth, althoughLaw’s day be done, Else would benignant Gospel interpose, Not furtively as now, but bold and frank O’erflutter us with healing inher wings,

done MS:required < > / -Just <> take it, slip P1869:require <> / Suppose, and so intend to poisonme,/ -Just <> take and slip 34g5*l MS:blue:/ How you both pause, “Our enemy has the plague-/ Twelve PZ869:blue:/ How you both overset the wine atonce!/ How you both smile! “Our enemy has the plague!/ Twelve ’521 MS:Aesh, so die, P1869:flesh. and die, 3541 MS:Put powderup, 9 last three words crossed out step altered to Step <>spectacle! P1869:spectacle!” ’561 MS:Christ lays i t down-one P1869:Christ’s maxim is-one ’571 MS:soul, let ’581 MS:“No,” verily I think I theworld wag!P1869:soul, then,cursetheworld! <> smirk P1869:“No,” venerable sire, I <> smirk, 359) MS:“No, for <> names ’601 MS:obsolete, and 9 written over by does not P1869:“No: for <> names, not ’611 MS:retinkered I872:re-tinkered nothing more 3 over eke , P1869:more! ’621 MS:Our mercy’sjustice P1869:Our mercy, justice ’641 MS:Tis pity the old law still somehow P1869:’Tis pity that the old law somehow CP1869:that old harsh Law ’651 MS:although its d a y be done, PI869:although law’s d a y be done,1889a:Lingers CP1869:although Law’s 1872:Although <> done, lingers < > earth,<> earth,although <> done, ’661 MS:interpose P1869:benignant gospelinterpose, Mg’Ol MS:wings-/We like to put it, on the contrav, CPl869:benignantGospel

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Law being harshness, Gospel only loveWe tell the people, on the contrary, Gospel takes up the rod which Law lets fall; Mercy is vigilant when justice sleeps! Does Law permit a taste of Gospel-grace? The secular arm allow the spiritual power TO act for once?-no compliment so ‘fine As that our Gospel handsomely turn harsh, Thrust victim back on Law the nice and coy!” Yes, you do say so, else you would forgive Me whom Law does not touch but tosses you! Don’t think to put onthe professional face! You know what I know: casuists as you are, Each nerve must creep, each hair start, stingand stand, At such illogical inconsequence! Dear my friends, do but see! A murder’s tried, There are two parties to the cause: I’m one, -Defend myself, as somebody must do: I have the best 0’the battle: that’s a fact, Simple fact,-fancies find no place just now. What though half Rome condemned me? Half approved: And, none disputes, the luck is mine at last, All Rome, i’ the main, acquitting me: whereon,

P1869:wings,-/ Law is all harshness, Gospel were all love!-/ We < > contrary,1872:wings,/ Law being harshness, Gospel only love-/ We tell the people, on 1889a:/ / <> contrary, J711 MS:whichlaw <> fall, P1869:fall;CP1869:which Law ’72-74) MS:sleeps-/ The <> allows P1869:sleeps;/ Does Law let Guido taste the Gospel-grace?/ The <> allow 1872:sleeps!/ Does Law permit a taste of Gospel-grace?/ The J751 MS:once,-what compliment so fit P1869:once?-what <>so fine1872:once?-no J761 MS:As doing the harsh 5 inserted above 5 deed whence law shrunk, compliment P1869:As that the Gospel handsomely be harsh, 1872:that our Gospel handsomely turn $771 MS:Pressing 5 uossed out and replaced above by 5 Urging a victim on the harsh, < > coy?” PI869:Thrust back Law’s victim on 1872:Thrust victim back on Law the <> coy!” J781 MS:so,-else 1889a:so. else ’791 MS:whom law dares not P1869:whom Law 1872:whom Law does not 3801 MS:faceP1869:face! 1811 MS:know,-being casuists both; PI869:know,-casuists as you are, 1889a:know: ’821 MS:stand P1869:stand, ’83-851 MS:inconsequence!/ There <> to casuists a cause PI869:inconsequence!/ Dear my friends, do but see! A murder’s tried,/ There <> to the cause ’861 MS:Defend 5 over illegible word 5 3871 MS:of the battle-, 3881 MS:Simple 5 over illegible word 5 fact fancies that’s P1869:o’ the battle: that’s <> place beside; P1869:fact.-fancies <> beside: 1872:place just now. ’891 MS:Suppose half <> me,-half approved, P1869:What though half <> me? Half 3911 MS:AII Rome acquits me approved: MS:And none P1869:And, none

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What has the Pope to ask but “How finds Law?” “I find,” replies Law, “I have erred this while: Guilty or guiltless, Guido proves a priest, No layman: he is therefore yours, not mine: I bound him: loose him, you whose will is Christ’s!” And now what does this Vicar of our Lord, Shepherd 0’the flock,-one of whose charge bleats sore For crook’s help from the quag wherein it drowns? Law suffers him employ the crumpled end: His pleasure is to turn staff, use the point, And thrust the shudderingsheep, he calls a wolf, Back and back, down and down to where hell gapes! “Guiltless,” cries Law-“Guilty” corrects the Pope! “Guilty,” for the whim’s sake! “Guilty,” he somehow thinks, And anyhow says: ’tis truth; he dares not lie! Others should do the lying. That’s thecause Brings you both here: I ought indecency Confess to you that I deserve my fate, Am guilty, as the Pope thinks,-ay, to the end, Keep up the jest, lie on, lie ever, lie I’ the latest gasp of me! What reason, Sirs? Because to-morrow will succeed to-day

in the main,-and now P1869:All Rome, i’ the main, acquits me: whereupon 39’1 MS:replies Law “I <> erred through haste, last 1872:acquitting me: whereon, two words and comma crossed out andreplaced above by two words and colon Q this while: 3941 MS:priest P1869:priest. 9951 MS:layman,P1869:replies Law, “I last two words crossed Out 5 therefore inserted above he is yours not mine: I boundP1869:layman: he is therefore yours, 3961 MS:I bound him, 3 last three words and comma inserted in margin Q loose him, you; your will P1869:him: l o o s e him, you whose 3971 MS:of the Lord, 1872:of our Lord, 3981 MS:of the P1869:o’ will 4001 MS:him put forth the < > end,- 1872:him employ the 1889a:end: 4021 MS:shuddering Q followed by word illegibly crossed out Q , he Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words sheep he calls a inserted above 1872:sheep, he 4031 MS:Back and back, down Q last three words inserted above Q < > to damnation 4041 MS:“Guiltless” crossed out Q . . there it gapes! P1869:to where hell gapes! lo51 MS:thinks quoth Law <> Pope, P1869:“Guiltless,” cries Law <> Pope! 406-7) MS:§ no 7 1872:s 7 Q (061 MS:anyhow speaks: ’tis P1869:thinks, 4071 MS:‘Tis I should PZ869:Others should P1869:anyhow says: ‘tis MS:here,-I P1869:here: I (11) MS:Carry the P1869:Keep up the 1121 MS:In < > me,-your reason P1869:I’ < > me! What reason MS:to-day,

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For you, though notfor me: and if I stick Still to the truth, declare with my last breath, I die an innocent and murdered man,Why, there’s the tongue of Rome will wag apace This time to-morrow: don’t I hear the talk! “So, to the last he proved impenitent? Pagans have said as much of martyred saints! Law demurred, washed her hands of the whole case. Prince Somebody said this, Duke Something, that. Doubtless the man’s dead, dead enough, don’tfear! But, hang it, what if there have been a spice, A touch of . . . eh? You see, the Pope’s so old, Some of us add, obtuse: age never slips The chance of shoving youth to face death first!” And so on. Therefore to suppress such talk You two come here, entreat I tell you lies, And end, the edifying way. I end, Telling the truth! Your self-styled shepherd thieves! A thief-and how thieves hate the wolves we know: Damage to theft, damage to thrift, all’s one! The red hand is sworn foe of the black jaw. That’s only natural,that’s right enough: But why the wolf should compliment the thief With shepherd’s title, bark out life in thanks, And, spiteless, lick the prong that spitshim,-eh,

P1869:to-day 4141 MS:you if not P1869:you, though not ’lSl MS:last a y , P1869:last breath, 4171 MSthe talk of Rome 5 letter crossed out 5 will treat the uuth PI869:the tongue of Rome will waga-pace I889a:apace 4181 MS:to-morrow,-don’t I hear them talk! PI869:hear the talk! I889a:to-morrow: don’t 42’J1 MS:saints: 4221 MS:this, Duke Something that,- P1869:this. Duke Something, P1869:saintsl 423( MS:fear, P1869:fear! 4251 MS:of . . eh? you PI869:eh? that. . . . eh 426( MS:obtuse,-age 1889u:obtuse: age ’271 MS:Iirst,” You 1889a:of 4301 MS:And end the < > end P1869:first!” MS:tell the lies, P1869:tell you lies, 4311 MS:truth: your < > shepherdis P1869:tmth! Your P1869:And end, the <> end, 432( MS:and t h a t thieves hate wolves P1869:and how CPI869:shepherd thieves! 43)-$61 MS:theft or thrift, all’s one-red hand/ Is sworn foe of thieves hate the wolves black jaw: that’s right enough:/ But that the PI869:theft. damage to thrift, all’s one!/ The red hand is <>of the black jaw!/ That’s only natural, that’s right enough:/ But why the ‘$71 MS:With the shepherd’s < > o u t breath in P1869:out life in 1889a:/ <>jaw. 4381 MS:And dying, 5 word and comma inserted above 3 lick 1872:With shepherd’s P1869:And spiteless, lick the prong that <> him,-eh, the point that < > him,-why,

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Cardinal? My Abate, scarcely thus! There, let my sheepskin-garb, a curse on’t, goLeave my teeth free if I must show my shag! If I pass Repent? What good shall follow? Twelve hours repenting, will that fact hold fast The thirteenth at the horrid dozen’s end? If I fall forthwith at your feet, gnash, tear, Foam, rave, to give your story the due grace, Will that assist the engine half-way back Into its hiding-house?-boards, shaking now, Bone against bone, like some old skeleton bat That wants, at winter’s end, to wake and prey! Wiil howling put the spectre back to sleep? Ah, but I misconceive your object, Sirs! Since I want new life like the creature,-life, Being done with here, begins i’ the world away: I shall next have “Come, mortals, and be judged!” There’s but a minute betwixt this and then: So, quick, be sorry since it saves my soul! Sirs, truth shall save it, since no lies assist! Hear the truth, you,whatever you style yourselves, Civilization andsoaety! Come, one good grapple, I withall the world! Dying in cold blood is the desperate thing; The angry heart explodes, bears off in blaze

~

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The indignant soul, andI’m combustion-ripe. Why, you intend to do your worst with me! That’s in your eyes! You dare no more than death, And mean no less. I must make up my mind. So Pietro,-when I chased him here and there, Morsel by morsel c u t away the life I loathed,-cried for just respite to confess And save his soul: muchrespite did I grant! Why grant me respite who deserve my doom? Me-who engaged to play a prize, fight you, Knowing your arms, and foil you, trick for trick, At rapier-fence, your match and, maybe, more. I knew that if I chose sin certain sins, Solace my lusts out of the regular way Prescribed me, I should find you in the path, Have to try skill with a redoubted foe; You would lunge, I would parry, and make end. At last, occasion of a murder comes: We cross blades, I, for all my brag, break guard, And in goes the cold iron at my breast, Out atmy back, and end is made of me. You stand confessed the adroiter swordsman,-ay, But on your triumph you increase, it seems, Want more of me than lying flat on face: I ought to raise my ruined head, allege Not simply I pushed worse blade 0’the pair, But my antagonist dispensed with steel! There was no passage of arms, you looked me low,

angry heart explodes, bears 4651 MS:me, P1869:me! 4661 ~~:eyes,--you<> death P1869:eyes! You <>death, t671 MS:less,-I mind. P1869:less. I <> mind! ‘681 MS:% Pietro when P1869:So Pietro,-when 1889a:mind. 4701 MS:loathed, cried P1869:loathed,-aied 4731 MS:you P1869:you, 47’1 MS:you trick for trick P1869:you, trick for trick, 4751 MSrapier fence <> may be P1869:rapier-fence 1889a:maybe 4771 MS:my lusts over illegible word, 4791 MStoaoss swords last two words aossedoutand replaced perhaps wants 5 480-821 MS:Let him last two words crossed outand above by two words uy skill replaced above by two words You would <> and so aossed out and replaced above by make end./ We <> guard P1869:end./ At last, occasion of a murder comes:/ 4891 MS:of CP1869:o’ ‘gO1 MS:steel: PZ869:steel! We <> guard,

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With brow and eye abolished cut and thrust Nor used the vulgar weapon! This chance scratch, This incidental hurt, this sort of hole I’ the heart of me? I stumbled, got it so! Fell on my own sword as a bungler may! Yourself proscribe such heathen tools, and trust To the naked virtue: it was virtue stood Unarmed and awed me,-on my brow there burned Crime out so plainly intolerably red, That I was fain to ay-“Down to the dust With me, and bury there brow, brand and all!” Law had essayed the adventure,-but what’s Law? Morality exposed the Gorgon shield! Morality and Religion conquer me. If Law sufficed would you come here, entreat I supplement law, and confess forsooth? Did not the Trialshow things plain enough? “Ah, but a word of the man’s very self Would somehow put the keystone in its place And crown the arch!” Then take the word you want! I say that, long ago, when things began, All the world made agreement, such and such Were pleasure-giving profit-bearing acts, But henceforth extra-legal, nor to be: You must not kill the man whose death would please And profit you, unless his life stop yours Plainly, and need so be put aside: Get the thing by a public course, by law,

MS:cut-and-thrust 1889a:cut and thrust 49’1 MS:weapon: this P1869:weapon! 4951 MS:In <> so, P1869:I’ < > so! 496( MS:may, P1869:may! 4981 MS:.% the P1869:To the MS:plainly, intolerably 1872:intolerably, red, 5011 MS:ay-“down P1869:uy--“Down 1889a:plainly intolerably red, 50‘1 MS:Morality must bare the Gorgon-shield, P1869:the Gorgon-shield! 1869:Morality 5061 MS:Unless you say so, why last five exposed the 1872:the Gorgon shield! words crossed out andreplaced above by five words If Law sufficed, would you 5071 MS:supplement the Law, confess P1869:supplement law, Pl869:sufficed would 5wI MSAh P1869:“Ah 5111 MS:arch: then Pl869:arch!” Then and confess 511-1zI MS:§ no P1869: 15 51‘) MS:acts P1869:aas, 5151 MS:extralegal 51’1 MS:life stopped yours P1869:life stop yours P1869:exm-legal 5181 MS:and needed so P1869:andneed so 5191 MS:The same thing P1869:Get the

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Only no private bloodshed as of old! All of us, for the good of every one, Renounced such licence and conformed to law: Who breaks law, breaks pact therefore, helps himself To pleasure and profit over and above the due, And must pay forfeit,-pain beyond his share: For, pleasure being the sole good in the world, Anyone’s pleasure turns to someone’s pain, So, law must watch for everyone,-say we, Who call things wicked that give too much joy, And nickname mere reprisal, envy makes, Punishment: quite right! thusthe world goes round. I, being well aware such pact there was, I, in my time who found advantagecome Of law’s observance and crime’s penalty,Who, but for wholesome fear law bred in friends, Had doubtless given example long ago, Furnished forth some friend’s pleasure with my pain, And, by my death, pieced out his scanty life,I could not, for that foolish life of me, Help risking law’s infringement,-I broke bond, And needs must pay price,-wherefore, here’s my head, Flung with a flourish! But, repentance too? But pure andsimple sorrow for law’s breach Rather than blunderer’s-ineptitude? Cardinal, no! Abate, scarcely thus! ’Tis the fault, not thatI dared try a fall

thing 520] MS:old: P1869:old! 5211 MS:us for <> one P1869:us, for <> one, 52 1 MS:law, P1869:law: 5231 MS:paa, therefore 1889a:pact therefore 5261 MS:For pleasureisthe 1872:For, pleasurebeingthe 5281 MS:So, let law watch 529) MS:Calling for everyone, say P1869:everyone,-say 1872:So. law must watch 5301 MSnickname the reprisal crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 Who call 5311 MS:right,-thus envy P1869:reprisal, envy 1872:nickname mere reprisal 5331 MS:Who in my timehavefoundadvantage too 1872:I, in my P1869:right! thus 5341 MS:In law’s I872:Of law’s 5351 MS:fear time who found advantage come 537) MSfriends P1869:friend’s 5381 MS:And by this bred P1869:fear law bred 5391 MS:& my death pieced <> life, P1869:And, bymy death, pieced <> life,S4l1 MS:wherefore here’s couldnotfor < > me P1869:I could not,for <> me, 543( MS:for law’s 5 over illegibleword 5 P1869:wherefore, here’s 54+461 MS:blunderer’s ineptitude?/ The fault is not <> I dared 5 written above line 5 trying 5 altered to 5 try a fall with law last two words aossed out 5 P1869:blunderer’~-ineptitude?/ Cardinal. no! Abate, scarcely thus!/ ‘Tis the fault, not

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With Law and straightway am found undermost, But that I failed to see, above man’s law, God’s precept you, the Christians, recognize? Colly my cow! Don’t fidget, Cardinal! Abate, a o s s your breast and countyour beads And exorcize the devil, for here he stands And stiffens in the bristly nape of neck, Daring you drive him hence! You, Christians both? I say, if ever was such faith at all Born in the world, by your community Suffered to live its little tick of time, ‘Tis dead of age, now, ludicrously dead; Honour its ashes, if you be discreet, In epitaph only! For, concede its death, Allow extinction, you may boast unchecked What feats the thing did in acrazy land At a fabulous epoch,-treat your faith, that way, Just as you treat your relics: “Here’s a shred Of saintly flesh, a scrap of blessed bone, Raised King Cophetua, whowas dead, to life In Mesopotamy twelve centuries since, Such was its virtue!”-twangs the Sacristan, Holding the shrine-box up, with hands like feet Because of gout inevery fingerjoint: Does he bethink him to reduce one knob, Allay one twinge by touching what he vaunts? I think he half uncrooks fist to catch fee, But, for the grace, the quality of cure,~~

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MS:and straightway am Q last two words written above line Q 5481 MS:that I fail to see above <> law P1869:see, above <> law, 1872:that I failed to 5491 MS:God’s will which Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by precept < > the Christians recognize?1872:the Christians, recognize? 5511 MS:crossyourself Q self crossed out and replaced above by Q breast 55’1 MS:bristly nape of Q last two words P1869:neck added above line Q neck of him last two words crossed out MS:hence. What, Christians P1869:hence! You,Christians 5561 MS:world and 5571 MS:Suffered 5 addedinmargin Q To altered to 5 to your P1869:world, by your <> littlemoment Q crossed out and replaced above by Q tick 5581 MS:age now 5wI MS:concede us death, P1869:concede itsdeath, 1872:age, now 56’1 MS:epoch: treat your faith, I say, PI869:epoch,-treat your faith, that way, 5e41 MS:here’s Pl869:relics: “Here’s 5651 MS:bone P1869:bone, 5@( MS:Raised King Cophetua u p to life again PZ869:Raised King Cophetua, who was 5681 MS:virtue,”-quoth the P1869:virtue!”-twangs the dead, to life 57O1 MS:finger-joint: 1889a:finger joint: 5741 MS:the grace, the Q last two words 5d71

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Cophetua was the man put that to proof! Not otherwise, your faith is shrined and shown And shamed at once: you banter while you bow! Do you dispute this? Come, a monster-laugh, A madman’s laugh, allowed his Carnival Later ten days than when all Rome, but he, Laughed at the candle-contest: mine’s alight, ’Tis just it sputter till the puff 0’the Pope End it to-morrow and the world turn Ash. Come, thus I wave a wand and bring topass In a moment, in the twinkle of an eye, What but that-feigning everywhere grows fact, Professors turn possessors, realize The faith they play with as a fancy now, And bid it operate, have full effect On every circumstance of life, to-day, In Rome,-faith’s flow set free at fountain-head! Now, you’ll own, at this present, when I speak, Before I work the wonder, there’s no man Woman or child inRome, faith’s fountain-head, But might, if each were minded, realize Conversely unbelief, faith’s oppositeSet it to work on life unflinchingly, Yet give no symptom of an outward change: Why should things changebecause men disbelieve? What’s incompatible, in the whited tomb, With bones and rottenness one inch below? What saintly act is done in Rome to-day

added above line 5 < > cure, CPZ869:mre.5761 MS:othenvise yourfaith, is 5791 MS:mad man’s PZ869:madman’s PZ869:otherwise. your faith is 580( MS:but me, PZ869:but he, 5*1( MS:candle-contest: I’m alight, PZ869:candle5821 MS:just I sputter <>of PZ869:just it sputter <> 0’ contest: mine’s alight, 5831 MS:End me to-morrow PZ869:End i t to-morrow 5861 MS:that feigning suddenly 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 everywhere PZ869:that5911 MSfountain-head: PZ869:fountain-head! s921 MS:present when feigning 5951 MS:might if C > minded realize PZ869:might. if < > 1889a:present. when minded, realize 5971 MS:Let it go work <> unflinchingly PZ869:Set it to work <> unflinchingly, 599( MS:should life 8 crossed out and replaced above by 5 things < > because you disbelieve? PZ869:because men disbelieve? I889a:disbelieve 5 emended to 5 disbelieve? 5 see Editorial Notes 5 Cool MS:incompatible in < > tomb M)ll MS:With the dead man’s 5 last three words PZ869:incompatible. in <> tomb, crossed out 5 bones and rottenness 5 last two words added above line !j

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But might be prompted by the devil,-"is" I say not,-"has been, and againmay be,-" I do say, full i' the face 0'the crucifix You try to stop my mouth with! Off with it! Look in your own heart,if your soul have eyes! You shall see reason why, though faith were fled, Unbelief still might work the wires and move Man, the machine, to play a faithful part. Preside your college, Cardinal, inyour cape, Or,-having got above his head, grown Pope,Abate, gird your'loins andwash my feet! Do you supposeI am atloss at all Why you crook, why you cringe, why fast or feast? Praise, blame, sit, stand, lieor go!-all of it, In each of you, purest unbelief may prompt, And wit explain to who has eyes to see. But, lo, I wave wand, make the false the true! Here's Rome believes in Christianity! What an explosion, howthe fragments fly Of what was surface, mask and make-believe! Begin now,-look at thisPope's-halberdier In wasp-like black and yellow foolery! He, doing duty at the corridor,

MS:not,-has <> be.-/ Look into your own heart if you have P1869:not,--"has I do say, full i' the face 0' the m a f i x / You try to stop my mouth with! Off with it!/ Look in your own heart if your soul have CP1869:/ / / <> heart, if1889a:be,--" 6081 MS:why though <> fledP1869:why, though <> fled, -1 MS:stillmay work 6101 MS:Man the machine to <> partP1869:Man, the P1869:stiil might work 611-151 MS:§first two lines crowded between lines 610-16 in machine, to <> part. continuous line with break indicated between cape,- and Abate your College <> cape,-/ Abate < > feet,"/ Why C > feast, P1869:college <> cape,/ Or,-having got above his head, grown Pope,--/ Abate < > feet!/ Do you suppose I am at loss at 6161 MS:stand, lie added above line or go, or crossed all/ Why <> feast? 6171 MSAII out 5 live, or 5 crossed out die, all of it P1869:go!-all of it, 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 In each of it crossed out and replaced 61el MS:And so 5 last two words above by two words 5 you purest P1869:you, purest 6191 MS:wand, make the added inmargin Explain P1869:And wit explain 6211 MS:fragments fall 1889a:wand. made emended to 5 make 5 see Editorial Notes 5 crossed out and replaced by 5 fly 6221 MS:and a mere lie last three words 62'1 MS:Begin now,last two crossed out and replaced above by 5 make-believe! words, comma and dash added above line 5 Look altered to look at this fellow, the l a s t two words crossed out 5 62'1 MS:Wasp-like in altered to In wasp-like 6z51 MS:the golden door, 5 l a s t two words crossed out and replaced by conidor 6"7)

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Wakes from a muse and stands convinced of sin! Down he flings halbert, leaps the passage-length, Pushes into thepresence, pantingly Submits the extreme peril of the case T o the Pope’s self,-whom in the world beside?And the Pope breaks talk with ambassador, Bids aside bishop, wills the whole world wait Till he secure that prize, outweighs the world, A soul, relieve the sentry of his qualm! His Altitude the Referendary,Robed right, and ready for the usher’s word To pay devoir,-is, of all times, just then ’Ware of a master-stroke of argument Will cut the spinal cord . . . ugh, ugh! . . . I mean, Paralyse Molinism for evermore! Straight he leaves lobby, trundles, two and two, Down steps to reach home, write, if but a word Shall end theimpudence: he leaves who likes Go pacify the Pope: there’s Christ to serve! How otherwise would men display their zeal? If the same sentry had the least surmise A powder-barrel ’neath the pavement lay In neighbourhood withwhat might prove a match, Meant to blow sky-high Pope and presence both-

P1869:conidor, 6261 MS:Wakes § over illegible word § <> muse and § crossed out and replaced above by to stands 5 altered to stand P1869:muse and stands 627) MS:halberk alteredto 5 halbert <>passage length, P1869:passage-length. 6121 MS:bishops P1869:bishop MS:ambassadors, P1869:ambassador, 6J’I MSprizeoutweighs the world P1869:prize. outweighstheworld, 6341 MS:A human 5 crossed out !j < > qualm. P1869:qualm! 6’51 MS:the Referendary 6’6( MS:usher’s world altered to word P1869:the Referendary,6’7) MS:devoir, is P1869:devoir,-is 638) MS:Ware of a subtle piece last two words crossed out and replaced above by !j masterstroke P1869:’Ware <> master-stroke 639) MS:cord . . ugh, ugh! . . I 1889a:cord . . . ugh,ugh! ...I 6401 MS:forevermore: P1869:for evermore! 6411 MS:trundles two and two CP1869:uundles, two and two, MS:Down staircase, to <> write if P1869:Down 6451 MS:impudence,-he steps, to 1872:Down steps to <> write, if G451 MS:othenvise do men P1869:otherwise would men P1869:impudence: he 6461 MS:If that same P1869:If the same ”1 MS:Some over illegible word powder-barrel neath P1869:That powder-barrel ’neath CP1869:A powder-barrel 648) MS:might be aossed out and replaced above by prove a match P1869:match,

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Would he notbreak through courtiers, rankand file, Bundle up, bear off and save body so, The Pope, no matter for his priceless soul? There’s no fool’s-freak here, nought to soundly swinge, Only a man inearnest, you’llso praise And pay and prate about, that earth shall ring! Had thought possessed the Referendary His jewel-case at homewas left ajar, What wouldbe wrong in running, robes awry, To be beforehand with thepilferer? What talk then of indecent haste? Which means, That both these, each in his degree, would do Just that,-for a comparative nothing’ssake, And thereby gain approval and reward,Which, donefor what Christ says is worth the world, Procures thedoer curses, cuffsand kicks. I call such difference ’twixt act and act, Sheer lunacy unless your truth on lip Be recognized a lie in heart of you! How do you all act, promptly orin doubt, When there’s a guest poisoned at supper-time And he sitschatting on withspot on cheek? “Pluck him by the skirt, and round him inthe ears, Have at him by the beard, warn anyhow!” Good, and this otherfriend that’s cheat and thief And dissolute,-go stop the devil’s feast,

P1869:courtiers. rank 65’1 MS:up and bear <> 6521 MS:Of the P1869:O’ 1872:The @’I MS:fool’sfreakPI869:fool’s-freakthereCP1869:fool’s-freak here 65‘1 MS:earnest you’ll Pl869:earnest, you’ll 6551 MS:about that <> ring. CP1869:about, that <> ring! 6571 MS:A jewel case 6581 MS:Explain crossed outand replacedabove by 5 Where P1869:Hisjewel-case 6591 MS:pilferer, P1869:pilferer? m( MS:Who would P1869:What would talk <> means P1869:What talk < > means, 6621 MS:that, for P1869:that,-for MS:reward, Pl869:reward,66‘1 MS:Which done < > world P1869:Which, done <> world, 6-71 MS:kicks./ word illegibly crossed outand replaced above by two words Its lunacy P1869:kicksJ I call such difference ’twixtact and act,/ Sheer lunacy 671-7‘1 MS:spot on brow?/ lines 672-73 written MS:lie in§addedaboveline in continuous line 5 And in margin Round him in the ears,/ Have at him by the beard, warn anyhow!/ Pluck him by the skirt, transposed to Pluck <> And Round <> 1 Good P1869:/ “Pluck <> and round <> / <> anyhow!” CP1869:spot on cheek? G751 MS:dissolute. go < > feast, written over illegible erasure P1869:dissolute.-go

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Withdraw him from the imminent hell-fire! Why, for your life, you dare not tell your friend “You lie, and I admonish you for Christ!” Who yet dare seek that same man at the Mass To warn him-on his knees, and tinkle near,He left a cask a-tilt, a tap unturned, The Trebbian running: what agrateful jump Out of the Church rewards your vigilance! Perform that self-same servicejust a thought More maladroitly,-since a bishop sits At function!-and he budges not, bites lip,“You see my case: how can I quit my post? He has an eye to any such default. See to it, neighbour, I beseech your love!” He andyou know the relative worth of things, What is permissible or inopportune. Contort your brows! You know I speak the truth: Gold is called gold, and dross called dross, i’ the Book: Gold you let lie and dross pick up andprize! -Despite your muster of some fifty monks And nuns a-maunderinghere and mumpingthere, Who could, and onoccasion would, spurn dross, Clutch gold, and prove their faith a fact so far,I grant you! Fifty times the number squeak And gibber in the madhouse-firm of faith, This fellow, that his nose supports the moon; The other, that his straw hat crowns him Pope: Does that prove all the world outside insane? Do fifty miracle-mongers match the mob That acts on the frank faithless principle, Born-baptized-and-bred Christian-atheists, each

MS:man out at mass P1869:man at the Mass 6841 MS:selfsame 6851 MS:a Bishop P1869:a bishop M161 MS:function,-why he P1869:self-same < > not,-bitesP1869:function!-andhe <> not, bites 69*1 MSbrows,-you P1869:brows! You 6931 MSdross called dross,-what then? P1869:dross called dross, i’ the Book: 69’1 MS:prize P1869:prize! 6951 MS:Despite Pl869:”Despite 6961 MS:there P1869:there. 6971 MS:could and <> would spurn dross P1869:could,and < > would, spurn dross, 6981 MSgold and Pl869:gold, and 7001 MS:madhouse firm P1869:madhouse”fum 7011 MS:fellow that <> moon, Pl869:fellow. that 1889n:moon; 7021 MS:Thatworthy, his old straw <> Pop,P1869:Theother,that his straw <> him Pope: 7061 MS:Bom, bredandbaptized 6791

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With just as much a right to judge as you,As many senses in his soul, and nerves I’ neck of him as 1,-whom, soul and sense, Neck and nerve, you abolish presently,I being the unit in creation now Who pay the Maker, in this speech of mine, A creature’s duty, spend my last of breath In bearing witness, even by my worst fault, To the creature’s obligation, absolute, Perpetual: my worst fault protests, “The faith Claims all of me: I would give all she claims, But for a spice of doubt: the risk’s t o o rash: Double or quits, I play, but, all or nought, Exceedsmy courage: therefore, I descend To the next faith with no dubietyFaith in the present life, made last as long And prove as full of pleasure as may hap, Whatever pain it cause the world.” I’m wrong? I’ve had my life, whate’er I lose: I’m right? I’ve got the single good there was to gain. Entire faith, or else complete unbelief! Aught between has my loathing andcontempt, Mine and God’s also, doubtless: ask yourself, Cardinal, where and how you like a man!

Q transposed to 5 Born, baptized and bred PI869:Born-baptized-and-bred 7081 MS:soul, and Q crossed out and replaced above by Q or nerves 1872:soul, and nerves 7091 MS:In < > 1,-whose Q altered to Q whom, nerves and Q last two words crossed out and 7101 MS:nerve replaced above by three words and comma 5 soul and sense, P2869:I’ MS:Who at this moment you <> presently P2869:nerve, you <> presently,Q last three words crossed out Q <> Maker there Q crossed out and replaced above by Q in < > mine CP1869:the Maker, in <> mine, 7111 MS:my dying Q crossed outand 7111 MS:fault 2872:fault, 7171 MS:would replaced above by two words Q last of acquit such Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words 5 give all she 7191 MS:but allornought P1869:but, allornought, claims P2869:claims, 7201 MS:therefore, this descent P2869:therefore. I descend 72’1 MS:may be P1869:be, CP1869:may hap, 7241 MS:pain I cause the world: I’m PZ869:pain it 7271 MS:unbelief,2872:unbelief! 7291 MS:And cause the world.” I’m Q crossed out and replaced above by three words As mine, so 5 crossed out and replaced in margin by Q Mine Q And restored Q G o d ‘ s too, I feel certain: 5 last four words crossed out and replaced above by two words and commas Q also, doubtless, ask yourself P1869:Mine and God’s < > doubtless: ask yourself, 7301 MS:Cardinal, where and 5 last two words added above line Q <> like the Q crossed out and replaced by Q a man, P1869:man!

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Why, either with your feet upon hishead, Confessed your caudatory, or, atlarge, The stranger in the crowd who caps to you But keeps his distance,-why should hepresume? You want no hanger-on and dropper-off, Now yours, and now not yours but quite his own, According as the sky looks black or bright. Just so I capped to and kept off from faithYou promised trudge behind throughfair and foul, Yet leave i’ the lurchat the first spit of rain. Who holds to faith whenever rain begins? What does the father whenhis son lies dead, The merchant when his money-bags take wing, The politician whom arival ousts? No case but has its conduct, faithprescribes: Where’s the obedience that shall edify? Why, they laugh frankly in the face of faith And take the natural course,-this rends his hair Because his child is taken to God’s breast, That gnashes teeth and raves at loss of trash Which rust corrupts and thieves break through and steal, And this, enabled to inherit earth Through meekness, curses till your blood runs cold!

MS:Why either < > head P1869:Why, either <> head, 7s*1 MSor atlarge 7’1 MS:The gallant fj crossed out and replaced above by fj stranger 1872:or, at large, <> who must fj crossed out fj 7’41 MS:distance, what W fj last word and fragment crossed out and replaced above by two words fj why should he to you fj last two words 7’51 MS:dropper-off P1869:dropper-off, crossed out fj P1869:distance,-why 7’61 MS:yours and <> own P1869:yours, and <> own, 7’81 MS:and declined the fj last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words fj kept off from faith 7’91 MS:You and the rest are bound to take u p cross/ And fj last ten Pl869:faithwords crossed out; two lines combined promised crowded between lines fj trudge behind 7401 MS:Yet fj over illegible word fj <> in <> first cloudthat through fair and foul, comes. fj last three words crossed out andreplaced above by three words and colon fj spit of rain: P1869:i’ C > rain. 741( MSfaith’sskirtnowthatrain Pl869:faith whenever 7421 MS:Whatsays fj crossed outand replaced above by fj does rain 745( MS:conduct faith P1869:conduct. faith ’(61 MSWants but of last three words crossed out andreplaced above by three words fj Now for obedience <> edify! 7471 MS:they spitfrankly in thefaith of face P1869:Where’s theobedience <> edify? fj transposed to fj face o f faith P1869:they laughfrankly 7481 MS:course,-one rends 7501 MS:Theothergnashes teeth at loss of gold 5 crossed P1869:course,-this rends 7511 MS:That out fj P1869:That gnashesteeth, and raves at CP1869:teeth and 75’1 MS:cold: P1869:cold! rust <> steal P1869:Which rust <>steal, 7’11

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Down they all drop to my low level, rest Heart upon dungy earththat’s warm and soft, And let who please attempt the altitudes. Each playing prodigal son of heavenly sire, Turning his nose up atthe fatted calf, Fain to fill belly with the husks,we swine Did eat by born depravity of taste! Enough of the hypocrites. But you, Sirs, youWho never budged from litter where I lay, And buried snout i’ the draff-box while I fed, Cried amen to my creed’s one article“Get pleasure, ’scape pain,-give your preference To the immediate good,for time is brief, And death ends good and ill andeverything! What’s got is gained, what’s gainedsoon is gained twice, And,-inasmuch as faith gains most,-feign faith!” So did we brother-like pass word about: “You, now,-like bloody drunkards but half-drunk, Who fool men yet perceive men find them fools,Vexed that a titter gains the gravest mouth,0’the sudden you must needs re-introduce Solemnity, straight sober undue mirth

~~

MS:all slip Q crossed out and replaced above by Q drop < > level, ease 1889a:level, rest 7551 MS:Heart on the dungy < > soft PZ869:Heart upon dungy < > soft, 7561 MS:who will go try thealtitudes: PZ869:will, attempt the altitudes: CPZ869:altitudes. 1889a:who please attempt 757-5Q1 MS:We have the prodigalson and heir Q last two words crossed out Q <> sire/ 8 illegible fragment 5 Fain <>husks we P1869:sireJ Turning his nose up at the fatted calf,/ Fain 1872:Each is the prodigal < > / / <> husks, weZ889a:Each playingprodigal 7601 MS:eat with Q crossed out and replaced by Q by such Q crossed out and replaced above by 3 some depravity PZ869:by born depravity 7M)-611 MS:§ n o f 3 P1869:S 7 3 7G11 MS:hypocrites: but you 76*-MI MS:lay,/ Said amen < > y o u PZ869:hypocrites. But you <>you7651 MS:Get PZ869:lay,/ And buried snout i’ the draff-box while I fed,/ Cried amen <> giving preference P1869:“Get <> give your preference 7661 MS:good,-for < > brief P1869:good, for <> brief, 7671 MS:everything, PZ869:everything: 7691 MSAnd inasmuch <> feign faith! P1869:And,-inasmuch 1872:everything! <> feign faith!” 7701 MS:aboutP1869:about: 7711 MS:TiII now, like 7721 MS:men and perceive < > fools PZ869:men yet PZ869:-You, now,”like 7731 MS:And that < > gravest face Q crossed out perceive <> fools, Z872:fmls,and replaced above by Q mouth, PZ869:mouth,1872:Vexed that 7741 MS:You on 7751 MS:Solemnity, and sober the sudden must PZ869:O‘ the sudden you must 7541

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By a blow dealt me your boon companion here Who, using the old licence, dreamed of harm N o more than snow in harvest: yet it falls! You check the merriment effectually By pushing your abrupt machine i’ the midst, Making me Rome’s example: blood for wine! The general good needs that you chop andchange! I may dislike the hocus-pocus,-Rome, The laughter-loving people, won’t they stare Chap-fallen!-while serious natures sermonize “The magistrate, he beareth not the sword In vain; who sins may taste its edge, we see!” Why my sin, drunkards? Where have I abused Liberty, scandalized you all so much? Who called me, who crooked finger till I came, Fool that I was, to join companionship? I knew my own mind, meantto live my life, Elude your envy, or else make a stand, Take my own part and sell you my life dear. But it was “Fie! No prejudice in the world To the proper manly instinct! Cast your lot Into our lap,one genius ruledour births, We’ll compass joy by concert; take with us The regular irregular way i’ the wood; You’ll miss no game through riding breast by breast, In this preserve, the Church’s park and pale, Rather than outsidewhere the world lies waste!” Come, if you said not that, did you say this?

PZ869:Solemnity, must sober 2872:Solemnity, straight sober 7761 MS:dealt your 7781 MS:fallsPZ869:falls! 781-8’1 MS:wine!/ I <> 2889a:dealt me your hocus pocus PZ869:wine!/ The general good needs that you chop and change!/ I <> hocus-pocus f*‘l MS:laughrer-loving of them, won’t PZ869:laughter-loving people, 7851 MS:Chap-fallen, while PZ869:Chap-fallen!-while won’t 7871 MS:Vainly, who laughs 9 crossed out and replaced above by sins PZ869:In vain; who 7901 MS:came PZ869:came, 7911 MS:to make 5 replaced above by 9 join 7921 MS:Cast in my lot and feast at Rome companionship, 3 comma altered to ? with you? 5 line crossed out and replaced above by 3 I knew my own mind, meant to take my 79‘1 MS:dear PZ869:dear: 1872:dear. way PZ869:to live my life, 7991 MS:wood, PZ869:wood; 8011 MS:the Churches PZ869:the Church’s 8ozl MS:worldiswaste!”2872:world lies waste!” 8osl MS:that did < > this-

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Give plain and terrible warning, “Live, enjoy? Such life begins in death and ends in hell! Dare you bid us assist your sins, us priests Who hurry sinand sinners from the earth? No such delight for us, why then for you? Leave earth, seek heaven or find its opposite!” Had you so warned me, not in lying words But veritable deeds with tongues of flame, That had been fair, that might have struck a man, Silenced the squabble between soul and sense, Compelled him to make mind up, take one course Or the other, peradventure!-wrong or right, Foolish or wise, you would have been at least Sincere, no question,-forced me choose, indulge Or else renounce my instincts, still play wolf Or find my way submissive to your fold, Be red-crossed on my fleece, one sheep the more. But you as good asbade me wear sheep’s wool Over wolf’sskin, suck blood and hide the noise By mimicry of something like a bleat,Whence it comes that because, despite my care, Because I smack my tongue too loud for once, Drop baaing, here’s the village u p in arms! Have at the wolf’s throat, you who hate the breed! Oh, were i t only open yet to choose-

P1869:that, did <> this? 8041 MS:Cive 5 added in margin 5 Plain 5 altered to 5 plain MS:hell: P2869:hell! 8061 MS:assist you to your sins 1872:assist your sins, us priests ao81 MS:delights PZ869:delight 8091 MS:Leave them, seek 81‘1 MS:him make his P1869:Leave earth, MS:flame seek P1869:flame, 8151 MS:peradventure,-wrong or right mind 1872:him to make mind PI869:peradventure!-wrong or right, 8181 MS:Or else 5 added in margin 5 renounce 5 added above line 5 My P1869:my 8191 MS:Or drop 5 crossed out and replaced 8201 MS:red above by three words 5 find myway <> to the fold, 1872:to your fold, crossed on the fleece one P1869:red-crossed <> fleece, one 2872:on my fleece 822) MS:wolf‘s shag, suck P1869:wolf‘s skin, suck 8261 MS:arms, P2869:arms! 82’1 MS:throat, we who P1869:throat, you who 1889u:wolf S 5 emended to 5 wolf‘s 5 see 8281 MS:Ohwere <> choose P1869:0h, were < > chooseEditorial Notes 5

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One little time more-whether I’d be free Your foe, or subsidized your friend forsooth! Should not you get a growl through the white fangs In answer to your beckoning! Cardinal, Abate, managers 0’the multitude, I’d turn your gloved hands to account, be sure! You should manipulate the coarse rough mob: ’Tis you I’d deal directly with, not them,Using your fears: why touch the thing myself When I could see you hunt, and then ay “Shares! Quarter the carcase or we quarrel; come, Here’s the world ready to see justice done!” Oh, it had been a desperate game, but game Wherein the winner’s chance were worth the pains! We’d try conclusions!-at the worst, what worse Than this Mannaia-machine, each minute’s talk Helps push an inchthe nearer me? Fool, fool! You understand me and forgive, sweet Sirs? I blame you, tear my hair and tell my woeAll’s but a flourish, figure of rhetoric! One must try each expedient to save life. One makes fools look foolisher fifty-fold By putting in their place men wise like you, To take the full force of an argument Would buffet their stolidity in vain. If you should feel aggrieved by the mere wind 0’the blow that means to miss you and maul them,

MS:more whether P1869:more“whether 8)’1 MS:of P1869:o’ MS:mob, PZ869:mob: 8’61 MS:them, CPl869:themMS:hunt and 8’21 MS:chance isworththepains, CP1869:chancewere worththe 1872:hunt. and 84’1 MSSo, uy conclusions,-at P1869:Ride, uy <> what’s pains 1889a:pains! 1872:We’d uy <> what worse 8441 MS:this worse CPl869:To try conclusions!-at the red machine <> talk, Pl869:this Mannaia machine CP1869:this Mannaia-machine 8451 MS:push a littlelast two words crossed outand replaced above by 1872:talk 8481 MS:rhetoric, three words 5 an inchthe nearer,-oh, fool P1869:nearer me? Fool 8501 MS:I make <> fifty fold PZ869:One makes < > fifty-fold Pl869:rhetoric! 8511 MS:place the wise like you1872:place men wise likeyou, 85’1 MS:That buffets < > vain-P1869:Would buffet < > vain. 8551 MS:Of <> that ought to P1869:O’

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That’s my success! Is it notfolly, now, To say with folk, “A plausible defenceWe see through notwithstanding, andreject?” Reject the plausible they do, these fools, Who never even make pretence to show One pointbeyond its plausibility In favour of the best belief they hold! “Saint Somebody-or-other raised the dead:” Did he? Howdo you come to know as much? “Know it, whatneed? The story’s plausible, Avouched for by a martyrologist, And why should good men sup oncheese and leeks On such a saint’sday, if there were no saint?” I praise the wisdom of these fools, and straight Tell them my story-“plausible, but false!” False, to be sure! What else can story be That runs-a young wife tired of an oldspouse, Found a priest whom she fled away with,-both Took their full pleasure in the two-days’ flight, Which a grey-headed greyer-hearted pair, (Whose best boast was, their life had been a lie) Helped for the love they bore all liars. Oh, Here incredulity begins! Indeed? Allow then, were no one point strictly true, There’s that i’ the tale might seem like truth at least To the unlucky husband,-jaundiced patchJealousy maddens people, why not him? Say, he was maddened, so forgivable!

<> that means

to 8561 MS:success. Is Pl869:success! Is 8571 MS:folks 8581 MS:notwithstanding and reject.” P1869:notwithstanding. and 1889a:folk 859/ MS:fools P1869:fools, MS:even pretense made P1869:even reject?” 8631 MS:Saint Somebody or other <>dead: P1869:“Saint make pretence 8651 MS:Know P1869:“Know MS:day if Somebody-or-other <> dead:” there was no saint?/ I tell my P1869:day, if there were no saint?”! I praise the wisdom of these fools, andstraight/Tell them my 8741 MS:Takingtheirpleasure <> two-days P1869:Took their full pleasure <> two-days’ 1872:two-day’s1889a:two-days’ 8751 MS:Helped by 8 last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words Which a grey headed greyer hearted pair P1869:grey-headed greyer-hearted pair, 8761 MS:Whose <> was their <> lie, CP1869:(Whose < > was, their <> lie) MS:liars-Oh, P1869:liars. Oh, 88O1 MS:in P1869:i’ 8811 MS:patch,88’1 MS:maddened and forgiveable! P1869:maddened, so, forgivable! 1889a:patch-

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Humanity pleads that though the wife were true, The priest true, and the pair of liars true, They might seem false toone man in the world! A thousand gnats make up a serpent’s sting, And many sly soft stimulants to wrath Compose a formidable wrong at last That gets called easily by some one name Not applicable to the single parts, And so draws down a general revenge, Excessive if you take crime, fault by fault. Jealousy! I have known a score of plays, Were listened to and laughed at in my time As like the everyday-life on all sides, Wherein the husband, mad as a March hare, Suspected all the world contrived his shame. What did the wife? The wife kissed both eyes blind, Explained away ambiguous circumstance, And while she held him captive by the hand, Crowned his head,-you know what’s the mockery,By half her body behind the curtain. That’s Nature now! That’s the subject of a piece I saw in Vallombrosa Convent, made Expressly to teach men what marriage was! But say “Just so did I misapprehend, Imagine shedeceived me to my face,” And that’s pretence t o o easily seen through!

1872:so forgivable! 8851 MS:And the priest P1869:The priest 8881 MS:As many 8891 MS:last. 1889a:last 89’1 MS:the thousand parts, Pl869:And many 8921 MS:draw P1869:draws 89s1 MS:§ word crossed out P1869:the single parts, illegibly and replaced above by 5 Excessive <> take them fault by P1869:take crime, fault 8961 MS:everyday life P1869:weryday-life by MS:plays P1869:plays, 8971 MS:a march P1869:a March 8981 MS:shame; 1872:shame. MS:On the other hand, last four words and comma crossed out and replaced above by four words and question mark What did the wife? the PI869:wife? The MScircumstances, w21 MS:Made hishead, you < > mockery, P1869:Crowned his P1869:circumstance, 9061 MS:was. P1869:was! 9071 MS:say-and just head,-you <> mockery,so I misapprehendP1869:say “And just so did I misapprehend!” CP1869:say “Just w81 MS:Or just so she <> faceP1869:Or “Just <> face!” 1872:misapprehend, 1872:Imagine she 1889a:face,” MS:That’s a pretense P1869:And that’s

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All those eyes of all husbands in all plays, At stare like one expanded peacock-tail, Are laughed at for pretending to be keen While horn-blind: but the moment I step forthOh, I must needs 0’the sudden prove a lynx And look the heart, that stone-wall, through and through! Such an eye, God’s may be,-not yours nor mine. Yes, presently . . . what hour is fleeting now? When you cut earth away from under me, I shall be left alone with, pushed beneath Some such an apparitional dread orb As the eye of God, since such an eye there glares: I fancy it go filling up the void Above my mote-self it devours, or what Proves-wrath, immensity wreaks on nothingness. Just how I felt once, couching throughthe dark, Hard by Vittiano; young I was, and gay, And wanting to trap fieldfares: first a spark Tipped a bent, as a mere dew-globule might Any stiff grass-stalk on the meadow,-this Grew fiercer, flamed out full, andproved the sun. What do I want with proverbs, precepts here? Away with man! What shall I say to God?

pretence 9101 MS:plays P1869:plays, gill MSpeacock-tail 9121 MS:You laugh PI869:Are laughed P2869:peacock-tail, 91’1 MS:horn-blind,-but <> forth P1869:horn-blind but <> forth9141 MS:prove the lynx P1869:prove alynx 9151 MS:That looksthestonewall through and through,-read hearts! P1869:And look the heart, that stone-wall, through 916-171 MS:§ no P2869:S 7 9171 MS:Yes, in next the last and through! three words crossed out and replaced above by presently . . what 2889a:presently . . . what 9181 MS:me PI869:me, 920-221 MSdread eye crossed out and replaced by orb/ I fancy may go <> the sky crossed out and replaced by void P1869:orb;/ I fancy it go 1872:orb/ As the eye of G o d , since such an eye there glares:/I 9241 MS:Immensity may do for last two words aossed out and replaced above by two words wreak on Pl869:Immensity please to wreak CPI869:Immensity please wreak 9251 MS:Just so I <> 1872:Proves wrath,immensity wreaks 1889a:Proves”wrath dark P1869:dark, 1872:Just how I 9261 MS:by Vittiano, youngand gay lasttwo P1869:by Vittiano; young 9271 MS:And watched crossed out words crossed out and replaced above by wanting to catch uossed out and replaced above by two words 9281 MS:bent, like trap the crossed out feldfares; first P1869:fieldfares: first crossed out and replaced above by as <> dew globule P1869:dew-globule 9’21 MS:with you. What P1869:with MS:§ squeezed between lines 930-32

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This, if I find the tongue and keep the mind"Do Thou wipe out the being of me, and smear This soul from off T h y white of things, I blot! I am one huge and sheer mistake,-whose fault? Not mine at least, who did not make myself!" so! Someone declares my wife excused me Perhaps sheknew what argument to use. Grind your teeth, Cardinal: Abate, writhe! What else am I to ay out in my rage, Unable to repent one particle 0' the past? Oh, how Iwish some cold wise man Would dig beneath the surface which you scrape, Deal with the depths, pronounce on my desert Groundedly! I want simple sober sense, That asks, before it finishes with a dog, Who taught the dog that trick you hang himfor? You both persist to call that act a crime, Which sense would call . . . yes, I maintain it, Sirs, A blunder! At the worst, I stood in doubt On cross-road, took one path.of many paths: It leads to the red thing, we all see now, But nobody saw at hst:one primrose-patch In bank, one singing-birdin bush, the less, Had warned me from such wayfare: let me prove!

...

man!What 9JI-361 MS:Do Thou lasttwowordsadded in marginWipe <> me, and added above line 3 smear 8 slash indicating end of line this 8 altered to 8 This soul indication that line continues on next line From off the white of things, it blots,- line 936 crowded into small space at endof 935 I am one huge and sheer mistake,-whose fault? P1869:"Do <> wipe <> / < > soul from off T h y white of things, I blot!/ I 9'7-401 MS:mine, at < > / Gnash your <> Cardinal, contort your brow,- P1869:mine at < > / Some one said that my wife excused me so!/ Perhaps she knew what argument to use:/Grind your < > Cardinal, Abate, writhe1 CP1869:/ Someone declares my <> / <> use./ Grind I889a:/ / / <> teeth, Cardinal: Abate MS:rage PI869:rage, 9 q MS:Groundedly,-I CP1869:Groundedly! I 9.71 MS:That says crossed out g491 MS:aime CP1869:crime. 9501 MS:He would and replaced above by asks call . . yes, I do assure you, Sirs, . . CPI869:Sense would 1889a:Which sense would call . . . yes, I maintainit, Sirs, . . . 9511 MS:blunder,-at P1869:blunder! At 9521 MS:aossroad < > paths," Pl869:paths:-CP1869:path.s: 1869:aoss-road 95'1 MS:nobody at first saw one primrose 1872:saw: one 1889a:nobodysaw at first: one 95s1 MS:The less in 8 alteredtoInbank or over illegible word primrose-patch P1869:less, singing-bird in bush, marks indicate the less to be placed at end of line 9561 MS:To warn of thelast two words crossed outand replaced CP1869:bank, one above by 5 from wayfarer 8 altered to wayfare < > prove you that! 1872:Had warned me

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Put me back to the cross-road, start afresh! Advise me when I take the first false step! Give me my wife: how should I use my wife, Love her or hate her?Prompt my action now! There sheis, there she stands alive and pale, The thirteen-years’-old child, with milkfor blood, Pompilia Comparini, as at first, Which first is only four brief years ago! I stand too in the little ground-floor room 0’the father’s house at Via Vittoria: see! Her so-called mother,-one arm round the waist 0’the child to keep her from the toys, let fall At wonder I can live yet look so grim,Ushers her in, withdeprecating wave Of the other,-and she fronts me loose at last, Held only by the mother’s finger-tip. Struck dumb,-for she was white enough before!She eyes me with those frightened balls of black, As heifer-the old simile comes patEyes tremblingly the altar and the priest. The amazed look, all one insuppressiveprayer,Might she but breathe, set free as heretofore, Have this cup leave her lips unblistered, bear Any cross anywhither anyhow, So but alone, so but apart fromme!

from such wayfare, let me prove! 1889a:wayfare: let 9571 MSafresh,9591 MS:I have a wife < > use this wife, PZ869:Cive Pl869:afresh!-CP1869:afresh! 96’1 MS:she stands, there she is alive 1872:she is, there me my wife < > use my wife, 9641 MS:ago. P1869:ago! 9651 MS:ground floor she stands alive room, P1869:ground-floor room 9%) MS:AtVia Vittoria, of the father’s house: see§ transposed to read § Of the father’s house at Via Vittoria: see- P1869:O’ the <> see! 9671 MS:mother, one P1869:mother,-one 968-101 MS:Of the <> toys let fall,/ Ushers her in with P1869:O’ the < > toys-let fall,/ At the wonder I can live yet look so grim,-/ Ushersher in, with CP1869:/At wonder <> / Ushers 1872:toys,let fall 9711 MS:other,-there she <> loose, at large, 1872:other,-and she <> loose at last, 9721 MS:finger-tip: Pl869:finger-tip1872:finger-tip. 97’1 MS:dumb-for <> beforePI869:dumb, for < > before! 1889a:dumb,-for < > before!9741 MS:blackP1869:black CP1869:black, 975) MS:pat Pl869:pat9761 MSpriestP1869:priest: 1872:priest. 9771 MS:look all <> prayer 9781 MS:but be set Z889a:but breathe, set P1869:look, all <> prayer,9801 MS:anyhow Pl869:anyhow, 9811 MS:Only alone, only apart P1869:So but

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You are touched? So am I, quite otherwise, If ’tis with pity. I resent my wrong, Being a man: I onlyshow man’s soul Through man’s flesh: she sees mine, it strikes her thus! Is that attractive? To a youth perhapsCalf-creature, one-part boy to three-parts girl, To whom i t is a flattering novelty That he, men use to motion from their path, Can thus impose, thus terrify in turn A chit whose terror shall be changed apace To bliss unbearable when grace and glow, Prowess and pride descend the throne and touch Esther in all that pretty tremble, cured By the dove 0’the sceptre! But myself am old, 0’the wane at least, in all things: what do you say To her who frankly thus confirms my doubt? I am past the prime, I scare the woman-world, Done-with that way: you like this piece of news? A little saucy rose-bud minx can strike Death-damp into the breast of doughty king Though ’twere French Louis,-soul I understand,Saying, by gesture of repugnance, just “Sire, you are regal, puissant and so forth, But-young you have been, are not, nor will be!” In vain the mother nods, winks, bustles up, “Count, girls inclineto mature worth like you! As for Pompilia, what’s flesh, fish, or fowl

alone, so but apart 9821 MS:touched,”so am I, but Q crossed outandreplacedabove 9831 MS:pity: I P1869:pity. I g8‘1 MS:man: we by Q quite P1869:touched? So 9851 MS:flesh, she <> thus: CP1869:thus! 1872:flesh: she only 1872:man: I only 9861 MS:perhaps Pl869:perhaps9871 MS:Calf-creature three parts girl to one part boy: $j transposed to $j Calf-creature one part boy to three parts girl P1869:Calf-creature. 9921 MS:when, grace 1889a:when grace one-part boy to three-parts girl, 9951 MS:on thesceptre:but P1869:o’ thesceptre! But 9961 MS:On < > least in 9971 MS:doubt, P1869:doubt? **l MS:past the Q over P1869:O’ < > least, in 9991 MS:Done with CP1869:Done-with lw0l MS:Sweet sir, illegible word Q Q last two words and comma crossed out 5 a Q altered to Q A <>saucy rose-bud 5 added Iw31 MS:by the gesture CP1869:by gesture Iw51 MS:But youngabove line Q 1o061 MS:up1889a:up, you < > be.” PI869:But”young < > be!” lW8I MS:for Pompilia, show Q crossed out and replaced above by 5 what’s <> fish or

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To one whoapprehends no difference, And would accept you even were you old As you are . . . youngish by her father’s side? Trim but your beard a little, thin your bush Of eyebrow; and for presence, portliness, And decent gravity, you beat a boy!” Deceive yourself one minute, if you may, In presence of the child thatso loves age, Whose neckwrithes, cords itself against your kiss, Whose hand you wring stark, rigid with despair! Well, I resent this; I am young insoul, Nor old in body,-thews and sinews here,Though the vile surface benot smooth as once,Far beyond that first wheelwork which went wrong Through the untempered iron ere ’twas proof: I am the wrought man worthten times the crude, Would woman see what this declines to see, Declines to say “I see,”-the officious word That makes the thing,pricks on the soul to shoot New fire into thehalf-used cinder, flesh! Therefore ’tis she begins with wronging me, Who cannot but begin with hating her. Our marriage follows: there she stands again! Why do I laugh? Why, in the very gripe 0’the jaws of death’s gigantic skull,do I

~~~

1889a:fish, or MS:are . . youngish <> side, P1869:sideZ 1889a:are ... youngish l0lJl MS:eyebrow, and <> portliness P1869:eyebrow; and 10141 MS:gravity you P1869:g~avity, you lol5l MS:Deceive 1889a:portliness, you for a second if you may CP1869:second, if you may, 1889a:Deceive yourself one Io161 MS:of Pompiliathat loves age P1869:of the childthat so lovesage, minute, if lol*l MS:Whose hand you wring last four words added inmargin Stark altered to stark <>despair. at what shall last three wordscrossed out P1869:despair! 10221 MS:With ten times three words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 Far beyond the old crossed out and replaced above by first wheelwork that went 102’1 MS:am the steel man last three 1872:beyond that < > wheelwork which went five words added above line < > the man I wasreplaced above by usedbeforelast 1889a:the words crossed out and replaced above by word, comma and dash crude,1025) MS:If a woman saw what Pl869:Would woman see wroughtman <> crude, what IO261 MS:say ’Tis there,” the P1869:say “I see,”-the 10281 MS:cinder CP1869:Resh! 10311 MS:there we stand 1872:there she over illegible word , Resh. 1oJs1 MS:Of < > skull does he 3 last two words crossed out and replaced above stands ‘ I

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Grin back his grin, make sport of my own pangs?. Why from each clashing of his molars, ground To make the devil bread from out my grist, Leaps out a spark of mirth, a hellishtoy? Take notice we are lovers in a church, Waiting the sacrament to make us one And happy! Just as bid, she bears herself, Comes and kneels, rises, speaks, is silent,-goes: So have I brought my horse, by word and blow, To stand stock-still and front the fire he dreads. How can I other than remember this, Resent the very obedience? Gain thereby? Yes, I do gain my end and have my wil1,Thanks to whom? When the mother speaks the word, She obeys it-even to enduring me! There had been compensation in revoltRevolt’s to quell: but martyrdom rehearsed, But predetermined saintship for the sake 0’the mother?-“Go!” thought I, “we meet again!” Pass the next weeks of dumb contented death, She lives,-wakes up, installed in house and home, Is mine, mine all day-long, all night-long mine. Good folk begin at me with open mouth “Now, at least, reconcile the child to life! Study and make her love . . . that is, endure The . . . hem! the . . . all of you though somewhat old,

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Till it amountto something, in her eye, As good as love, better a thousand times,Since nature helps the woman in such strait, Makes passivenessher pleasure: failing which, What if you give up boy-and-girl-fools’-play And go onto wise friendship all atonce? Those boys and girls kiss themselvescold, you know, Toy themselves tired and slink aside full soon To friendship, as they name satiety: Thither goyou and wait their coming!” Thanks, Considerate advisers,-but, fair play! Had you and I, friends, started fair at first, We, keeping fair, mightreach it, neck by neck, This blessed goal, whenever fate so please: But why am I to miss the daisied mile The course begins with, why obtain the dust Of the end precisely at the starting-point? Why quaff life’s cup blown free of all the beads, The bright red froth wherein our beard should steep Before our mouth essay the black 0’the wine? Foolish, the love-fit? Let me prove it such Like you, before like you I puff things clear! “The best’s to come, no rapture but content! Not love’s firstglory but a sober glow, Not a spontaneous outburst in pureboon, So much as, gained by patience, care and toil, Proper appreciation and esteem!” Go preach that to your nephews, not to me Who, tired i’ the midway of my life, would stop And take my first refreshment, pluck a rose:

P1869:old, 1889a:The . . . hem! the . . . all 10641 MS:boys’-and girls’-fool’s play P1869:boys’ and girls’ fools’-play 1872:boy and girl 1889a:boy-and-girl-fools’-play 1w81 MS:satiety, Pl869:satiety: 10691 MS:And there go PI869:Thither go MS:Had she and I but started <> first, CP1869:Had you and 1889a:and I, friends, MS:beads started < > first 0 emended to !j first, 5 see Editorial Notes 5 10781 MS:That bright < > our over perhaps his 5 P1869:The bright P1869:beads, 10821 MS:contentP1869:content! 108JI MS:Not the first 1889cNot love’s first IoB4l MS:Nor a <> boon P1869:boon, 1889a:Not a 1085-871 MS:as gained <> toil,-/ Go <> nephew P1869:as, gained <> toil!”/ Go < > nephew CP1869:nephews 1872:as gained < > toil,/ Proper appreciation and esteem!”/ Go 1889a:as, gained 10881 MS:in PI869:i’ 10891 MSxefreshment in a 1889a:refreshment, pluck a

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What’s this coarse woolly hip, worn smooth of leaf, You counsel I go plant in garden-plot, Water with tears, manure withsweat and blood, In confidence the seed shall germinate And, for its very best, some far-off day, Grow big, and blow me out a dog-rose bell? Why must your nephews begin breathing spice 0’the hundred-petalled Provence prodigy? Nay, more and worse,-would such my root bear roseProve really flower and favourite, not the kind That’s queen, but those three leaves that make one cup And hold the hedge-bird’s breakfast,-then indeed The prize though poor would pay the care and toil! Respect we Nature that makes least as most, Marvellous in the minim! But this bud, Bit through and burned black by the tempter’s tooth, This bloom whose best grace was the slug outside And the wasp inside its bosom,-call you “rose”? Claim no immunityfrom a weed’s fate For the horrible present! What you call my wife I call a nullity in female shape, Vapid disgust, soon to be pungent plague, When mixed with, made confusion and a curse By two abominable nondescripts, That father and that mother: think you see The dreadful bronze our boast, we Aretines, The Etruscan monster, the three-headed thing,

~

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Bellerophon’s foe! How name you the whole beast? You choose to name the body from one head, That of the simple kid which droopsthe eye, Hangs the neck and dies tenderly enough: I rather see the griesly lion belch Flame out i’ the midst, the serpent writhe her rings, Grafted into the common stock for tail, And name the brute,Chimaera which I slew! How was there ever more to be-(concede My wife’s insipid harmless nullity)Dissociation from that pair of plaguesThat mother with her cunning andher cantThe eyes with first their twinkle of conceit, Then, dropped to earth in mock-demureness,-now, The smile self-satisfied from ear to ear, Now, the prim pursed-up mouth’sprotruded lips, With deferential duck, slow swing of head, Tempting thesudden fist of man too much,That owl-like screw of lid and rock of ruff! As for the father,-Cardinal, you know, The kind of idiot!-such are rife in Rome, But they wear velvetcommonly; goodfools, At the end of life, to furnish forth young folk Who g i n and bear with imbecility: Since the stalled ass, the joker, sheds from jaw Corn, in the joke, for those who laugh orstarve.

thing P1869:monster, the three-headed thing, 11171 MS:Bellerophon 5 altered to 5 Bellerophon’s slew 5 crossed out and replaced above by foe: how PZ869:f0e! HOW 111*1 MSchose C > head PI869:choose < > head, 11191 MS:eyes P1869:eye, llZo1 MSthe head and P1869:the neck and llzl MS:midst, and where 5 last two 11241 MS:brute, Chimiaa <> slew. P1869:brute, Chimara, words crossed out 5 the 11251 MS:be . . concede P1869:bewhich I slew! 1889a:brute, Chimaera which 11261 MS:nullity . . Pl869:nullity)LlWI MS:Then the 5 crossed (concede out andreplaced above by 5 dropped <> now P1869:Then. dropped C > now, 11s21 MS:Now the <> lips PZ869:Now, the <> lips, 11”1 MShead,P1869:head, 11341 MS:much, CPl869:much,11361 MS:know P1869:know, 11s71 MS:idiot,-rife are such in CPI869:idiot!“rife 1872:idot 5 obvious printer’s error 5 !-such are rife in 1889a:idiot 11)*1 MS:commonly, rich fools P1869:commonly, 11391 MS:life, fit to help poor young such fools, 1872:commonly; good fools, 11401 MS:imbecility P1869:life. can furnishforth young 1872:life, to furnish 11411 MS:Since 5 over illegibleerasure 5 <> P1869:imbecility, 1872:imbecility: sheds thereby 5 crossed outand replacedabove by from 11421 MS:laugh and starve:

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But what say we to the same solemn beast Wagging hisears and wishful of our pat, When turned, with holesin hide and bones laid bare, To forage for himself i’ the waste 0’the world, Sir Dignity i’ the dumps? Pat him? We drub Self-knowledge, rather, into frowzy pate, Teach Pietro to get trappings or go hang! Fancy this quondam oracle in vogue At Via Vittoria, this personified Authority when time was,-Pantaloon Flaunting his tom-fool tawdry just the same As if Ash-Wednesday weremid-Carnival! That’s the extreme and unforgiveable Of sins, as I account such. Have you stooped For your own ends to bestialize yourself By flattery of a fellow of this stamp? The ends obtained orelse shown outof reach, He goes on, takes the flattery for pure truth,“You love, and honourme, of course: what next?” What, but thetrifle of the stabbing, friend?Which taught you how one worships when the shrine Has lost the relic that we bent before. Angry! And how could I be otherwise? ’Tis plain: this pairof old pretentious fools Meant to fool me: it happens, I fooled them. Why could not these who sought to buy and sell Me,-when they found themselves were bought andsold,

PZ869:laugh or starve: 1872:starve. 11w1 MSpat CPZ869:pat, llfil MS:with 11471 MS:the Dumps!Pat PZ869:the hide in holes and Z872:with holesinhide and 11491 MSAnd 5 in margin 5 Teach 5 altered to 5 teach the Pietro to go dumps? Pat trapped or hang. PZ869:to get trapped or hang! CPZ869:Teach Pietro to get mppings or go hang! 11521 MS:was,-this Pantaloon PZ869:was,-Pantaloon 115J( MSFlaunting 5 over illegible fragment < > just 5 written over illegible word, 11541 MS:if Ash wednesday PZ869:if Ash-Wednesday perhaps all 5 11551 MS:Thats P1869:That’s 11561 MS:sins as <> such;have CP1869:sins, as <> such. Have 11591 MS:obtained, or else clear out PZ869:else shown out 11611 MS:love and Z872:love. and 11621 MS:What but <> 1889a:obtained or friend, PZ869:What, but <> friend?llQl MS:That taught CPZ869:Which 11651 MSAngry? And Z872:AngryI And 1169( MSsold PZ869:sold, taught

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Make up their mind to the proved rule of right, Be chattel and not chapman any more? Miscalculation has itsconsequence; But when the shepherd crooks a sheep-like thing And meaning to get wool, dislodges fleece And finds the veritable wolf beneath, (How that staunch imageserves at every turn!) Does he, by way of being politic, Pluck the first whisker grimly visible? Or rather grow in atrice all gratitude, Protest this sort-of-what-one-might-name sheep Beats,the old other curly-coated kind, And shall share boardand bed, if so it deign, With its discoverer, like a royal ram? Ay, thus, with chatteringteeth and knocking knees, Would wisdom treat the adventure!these, forsooth, Tried whisker-plucking, andso found what trap The whisker kept perdue, two rows of teethSharp, as too late the pryingfingers felt. What would you have? The fools transgress, the fools Forthwith receive appropriate punishment: They first insult me, I return the blow, There follows noise enough:four hubbub months, Now hue anda y , now whimpering and wailA perfect goose-yard cackle of complaint Because I do not gild thegeese their oats,I have enough of noise, opewicket wide, Sweep out the couple to go whine elsewhere, Frightened a little, hurt in norespect, And am just taking thoughtto breathe again, Taste thesweet sudden silence all about, When, there they raise it, the old noiseI know, ~~

MS:right P1869:right. 11741 MS:to pluck crossed outand replaced above by staunch added above line get MS:(How still uossed out that 1178( MS:visible?1872:visible? 11a4/ MS:thus with C > knees P1869:thus, with < > knees, L1a51 MS:adventure: these I872:adventure! these Ila81 MS:as the prying fingers felt too late. transposed to as t o o late the prying fingers felt. 11921 MS:four hubbub 9 added above line 1 1 S l MS:gooseyard P1869:goose-yard 11951 MS:Fkcause I did 3 crossed outand replaced above by do 11%1 MS:oped altered to ope <> wide CPI869:wide, 11991 MS:And am written over illegible word <> breathe once more, PI869:breathe again, Im11 MS:they areatit <> II7O1

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At Rome i’ the distance! “What, begun once more? Whine on, wail ever, ’tis theloser’s right!” But eh, whatsort of voice grows on the wind? Triumph it sounds and no complaint atall! And triumph it is. My boast was premature: The creatures, I turned forth, clapped wingand crew Fighting-cock-fashion,-they had filched a pearl From dung-heap, and mightboast with cause enough! I was defrauded of all bargained for: You know, the Pope knows, not a soul butknows My dowry was derision, my gain-muck, My wife, (the Churchdeclared my flesh and blood) The nameless bastard of a common whore: My old name turned henceforth to . . . shall I say “He that received the ordurein his face”? And they who planned this wrong, performed this wrong, And then revealed this wrong to the wide world, Rounded myself in the ears with my own wrong,Why, these were (note hell’s lucky malice, now!) These were just they who, they alone, couldact And publish and proclaimtheir infamy, Secure that men would in a breath believe Compassionate and pardon them,-for why? They plainly were too stupid to invent, Too simple to distinguish wrong from right,Inconscious agents they, the silly-sooth,

know P1869:know, 1872:they raise it 1202) MS:in < > begun again? P1869:begun 12OJ1 MS:losers’ right!” 5 quotation marks crossed out 5 oncemore? CPI869:i’ P1869:loser’s right!” 12061 MS:it was! My P1869:it is1 My 1872:is. My 12071 MS:ueatures I <> forth clapped P1869:creatures. I <> forth, clapped 12091 MS:From the dung heap <> boast before the W 5 last two words and fragment crossed out and replaced above by three words and period !j with cause enough. P1869:From dung12101 MS:for,1872:for: 12111 MS:soul disputes heap <> enough! 121’1 MS:wife, the < > blood, Pl869:wife, (the <> blood,) P1869:soul but knows 1z151 MS:to . . shall 1889a:to . . . shall 12161 MS:face”? CP1869:blood) ln0l MS:were . . note <> P1869:face?” 5 emended to 3 face”? see Editorial Notes 5 now! . . 1872:were (note < > now!) L2211 MS:they, and they 1872:they who, they 12221 MS:publish inthis wise theirinfamy CP1869:infamy, 1872:publish and proclaim lzn1 MS:Mere passive 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 their

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Of heaven’s retributive justiceon the strong Proud cunningviolent oppressor-me! Follow them to their fate and help your best, You Rome, Arezzo, foes called friendsof me, They gave the good long laugh to, at my cost! Defray your share 0’the cost, since you partook The entertainment! Do!-assured the while, That not one stab,I dealt to right and left, But went the deeper for a fancy-thisThat each might dome two-fold service, find A friend’s face at‘the bottom of each wound, And scratch its smirk a little! Panciatichi! There’s a report at Florence,-is it true?That when your relative the Cardinal Built, only the otherday, that barrack-bulk, The palace in Via Larga, someonepicked From out thestreet a saucy quip enough That fell there from its day’s flight through the town, About the flat front and the windows wide And bulging heapof cornice,-hitched the joke Into a sonnet, signed his name thereto, And forthwith pinned on post the pleasantry: For which he’s at the galleys, rowing now Up to his waist in water,-just because Panciatic and lymphatic rhymed so pat! I hope, Sir, those who passed this jokeon me Were not unduly punished? Whatsay you,

Inconscious lull MSfoes written over illegible e m u r e <> of mine, 1889a:of me, 1u21 MS:to at 1872:to, at 12331 MS:of the cost since P1869:o’ 1872:cost, since lB41 MSentertainment-Do! assured the while P1869:entertainment! Dol- assuredthewhile, 12351 MS:stab that I <> left P1869:stab, I <> left, 12’9) MS:little. 5 1 Panciatichi! P1869:little! 1 5 Panciatichi! 12421 MS:barrack-bulk P1869:banack-bulk, 12451 MS:days PI869:day’s 12471 MSAnd ugly heap 1872:And bulgeing heap 1889abulging 12481 MS:thereto L2‘91 MS:pleasantry, P1869:pleasanuy. 1872:pleasantry: PI869:thereto, lZ5q MS:gallies altered to galleys 12521 MS:Panciatic and lymphatic <> pat: lz‘) MSyou P1869:you, PI869:Panciatic and lymphatic 1872:pat!

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Prince of the Church, my patron? Nay, indeed, I shall not dare insultyour wits so much As think this problemdifficult to solve. This Pietro andViolante then, Isay, These two ambiguous insects, changing name And nature with the season’s warmth or chill,Now, grovelled, grubbing toiling moiling ants, A very synonym of thrift andpeace,Anon, with lustyJune to prick their heart, Soared i’ the air,winged flies for more offence, Circled me, buzzed me deaf and stungme blind, And stunk medead with fetor in the face Until I stopped thenuisance: there’s my crime! Pity I did notsuffer them subside Into some further shape andfinal form Of execrable life? My masters, no! I, by one blow, wisely cut short at once Them and theirtransformations of disgust, In the snug littleVilla out of hand. “Grant me confession, give bare time for that!”Shouted the sinner till his mouth was stopped. His life confessed!-that was enough for me, Who came to see that he didpenance. ‘S death! Here’s a coil raised, a pother and for what? Because strength, being provoked by weakness, fought And conquered,-the world never heard thelike! Pah, how I spend my breath on them, as if ’Twas their fate troubled me, too hard to range

MS:my Patron? No indeed! PI869:patron? Nay, indeed! I872:indeed, MS:solve! 1889a:solve. 1-81 MS:and his Violante, then, P1869:and Violante, then MS:Were two <> insects changing then, I say, 1872:and Violante MS:chill, P1869:chill.P1869:These two <> insects, changing 1z611 MS:grovelIing 3 altered to 3 grovelled <> ants P1869:ants, 12621 MS:very Iz91 MS:me, 3 followed by metaphor 3 crossed out and replaced above by 3 synonym In21 MS:disgust illegible erasure MSblow wisely PI869:blow, wisely 127.1 MS:confession, the bare <> that!” P1869:confession, givebare 1872:disgust. <> that!”12751 MS:stopped: P1869:stopped. ln61 MS:I had not waited 3 last four words crossed out andreplaced above by three words and colon 3 His life 12821 MS:me, w a s hard confessed: that <> me P1869:confessed!-that <> me, 12551

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Among the right and fit and proper things!

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Ay, but Pompilia,-I await your word,She, unimpeached of crime, unimplicate In folly, one of alien blood to these I punish, why extend my claim, exact Her portion of the penalty? Yes, friends, I go too fast: the orator’s at fault: Yes, ere I lay her, with your leave, by them As she was laid at San Lorenzo late, I ought to step back, lead you by degrees, Recounting at each step some fresh offence, Up to the red bed,-never fear, I will! Gaze at her, where I place her, to begin, Confound me with her gentleness and worth! The horrible pair have fled and left her now, She has her husband for her sole concern: His wife, the woman fashioned for his help, Flesh of his flesh, bone of his bone, the bride To groom as is the Church and Spouseto Christ: There she stands in his presence: “Thy desire Shall be to the husband, o’er thee shall he rule!” -“Pompilia, who declare that you love God, You know who said that: then, desire my love, Yield me contentment and be ruled aright!” She sits up, she lies down, shecomes and goes, Kneels at the couch-side, overleans the sill 0’the window, cold and pale and muteas stone, Strong as stone also. “Well, are they not fled? Am I not left, am I not onefor all? Speak a word, drop a tear, detach a glance,

P1869:me, t o o hard 12921 MS:iead 1872:iead by her you by MS:her where you place her to begin PI869:her. where <> her, to begin, 1872:where I place 1n81 MS:concern, 1872:concem: MSworth: P1869:worth! lsoll MS:To the groom < > Church, the Spouse P1869:the Church and Spouse CP1869:To groom 1889a:and Spouse to Christ: 1 021 MS:presence,“Thy fjwritten over illegible word, perhaps her 1872:presence: “Thy 1J0s-51 MS:rule”/ You P1869:rule!”/-“Pompilia, who declare that you love God,/ You 1s061 MS:aright! P1869:aright!” 1s091 MS:Of P1869:O’ lfl’Jl MS:also: well,

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Bless me or curse me of your own accord! Is it the ceiling only wants your soul, Is worth your eyes?” And then the eyes descend, And do look at me. Is it at the meal? “Speak!” she obeys, “Be silent!” she obeys, Counting the minutes till I ay “Depart,” As brood-bird when you saunter past her eggs. Departs she? just the same through door andwall I see the same stone strength of white despair. And all this will be never otherwise! Before, the parents’ presence lent her life: She could play off her sex’s armoury, Entreat, reproach, be female to my male, Try all the shrieking doublesof the hare, Go clamour to the Commissary, bid The Archbishop hold my hands and stopmy tongue, And yield fair sport so: but the tactics change, The hare stands stock-still to enrage the hound! Since that day when she learned she was no child Of those she thought her parents,-that their trick Had tricked me whom she thought sole trickster late,Why, I suppose she said within herself “Then, nomore struggle for my parents’ sake! And, for my own sake, why needs struggle be?” But is there no third party to the pact? What of her husband’s relish or dislike For this new game of giving u p the game, This worst offence of not offending more?

are not they fled? P1869:aIso. “Well CP1869:are they not fled? MS:eyes? And P1869:eyes?” And 1872:descend. 13161 MS:me: Is P1869:me. Is lS1’1 MS:obeys, “be P1869:obeys, “Be 1’181 MS:till I bid depart, P1869:till I cry “Depart,” 1’191 MS:As the partridge 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 brood-bird <> eggs: P1869:eggs. CP1869:As brood-bird 1’201 MS:“Go then!”-why, all 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 just P1869:Departed, just 1889a:Departs she? just 1’24) MS:sexes’ P1869:sex’s 1’251 MS:Intreat 1889a:Entreat MSchange P1869:change. I3JOI MS:hound. P1869:hound! l”21 MS:parents,-that their 5 last two words added above line 5 trick of theirs 5 last two words crossed out 5 lffJl MS:Tricking 5 crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 Had tricked me whom 5 added above line 5 she supposed 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 thought 11’51 MS:sake, 1872:sake! 1’381 MS:husband’s liking 5 crossed out and replaced

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I’ll not believe but instinct wrought in this, Set her on to conceive and execute The preferable plague: how sure they probeThese jades, the sensitivest soft of man! The long black hair was wound now in a wisp, Crowned sorrow better than the wild web late: No more soiled dress, ’tis trimness triumphs now, For how shouldmalice go with negligence? The frayed silk looked the fresher for her spite! There was an end to springing out of bed, Praying me, with face buried on my feet, Be hindered of my pastime,-so an end To my rejoinder, “What, on the ground atlast? Vanquished in fight, a supplicant for life? What if I raise you? ’Ware the casting down When next you fight me!” Then, she lay there, mine: Now, mine sheis if I please wring her ne&A moment of disquiet, working eyes, Protruding tongue, a long sigh,then no more,As if one killed the horse one could not ride! Had I enjoined “Cut off the hair!”-why, snap The scissors, and atonce a yard or so Had fluttered in black serpents to the floor: But till I did enjoinit, how she combs, Uncurls and draws out to the complete length, Plaits, places the insulting ropeon head To be an eyesore past dishevelment! Is all done?Then sit still againand stare! I advise-no one think to bear that look Of steady wrong, endured as steadily

above by 5 relish or 5 over illegible erasure 19431 MS:plague . . . how well crossed out and replaced above by 5 sure they probe CPl869:probe,- 1872:plague: how 1s451 MSwisp,1872:wisp, 1’471 MS:dress, a triumph day by 1889a:probeIs501 MS:bed P1869.-bed, day, P1869:dress. ’tis trimness triumphs now, 1’551 MS:Why, then I’ll last three words crossed out and replaced above by three words MS:me!” Then she lay there mine. P1869:me!” Thenshe lay there, What if I 13571 MS:neck, Pl869:neck,l’5g1 MS:moremine: 1869:me!” Then, she 1’611 P1869:hair!”-why MS:hair!” why MS:length 1872:more.11701 MS:wrong endured as steadily P1869:wrong, endured as steadily. P1869:length.

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-Through what sustainment of deluding hope? Who is the friend i’ the background that notes all? Who may come presently and close accounts? This self-possession to the uttermost, How does it differ in aught,save degree, From the terrible patience of God? “All which justmeans, She did not love you!” Again the word is launched And the fact fronts me! What, you try the wards With the true key and thedead lock fliesope? No, it sticks fast and leaves you fumbling still! You have some fifty servants, Cardinal,Which of them loves you? Which subordinate But makes parade of such officiousness That,-if there’s no love prompts it,-love, the sham, Does twice the service done by love, the true? God bless us liars, where’s one touch of truth In what we tell the world, or world tells us, Of how we love each other? All the same, We calculate on word and deed, nor err,Bid such a man do such a loving act, Sure of effect and negligent of cause, Just as we bid a horse, with cluck of tongue, Stretch his legs arch-wise, crouch his saddled back To foot-reach of the stirrup-all for love, And some for memory of the smartof switch On the inside of the foreleg-what care we? Yet where’s the bond obliges horse to man ,

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Like that which binds fast wife to husband? God Laid down the law: gave man the brawny arm And ball of fist-woman the beardless cheek And proper place to suffer in the side: Since i t is he can strike, let her obey! Cav she feel no love? Let her show the more, Sham the worse, damn herself praiseworthily! Who’s that soprano, Rome went mad about Last week while I lay rotting in my straw? The very jailer gossiped in hispraiseHow,-dressed up like Armida, though a man; And painted to look pretty, though a fright,He still made love so that the ladies swooned, Being an eunuch. “Ah, Rinaldo mine! But to breathe by thee while Jove slays us both!” All the poor bloodless creature never felt, Si,do, re, mi,fa,squeak and squall-for what? Two gold zecchines the evening. Here’s my slave, Whose body and soul depend upon my nod, Can’t falter out the first note in the scale For her life! Why blame me if I take the life? All women cannot give men love, forsooth! No, nor all pullets lay the henwife eggsWhereat she bids them remedy the fault, Brood on a chalk-ball: soon the nest is stockedOtherwise, to the plucking andthe spit! This wife of mine was of another m d Would not begin the lie that ends with truth, Nor feign the love that brings real love about: Wherefore I judged, sentenced and punished her.

we? 140fl MS:love, P1869:love? let Let 14041 MS:her-self praiseworthily. 14051 MS:soprano Rome 1872:soprano, Rome P1869:herself praiseworthily! 14091 MS:pretty though fright a P1869:pretty, though fright,a 14121 ”Oh!” 1889a:both! 8 emended to 5 both!’’5 seeEditorialNotes 5 141)( MS:feltCP1869:felt. 14141 MS:Si, do, re, mi, fa < > whatP1869:what? 1872:Si, do, re, mz,fa 14151 MS:evening!Here’s my wife,P1869:myslave,1872:evening.Here’s 14171 MS:faulter P1869:falter 14191 MS:love,itseems 8 lasttwowordscrossed out and replaced above by 5 forsooth: PI869:forsooth! 14271 MS:her. 1889a:her

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But why particularize, defend the deed? Say that I hated her for no one cause Beyond my pleasure so to do,-what then? Just on as much incitement acts the world, All of you! Look and like! You favour one, Browbeat another, leave alone a third,Why should you master natural caprice? Pure nature! Try: plant elm by ash in file; Both unexceptionable trees enough, They ought to overlean each other, pair At top, and arch across the avenue The whole path to the pleasaunce: do they soOr loathe, lie off abhorrent each from each? Lay the faultelsewhere: since we must have faults, Mine shall have been,-seeing there’s ill in the end Come of my course,-that I fare somehow worse For the way I took: my fault . . . as God’smy judge, I see not where my fault lies, that’s the truth! Iought . . . oh, ought in my own interest Have let the whole adventure go untried, This chance by marriage: or else, trying it, Ought to have turned it to account, some one 0’ the hundred otherwises? Ay, my friend, Easy to say, easy to do: step right Now you’vestepped left and stumbled on the thing, -The red thing! Doubt Iany more than you That practice makes man perfect? Give again The chance,-same marriage and no other wife,

DC,BrU: her. 1889:her. 14’*1 MS:one, 1889a:one DC,BrU:one, 1889:one, 14ffl MS:Browbeat Pl869:Brow-beat 1889a:Browbeat 14’51 MS:nature! Try§ word and dash added above line § Plant § altered to § plant 1872:nature! Try: plant MS:top and 1889a:nature Try DC,BrU:nature! Try 1889:nature! Try 1441( MS:elsavhere, since <> faults: 2872:elsewhere: since <> faults, 1872:top, and 14441 MS:took,-my <> judge P1869:fault . . . . as1872:judge.1889a:took: my fault . . . as 14451 MS:where the fault 1872:where my fault 14461 MS:ought . . oh l4481 MS:marriage,-or 1889a:marriage: or 1889a:ought . . . oh 14491 MS:account some 1872:account, some 14501 MS:Of < > otherwises. Ay P1869:O’ CP1869:otherwises! Ay 1869:otherwises? Ay 14511 MS:do,”step 145’1 MS:The red thing:doubt P1869:”The red thing!Doubt 2872:do: step

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Be sure I’lledify you! That’s because I’m practised, grownfit guide for Guido’s self. You proffered guidance,-I know, none so wel1,You laid down law and rolled decorumout, From pulpit-comer on the gospel-side,Waited to make yourgreat experience mine, Save me the personalsearch and pains so: thanks! Take your word on life’s use? WhenI take hisThe muzzled ox that treadethout the corn, Gone blind in padding round and round one path,As to the taste of green grass in the field! What do you know 0’the world that’s trodden flat And salted sterile with your daily dung, Leavened into a lumpof loathsomeness? Take your opinion of the modes of life, The aims of life, life’s triumph ordefeat, How to feel, how to scheme, and how to do Or else leave undone? You preached long and loud On high-days, “Take our doctrineupon trust! Into the mill-house with you! Grind our corn, Relish our chaff,and let the green grass grow!” I tried chaff, found I famished on suchfare, So made this mad rush at the mill-house-door, Buried my head up to the earsin dew, Browsed on the best: for which you brain me, Sirs! Be it so. I conceived of life that way, And still declare-life, without absoluteuse Of the actualsweet therein, is death, notlife. Give me,-pay down,-not promise, which is air,Something that’s out of life and better still, Make sure reward,make certain punishment,

MS:you: that’s P1869:you! That’s 14571 MS:self P1869:self. MSFrom the pulpit-comer Pl869:From pulpit-comer l4621 MS:Save 5 over illegible erasure 5 l4Ml MS:The muzzled 5 added above line 0 14651 MS:path, 14671 MS:of P1869:o’ Pl869:path.MS:field. P1869:field! 147*1 MS:scheme and 1889a:xherne, and 14731 MS:undone?You shall 5 written over illegible word, perhaps will 5 lesson me- P1869:undone? You preached long and loud 14781 MS:made one mad < > millhouse door P1869:rnade this mad <> mill-house-door, 14801 MS:Browzed < > best, for 1872:best: for 1889a:Browsed 14811 Mho! I 1872:so. I 14**1 MS:stillmaintain 5 crossed out andreplacedabove by 5 declare life without P1869:declare--life, without 14831 MS:therein is PZ869:therein, is 14841 MS:down not P1869:down,-not 14861 MS:Secure reward P1869:Make sure l4561

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Entice me, scare me,-I’ll forgo this life; Otherwise, no!-the less that words, mere wind, Would cheat me of some minutes whilethey plague, Baulk fulnessof revenge here,-blame yourselves For this eruptionof the pent-up soul You prisoned first and played with afterward! “Deny myself” meant simply pleasure you, The sacred and superior,save the mark! You,-whose stupidity and insolence I must defer to, soothe at every turn,Whose swine-like snufflinggreed and grunting lust I had to wink at or help gratify,While the same passions,--dared they perk in me, Me, the immeasurably marked,by G o d , Master of the whole worldof suchas you,I, boast such passions? ’Twas “Suppress them straight! O r stay, we’ll pick and choose before destroy. Here’s wrath in you, aserviceable sword,Beat it into a ploughshare! What’s this long Lance-like ambition?Forge a pruning-hook, May be of service when our vines grow tall! But-sword use swordwise, spear thrust outas spear? Anathema! Suppressionis the word!” My nature, when the outragewas too gross, Widened itself an outletover-wide By way of answer, sought its ownrelief

reward 14871 MS:scare me, I forego P1869:scare me,-I’ll forego 1889aforgo 1 4 q MS:less for words P1869:less that words 14891 MS:Which cheat us of some minutes all the while. P1869:Would cheat me of some 14901 MS:The fulness <> minutes while they plague. 1889a:plague, blame such words P1869:blame yourselves 1889a:Baulk fulness 14911 MS:pent-up 14921 MS:They prisoned <> afterwardself P1869:pent-up soul 14981 MS:I must tj crossed out and replaced above P1869:You prisoned < > afterward! 14991 MS:passions . . dareP1869:passions,-dare by tj have to CP1869:I had to CP1869:dared MSmarked by God P1869:marked. by God, I5O2) MS:I, to b o a s t passions P1869:1, b o a s t such passions l”( MS:stay,best pick <> desuoy tj over discard : P1869:stay, we’ll pick 1872:desuoy. MS:you,-a 1872:~0u, a MS:ploughshe: what’s P1869:ploughshare! What’s 1 m 1 MS:pruning-hook Pl869:pruning-hook, 15071 MS:Shall be <> whenthe vines 15081 MS:But sword used grow tall. P1869:May be <> whenour vines growtall! <> as spear, P1869:But“sword <> as spear? 1889a:use 15121 MS:answa, sought

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With more of fire and brimstone than you wished. All your own doing:preachers, blame yourselves! 1515

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’Tis I preach while the hour-glass runs and runs! God keep me patient! All I say just meansMy wife proved, whether by her fault or mine,That’s immaterial,-a true stumbling-block I’ the way of me her husband. I but plied The hatchet yourselves use to clear a path, Was politic, played the game you warrant wins, Plucked at law’s robe a-rustle through the courts, Bowed down to kiss divinity’s buckled shoe Cushioned i’ the church: efforts all wide the aim! Procedures to no purpose! Then flashed truth. The letter kills, the spirit keeps alive In law and gospel: there be nods and winks Instruct a wise man to assist himself In certain matters, nor seek aid atall. “Ask money of me,”-quoth the clownish saw,“And take my purse! But,-speaking with respect,Need you a solace for the troubled nose? Let everybody wipe his ownhimself!” Sirs, tell me free and fair! Had things gonewell At the wayside inn: had I surprised asleep The runaways, as was so probable, And pinned them each to other partridge-wise, Through back and breast to breast and back, then bade Bystanders witness if the spit, my sword, Were loaded with unlawful game for onceWould you have interposed to damp the glow

P1869:answer?-sought 1872:answer, sought 151’1 MS:than was wished: 1515( MS:I <> while here’sthehourglass P1869:than youwished?1872:wished. P1869:‘Tis I <>while the 1872:hour-glass 15161 MS:means Pl869:means15171 MS:mine Pl869:mine,15191 MS:In the <> husband: I P1869:I’ the 1872:husband. I Isn1 MS:a rustle P1869:a-rustle 15241 MS:in <> aim, 15251 MS:purpse.Thenquoth I, P1869:purpse!Then flashed P1869:i’ <> aim! truth! 1889u:truth. 15261 MS:”The letter kills, the letter keeps P1869:The letter kills, the spirit keeps 1529) MS:matters nor <>all: PI869:all. I872:matters, nor 15’01 MS:me,””says the PI869:me,”-quoth the 15’11 MS:purse; but, speaking with

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Applauding me on every husband’s cheek? Would you have checkedthe cry “A judgment, see! A warning, note! Be henceforth chaste, ye wives, Nor stray beyond your proper precinct, priests!” If you had, then your house against itself Divides, nor stands your kingdom any more. Oh why, why was it not ordained justSO? Why fell not things out so nor otherwise? Ask that particular devil whose task it is T o trip the all-but-atperfection,-slur The line of the painter just where paint leaves off And life begins,-put ice into the ode 0’the poet while he cries “Next stanza-fire!’’ Inscribe all human effort with one word, Artistry’s haunting curse, the Incomplete! Being incomplete, my act escaped success. Easy to blame now! Every fool can swear To hole in net that held and slipped the fish. But, treat my act withfair unjaundiced eye, What was there wanting to a masterpiece Except the luck that lies beyond a man? My way with the woman, now proved grossly wrong, Just missed of being gravely grandly right And making mouths laughon the other side. Do, for the poor obstructed artist’s sake, Go with him over that spoiled work once more! Take only its first flower, the ended act

respect, P1869rpurse! But,-speaking with respect,15461 MS:you did, then 15481 MS:Oh, why, why1889a:Oh why, why P1869:you had, then 1551) MS:perfection,-slur word and punctuation written over illegible erasure 3 MS:of P1869:o’ 1889:of lS5’I MS:puts 1889a:put 155.1 MS:Of <> “next verse and last two words crossed out and replaced above by one word and dash 15551 MS:Inscribes 1889a:Inscribe 15561 MS:§ stanzaP1869:O’ <> “Next illegible erasure artistry’s altered to Artistry’s 15571 MS:incomplete the act < > success, P1869:incomplete. the <> success. 1889a:incomplete, my act 155*1 MS:now: every P1869:now! Every 15591 MS:fish: P1869:fish. 15@I MS:But MS:What seems there P1869:What was treat <>eye PI869:But, treat <> eye, 15651 MS:making &tin laugh 0’ 1872:on 1889a:making mouths laugh there 1566) MS:sake P1869:sake. 15671 MS:more. P1869:more! 15681 MS:flower,

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Now in the dusty pod, dry and defunct! I march to the Villa, and my men with me, That evening, and we reach the door and stand. I say . . . no, it shoots through me lightning-like While I pause, breathe, my hand upon the latch, "Let me forebode! Thus far, too much success: I want the natural failure-find it where? Which thread will have to break and leave a loop I' the meshy combination, my brain's loom Wove this long while, and now next minute tests? Of three that are to catch, two should go free, One must: all three surprised,-impossible! Beside, I seek three and may chance on six,This neighbour, t'other gossip,-the babe's birth Brings such to fireside, and folks give them wine,'Tis late: but when I break in presently One will be found outlingering the rest For promise of a posse[,-one whose shout Would raise the dead down in the catacombs, Much more the city-watch that goes its round. When did I ever turn adroitly u p To sun some brick embedded in the soil, And with one blow crush all three scorpions there? Or Pietro or Violante shambles offIt cannot be but I surprise my wifeIf only she is stopped and stampedon, good! That shall suffice: more is improbable. Now I may knock!" And this once for my sake

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that ended P1869:flower, the ended 15701 MS:the Villa and the men withme 15711 MSthe gate Q crossed out and replaced P1869:the Villa, and my men with me, 15721 MS:say . . no 1889a:say . . . no 157'1 MS:forbode: t o o above by 9 door much success thus far: Q uansposed to forbode: thus far: t o o much success P1869:forbode! Thus far, tm much success: CPI869:forebode 15771 MSIn P1869:I' 15781 MSwhile and now the minute P1869:now next minute 1872:while, and 15801 MS:surprised, impossible! CP1869:surprised,-impossible! 15811 MS:Beside I < > six Pl869:six.-CP1869:Beside,I "1 MS:fireside and 1872:fireside, and lS871 MS:catacombs P1869:catacombs, 15881 MS:city watch Pl869:city-watch 15901 MS:soil CP1869:soil, 15921 MS:or Violante Q V written over illegible letter 159c961 MS:And, so but she <> good!/Now I will Q crossed out andreplaced above by Q may P1869:If only she <> good!/rhat shall suffice: more is improbable./Now

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The impossible was effected: I called king, Queen and knave in a sequence, and cards came, All three, three only! So, I had my way, Did my deed: so, unbrokenly lay bare Each t m i a that had sucked me dry of juice, At last outside me, not an inchof ring Left now to writhe about and root itself I’ the heart all powerless for revenge! Henceforth I might thrive: these weredrawn and dead and damned. Oh Cardinal, the deep long sighyou heave When the load’s off you, ringing asit runs All the way down the serpent-stair to hell! No doubt the fine delirium flustered me, Turned my brain with the influx of success As if the sole need now were to wave wand And find doors fly wide,-wish and have my wil1,The rest 0’the scheme would care for itself: escape? Easy enough were that, andpoor beside! It all butproved so,--ought to quite have proved, Since, half the chances had sufficed, set free Anyone, with his senses at command, From thrice the danger of my flight. But, drunk, Redundantly triumphant,-some reverse Was sure to follow! There’s no other way Accounts for such prompt perfect failure then And there on the instant. Any day 0’the week, A ducat slid discreetly into palm 0’the mute post-master, while you whisper himHow you the Countand certain four your knaves,

MS:came. P1869:came,

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lW1l MS:Fachover illegibleerasure 5 1wsI MSWas crossed out 5 left 5 altered to Left within 5 crossed outand replaced above by 5 now 16041 MSIn P1869:I’ lW51MS:might die: these were drawn, and dead, and damned! P1869:might thrive: these 16151 MS:of <> escape? CP1869:o’ were drawn and dead and damned. 16151 MS:to so have 1889a:escape emended to 8 escape? see Editorial Notes 16161 MS:Since half P1869:Since, half proved P1869:to quite have proved, 16171 MS:Anyone with <> command P1869:Anyone. with <> command, I6l81 MS:of the flight: but drunk, P1869:of my flight.But, drunk, 16201 MS:follow: 16211 MS:for such 5 added above line 5 there’s P1869:follow! There’s l6221 MS:instant: any <>week P1869:instant. Any <>week, l6*‘1 MS:Of the 16=1 MS:knaves post-master < > him P1869:O’ themutepost-master <> him-

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Have just been mauling who was malapert, Suspect the kindred may prove troublesome, Therefore, want horses in a hurry,-that And nothing more secures you any day The pick 0’the stable! Yet I uy the trick, Double the bribe, call myself Duke for Count, And say the dead man only was a Jew, And for my pains find I am dealing just With the one scrupulousfellow in a11 RomeJust this immaculate official stares, Sees I want hat on head and sword in sheath, Am splashed with other sort of wet than wine, Shrugs shoulder, puts my hand by, gold and all, Stands on the strictness of the rule 0’the road! “Where’s the Permission?”Where’s the wretched rag With the due seal and sign of Rome’s Police, To be had for asking, half-an-hour ago? “Gone? Get another, or no horses hence!” He dares not stop me, we five glare too grim, But hinders,-hacks and hamstrings sure enough, Gives me some twenty miles of miry road More to march in the middle of that night Whereof the rough beginning taxed the strength 0’the youngsters, much more mine, both souland flesh, Who had to think as well as act: dead-beat, We gave in ere we reached the boundary And safe spot out of this irrational Rome,Where, on dismounting from our steeds next day, We had snapped ourfingers at you, safe and sound,

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Tuscans once more in blessed Tuscany, Where laws make wise allowance, understand Civilized life and doits champions right! Witness the sentence of the Rota there, Areuo uttered, the Granduke confirmed, One week before I acted on its hint,Giving friend Guillichini, for his love, The galleys, and my wife your saint, Rome’s saint,Rome manufactures saints enoughto know,Seclusion at the Stinche for her life. All this, that all butwas, might all have been, Yet was not! baulked by just a saupulous knave Whose palm was horn through handling horses’ hoofs And could not close upon my proffered gold! What say you to the spite of fortune? Well, The worst’s in store: thus hindered, haled this way To Rome again by hangdogs, whom find I Here, still to fight with, but my pale frail wife? -Riddled with wounds by one not liketo waste The blows he dealt,-knowing anatomy,(I think I told you) bound to pick and choose The vital parts! ’Twas learning all in vain! She too must shimmer through the gloom 0’the grave, Come and confront me-not at judgment-seat Where I could twist her soul, aserst her flesh, And turn her truth into a lie,-but there, 0’the death-bed, with God’s hand between us both, Striking me dumb,and helpingher to speak, Tell her own story her own way, and turn ’

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My plausibility to nothingness! Four whole days did Pompilia keep alive, With the best surgery of Rome agape At the miracle,-this cut, the other slash, And yet the life refusing to dislodge, Four whole extravagant impossibledays, Till she had time to finish and persuade Every man, every woman, every child In Rome, of what she would: the selfsame she Who, but ayear ago, had wrungher hands, Reddened her eyes and beat her breasts, rehearsed The whole game at Arezzo, nor availed Thereby to move one heart orraise one hand! When destiny intends you cards like these, What goodof skill and preconcerted play? Had shebeen found dead,as I left her dead, I should have told a tale brooked no reply: You scarcely will supposeme found at fault With that advantage! "What brings me to Rome? Necessity to claim and take my wife: Better, to claim and take my new-born babe,Strong in paternity a fortnight old, When 'tis at strongest: warily I work, Knowing the machinationsof my foe; I have companionship and use the night: I seek my wife and child,-I find-no child

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seatlTel1 P1869:me"not at the judgment-seat/ Where I could twist her soul, as erst her flesh,/And turn her truth intoa lie,-but there,/O the death-bed, withG o d ' s hand between us both,/Suiking me dumb, and helping her to speak,/rell CP1869:at judgment-seat la41 MS:nothingness: PI869:nothingness! 16851 MS:alive P1869:alive, 16871 MS:cut the P1869:cut, the 16881 " i s l o d g e PZ869:dislodge, 16891 MS:days P1869:days, 16901 MS:has P1869:had 169z1 MSIn Romeof 16951 MS:at Areuo nor PI869:at Areuo, nor 1697) MS:these 1872:In Rome, of PI 869: these, 16981 1872:pre-concerted 1889u:preconcerted 169 1 MS:dead as <> dead P1869:dead, as <> dead, 17MI MS:advantage:why I come 5 lastthree words crossed out and replaced above by three words 5 what brings me P1869:advantagel 17041 MS:newbom babe P1869:new-born babe,17OsI MS:old "What 17061 MS:work P1869:work, 17071 MSof the crossed out and PI869:old. 17081 MS:night. P1869:night: replaced above by 5 my foe, P1869:foe; 1709) MS:find the priest 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words and

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But wife, in theembraces of that priest Who caused her to elopefrom me. These two, Backed by,the pander-pair whowatch the while, Spring onme like so many tiger-cats, IGlad of the chance to end the intruder. What shouldI do but stand onmy defence, Strike right, strikeleft, strike thick and threefold, slay, Not all-because the coward priest escapes. Last, I escape, in fear of evil tongues, And having hadmy taste of Roman law.” What’s disputable, refutablehere?Save by just this one ghost-thing half on earth, Half out of it,-as if she held Gods hand While she leant back and looked her last atme, Forgiving me (here monksbegin to weep) Oh, from her very soul, commending mine T o heavenly mercieswhich are infinite,While fixing fast my head beneath your knife! ’Tis fate not fortune. All is of a piece! When was it chance informedme of my youths? My rustic four0’the family,soft swains, What sweet surprise hadthey in store forme, Those of my very household,-what did Law Twist withher rack-and-cord-contrivance late From out their bones and marrow? What butthisHad no oneof these several stumbling-blocks Stopped me, they yet were cherishing ascheme, All of their honest country homespun wit, T o quietly nextd a y at crow of cock

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dash 5 no childP1869:find”no child 17101 MS:My wife P1869:But wife l7I11 MS:me. The pair5 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by two words 5 These two, 17161 MS:slay P1869:slay, 17181 MSLast I escape in <> tongues 17201 MS:here PI869:here?P1869:Last. I escape, in <> tongues, 17211 MS:earth P1869:earth. 17231 MS:leans <> looks <> me P1869:me, 1’P41 MSme . . here <> weep . . P1869:me (here < > CP1869:leant <> looked weep) 17261 MS:infinite Pl869:infinite.17281 MS:fortune! All 172+’11 MS:Whatwas it you informed <> my friends?/What 1889a:fortune.All PZ869:my youths?/My rustic four 0’the family, soft swains,/What 1872:When was it 17’51 MS:Had not one P1869:Had no one 17’7) MS:AIl of chance informed 5 added above 5 their own 5 crossed out 5 17ml MS:quietly, next day 5 over mom 5

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Cut my own throat too, for their own behoof, Seeing I had forgot to clear accounts 0’the instant, nowise slackened speed for that,And somehow never might find memory, Once safe back in Arezzo, where things change, And a court-lordneeds mind no country lout. Well, being the arch-offender, I die last,May, ere my head falls, have my eyesight free, Nor miss them dangling high oneither hand, Like scarecrows in a hemp-field, for their pains! And then my Trial,-’tis my Trial that bites Like a corrosive, so the cards are packed, Dice loaded, and my life-stake tricked away! Look at my lawyers, lacked they grace of law, Latin or logic? Were not they fools to the height, Fools to the depth, fools to the level between, 0’the foolishness set to decide the case? They feign, they flatter; nowise does it skill, . Everything goes against me: deal each judge His dole of flattery and feigning,-why, He turns andtries and snuffs and savours it, As some old fly the sugar-grain, your gift; Then eyes your thumb and finger, brushes clean The absurd old head of him, andwhisks away, Leaving your thumb andfinger dirty. Faugh! And finally, after this long-drawn range Of affront and failure, failure and affront,-

<> cock,

P1869:quietly next 1889a:cock 17591 MS:my own 5 addedabove 5 < > too for P1869:too. for 17411 MS:On <> t h a t , PZ869:O’ <> that,17421 MS:memory PZ869:memory, 17441 MS:needs fear crossed out and replaced 17451 MS:arch-offender I die last, PZ869:arch-offender, I die last,above by 5 mind 17461 MSAnd ere < > fallshave P1869:May, ere < > falls, have 17471 MS:miss 5 over 174*l MS:hempfield for their pains P1869:hemp-field, fortheir illegiblefragment 5 17541 MS:Like any corrosive, the PZ869:Like a corrosive, so the pains! 17511 MS:away. PZ869:away! 17541 MS:between P1869:between, 17551 MS:Of 1756) MS:flatter. nowise PZ869:fiatter; nowise 1757) MS:All 5 crossed P1869:O’ out and replaced above by 3 Everything 17591 MS:it P1869:it, 17@J1 MS:As an 1872:As some old old C > sugar-grain your gift, PZ869:sugar-g~ain. your gift; 176*1 MS:away P1869:away, 17651 MS:and failure, failure and affront,

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This path, ’twixt crosses leadmg to a skull, Paced by me barefoot, bloodied by my palms From the enuy to the end,-there’s light at length, A cranny of escape: appeal may be To the old man, to the father, to the Pope, For a little life-from one whose life is spent, A littlepity-from pity’s source and seat, A little indulgence to rank, privilege, From one who is the thing personified, Rank, privilege, indulgence, grown beyond Earth’s bearing, even, ask Jansenius else! Still the same answer, still no other tune From the cicala perched at the tree-top Than crickets noisy round the root: ’tis “Die!” Bids Law-“Be damned!” adds Gospel,-nay, No word so frank,-’tis rather, “Save yourself!” The Pope subjoins-“Confess and be absolved! So shall my credit countervail your shame, And the world see I have not lost the knack Of trying all the spirits: yours, my son, Wants but a fiery washing to emerge In clarity! Come, cleanse you, ease the ache Of these old bones, refresh our bowels, boy!” Do I mistake your mission from the Pope? Then, bear his Holiness the mind of me!

P1869:affront, failure, failure and affront,1889a:affront and failure, failure 17661 MSpath twixt <> skull P1869:path, twixt < > skull, 1872:‘twixt 17701 MS:man, to our father, to this MS:escape,-appeal 1872:escape: appeal Pope PZ869:man. to the father, to the Pope, 17731 MS:rank and privilege 177‘1 MS:For one P1869:From one 17751 MS:privilege PI869:rank. privilege, 1776) MS:bearing even and indulgence grown P1869:privilege, indulgence, grown 17771 MS:still no 5 written over illegible erasure PZ869:bearing,even l7791 MS:And crickets <> root,-tis “Die”PZ869:Than crickets <> ’tis “Die!” 17801 MS:Quoth Law <> damned!” quoth Gospel P1869:Bids Law 1889a:root: ’tis < > damned!” adds Gospel 17811 MS:& < > yourself”PZ869:’tis <> yourself!” 17821 MS:confess Pl869:subjoins--“Confess 17831 MS:shame P1869:shame, I78‘l MS:see we have P1869:see I have 17851 MS:spirits,-yours, we know, 17871 MS:clarity: come CP1869:clarity! PZ869:yours. my son, 1872:spirits: yours 1788-9O1 MS:bowels, S o n ! ” m e n , Cardinal 5 crossed out 3 bear him 5 crossed Come out and replaced above by two words his Holiness <> me: PZ869:bowels, boy!”/Do I

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I do get strength from being thrust to wall, Successively wrenched from pillar and from post By this tenacious hate of fortune, hate Of all things in, under, and above earth. Warfare, begun this mean unmanly mode, Does best to end so,-gives earth spectacle Of a brave fighter who succumbs to odds That turn defeat to victory. Stab, I fold My mantle round me! Rome approves my act: Applauds the blow which costs me life but keeps My honour spotless: Rome would praise no more Had I fallen, say, some fifteen years ago, Helping Vienna when our Aretines Flocked to Duke Charles and fought Turk Mustafa; Nor would you two be trembling o’er my corpse With all this exquisite solicitude. Why is it that I make such suit to live? The popular sympathy that’s round me now Would break like bubble that o’er-domes a fly: Solid enough while he lies quiet there, But let him want the air and ply the wing, Why, it breaks and bespatters him, what else? Cardinal, if the Pope had pardoned me, And I walked out of prison through the crowd, It would not be your arm I should dare press! Then, if I got safe to my place again, How sad and sapless were the years to come!

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17921 MS:From Q altered to Q mistake your mission from the Pope?/Then <> me! from post and from Q added above line Q pillar wrenched successively Q altered to Q Successively Q transposed to Q Successively wrenched from pillar and from post 17941 I7931 MS:Hate Q crossed out Q of Q altered to Q Of MS:fortune, say Q crossed out all Q added above line Q 1795) MS:Warfare begun <> mode PZ869:Warfare, begun <> mode, 17961 MS:give the spectacle PZ869:gives earth spectacle 17981 MS:victory: come, I P1869:victory. Stab, I l7991 MS:me! Rome applauds 18011 MS:spotless: Rome had done Q crossed out and replaced above by Q approves Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words Q would praise lso3l MS:when those Q crossed out and replaced above by Q our MS:like foam ball Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by Q bubble C > fly1889a:fly: 18101 MS:Pretty enough 1889a:Solid enough 18151 MS:would not Q added above line Q <> dare hold! PZ869:dare press! 18161 MS:again,CPZ869:again, la171 MS:’Tis doubtful Q last two words crossed out and replaced above by three words Q

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I go my old ways and find things grown grey; You priests leer at me, old friends look askance, The mob’s in love, I’ll wager, to a man, With my poor young good beauteous murdered wife: For hearts require instruction how to beat, And eyes, on warrant of the story, wax Wanton at portraiture in white and black Of dead Pompilia gracing ballad-sheet, Which eyes, lived she unmurdered and unsung, Would never turn though she paced street as bare As the mad penitent ladies do in France. My brothers quietly would edge me out Of use and management of things called mine; Do I command? “You stretched command before!” Show anger? “Anger little helped you once!’’ Advise? “How managed you affairs of old?” My very mother, all the while they gird, Turns eye up, gives confirmatory groan; For unsuccess, explain it how you will, Disqualifies you, makes you doubt yourself, -Much more, is found decisive by your friends. Beside, am I not fifty years of age? What new leap would a life take, checked like mine I’ the spring at outset? Where’s my second chance? Ay, but the babe . . . I had forgot my son, My heir! Now for a burst of gratitude! There’s some appropriate service to intone, Some gaudearnus and thanksgiving-psalm! Old, I renew my youth in him, and poor Possess a treasure,-is not that the phrase?

How sad and <> come,P1869:come! 18181 MS:find all § crossed out and replaced PZ869:grey; 18191 MS:askance, PI 869:as kance; above by Q things <> grey18201 MS:man PZ869:man, 1889u:askance DC,BrU:askance, 1889:askance, 18261 MS:Who, had she died unmurdered P1869:Which, had 1872:Which eyes, lived she unmurdered 18s11 MS:before”! P1869:before!” 1889u:before! DC,BrU:before!” 1889:before!” 18s31 MS:old?”P1869:old?” 18351 MS:Giving, belike, the confirmatory groan,P1869:Turns eye up, gives confirmatory 1872:groan; lSs61 MS:will P1869:will, 18381 MS:Much PZ869:-Much 184O1 MS:take, le4l1 MS:In P1869:I’ lW21 MS:babe . . I baulked like P1869:take, checked 1889u:babe . . . I 18451 MS:gaudeamus and thanksgiving psalm! P1869:guudeamus I

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Only I must wait patient twenty yearsNourishing all the while, as father ought, la50 The excrescence with my daily blood of life. Does it respond to hope, such sacrifice,Grows the wen plump while I myself grow lean? Why, here's my son and heir in evidence, Who stronger, wiser, handsomer than I 1855 By fifty years, relieves me of each load,Tames my hot horse, carries my heavy gun, Courts my coy mistress,-has his aptadvice On house-economy, expenditure, And what not. All which good gifts and great growth laco Because of my decline, he brings to bear On Guido, buthalf apprehensive how He cumbers earth, crosses the brisk young Count, Who civilly would thrust him from the scene. Contrariwise, does the blood-offering fail? 1865 There's an ineptitude, one blank the more Added to earth in semblance of my child? Then, this has been a costly piece of work, My life exchanged for his!-why he, not I, Enjoy the world, if no more grace accrue? Dwarf me, what giani have you made of him? I do not dread the disobedient son: I know how to suppress rebellion there,

and thanksgiving-psalm! 18511 MS:hope, this sacrifice, P1869:hope, such sacrifice,18571 MS:his word to say § last three words crossed out and replaced above by two words § apt advice 18581 MS:house economy, word and comma added above line 9 P1869:house-economy 18591 MS:not? All these 5 crossed outand replaced above by which good gifts over crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 and much growth 18M)l MS:Through P1869:gifts and great growth DC,BrU:not. All 1889:not. All crossed out andreplaced above by two words 5 Because of <> he justly added above line; crossed out 18611 MS:On Guido, onlyhalf-aware crossed out 5 bringsforthwith last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words hardly apprehensive how 18621 MS:earth, shamefully crossed out P1869:On Guido, but half apprehensive )'6al MS:Fit makes wait 5 last two words crossed outand replaced above by crosses 18651 MS:There's one altered to civilly to thrust P1869:Who civilly would thrust fhls 5 ineptitude, and altered to one PI869:There's an ineptitude MS:in fashion 9 crossed out and replaced above by semblance ofmy son crossed out and 1867) MS:Why, this P1869:Then. this replaced above by child? 1868( MS:his,-why PI869:his!-why l8711 MS:son1889a:son:

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Being notquite the fool my father was. But grant the medium measure of aman, The usual compromise ’twixt fool and sage, “You know-the tolerably-obstinate, The not-so-much-perverse but you may train, The true son-servant that, when parent bids “Go work, son, in my vineyard!” makes reply “I go, Sir!””Why, whatprofit in your son Beyond the drudges you might subsidize, Have the same work from, at a Paul the head? Look at those four young precious olive-plants Reared at Vittiano,-not on flesh and blood, These twenty years, but black bread and sour wine! I bade them put forth tender branch, hook, hold, And hurt three enemies I had inRome: They did my hest as unreluctantly, At promise of a dollar, as a son Adjured by mumping memories of the past. No, nothing repays youth expended soYouth, I say, who amyoung still: grant but leave To live my life out, to the last I’d live And die conceding age no right of youth! It is the will runs the renewing nerve Through flaccid flesh that faints before the time. Therefore no sort of use for son have ISick, not of life’s feast but of steps to climb

18751 MS:The added inmargin 5 Usual altered to usualcompromise between 5 crossed outand replaced above.by 5 ’twixt 18761 MStolerablyobstinate,

Pl869:tolerably-obstinate, l8771 MS:not so much perverse <> may guide uossed out 18791 MS:work, Son and replaced above by 3 train, PI869:not-so-much-perverse 1881) MSaubsidize P1869:subsidize, 18821 MS:To do the same P1869:work, son 188’) MS:young fellows, work P1869:Have thesame work from at 1872:from. at 1884( MS:blood olive plants P1869:young previous olive-plants CP1869:precious 18851 MS:wine,P1869:wine! 18861 MS:bade put P1869:blood. forth the tender branch and hook P1869:bade them put forth tender branch, and l8871 MS:And hang three P1869:And hurt 1889a:branch, hook, hold, 18891 my MS:as son MS:unreluctantly three P1869:unreluctantly, l8901 MS:by all sweet memories 1869:by mumping memories <> P1869:as a son past! 1889a:past. 18921 MS:still,-give but 1872:still: give 1889a:still: grant but 189’1 MS:I live < > last I live P186930 live <> last I’dlive lagrl MS:youth; 18961 P1869:flesh, would faint 1872:flesh that faints 18981 MS:life’s 1869:youth!

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To the housewhere life prepares her feast,-of means To the end:for make the end attainable Without themeans,-my relish were like yours. A man may have an appetite enough For a whole dishof robins ready cooked, And yet lack courage to face sleet, pad snow, And snare sufficiently for supper. Thus The time's arrived when, ancient Roman-like, I am bound tofall on my own sword: why not Say-Tuscan-like, more ancient, better still? Will you hear truth can do no harm nor good? I think I never was at any time A Christian, as you nickname allthe world, Me among others; truce to nonsense now! Name me, a primitive religionistAs should the aboriginarybe I boast myself, Etruscan, Aretine, One sprung,-your frigid Virgil's fieriest word,From fauns and nymphs, trunks and the heart of oak, With,-for a visible divinity,The portent of a Jove Egiochus Descried 'mid clouds, lightning and thunder,couched On topmost cragof your Capitoline: 'Tis in the Seventh Eneid,-what, the Eighth? Right,-thanks, Abate,-though the Christian's dumb,

feast added above line 5 but of the weary way 3 last two words crossed out andreplaced 18w1 MS:her banquet,-means above by three words 5 steps 10 climb P1869:of steps 1900) MS:end,-and make P1869:end: for make P1869:her feast,-of means 1901-)( MS:mean <> were as keen/As for a dish <> cooked- P1869:means <>were like yours./A man may have an appetite enough/Fora whole dish<> cooked, IW4( MS:Though of no mind to face sleet and pad snow P1869:And yet lack courage to face sleet, padsnow, 19051 MS:To snare sufficiency of mornings. Thus P1869:And 5 Thus MS:ancient-Roman-like, Pl869:ancient snare sufficiently for supper. 19071 MS:sword,-why 1889a:sword why IW8( MS:Die 5 added Roman-like, in margin 5 Tuscan-like, which is older 5 last three words crossed out andreplaced above by ancient P1869:Say-Tuxan-like 19121 MS:now: P1869:now! two words 5 more 19131 MS:me a <> religionist P2869:me, a <> religionist1918) MS:divinity 19201 MS:mid PI869:'mid ""I MSOn the cop crag <> Pl869:divinity.CapitolineP1869:On topmost crag 1889a:your Capitoline: 1923( MS:dumb

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The Latinist’s vivacious in you yet! I know my gTandsire had our tapesuy Marked with the motto,’neath acertain shield, Whereto his grandson presently will give gules To vary azure. First we fight for faiths, But get to shake hands atthe last of all: Mine’s your faith too,-in Jove Egiochus! Nor do Greek gods, that serve as supplement, Jar with the simpler scheme, if understood. We want such intermediary race To make communication possible; The real thing were too lofty, we t o o low, Midway hang these: we feel their use so plain In linking height to depth, that we doff hat And put noquestion nor pry narrowly Into the nature hidbehind the names. We grudge no rite the fancy may demand; But never, more than needs, invent, refine, Improve upon requirement,idly wise Beyond the letter, teaching gods their trade, Which is to teach us: we’ll obey when taught. Why should we do our duty past the need? When the sky darkens, Jove is wroth,-say prayer! When the sun shines andJove is glad,-sing psalm! But wherefore pass prescription and devise Blood-offering for sweat-service, lend the rod

P1869:dumb, lgz61 MS:shield 1872:shield, 19271 MSHis <> give some gules l9281 M S ~ a r yargent. First P1869:vary azure. First 1889a:Whereto his <>give gules ‘9’OI MS:in Jove egiochus; P1869:in Jove cgiochus! 19’11 MSNor the Greek Gods P1869:Nor do Greek CP1869:god.s 19321 MS:understoodP1869:understood. 19’41 MS:possible,P1869:possible; 19’61 MS:these; P1869:these: we we 19’71 MS:depth, wedoff ourhat Pl869:depth, that wedoff h a t 19’81 MS:And put 5 over perhaps ash no questions P1869:question 19’91 MS:natures P1869:nature lM0l MS:may require 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 demandPl869:demand Ig4l1 MS:But d o not, more <> refine P1869:But never, more <> refine, lWzl MS:idly 5 over erasure 8 1g441 MS:us: we obey P1869:us: we’ll obey IM51 MSshould I 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 we do my 5 crossed out and replaced 19’q MS:say over erasure 9 prayer. above by 5 our C > the due? 1889a:the need? l9471 MS:shines, singpsalm, for 5 crossed outand replaced above by P1869:prayer! and Jove is glad!3 transposed to 3 When the sun shines, and Jove is glad, sing psalm!

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A pungency through pickle of our own? Learned Abate,-no one teaches you What Venus means and who's Apollo here! I spare you, Cardinal,-but, though you wince, You know me, I know you, and both know that! So, if Apollo bids us fast, we fast: But where does Venus order we stop sense When Master Pietro rhymes a pleasantry? Give alms prescribed on Friday: but, hold hand Because your foe lies prostrate,-where's the word Explicit in the book debars revenge? The rationale of your scheme is just "Pay toll here, there pursue your pleasure free!" So do you turn to use the medium-powers, Mars and Minerva, Bacchus and the rest, And so are saved propitiating-whom? What all-good, all-wise and all-potent Jove Vexed by the very sins in man,himself Made life's necessity when man he made? Irrational bunglers! So, the living truth Revealed to strike Pan dead, ducks low at last, Prays leave to hold its own andlive good days Provided it gomasque grotesquely, called Christian not Pagan.Oh, you purged the sky Of all gods save the One, the great and good,

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P1869:shines and < > glad,-sing 19501 MS:A novel smart 5 last two words crossed out and replaced above by 5 pungency < > of your own? P1869:of our own? 195l1 MS:Learned Abate, no P1869:Learned Abate,-no 19521 MS:here: Pl869:here! 195'1 MS:you, Cardinal,-enough, you wince: P1869:you, Cardinal,-but, though you 19511 MS:that. PZ869:that! l9551 MS:% if <> bids me fast, I fast: wince, 19561 MS:order I stop P1869:orderwe stop P1869:So,if <> bidsus fast, wefast: 19581 MS:Give the poor alms on Friday,-but hold P1869:Give alms prescribed on <> but, hold 1889a:on Friday: but 1959) MS:When there your P1869:Because your lgWI MS:book prevents revenge? P1869:book debars revenge? 1961*5( MS:use your P1869:use the medium-powers,/Mars and medium-powers/And < > propitiating-what? 19661 MS:all Minerva, Bacchus and the rest,/And 1872:/ / <> propitiating-whom? good, all wise and all potent God P1869:potent Jove 1872:all-good, all-wise and "1 MS:Made man's altered to life's <>made. P1869:he made? all-poLent 19691 MS:bunglers! what, the P1869:bunglers! S o , the 19711 MS:Prays that he hold '972) MS:Provided hisown P1869:that it hold its own CPl869:Prays leave to hold 19731 MS:not Pagan?Oh 1872:not Pagan. Oh he go P1869:Provided it go

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Clapped hands and triumphed! But the change came fast: The inexorable need in man for life(Life, you may mulct and minish to a grain Out of the lump, so that the grain but live) Laughed at your substituting deathfor life, And bade you do your worst: which worst was done In just thatage styled primitive and pure When Saint this, Saint that, dutifully starved, Froze, fought with beasts, was beaten and abused And finally ridded of his flesh by fire: He kept life-long unspotted from the world! Next age, how goes the game, what mortal gives His life and emulates Saint that, Saint this? Men mutter, make excuse or mutiny, In fine are minded all to leave the new, Stick to the old,-enjoy old liberty, No prejudice in enjoyment, if you please, T o the new profession: sin 0'the sly, henceforth! The law stands though the letter kills: what then? The spirit saves as unmistakeably. Omniscience sees, Omnipotence could stop, Omnibenevolence pardons: it must be,

lg751 MS:change is come, 5 last two words and comma crossed out and replaced above by 19771 MS:Life you P1869:Life,-you 1872:(Life, two words andcolon 5 came fast: 19'81 MS:so the grain left but livePl869:live,1872:live) 1889a:so that the you 19791 MS:life P1869:life, 19801 MS:worst,-which 1869:worst: grain but 19811 MS:In that age styled the primitive P1869:"Pass that 1872:In just which 19841 MS:rid < > fire, P1869:ridded 1889a:fire: thatage styled primitive l9851 MS:Kept all the whileunspotted P1869:Keeping the CPl869:world!-1872:He 19861 MS:Good: but next <> game, who gives kept life-long unspotted 1889a:world! 19871 MS:that andthis? 1872:that. Saint 1872:Next <> game,what mortal gives lg881 MS:They haggle, mutter who knows what excuse? P1869:They mutiny, this? lga91 MS:fine mutter 1872:Men mutter, make excuse, or mutiny, 1889a:excuse or are minded all to make u p their minds to <> new P1869:new, 1872:fine 19901 MS:enjoy the liberty, P1869:enjoy old liberty, 19911 MS:prejudice, all the same, if so it please, 1872:prejudice in enjoyment, if you please, 19921 MS:the late profession < > henceforth,P1869:the new profession <> henceforth. Igg31 MS:Let the law stand: the letter kills, what 1872:The law 1869:henceforth! l9951 MS:omnipotence PZ869:sees, Omnipotence stands though the letter kills: what l9961, MS:All mercifulness pardons,-it Pl869:All-mercifulness1872:Omnibenevolence

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Frown law its fiercest, there’s a wink somewhere!

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Such was the logic in this head of mine: I, like the rest, wrote “poison” on my bread, But broke and ate:-said “Those that use the sword Shall perish by the same;” then stabbed my foe. I stand on solid earth, not empty air: Dislodge me, let your Pope’s crook hale me hence! Not he, nor you! And I so pity both, I’ll make the true charge you want wit to make: “Count Guido, whoreveal our mystery, And trace all issues to the love of life: We having life to love and guard, like you, Why did you put us upon self-defence? You well knew what prompt pass-word would appease The sentry’s ire when folk infringed his bounds, And yet kept mouth shut: do you wonder then If, in mere decency, he shot you dead? He can’t have people play such pranks as yours Beneath his nose at noonday: you disdained To give him an excuse before the world By crying ‘I break rule to save our camp!’ Under the old rule, such offence weredeath;

~

pardons: it l9971 MS:somewhere. 1872:somewhere! 197-98( MS:§ n o 1 P1869:s 7 19981 MSmine,- P1869:mine: l9991 MS:bread P1869:bread; 1872:bread, MS:ate, said “those P1869:ate:“said 1889a:said “Those 2w11 MS:same,’ then P1869:same.” then CP1869:same;“ then 2W2( MS:Scand P1869:I stand on solid <> not empty airtherefore on the solid <> not air2o031 MS:your logic pluck last two words crossed outand replaced CP1869:air: 20041 MS:And welcome,§ last two words above by three words Pope’s crook hale crossed out and replaced above by four words, comma and exclamation point Not he, nor 2w5( MS:the speech you 1872:the true charge you you! <>both P2869:both, 2w61 MS:“Count Guido. you have bared last three words crossed out and replaced above 20071 MS:You bring all issues from the <> life: by two words who reveal P1869:You trace all issues to the 1872:And trace 1889a:life. emended to life: 3 see Editorial Notes 2w*1 MS:what’s the pass-word P1869:weIl knew what prompt 20l11 MS:whenyou 9 crossed outand replaced above by 5 folk infringe pass-word *0121 MS:yet keep silence,-where’s the last three words crossed out 2889a:infringed and replaced above by four words mouth shut-do you P1869:yet kept mouth 201JI MS:he shoots you P1869:he shot you 20141 MS:people CP1869:shut: do 20151 MS:noonday, who disdain play over erasure <> you 1889a:yours 20161 MS:world, 1889a:world 20171 MS:aying 1889a:noonday: you disdained

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And you had heard the Pontifex pronounce ‘Since you slay foe and violate the form, Slaying turns murder,which were sacrifice Had you, while, say, law-suiting foe to death, But raised an altar to the Unknown God Or else the Genius of the Vatican.’ Why then this pother?-all because the Pope, Doing his duty, cried ‘A foreigner, You scandalize the natives: here at Rome Romano uiuitur more: wise men, here, Put the Church foward and efface themselves. The fit defence had been,-you stamped on wheat, Intending all the time to trample tares,Were fain extirpate, then, the heretic, You now find, in your haste was slain a fool: Nor Pieuo, nor Violante, nor your wife Meant to breed u p your babe a Molinist! Whence you are duly contrite. Not one word Of all this wisdom did you urge: which slip Death must atone for.’ So, let death atone! So ends mistake, so end mistakers!-end Perhaps to recommence,-how should I know? Only, be sure, no punishment, no pain ”

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Childish, preposterous, impossible, But some such fate as Ovid could foresee,Byblis injuvium, let the weak soul end In water, sed Lycaon in luflum, but The strong become a wolf for evermore! Change that Pompilia to a puny stream Fit 'to reflect the daisies on its bank! Let me turn wolf, be whole, and sate, for once,Wallow in what is now a wolfishness Coerced too much by the humanity That's half of me aswell! Grow outof man, Glut the wolf-nature,-what remains but grow Into the man again, be man indeed And all man?Do I ring the changes right? Deformed, transformed, reformed, informed, conformed! The honest instinct, pentand crossed through life, Let surge by death into avisible flow Of rapture: as the strangled threadof flame Painfully winds, annoying andannoyed, Malignant and maligned, thro' stone and ore, Till earth exclude the stranger: vented once, It finds full play, is recognized a-top Some mountain as no such abnormal birth, Fire for the mount, not streamlet for the vale! Ay, of the water was that wife of mineBe i t for good, be i t for ill, no run 0' the red thread through that insignificance! Again, how she is at me with those eyes!

pains P1869:0nly, be sure, no <> pain "21 MS:impossible,CPI869:impossible, MS:such end as Pl869:such fate as 204'-"1 MS:Byblis in Buvium, Lycaon in lupum-ay--/Change P1869:Byblis inpuvium. let the weak soul e n d h water, sed Lycaon in lupum, b u t n h e strong become a wolf for evermore!/Change 20481 MS:bank,P1869:bank! 20.91 MS:sate for PZ869:sate, for 205"I MS:now the wolfishness P1869:now a wolfishness 20511 MS:Wrced through life last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 5 t o o much by this humanity PI869:Coerced <> by the humanity 2052) MS:well: grow PZ869:well! Grow 20551 MS:man; d o PZ869:man? Do 2Osl MS:conformed: P1869:conformed! 20611 MS:thro' earth 5 crossed out and 20621 MS:Till angry 5 added above line 5 earth < > the replaced above by 5 stone m641 MS:birth. 1889a:birth creature: vented P1869:Till earth <> stranger: vented 3651 MS:mount, the streamlet DC,BrU:mount, not DC.BrU:birth, 1889:birth, 20681 MS:Of P1869:O' 20691 MS:Again, streamlet Z889:mount, not streamlet

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Away with the empty stare! Be holy still, And stupid ever! Occupy your patch Of private snow that’s somewhere in what world May now be growing icy round your head, And aguish atyour foot-print,-freeze not me, Dare follow not another stepI take, Not with so much as those detested eyes, No, though they follow but to pray me pause On the incline, earth’s edge that’s next to hell! None of your abnegation of revenge! Fly at me frank, tug while I tear again! There’s God, go tell Him, testify your worst! Not she! There was no touch in her of hate: And it would prove her hell, if I reached mine! To know I suffered, would still sadden her, Do what the angels might tomake amends! Therefore there’s either no such place as hell, Or thence shall I be thrust forth, for her sake, And thereby undergo three hells, not oneI who, with outletfor escape to heaven, Would tarry if such flight allowed my foe To raise his head, relieved of that firm foot Had pinned himto the fiery pavement else! So am I made, “who did not make myself:” (How dared she robmy own lipof the word?) Beware me in what other world may be!Pompilia, who have brought me to this pass! All I know here, will I say there, and go

word and comma added in margin How JJ altered to 3 how she is ever 5 last two words 2071( MS:ever: crossed outand replaced above by is <> eyes-CP1869:eyes! 2072-741 MS:Of Aprilsnow <> / Is aguish Pl869:Of occupy P1869:ever! Occupy private snow <> / May now be growing icy round your head,/And aguish 20781 MS:incline, the JJ crossed out and replaced above by 5 earth’s <> Hell! P1869:hell! 20801 MS:Fly at me 5 lasttwo words added aboveline 9 20811 MS:tell and testify 20831 MS:mine,- Pl869:mine!- CP1869:mine! Pl869:tell Him, testify *08‘1 MS:her P1869:her, 20851 MS:amendsP1869:amends! 20871 MS:shall I have respitefor her sake PZ869:shall I be thrust forth, for hersake, 2oe(MS:Late pinned <> pavement there. PZ869:Had pinned <> pavement else! 2ogS-971 MS:made, who < > myself/ <> be!/ All P1869:made, “who <> myself:”/(How dared sherob my own lip of the word?)/ <> be!-/Pompilia, who have brought me to this

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Beyond the saying with thedeed. Some use There cannot butbe for a mood like mine, Implacable, persistent in revenge. She maundered “All is over and atend: I’gomy own road, go you where God will! Forgive you? Iforget you!” There’s the saint That takes your taste, you other kind of men! How you had loved her! Guido wanted skill To value such a womanat her worth! Properly the instructed criticize “What’s here, you simpleton have tossed to take Its chance i’ the gutter? This a daub, indeed? Why, ’tis a Rafael that you kicked to rags!” Perhaps so: some prefer the pure design: Give me my gorge of colour, glutof gold In a glory round the Virgin made for me! Titian’s the man, not Monk Angelic0 Who traces you some timidchalky ghost That turns the church into acharnel: ay, Just such apencil might depict my wife! She,-since she, also, would not changeherself,Why could not she come in some heart-shaped cloud, Rainbowed about withriches, royalty Rimming her round, as round thetintless lawn Guardingly runs theselvage cloth of gold?

pass!/All zw9) MS:mine CP1869:mine, z1OL) MS:She would say “All P1869:She maundered “All 2102) MSwill: P1869:will! 21051 MS:her! ’Tis I 5 crossed out andreplaced above by 5 myself wanted 5 altered to 5 want P2869:her! Guido 2106( MS:worth,P1869:worth! 2107) MS:Myself, 5 over illegible wanted 2108) MS:here, the 5 crossed outand replaced word 5 you the Pl869:Properly the 2109) MS:It’s <> in the gutter? That he above by 5 you <> has 5 corrected to 5 have calls a 5 last four words crossed out andreplaced above by two words 5 Dirty indeed daub 5 transposed to 5 daub indeed? Pl869:Its C > i’ the gutter? Thisa daub, indeed? 21101 MS:a Rafael this has 5 crossed out and replaced above by you kicked 5 altered to 5 kick P1869:a Rafael that you kicked 21111 MS:design P1869:design: 21151 MS:some tintless chalky P1869:some timid chalky 2117-19) MS:pencil should 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 might <> /Why C > cloud P1869:wife!/She.-since 2l*1) MS:Rimmed her, as runs she,also,would not change herself,-/Why <> cloud, a selvage cloth of gold, 8 line crossed out andreplaced above by 5 Rimming her round, as 2122) MS:Guardingly 5 added in round the feeble lawn P1869:the tintlesslawn margin 5 Runs for a guard 5 last three words crossed out 5 P1869:runs

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I would have left the faint fine gauze untouched, Needle-worked over with its lily and rose, Let her bleach unmolested in the midst, Chill thatselected solitary spot Of quietude she pleased to think was life. Purity, pallorgrace the lawn no doubt When there’s the costly bordure to unthread And make again an ingot:but what’s grace When you want meat and drink andclothes and fire? A tale comes to my mind that’s appositePossibly true, probably false, a truth Such as all truths we live by, Cardinal! ’Tis said, a certain ancestor of mine Followed-whoever was the potentate, To Paynimrie, andin some battle, broke Through more than dueallowance of the foe, And, risking much his own life, saved the lords. Battered and bruised, the Emperorscrambles up, Rubs hiseyes and looks round and sees my sire, Picks a furze-sprig from out his hauberk-joint, (Token how near the groundwent majesty) And says “Take this, and if thou get safe home, Plant the same in thy garden-ground to grow: Run thence an hour in a straight line, and stop:

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MS:fine vow alone 5 crossed out and replaced above by !j untouched,/Let her stand unmolested in Pl869:fine gauze untouched,/Needle-workedover with its lily and rose,/Let her bleach unmolested z126( MS:Keep that P1869:Chill that 21271 MS:life: 21291 MS:there’s the 5 crossed out and replaced above by one word 5 beside 1889a:life. 21’o( MS:makes bordure one unthreads P1869:there’s the costly bordure to unthread z1)61 MS:Followed whoever <> potentate Pl869:Followed “whoever P1869:make <> potentate, 21s81 MS:foe 1872:foe, 21’91 MS:And saved the lords life, risking much his own. PZ869:And, risking much his own life, saved the lord‘s. 2140( MS:bruised the P1869:bruised, the 214*1 MS:Then 5 crossed out 5 Picks 21431 MS:(Witness 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 Token how near 5 added above zl”( MS:says, “Take line 5 the ground was majesty) P1869:ground went majesty) <> and if <> home again, P1869:says “Take <> and, if <> home, 1872:this, and if 21451 MS:garden ground P1869:garden-ground 21461 MS:stop, PI869:stop: 212’-251

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Describe a circle round (for central point) The furze aforesaid, reaching every way The length of that hour’s run: I give it thee,The central point, to build a castle there, The space circumjacent, for fit demesne, The whole to be thy children’s heritage,Whom, for thy sake, bid thou wear furze on cap!” Those are my arms: we turned the furze a tree T o show more, and the greyhound tied thereto, Straining to start, means swift and greedy both; He stands upon a triple mount of goldBy Jove, then, he’s escaping from true gold And trying to arrive at empty air! Aha! the fancy never crossed my mind! My father used to tell me, and subjoin “As for the castle, that took wings and flew: The broad lands,-why, to traverse them to-day Scarce tasks my gouty feet, and in my prime I doubt not I could stand and spitso far: But for the furze, boy, fear no lack of that, So long as fortuneleaves one field to grub! Wherefore, hurra for furze and loyalty!” What may I mean, where may the lesson lurk? “Do not bestow on man, by way of gift, Furze without land for framework,-vaunt no grace Of purity, no furze-sprig of a wife, T o me, i’ the thick of battle for my bread, Without some better dowry,-gold will do!”

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(for <> point) Z15l1 MS:With and replaced aboveby 5 circumjacent space 215’-611 MS:for my sake <> / forP1869:space, for 1872:The spacecircumjacent,for My P1869:cap!”/Those are my arms: we turned the furze a tree/To show more, and the greyhound tied thereto,/Straining to start, means swift andgreedy both,/He stands upon a triple mount of gold-/By Jove, then, he’s escaping from truegoldland trying to arrive at empty air!/Aha! the fancy never crossed my mind!/My CP1869:/ / / <> both; 1872:for 21641 MS:Would task <> feet, thoughin 1872:Scarce tasks <> feet, andin thysake 21661 MS:that CPl869:that, 21671 MS:grub, P1869:gmb! 21681 MS:Wherefore *1691 MS:What do 5 crossed outand replacedabove hurra 1872:Wherefore. hurra 21701 MS:man by <>gift 1872:man, by <>gift, MS:without by 5 may some substantial framework,-grace 1872:without land for framework, ”vaunt no grace 21721 MS:purity, furze-sprig a 1872:purity, no furze-sprig 2’71) MS:dowry,-house

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N o better gift than sordid muck? Yes, Sirs! Many more gifts much better. Give them me! 0 those Olimpias bold, those Biancas brave, That brought a husband power worth Ormuz’ wealth! Cried “Thou being mine, why, what but thine amI? Be thou to me law, right, wrong, heaven and hell! Let us blend souls, blent, thou in me, to bid Two bodies work one pleasure! What are these Called king, priest, father, mother, stranger, friend? They fret thee or they frustrate? Give the wordBe certain they shall frustrate nothing more! And who is this young florid foolishness That holds thy fortune in his pigmy clutch, -Being a prince and potency, forsooth!He hesitates to let the trifle go? Let me but seal up eye, sing ear to sleep Sounder than Samson,-pounce thou on theprize Shall slipfrom off my breast, and down couch-side, And on to floor, and far as my lord’s feetWhere he stands in the shadow with the knife, Waiting to see what Delilah dares do! Is the youth fair?What is a man to me Who am thy call-bird? Twisthis neck-my dupe’s,Then take the breast shall turn abreast indeed!” Such women are there; and they marry whom? Why, when a man has gone and hanged himself

and land!” 1872:dowry,-gold will do!” 2175-76) MS:§ written in a singleline, separated by a slash, squeezed in between 2174-77 5 No other gift than sordid muck? Yes, Sir!/ <>more and much 1872:No better g i f t <> / < > m o r e gifts much 1889a:muck? Yes,Sirs!/ Z177( MS:those Olympias bold 5 added above line 5 < > brave 21781 MS:husband willsworthOrmuz P1869:will <> Ormuz’ PI 869: brave, 21791 MS:why what, am I, butthine? transposed to 1872:husband power worth 2181) MS:souls, be thou in me to what butthineam I? CP1869:why, what z18s( MS:king and 5 crossed out 9 priest, c a l l e d 1872:souls. blent, thou in me, to crossed out and replaced above by two words father, mother, stranger or called 3 last two words crossed out 3 PZ869:king. priest 21881 MS:-Being 5 dash added inmargin 5 21891 MS:And hesitates 1889a:He hesitates 21921 MS:breasts <> couch-side 21941 MS:the sword 1872:sword, 1889a:the knife, P1869:breast 1889a:couch-side, 21951 MS:do: P1869:do! *197( MS:neck,-my dupe,P1869:neck-my dupe’s,21981 MS:breasts <> turn to breasts P1869:breas1<> turn a breast

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Because of what he calls a wicked wife,See, if the very turpitude bemoaned Prove not mere excellence the fool ignores! His monster is perfection,-Circe, sent Straight from the sun, with wand the idiot blames As not anhonest distaff to spin wool! 0 thou Lucrezia, is it long to wait Yonder where all the gloom is in a glow With thy suspected presence?-virgin yet, Virtuous again, in face of what's to teachSin unimagined, unimaginable,I come to claim my bride,-thy Borgia's self Not half the burningbridegroom I shallbe! Cardinal, take away your crucifix! Abate, leave my lips alone,-they bite! Vainly you try to change what should not change, And shall not. Ihave bared, you bathe my heartIt grows the stonier for your saving dew! You steep the substance, you would lubricate, In waters that but touch to petrify! You too are petrifactions of a kind: Move not a muscle that shows mercy. Rave Another twelve hours, every word were waste! I thought you would not slay impenitence,

MS:Because he had, he says, 5 last four words and commas crossed out and replaced above by four words 5 of what he calls a worthless 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 wicked 2202( MS:if this monster thathehowls about 5 last six words crossed out and replaced above by six words 5 the turpitude he makes his moan PZ869:turpitude; he <> moan, 1872:the very turpitude bemoaned, Z889a:bemoaned zosl MS:Be not > ignores,P1869:ignores! 1872:Prove not 22041 MS:perfection, Circe sent 22051 MS:with r o d the CPI869:perfection, Circe, sent 1872:perfection,-Circe 2m9( MS:presence,-virgin PZ869:presence?-virgin Z872:with wand the 2210( MS:again in <> what shall 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 must beZ872:again, in 22121 MS:My bride I come to claim PZ869:what's to teach5 transposed to 5 I come to claim my bride thy P1869:bride,-thy 22111 MS:buming 2215) MS:alone, they 1872:alone,-they Bridegroom P1869:bridegroom 22161 MS:'Tis no use trying to change, what P1869:'Tis vain you try to 1872:Vainly YOU < > change what 22171 MS:And cannot. I have bared the heart, you steep 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 batheP1869:bared, you bathe my heart1889a:And shall not. I 22221 MS:mercy,-rave P1869:mercy; rave 1889a:mercy. Rave 2223) MS:word's in waste. PZ869:word were waste! 22241 MS:impenitence,-

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But teased, from men you slew, contrition first,I thought you had a conscience. Cardinal, You know I am wronged!-wronged, say, and wronged, maintain. Was this strict inquisition made for blood When first you showed us scarlet on your back, Called to the College? Your straightforward way To your legitimate end,-I think it passed Over a scantlingof heads brained, hearts broke, Lives trodden into dust! How otherwise? Such was the way 0' the world, and so you walked. Does memory haunt your pillow? Not a whit. God wills you never pace your garden-path, One appetizing hourere dinner-time, But your intrusion there treads out of life A universe of happy innocent things: Feel you remorse about that damsel-fly Which buzzed so near your mouth and flapped your face? You blotted i t from being at a blow: It was a fly, you were a man, andmore, Lord of created things, so took your course. Manliness, mind,-these are things fit to save, Fit to brush fly from: why, because I take My course, must needs the Pope kill me?-kill you! You! for this instrument, hethrows away, Is strong to serve a master, and were yours To have and hold andget much good from out!

1872:impenitence. 2225( MS:Teazed first conuition from theman you slew,nz71 MSand 1872:But teazed, from men you slew, contrition first,- 1889a:teased 2nsl MS:Was there 5 crossed out 5 wronged maintain. 1872:and wronged, maintain. this strict 5 added above line 5 MS:us red upon your P1869:us scarlet on your 22301 MS:the College? That suaightfonvard 1872:the College? Your straightfonvard 22511 MS:To that legitimate 1872:To your legitimate n5sl MS:dust,-how 2n41 MS:Such is the way of <> walk: P1869:o' 1872:dust!-how 1889a:dust! How 22361 MS:garden-path 1872:Such was the < > walked: 1889a:walked. 22371 "inner-time 1872:dinner-time, =59l MS:A~ I872:garden-path, universe 1872:A universe 22'11 MS:face, 1872:face? 22421 MS:blow? 2z46( MS:To brush the fly <>why becauseP1869:Fit to brush fly <> 1872:blow: why, because MS:me? Kill you? Pl869:you!CP1869:me?-kill you! 22481 MS:Because this instrument he <> away 1872:You! for this instrument, he <> away, 2249/ MS:master: it were 1872:master. and were n50( MS:get such good

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The Pope who dooms me needs must die next year; I’ll tell you how the chances are supposed For his successor: first the Chamberlain, Old San Cesario,-Colloredo, next,Then, one, two, three, four, I refuse to name; After these, comes Altieri; then come youSeventh on the list you come, unless . . . ha, ha, How can a dead hand give a friend a lift? Are you the person to despise the help 0’the head shall drop in pannierpresently? So a child seesaws on or kicks away The fulcrum-stone that’s all the sage requires To fit his lever to and move the world. Cardinal, I adjure you in God’s name, Save my life, fall at the Pope’s feet, set forth Things your own fashion, not in words like these Made fora sense like yours who apprehend! Translate into the Court-conventional “Count Guido must not die, is innocent! Fair, be assured! But what an he were foul, Blood-drenched and murder-crusted head to foot? Spare one whose death insults the Emperor, Nay, outrages the Louis you so love! He has friends who’will avenge him; enemies Who will hate God now with impunity, Missing the old coercive: would you send

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A soul straight to perdition, dying frank An atheist?” Go andsay this, for God’s sake! -Why, you don’t think I hope you’ll say one word? Neither shall I persuade you from your stand Nor you persuade me from my station: take Your crucifix away, I tell you twice! Come, I am tired of silence! Pause enough! You have prayed: I have gone insidemy soul And shut itsdoor behind me: ’tis your torch Makes the place dark: the darkness let alone Grows tolerable twilight: one may grope And get to guess at length and breadth and depth. What is this fact I feel persuaded ofThis somethinglike a foothold inthe sea, Although Saint Peter’s bark scuds, billow-borne, Leaves me to founderwhere it flung me first? Spite of your splashing, I am high anddry! God takes his own part ineach thing Hemade; Made for a reason, He conserves his work, Gives each its proper instinctof defence. My lamblike wife could neither bark nor bite, She bleated, bleated, till for pity pure The village roused up, ran with pole and prong To the rescue, and behold the wolf‘s at bay! Shall he try bleating?-or take turn or two, Since the wolf owns some kinship withthe fox, And, failing to escape the foe by craft,

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Give up attempt, die fighting quietly? The last bad blow that strikes fire in ateye And on to brain, and so out, life and all, How can it but be cheated of a pang If, fighting quietly, thejaws enjoy One re-embrace in midback-bone they break, After their weary work thro’ the foe’s flesh? That’s thewolf-nature. Don’t mistake my trope! A Cardinalso qualmish? Eminence, My fight is figurative, blows i’ the air, Brain-war with powers and principalities, Spirit-bravado, no real fisticuffs! I shall notpresently, when the knock comes, Cling to this bench nor claw the hangman’s face, No, trust me! I conceive worse lots than mine. Whether it be, the old contagious fit And plague0’the prison have surprised me too, The appropriate drunkenness of the death-hour Crept on my sense, kind work 0’the wine and myrrh,I know not,-I begin to taste my strength, Careless, gay even. What’s the worth of life? The Pope’s dead now, my murderous old man, For Toni told me so: and you, forsmthWhy, you don’t think,Abate, do your best, You’ll live a year more with that hacking cough And blotch of crimson where the cheek’s a pit? T o n i has got you also down in book! Cardinal, only seventh of seventy near, Is not one called Albano in the lot? Go eat your heart, you’ll never be a Pope!

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Inform me, is it true you left your love, A Pucci, for promotion in the church? She's more than in the church,-in the churchyard! Plaurjlla Pucci, your affianced bride, Has dust now inthe eyes that held the love,And Martinez, suppose they make you Pope, Stops that with veto,-so, enjoy yourself! I see you all reel to the rock, you wavesSome forthright,some describea sinuous track, Some, crested brilliantly, with heads above, Some in a strangledswirl sunk who knows how, But all bound whither the main-currentsets, Rockward, an end in foam for all of you! What if I be o'ertaken, pushed to the front By all you crowding smoother souls behind, And reach, a minute sooner than was meant, The boundary whereon I break to mist? Go to! the smoothest safest of you all, Most perfect and compact wave in my train, Spite of the blue tranquillity above, Spite of the breadth before of lapsing peace Where broods the halcyon and the fish leaps free, Will presently begin to feel the prick At lazy heart, the push at torpid brain, Will rock vertiginously in turn, andreel,

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And, emulative, rush to death like me. Later or sooner by a minute then, So much for the untimeliness of death! And, as regards the manner that offends, The rude and rough, I countthe same for gain. Be the act harsh and quick! Undoubtedly The soul’s condensed and, twice itself, expands To burst thro’ life, by alternation due, Into the other statewhate’er it prove. You never know what life means till you die: Even throughout life, ’tis death that makes life live, Gives it whatever the significance. For see, on your own s o u n d a n dargument, Suppose life had no death to fear, how find A possibility of nobleness In man, prevented daring anymore? What’s love, what’s faith without a worst to dread? Lack-lustre jewelry! but faith and love With death behind them bidding do ordiePut such a foil at back, the sparkle’s born! From out myself how the strange colourscome! Is there a new rule in anotherworld? Be sure I shallresign myself: as here I recognized no law I could not see, There, what I see, I shall acknowledge too: On earth I never took the Pope for God, In heaven I shall scarce take God for the Pope. Unmanned, remanned: I hold itprobableWith something changeless at the heart of me To know me by, some nucleus that’s myself: Accretions did it wrong?Away with them-

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You soon shall see the use of fire! Till when, All that was, is; and must forever be. Nor is it in me to unhate my hates,I use up my last strength to strike once more Old Pietro in thewine-house-gossip-face, To trample underfoot the whine and wile Of beast Violante,-and I grow one gorge T o loathingly reject Pompilia’s pale Poison my hasty hunger took for food. A strong tree wants no wreaths about its trunk, No cloying cups, no sickly sweetof scent, But sustenance at root, a bucketful. How else lived that Athenian whodied so, Drinking hot bull’sblood, fit for men like me? I lived and died a man, andtake man’s chance, Honest and bold: right will be done to such. Who are these you have let descend my stair? Ha, their accursed psalm! Lights at the sill! Is it “Open” they dare bid you? Treachery! Sirs, have I spoken one word all this while Out of the world of words I had to say? Not one word! All was folly-I laughed and mocked!

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Sirs, my first true word, all truth and nolie, Is-save me notwithstanding! Life is all! I was just stark mad,-let the madman live Pressed by as many chains as you please pile! Don't open! Hold me from them! I am yours, I am the Granduke's-no, I am the Pope's! ... Abate,-Cardinal,-Christ,-Maria,-God, Pompilia, will you let them murder me?

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Here were the end, had anything anend: Thus, lit and launched, up and up roared and soared A rocket, till the key 0’the vault was reached And wide heaven held, a breathless minute-space, In brilliant usurpature: thus caught spark, Rushed to the height, and hung atfull of fame Over men’s upturned faces, ghastly thence, Our glaring Guido:now decline must be. In its explosion, you have seen his act, By my power-may-be, judged i t by your own,Or composite as good orbs prove, or crammed With worse ingredients than the Wormwood Star. The act, over and ended, falls and fades: What was once seen, grows what is now described, Then talked of, told about, a tinge the less In every fresh transmission; till it melts, Trickles in silent orangeor wan grey Across our memory, dies and leaves all dark, And presently we find the stars again. Follow the main streaks, meditate the mode Of brightness, how it hastes to blend with black! After that February Twenty-Two, Since our salvation, Sixteen-Ninety-Eight, Of all reports that were, or may have been, Concerning those the d a y killed or let live, Four I count only.Take the first that comes. A letter from a stranger, manof rank, Venetian visitor at Rome,-who knows, On what pretence of busy idleness?

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Thus he begins on evening of that day.

“Here are we at our end of Carnival; Prodigious gaiety and monstrous mirth, And constant shift of entertaining show: With influx, from each quarter of the globe, Of strangers nowise wishful to be last I’ the struggle for a good place presently When that befalls fate cannot long defer. The old Pope totters on the verge 0’the grave: You see, Malpichi understood far more Than Toni how to treat the ailments: age, No question, renders these inveterate. Cardinal Spada, actual Minister, Is possible Pope; I wager on his head, Since those four entertainments of his niece Which set all Rome a-stare: Pope probablyThough Colloredo has his backers too, And San Cesario makes one doubt at times: Altieri will be Chamberlain at most. “A week ago the sun was warm like May, And the old man took daily exercise Along the river-side; he loves to see That Custom-house he built upon the bank, For, Naples born, his tastes are maritime: But yesterday he had to keep in-doors Because of the outrageous rain that fell. On such days the good soul has fainting-fits, Or lies in stupor, scarcely makes believe

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Of minding business, fumbles at his beads. They say, the trust that keeps his heart alive Is that, by lasting till December next, He may hold Jubilee asecond time, And, twice in one reign, ope the Holy Doors. By the way, somebody responsible Assures me that the King of France has writ Fresh orders: Fhelon will be condemned: The Cardinal makes a wry face enough, Having a love for the delinquent: still, He’s the ambassador, must press the point. Have you a wager too, dependent here? “Now, from such matters to divert awhile, Hear of to-day’s event which crowns the week, Casts all the other wagers into shade. Tell Dandolo I owe him fifty drops Of heart’s blood in the shapeof gold zecchines! The Pope has done hisworst: I have to pay For the execution of the Count, by Jove! Two days since, I reported him as safe, Re-echoing the conviction of all Rome: Who could suspect its one deaf ear-the Pope’s? But prejudices grow insuperable, And that old enmity to Austria, that Passion for France and France’s pageant-king (Of which, why pause to multiply the proofs Now scandalously rife in Europe’s mouth?) These fairly got the better in our man Of justice, prudence, and esprit de corps, And he persisted in the butchery. Also, ’tis said that in his latest walk To that Dogana-by-the-Bank he built,

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The crowd,-hesuffers question,unrebuked,Asked, ‘Whether murderwas a privilege Only reserved for nobles like the Count?’ And hewas ever mindful of the mob. Martinez, the Caesarian Minister, -Who used his best endeavours to spare blood, And strongly pleaded for the life ‘of one,’ Urged he, ‘I may have dined at table with!’He will not soon forget the Pope’s rebuff, ”Feels the slight sensibly, I promise you! And but for the dissuasion of two eyes That make with him foul weather or fine day, He hadabstained, nor graced the spectacle: As it was, barely would hecondescend Look forth from the palchetto where hesat Under the Pincian: we shall hear of this. The substituting, too, the People’s Square For the out-0’-the-way old quarterby the Bridge, Was meant as a conciliatory sop To the mob; it gave one holiday the more. But the French Embassy might unfurl flag,Still the good luckof France to fling a foe! Cardinal Bouillon triumphsproperly. Palchetti were erectedin the Place, And houses, at the edge of the ThreeStreets, Let their front windows at six dollars each: Anguisciola, that patron of the arts, Hired one; our Envoy Contarini too. “Now for the thing; nosooner the decree Gone forth,-’tis four-and-twenty hours ago,-

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Than Acciaiuoli and Panciatichi, Old friends,indeed compatriots of the man, Being pitched on as the couple properest To intimate the sentence yesternight, Were closeted ere cock-crowwith the Count. They both reporttheir efforts to dispose The unhappy noblemanfor ending well, Despite the natural sense of injury, Were crowned at last with a completesuccess. And when the Company of Death arrived At twenty-hours,-the way they reckon here,We say, at sunset, after dinner-time,The Countwas led down, hoisted up oncar, Last of the five, as heinousest, you know: Yet they allowed one wholecar to each man. His intrepidity, nay, nonchalance, As up he stood and down hesat himself, Struck admiration into those who saw. Then the procession started, took the way From the New Prisons by the Pilgrim’s Street, The street of the Governo, Pasquin’s Street, (Where was stuck up, ’mid other epigrams, A quatrain . . . but of all that, presently!) The Place Navona, the Pantheon’s Place, Place of the Column, last the Corso’s length, And so debouched thence at Mannaia’sfoot I’ the Place 0’the People. As is evident, (Despite the malice,-plainly meant, I fear, By this abrupt changeof locality,-

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The Square’s no such bad place to head and hang) We had the titillation as we sat Assembled, (quality in conclave, ha?) Of, minute after minute, some report HOW theslow show was winding on its way. Now did a car run over, kill a man, Just opposite a pork-shop numbered Twelve: And bitter were the outcries of the mob Against the Pope: for, but that he forbids The Lottery, why, Twelve were Tern Quatern! Now did a beggar by Saint Agnes, lame From his youth up, recover use of leg, Through prayer of Guido as he glanced that way: So that the crowd near crammed his hat with coin. Thus was kept u p excitement to the last, -Not an abruptout-bolting, asof yore, From Castle, over Bridge and on to block, And so all ended ere you well could wink!

“To mount the scaffold-steps, Guido was last Here also, asatrociousest in crime. We hardly noticed how the peasants died, They dangled somehow soon to right and left, And we remained all ears and eyes, could give Ourselves to Guido undividedly, As he harangued the multitudebeneath. He begged forgiveness on the part of God,

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And fair construction of his act from men, Whose suffrage he entreated for his soul, Suggesting that we should forthwith repeat A Pater and anAve, with the hymn Salve Regina Cadi,for his sake. Which said, he turned to the confessor, crossed And reconciled himself, with decency, Oft glancing at SaintMary’s opposite, Where they possess,and showed in shrine to-day, The blessed Umbilicus of our Lord, (A relic ’tis believed no other church In Rome can boast of)-then rose up, as brisk Knelt down again, bent head, adapted neck, And, with the name of Jesus on his lips, Received the fatal blow. “The headsman showed The head to the populace. Must I avouch We strangers own to disappointment here? Report pronounced him fully six feet high, Youngish, considering his fifty years, And, if not handsome, dignified at least. Indeed, it was no face to please a wife! His friends say, this was caused by the costume: He wore the dress he did the murder in, That is, a just-a-corps of russet serge, Black camisole, coarse cloak of baracan (So they style herethe garb of goat’s-hair cloth) White hat and cotton cap beneath, poor Count,

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Preservative against the evening dews During the journey from Arezzo. Well, So died the man, and so his end was peace; Whence many a moral were to meditate. Spada,-you may bet Dandolo,-is Pope! Now for the quatrain!”

No, friend, this will do! You’ve sputtered into sparks. What streak comes next? A letter: Don Giacinto Arcangeli, Doctor and Proctor, him I made you mark Buckle to business in his study late, The virtuous sire, the valiant for the truth, Acquaints his correspondent,-Florentine, By name Cencini, advocate as well, Socius and brother-in-the-devil to match,A friend of Franceschini, anyhow, And knit up with the bowels of the case,Acquaints him, (in this paper that I touch) How their joint effort to obtain reprieve For Guido had so nearly nicked the nine And ninety and oneover,-folk would say At Tarocs,-or succeeded,-in our phrase. To this Cencini’s care I owe the Book, The yellow thing I take and toss once more,How will i t be, my four-years’-intimate, When thou and I part company anon?’Twas he,the “whole position of the case,”

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Pleading and summary, were put before; Discreetly in my Book he bound them all, Adding some three epistles to the point. Here is the first of these, part fresh as penned, The sand, that dried the ink, not rubbed away, Though penned the d a y whereof it tells the deed: Part-extant just as plainly,you know where, Whence came the other stuff, went, you know how, T o make the Ring that’s all but round and done.

“Late they arrived, too late, egregious Sir, Those same justificative points you urge Might benefit His Blessed Memory Count Guido Franceschini now with God: Since the Court,-to state things succinctly,-styled The Congregation of the Governor, Having resolved on Tuesday last our cause I’ the guilty sense, with death for punishment, Spite of all pleas by me deducible In favour of said Blessed Memory,I, with expenditure of pains enough, Obtained a respite, leave to claim and prove Exemption from the law’s award,-alleged The power and privilege 0’the Clericate: To which effect a courier was despatched. But ere an answer from Arezzo came, The Holiness of our Lord the Pope (prepare!) Judging it inexpedient to postpone The execution of such sentence passed, Saw fit, by his particular cheirograph,

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To derogate, dispense with privilege, And wink at any hurt accruing thence To Mother Church through damageof her son: Also, to overpass and set aside That other plea on score of tender age, Put forth by me to do Pasquini good, One of the four in trouble with our friend. So that all five, to-day, have suffered death With no distinction save in dying,-he, Decollate by mere due of privilege, The rest hanged decently and in order. Thus Came the Count to his end of gallant man, Defunct in faith and exemplarity: Nor shall the shieldof his great House lose shine Thereby, nor its blue banner blush to red. This, too, should yield sustainment to our heartsHe had commiseration andrespect In his decease from universal Rome, Quantum est hominum venustiorum, The nice and cultivated everywhere: Though, in respect of me his advocate, Needs must I groano’er my debility, Attribute the untoward event 0’the strife To nothingbut my own crass ignorance Which failed to set the valid reasons forth, Find fit excuse: such is the fate of war! May God compensate us the direful blow By future blessings on his family, Whereof I lowly beg the next commands; -Whereto, as humbly, I confirm myself . . .”

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“Hactenus senioribus! There, oldfox, show the clients t’other side And keep this comer sacred, I beseech! You and your pleas and proofs were what folk call Pisan assistance, aid that comes too late, Saves a man dead as nail in post of door. Had I but time and space for narrative! What was the good of twenty Clericates When Somebody’s thick headpiece once was bent On seeing Guido’s drop intothe bag? How these old men like giving youth a push! So much the better: next push goes to him, And a new Pope begins the century. Much good I get by my superb defence! But argument is solid and subsists, While obstinacy and ineptitude Accompany the owner to his tombWhat do I care how soon? Beside, folk see! Rome will have relished heartily the show, Yet understood the motives, never fear, Which caused the indecent change 0’the People’s Place To the People’s Playground,-stigmatize the spite Which in a trice precipitated things! As oft the moribund will give a kick To show they are not absolutely dead, So feebleness i’ thesocket shoots its last, A spirt of violence for energy!

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“But thou, Cencini, brother of my breast, 0 fox whose home is ’mid the tender grape,

next leaf-) <> / There P1869:myself . . . ”/ V And < > / On next leaf- <> / There 1872:/ < > date. MSsacred I P1869:sacred, I 2911 MS:what folks call 1889a:what folk call 2951 MS:twenty clericates P1869:twenty Clericates 2961 MS:When <> thickinserted above headpiece was fjcrossed out once fairly fj crossed out and replaced above by was MS:him P1869:him, 305) MS:folks see: P1869:see! 1889a:folk MS:tomb; 1889a:tomb’09) MS:the People’s playground.-whence the spite had birth P1869:the People’s ’1O1 MS:That in P1869:Which in Playground,-stigmatize the spite ’L”151 MS:§ no 1 s P1869:s 1 1889a:s no 1 1889:s no 1 ; emended to restore 1; see’ Editorial Notes ’l6) MS:fox, whose < > mid P1869:’mid 1889a:fox whose I

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Whose couch in Tuscany by Themis’ throne, Subject to no such . . . best I shut my mouth Or only open it again to say, This pother and confusion fairly laid, My hands are emptyand my satchel lank. Now then for both the Matrimonial Cause And the Case of Gomez! Servethem hot and hot!

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“Reliqua differamus in crustinurn! The impatient estafette cracks whip outside: Still, though the earth shouldswallow him who swears And me who make the mischief, in must slipMy boy, your godson, fat-chaps Hyacinth, Enjoyed the sight while Papaplodded here. I promised him, the rogue, a month ago, The day his birthday was, of all the days, That if I failed to save Count Guido’s head, Cinuccio should at least go see i t chopped From trunk-‘So, latinize your thanks!’ quoth l . ‘That I prefer, hoc malim,’ raps me out The rogue: you notice the subjunctive? Ah! Accordingly he sat there, bold in box, Proud as the Pope behind the peacock-fans: Whereon a certain lady-patroness For whom I manage things (my boy in front, Her Marquis sat the third in evidence; Boys have no eyes nor ears save for the show) ‘This time, Cintino,’ was her sportive word, When whiz and thumpwent axe and mowed lay man, And folk could fall to the suspended chat, ‘This time, you see, Bottini rules the roast,

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Nor can Papa with all his eloquence Be reckoned on to help asheretofore!’ Whereat Cinone pouts; then, sparkishly‘Papa knew better than aggrieve his Pope, And baulk him of his grudge againstour Count, Else he’d have argued-off Bottini’s’ . . what? ‘His nose,’-the rogue! well parried of the boy! He’s long since out of War (eight years old) And as for tripping in Eutropius . . . well, Reason the more that we strain every nerve To do him justice, mould a model-mouth, A Bartolus-cum-Baldo for next age: For that I purse the pieces, work the brain, And want both Gomez and the marriage-case, Success with which shall plaster aught of pate That’s broken in me by Bottini’s flail, And bruise his own, belike, that wags and brags. Adverti supplico humiliter Quod don’t the fungussee, the fop divine That one handdrives two horses, left and right? With this rein didI rescue from the ditch The fortune of our Franceschini, keep Unsplashed the credit of a noble House, And set the fashionablecause at Rome A-prancing till bystanders shouted ‘ ’ware!’ The other rein’s judicious management Suffered old Somebody to keep the pace, Hobblingly play the roadster: who but he Had his opinion,was not led by the nose In leash of quibbles strung to look like law! You’ll soon see,-when I go to pay devoir And compliment him on confutingme,If, by a back-swing of the pendulum,

insertedabove 3 Bottini, 5 erased 5 3481 MS:on for 5 erased andreplaced by 5 to MS:rogue: well Pl869:roguel well 3551 MS:in Eutropius . . Well, P1869:well, 1889a:in Eutropius . . . well, ’651 MS:Quod, don’t 1889a:Quod don’t ’681 MS:ofyourFranceschiniP1869:of our Franceschini 3701 MS:cause of Rome 1872:cause at Rome 1761 MS:Inleash aP1869:In leash 3791 MS:pendulum

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Grace be not, thick and threefold, consequent. ‘I must decide as I see proper, Don! I’m Pope, I have’ myinward lights for guide. Had learning been the matter in dispute, Could eloquence avail to gainsay fact, Yours were the victory, be comforted!’ Cinuuo will be gainer by it all. Quick then with Gomez, hot and hot next case!”

Follows, a letter, takes the other side. Tall blue-eyed Fisc whose head is capped with cloud, Doctor Bottini,-to no matter who, Writes on the Monday two days afterward. Now shall the honest championship of right, Crowned with success, enjoy at last, unblamed, Moderate triumph! Now shall eloquence Poured forth in fancied floods for virtue’s sake, (The print is sorrowfully dyked and dammed, But shows where fain the unbridled force would flow, Finding a channel)-now shall this refresh The thirsty donor with a drop or two! Here has been truth at issue with a lie: Let who gained truth the d a y have handsome pride In his own prowess! Eh? What ailsthe man?

“Well, it is over, ends asI foresaw: Easily proved, Pompilia’s innocence! Catch them entrusting Guido’s guiltto me

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Who had, as usual, the plain truth to plead. I always knew the clearness of the stream Would show the fish so thoroughly, child might prong The clumsy monster: with no mud to splash, Small credit to lynx-eye and lightning-spear! This Guide,-(much sport he contrived to make, Who at first twist, preamble of the cord, Turned white, told all, like the poltroon he was!)Finished, as you expect, a penitent, Fully confessed his crime, and made amends, And, edifying Rome last Saturday, Died like a saint, poor devil! That’s the man The gods still give to my antagonist: Imagine how Arcangeli claps wing And crows! ‘Such formidable facts to face, So naked to attack, my client here, And yet I kept a monththe Fisc at bay, And in the endhad foiled him of the prize By this arch-stroke, this plea of privilege, But that the Pope must gratify his whim, Put in his word, poor old man,-let i t pass!’ ”Such is the cue to which all Rome responds. What with the plain truthgiven me to uphold, And, should I let truth slip, the Pope at hand To pick up, steady her on legs again, My office turns a pleasantry indeed! Not that the burly boaster did onejot 0’the little was to do-young Spreti’s work! But for him,-mannikin and dandiprat, Mere candle-end and inch of cleverness Stuck on Arcangeli’s save-all,-but for him

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I knew Arcangeli would grin and brag: But what say you to one impertinence Might move a stone?That monk, you are to know, That barefoot Augustinian whose report 0’the dying woman’s words did detriment T o my best points it took the freshness from, -That meddler preached to purpose yesterday At San Lorenzo as a winding-up 0’the show which proved a treasure to the church. Out comes his sermon smoking from the press: Its text-‘Let God be true, and every man A liar’-and its application, this The longest-winded of the paragraphs, I straight unstitch, tear out and treat you with: ’Tis piping hot and posts through Rome to-day. Remember it, as I engage to do!”

“But if you rather be disposed to see In the result of the long trialhere,This dealing doomto guilt and dolingpraise T o innocency,-any proof that truth May look for vindication from the world, Much will you have misread the signs, I say. God, who seems acquiescent in the main With those who add ‘So will he ever sleep’-

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Flutters their foolishness from time to time, Puts forth His right-hand recognizably; Even as, to fools who deem He needs must right Wrong on the instant, as if earth were heaven, He wakes remonstrance-‘Passive, Lord, how long?’ Because Pompilia’s purity prevails, Conclude you, all truth triumphs inthe end? So might those old inhabitantsof the ark, Witnessing haply their dove’s safereturn, Pronounce there was no danger, all the while 0’the deluge, to the creature’s counterparts, Aught that beat wing i’ the world, was white or soft,And that the lark,the thrush, the culver too, Might equally have traversed air, found earth, And brought back olive-branch in unharmed bill. Methinks I hear the Patriarch’s warning voice‘Though this one breast, by miracle, return, No wave rolls by, in all the waste, but bears Within it some dead dove-like thing asdear, Beauty made blank and harmlessness destroyed!’ How many chaste and noble sister-fames Wanted the extricating hand, so lie Strangled, for one Pompilia proudabove The welter, plucked from the world’s calumny, Stupidity, simplicity,-who cares? “Romans! An elder race possessed your land

P1869:add ‘Sowill He ever sleep’- 1872:Will those who add ‘Sowill he 1889a:With those MS:§ lirst word illegibly crossed out Flutters that foolishness P1869:Flutters their 4651 MS:his P1869:forth His 1872:his 1889a:forth His foolishness ‘661 MS:deem He 1872:he 1889a:deem He 4G81 MS:remonstrance: “passive <> long?” P1869:remonstrance-‘Passive <> long?’ 469) MSpurity is plain, 4701 MS:you truth must triumphin P1869:you, alltruth P1869:purity prevails, 4721 MS:haply the dove’s P1869:haply their dove’s triumphs in 4751 MS:danger all 1889a:danger. all ‘7‘1 MS:deluge to P1869:deluge, to 4751 MS:white and soft,-P1869:white or soft,4761 MS:thrush. 4801 MS:breast the nightingale, P1869:thrush, the culver too, ’851 MS:hand, return by miracle, Pl869:breast, by miracle, return, ‘*8-891 MS:§ no P1869:S and lie 1889a:hand, so lie 1889a:s no 1889:s no 1; emended to restore ; see Editorial Notes 5 4891 MSRomans, altered to 6 ! The elder race, possessed P1869:Romans! An elder race 1641

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Long ago, and a false faith lingered still, As shades do, though the morning-star be out. Doubtless some paganof the twilight-day Has often pointed to a cavern-mouth Obnoxious to beholders, hard by Rome, And said,-nor he a bad man, no, nor fool, Only a man born blindlike all his mates,‘Here skulk in safety, lurk, defying law, The devotees to execrable creed, Adoring-with what culture . . . Jove, avert T h y vengeance from us worshippers of thee! . . . What rites obscene-their idol-god, an Ass!’ So went the word forth, so acceptance found, So century re-echoed century, Cursed the accursed,-and so, from sire to son, You Romans cried ‘The offscourings of our race Corrupt within the depths there: fitly fiends Perform a temple-service o’er the dead: Child, gather garment roundthee, pass nor pry!’ Thus groaned your generations: till the time Grew ripe, and lightning had revealed, belike,Thro’ crevice peeped into by curious fear,Some object even fear could recognize

possessed 4901 MS:ago, while the false P1869rag0, and a false ‘g1) MS:do, though < > o u t : P1869:out. 1889a:do though 5 emended to 5 do, though 5 see Editorial ‘921 MS:Doubtless, some <> twilight-day, PI869:twilight-day Notes 3 ’9’1 MScavem’s mouth Pl869:cavem-mouth, 1872:Doubtless some ‘951 MS:no nor fool,P1869:no. nor 1889a:fool, 1889a:cavern-mouth 4961 MS:man andblind P1869:man, so, blind 1889a:man born blind ‘971 MS:‘Here skulked 3 altered to 5 skulk in safety, died 5 crossed out and replaced 4981 MS:devotees of 5 crossed out 5 above by 5 lurked 0 altered to 5 lurk ‘991 MS:Adorers-with <>culture . . Jove P1869:Adoring-with <>culture . . . Jove 5001 MS:thee! . . 1889a:thee! . . . MS:obscene their idol-god-an Ass!P1869:obscene-their idol-god, an Ass!’ 1872:idol-god an 1889a:idoLgod. an 50’1 MS:century P1869:century, 5041 MS:accursed,-so PI869:accursed,-and so 5051 1872:race, 1889a:race 5061 MS:fitly, fiends 1889afitly fiends 507) MS:Perform there 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 a temple service 5091 MS:.% groaned 1889a:Thus groaned P1865?temple-service 5101 MS:ripe,-and lightning hath revealed,-belike,P1869:ripe. and <> revealed, 5121 MS:even you could P1869:even fear could belike,1889a:had

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I’ the place of spectres; on the illumined wall, To-wit, some nook, tradition talks about, Narrow and short, acorpse’s length, no more: And by it, in the due receptacle, The little rude brownlamp of earthenware, The cruse, was meant for flowers but now held blood, The rough-scratched palm-branch, and the legend left Pro Christo. Then the mystery lay clear: The abhorred one was a martyr all the time, Heaven’s saint whereof earth was not worthy. What? Do you continue inthe old belief? Where blackness bides unbroke, must devils brood? Is i t so certain not another cell 0’the myriad that make u p the catacomb Contains some saint asecond flash would show? Will you ascend into the light of day And, having recognized a martyr’s shrine, Go join the votaries that gape around Each vulgar god that awes the market-place? Are these the objects of your praising? See! In the outstretched righthand of Apollo, there, Lies screened a scorpion: housed amid the folds Of Juno’s mantle lurks centipede! a

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Each statue of a god were fitlier styled Demon and devil. Glorify no brass That shines like burnished goldin noonday glare, For fools! Be otherwise instructed,you! And preferably ponder, ere ye judge, Each incident of this strange humanplay Privily acted on a theatre That seemed secure from every gaze but God’s,Till, of a sudden, earthquake laid wall low And let the world perceive wild work inside And how, in petrifactionof surprise, The actors stood,-raised arm and plantedfoot,Mouth as it made, eye as it evidenced, Despairing shriek,triumphant hate,-transfixed, Both he who takes and she who yields the life.

“As ye become spectators of this scene, Watch obscuration of a pearl-purefame By vapoury films, enwoven circumstance, -A soul made weak by its pathetic want Of just the first apprenticeship to sin Which thenceforthmakes the sinning soulsecure From all foes save itself, soul’s truliest foe,Since egg turnedsnake needs fear no serpentry,-

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As ye behold this web of circumstance Deepen the more for every thrill and throe, Convulsive effort to disperse the films And disenmesh the fame 0’the martyr,-mark How all those means, the unfriended one pursues, To keep the treasure trusted to her breast, Each struggle in the flight from death to life, How all,by procuration of the powers Of darkness, are transformed,-no single ray, Shot forth to show and save the inmost star, But, passed as through hell’s prism, proceeding black To the world thathates white: as ye watch, I say, Till dusk and such defacement grow eclipse By,-marvellous perversity of man!The inadequacy and inaptitude Of that self-same machine, that very law Man vaunts, devised to dissipate the gloom, Rescue the drowning orbfrom calumny, -Hear law, appointed todefend the just, Submit, for best defence,that wickedness Was bred of flesh and innate withthe bone Borne by Pompilia’s spirit for a space, And no mere chance fault, passionate and brief: Finally, when ye find,-after this touch Of man’s protection which intends to mar The last pin-point of light and damnthe disc,One wave of the handof God amid the worlds Bid vapour vanish, darkness flee away, And let the vexed star culminate in peace

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Approachable no more by earthly mistWhat I call God’s hand,-you, perhaps,-mere chance Of the true instinct of an old good man Who happens to hate darkness and love light,In whom too was the eye that saw, not dim, The natural force to do the thing he saw, Nowise abated,-both by miracle,All this well pondered,-I demand assent To the enunciation of my text In face of one proof more that ‘God is true And every man a liar’-that who trusts To human testimony for a fact Gets this sole fact-himself is proved a fool; Man’s speech being false, if but by consequence That only strength is true: while man is weak, And, since truth seems reserved for heaven not earth, Plagued here by earth’s prerogative of lies, Should learn to love and long for what, one day, Approved by life’s probation, he may speak. “For me, the weary and worn, who haply prompt To mirth or pity, as I move the mood,A friar whoglides unnoticed to the grave, With these bare feet, coarserobe and rope-girt waist,I have long since renounced your world, ye know: Yet what forbids I weigh the prize forgone, The wordly worth? Idare, as I were dead,

MS:hand; and the world,-this chance P2869:hand,-you, perhaps,-this 592) MS:eye, t h a t <> dim P2869:eye that C > dim, 2889a:perhaps,-mere chance 59’1 MS:saw P1869:saw, 5951 MS:pondaed,-why refuse assent P2869:pondered.I demand assent 5971 MS:that God is P2869:that ‘God is 5981 MS:liar-that m( MS:fool, P2869:fool; MStrue, while P2869:uue; P2869:liar’“that m3-71 MS:earth,/ Learns to love now while 1872:uue! while 2889a:uue: while what he may speak one day. / For <> and the worn, who prompt P1869:earthJ Should learn to love what <> / 7 For 1872:earth,/ Plagued here by earth’s prerogative of lies,/ Now learns to love and tong for what, one day,/ Approved by life’s probation, hemay For 2889a:earth,/ / Should l e a r n <> / / For <> and worn, who haply speak./ 608”11 MS:pity as may move the mood/ Bare feet, coarse < > waist of mine,/ prompt <> know, PI869:pity, as I move the mood,-/ A friar who glide unnoticed to the grave,/ <> mine,--/ < > know: 1872:/ < > glides < > grave,/ With these bare <> waist,-/ I 6’2-l‘I MS:Yet weigh the worth of worldly prize put by last two words crossed out 8 $891

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Disinterestedly judge this and that Good ye account good: but God tries the heart. Still, if you question me of my content At having puteach human pleasure by, I answer, at the urgency of truth: As this world seems, I dare not say I know -Apart from Christ's assurance which decidesWhether I have not failed to taste much joy. For many a doubt will fain perturb my choiceMany a dream of life spent otherwiseHow human love, in varied shapes, might work As glory, or as rapture, or asgrace: How conversancy with the books that teach, The arts that help,-how, to grow good and great, Rather than simply good, and bring thereby Goodness to breathe and live, nor, born i' the brain, Die there,-how these and many another gift Of life are precious though abjured by me. But, for one prize, best meed of mightiest man, Arch-object of ambition,-earthly praise, Repute 0'the world, the flourish of loud trump, The softer social fluting,-Oh, for these, "No, my friends! Fame,-that bubble which, world-wide Each blows and bids his neighbour lend a breath, That so he haply may behold thereon

foregone;/ Disinterestedly pronounce on this P1869:foregone,/ Disinterestedly judge this 1872:Yet what forbids I weigh the prize forgone,/ The worldly worth? I dare, as I were 6151 MS:good: But P1869:but 6171 MS:put the human P1869:put dead,/ / 6181 MS:truth, 1872:truth: 6191 MS:'As P1869:As each human 6Z11 MS:joy: P1869:joy. 622-251 MSa dream would fain < > choice--/ How love, in those the varied shapes, might show/ As 1872:a doubt would <>choice-/ Many a dream of life spent otherwise-/ How human love, in varied shapes, might work/ As 1889a:doubt will fain 6261 MSAnd conversancy P1869:How conversancy 6271 MS:help,-that to grow great, in fine,P1869:help,-how, to 1872:to grow good and great, 6301 MS:there: all these P1869:there,-how these 6511 MS:May well be precious 1872:Of life areprecious 6321 MS:But for < > of mighty man, P1869:But, 6'+381 MS:of fame's trump,/ <> friends! for that <> / for <>of mightiest man, Each 5 in margin 5 Ye 5 aossed out 5 blow 5 altered to 5 blows and bid 5 altered to 5 bids you 5 aossed out andreplaced above by 5 his < > lend the 5 over hts 5 breath, P1869:of loud trump,/ Thesofter social fluting,-Oh, for these,/ < > friends! Fame,-that < > / < >

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One more enlarged distorted false fool’s-face, Until some glassy nothing grown as big Send by a touch the imperishable to suds,No, in renouncing fame, my loss was light, Choosing obscurity, my chance was well!”

“Didst ever touch such ampollosity As the monk’sown bubble, let alone its spite? What’s his speech for, but just the fame he flouts? How he dares reprehend both high andlow, Nor stoops to turn the sentence ‘God is true And every man a liar-save the Pope Happily reigning-my respects to him!’ And so round off the period. Molinism Simple and pure! To what pitch get we next? I find that, for first pleasant consequence, Gomez, who had intended to appeal From the absurd decision of the Court, Declines, though plain enough hisprivilege, To call on help from lawyers any moreResolves earth’s liars may possess the world

lend a breath,/ That 6421 MS:fame, the loss 1872:fame, my loss MS:obscurity, I have not erred last four words aossed out andreplaced above by four chance words 5 the chance was well! P2869:well!”1872:obscurity,my M41 MS:Didst2889:Didst emended to 5 “Didst see Editorial Notes M5”91 MS:the man’s followed by word illegibly crossed out !j fool’s-speech, let <> 1 He might have coined period 9 last two words crossed out andreplaced above by three words turned the sentence < > / And P1869:man’s own bubble, let <> / What’s his speech for, but just the fame he Routs-/ How he dares reprehend both high and low?/Else had he turned the sentence “God emended to 5 ‘ G o d 5 see Editorial Notes <> / And 1872:/ < > flouts?/ <> low,/ Nor stoops to turn the <> / And 1889a:the 6501 MS:him!” P2869:him!” 5 emended to him!’ 5 see Editorial monk’sown Notes 5 6511 MS:And aossed out ”so rounded P1869:--sO, 652) MS:pure-to this 5 aossedout rounded 1872:rounding 1889a:And so round 6561 MS:though plainly altered to and replaced above by 5 what P1869:pure! To plain on 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 enough his followed by word illegibly 6571 MS:To have to do with last four words crossed aossedout, possibly inlustice out and replaced above by four words 5 call on help from 6581 MS:Resolves theliars may persuade aossed out and replaced above by 5 harangue the world, P1869:liars may possess1889a:Resolves earth’sliars <> world, DC,BrU:world 2889:world

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Till Godhave had sufficiency of both: So may I whistle for my job and fee! “But, for this virulent and rabid monk,If law be an inadequate machine, And advocacy, froth and impotence, We shall soon see, my blatant brother! That’s Exactly what I hope to show your sort! For, by a veritable piece of luck, The providence, you monks round period with, All may be gloriously retrieved. Perpend! “That Monastery of the Convertites Whereto the Court consigned Pompilia first, “Observe, if convertite, why, sinner then, Or what’sthe pertinency of award?And whither she was late returned to die, -Still in their jurisdiction, mark again!That thrifty Sisterhood, for perquisite, Claims every piece whereof maydie possessed Each sinner in the circuit of its walls. Now, this Pompilia seeing that, by death 0’the couple, all their wealth devolved on her, Straight utilized the respite ere decease, By regular conveyance of the goods She thought her own, to will and to devise,Gave all to friends, Tighetti andthe like, In trust for him she held her son and heir, Gaetano,-trust which ends with infancy: ~

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MS:both,P1869:both: 6M)-611 MS:§ no f P1869:s 1[ MS:virurent P1869:virulent “1 MS:advocates-superfluous impotence, P1869:advocacy, so much impotence, 1872:advocacy, froth and impotence, 66‘] MS:brother! There’s PI869:brother! That’s 665) MS:sortP1869:sort! 6671 MS:The providence youP1869:True providence, you 1872:The providence u6&691 MS:§ no 1 P1869:g f 1872:s no 1889:s no f ; emendedtorestore 1[ ; see Editorial Notes 6711 MS:then P1869:then, 6721 MS:Or where the 1872:Or 6781 MSthis Pompilia,seeingthat by 1872:this Pompiliaseeingthat, by what’s the 6801 MS:Had utilized <>decease P1869:Straight utilized 1872:d~ease, 68’1 MS:of M)2( MS:devise Pl869:devise,6851 MS:To all good P1869:of the goods M)41 MS:for certainfriends <> the rest, P1869:Gave a11 to friends < > thelike, a51 MS:trust to endwith 1889a:tmst which ends whom she P1869:for himshe 6591

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So willing anddevising, since assured The justice of the Court wouldpresently Confirm her in her rightsand exculpate, Re-integrate and rehabilitatePlace her as, through my pleading, now she stands. But here’s the capital mistake: the Court Found Guido guilty,-but pronounced no word About the innocency of his wife: I grounded chargeon broader base, I hope! No matter whether wife be true or false, The husband must notpush aside the law, And punish of a sudden: that’sthe point: Gather from out my speech the contrary! It follows that Pompilia, unrelieved By formal sentence from imputed fault, Remains unfit to have and to dispose Of property which law provides shall lapse. Wherefore the Monastery claims its due: And whose, pray, whose the office, but the Fisc’s? Who but I institute procedure next Against the person of dishonest life, Pompilia whom last week I sainted so? I i t is teach the monk what scripturemeans, And that the tongue should prove a two-edged sword, No axe sharp one side, blunt the other way, Like what amused the town at Guido’s cost! Astrcea redux! I’ve a second chance

with 6861 MS:Willing, devising, as assured, nodoubt, P1869:So willingand 6871 MS:The pending 5 crossed out and replaced above by 5 devising, since assured justice 6881 MS:rights as exculpate, PI869:rights and exculpate, 68*91( MS:rehabilitate-/ 8 illegible word 8 as, thro’ my endeavour, now <> / But PI869:rehabilitate-/ Station as, through my pleading, now < > / But 1872:/ Place her as <> / But 6941 MS:I warily 5 crossed out and replaced above by 8 grounded G961 MS:The over perhaps her 5 <> not put by with his hands 8 last five words crossed 6971 MS:pointoutand replaced below by four words 5 push aside the law, 7021 MS:property, such fault provides <> lapse: P1869:point! 1889a:point: 7031 MS:dueP1869:property. which law provides 1889a:property which <> lapse. 7041 MS:pray,-whose <> Fisc’s, P1869:pray, whose < > P1869:due. 1889a:due: Fisc’s? 7051 MS:now P1869:next 7071 MS:Pompilia, whom 1889a:Pompilia 7O*1 MS:I’ll, 5 altered to 5 I, it is, teach 1889a:I it is teach 7wI MS:should whom be a P1869:should prove a 7121 MS:Astrmredux, I’ve P1869:Astr(en redux! I’ve

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Before the self-same Court 0’the Governor Who soon shallsee volte-face and chop, changesides. Accordingly, I chargeyou on your life, Send me with alldespatch the judgment late 0’the Florence Rota Court, confirmative 0’the prior judgment at Areuo, clenched Again by the Granducal signature, Wherein Pompilia is convicted, doomed, And only destined to escape through flight The proper punishment. Send me the piece,I’ll work it! And this foul-mouthed friar shall find His Noah’s-dove that brought theolive back Turn into quite the other sooty scout, The raven, Noah first put forth the ark, Which never came back but ate carcasses! No adequate machinery in law? No powerof life and deathi’ the learned tongue? Methinks I am already at my speech, Startle the world with ‘Thou,Pompilia, thus? How is the fine gold of the Templedim!’ And so forth. But the courier bids me close, And clip away one joke that runs through Rome, Side by side with the sermon which send. I How like the heartlessness of the old hunks Arcangeli! His Count is hardly cold, The client whom his blunders sacrificed,

71’1 MS:sides! 1889a:sides. 7161 MSthe sentence crossed out and replaced above 7171 MS:the Florence Rota and crossed out and replaced above by by judgment 7191 MS:the Ganduke’s signature and sealP1869:the Court, confirmative 7221 MS:the piece,1872:the peace,1889a:the piece,Granducal signature, 72‘1 MS:back, 1889a:back 7251 MS:Is turned into the 1872:Tum into quite ‘261 MS:raven Noah f u s t of allput P1869:raven, Noah 1889a:first put the 7271 MS:That never < > back, but P1869:Andnever1872:Whichnever1889a:back but 728-’O1 MS:law?/ Methinks P1869:law?/ No power of life and death i’ the learned tongue?/ the exordium crossed out and replaced Methinks MS:Start altered to 5 Startle above by two words worldwith ‘Thou 1889:“Thou 5 emended to ‘Thou see Editorial 7’21 MS:dim,” Pl869:dim!” emended to dim!’ see Editorial Notes Notes 7’)+81 MS:close./ Alack 2‘1869:s adds lines 734-47 73’1 MS:close. ,951 Pl869:send1872:send. 7’81 MS:His client 1872:The P1869:close,

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When somebody must needs desaibe the sceneHow the procession ended at the church That boasts the famousrelic: quoth ourbrute, ‘Why, that’s just Martial’s phrase for “make an end”Ad umbilicum sic peruentum est!’ The callous dog,-let who will c u t off head, He cuts a joke and cares no more than so! I think my speech shall modify his mirth. ‘How is the fine gold dim!’-but send the piece!”

Alack, Bottini, what is my next word But death to all that hope? The Instrument Is plain before me, print that ends my Book With the definitive verdict of the Court, Dated September, six months afterward, (Such trouble and so long the old Pope gave!) “In restitutionof the perfect fame Of dead Pompilia, quondam Guido’s wife, And warrant to her representative Domenico Tighetti, barred hereby, While doing duty inhis guardianship, From all molesting, all disquietude, Each perturbation and vexation brought Or threatened to be brought against the heir By the Most Venerable Convent called Saint Mary Magdalen 0’the Convertites I’ the Corso.” Justice done a second time!

client 7421 Pl869:“Why, that’s <> ‘make an end‘-emended to ‘Why, that’s <> “make an end”see Editorial Notes 7431 P1869:est!” 9 emended to esf!’ see Editorial Notes 7451 P1869:joke, and 1889a:joke and 7461 P1869:mirth: 7471 P1869:”How <> dim!” <> piece! 5 emended to 5 ‘How <> dim’ 1889a:mirth. < > piece!”see Editorial Notes 3 7511 MS:definitive jud 5 crossed out <>Court 7521 MS:afterward Pl869:afterward. 75JI MS:long. the P1869:the Court, 7571 MS:thereby, P1869:hereby, 76’1 MS:the same P1869:the 1889a:long the 76‘1 MS:the Corm.” notethat new g beginsJustice <> time- P1869:time! heir

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Well judged, Marc Antony, Locum-tenens 0’the Governor, a Venturini too! For which I save thy name,-last of the list! Next year but one, completing his nine years Of rule in Rome, died Innocent my Pope ” B y some account,on his accession-day. If he thought doubt would do the next age good, ’Tis pity hedied unapprised what birth His reign may boast of, be remembered byTerrible Pope, too, of a kind,-Voltaire. And so an end of all i’ thestory. Strain Never so much my eyes, I miss the mark If lived or died that Gaetano, child Of Guido and Pompilia:only find, Immediately upon his father’s death, A record, in the annals of the townThat Porzia, sister of our Guido,moved The Priors of Areuo andtheir head Its Gonfalonier togive loyally A public attestation of the right 0’the Franceschini to all reverenceApparently because of the incident 0’the murder,-there’s no mentionmade 0’the crime, But what else could have caused such urgency

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To cure the mob, just then,of greediness For scandal, love of lying vanity, And appetite to swallow crude reports That bring annoyance to their betters?-bane Which, here, was promptly met by antidote. I like andshall translate the eloquence Of nearly the worst Latin ever writ: “Since antique time whereof the memory Holds the beginning, to this present hour, The Franceschini ever shone, and shine Still i’ the primary rank, supreme amid The lustres of Arezzo, proud to own In this great family, the flag-bearer, Guide of her steps and guardian againstfoe,As in the first beginning, so to-day!’’ There, wouldyou disbelieve the annalist, Go rather by the babble of a bard? I thought, Arezzo, thou hadst fitter souls, Pewarch,-nay, Buonarroti at a pinch, To do thee credit as vexillifer! Was it mere mirth the Patavinian meant, Making thee out, inhis veracious page, Founded by Janus of the Double Face? ,

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Well, proving of such perfect parentage, Our Gaetano, born of love and hate,

Which P1869:/ <> chronic greediness/ For scandal, love of lying vanity,/ And appetite to swallow <> reports/ That bring<> / Which 1872:else could have caused <> urgency/ To cure the <> of greediness/ / / < > bane/ Which 7941 MS:I have Q crossed out Q read and shall repeat you word for word last five words crossed out and replaced above by three words Q translate the eloquence P1869:I likeand 7971 MS:Reserves Q crossed out and replaced above by two words Q Holdsthe 7981 MS:shine, Z889u:shine MS:I’ the < > supreme their lustre mid PZ869:Still i’ the <> supreme amid lustres of Arezzo *OLI MS:family-her MS:The lights of our ArezzoP1869:the 8011 MS:to-day! P1869:to-day!” Rag-bearer, Z872:family, the flag-bearer, 8041 MS:disbelieve stern History, Z872:disbelieve the annalist, 805-101 MS:Trust rather to the <> bard?/ Ah, City, was it mirth that LiviusQ last two words crossed out and replaced above by two words 3 the Paduan meant/ Making P1869:bard?/ I thought, Arazo, thou hadst fitter souls,/ Petrarch,-nay, Buonarroti at a pinch,/ To do thee credit as vexillifer!/ Was it mere mirth the Patavinian meant,/ Making 1872:Co rather by the <> / //// 811-121 MS:§ no 7 Q PZ869:s 7 812-15) MS:of this perfect parentage,/

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Did the babe live or die? I fain would find! What were his fancies if he grew a man? Was he proud,-a true scion of the stock Which bore the blazon, shall make bright my pageShield, Azure, on a Triple Mountain, Or, A Palm-tree, Proper, whereuntois tied A Greyhound, Rampant, strivingin the slips? Or did he love his mother, the base-born, And fight i’ the ranks, unnoticed by the world? Such, then, the final state 0’the story. So Did the Star Wormwood in a blazing fall Frighten awhile the waters and lie lost. So did this old woe fade from memory: Till after, in the fulness of the days, I needs must find an ember yet unquenched, And, breathing, blow the spark to flame. It lives, If precious be the soul of man to man.

So, British Public, who may like me yet, (Many and amen!) learn one lesson hence Of many which whatever lives should teach: This lesson, that our human speech is naught, Our human testimony false, our fame And human estimation words and wind.

Did <> die?-one fain would know:/ What P1869:of such perfect parentage,/ Our Gaetano, born of love and hate,/ Did <>would find!/ What 1872:/ / <> die?-I fain < > / What 1889a:/ / < > die? I <> / What MS:true chip crossed outand two words crossed out and replaced above replaced above by scion of the old block,- last n171 MS:Of bearing blason, still makes < > my bookby stock,1872:stock the blazon <> my pageP1869:blason, shall make <> Book- 1872:Which bore 818-201 MS:§ a, t , m, p . p , g and r altered to capitals in next seven words § Azure < > Triple Mountain < > / < > Palm-tree, Proper < > / <> Greyhound, Rampant 8211 MS:low-born P1869:base-born. 8221 MS:And get to her, unnoticed P1869:And 8231 MS:Suchwere the finalflash 0’ P1869:Such, then, fight i’the ranks, unnoticed 825( MS:lost: 1889a:lost. 8261 MS:memory, 1872:memory. the final state 0’ 8281 Mkunquenched, 1872:unquench’d, 1889a:unquenched. 1889a:memory: 8Jll MS:§ marginal note that new 1begins yet P1869:yet. 8s21 MS:(Marry, and 8Jyl MS:Of the crossed out many whatsoever 5 last word crossed P1869:(Marry and out and replaced above by two words anything that lives P1869:many which whatever 83’1 MS:This one,that our best human P1869:Thislesson, thatourhuman lives 8J61 MS:Our human estimate. our MS:false-and, oh P1869:fals.e. our fame

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Why take the artistic way to prove so much? Because, it is the glory and good of Art, That A r t remains the one way possible Of speaking truth, to mouths like mine at least. How look a brother in the face and say “ T h y right is wrong, eyes hast thou yet art blind, Thine ears are stuffed and stopped, despite their length: And, oh, the foolishness thou countest faith!” Say this as silverly as tongue can trollThe anger of the man may be endured, The shrug, the disappointed eyes of him Are not so bad to bear-but here’s the plague That all this trouble comes of telling truth, Which truth, by when it reaches him, looks false, Seems to be just the thing it would supplant, Nor recognizable by whom it left: While falsehood would have done the work of truth. But Art,-wherein man nowise speaks to men, Only to mankind,-Art may tell a truth Obliquely, do the thing shall breed the thought, Nor wrong the thought, missingthe mediate word. So may you paint your picture, twice show truth, Beyond mere imagery on the wall,So, note by note, bring music from your mind, Deeper than ever e’en Beethoven dived,-

fame, how false! P1869:And human estimation words and wind. 8371 MS:to tell so P1869:to prove so 8J81 MS:Because,-it <> art altered to Art,- P1869:Because, 8s91 MS:Art still remains PZ869:That A r t remains E’OI MS:mine, it <> Art, 8‘31 MS:stopped, for all their length, P1869:stopped. at least: PZ869:mine at least. 8441 MS:And what a foolishness P1869:And, oh, despite their length, 1872:length: 8’5-471 MS:troll-/ Theshrug P1869:uoll-/ The anger of the man the foolishness 84&531 MS:Were not <> the bane/ That truth < > / may be endured,/ The supplant,/ While falsehood comes in aid of uuth that fails. P1869:Are not < > the plague/ That all this trouble comes of telling uuth,/ Which truth <> / / Nor recognizable by whom it left”/ < > falsehood would have done the work of truth. 1872:/ / / / <> left:/ / 85‘1 MS:men P1869:men. 8561 MS:thing that breeds the thought. P1869:thing 8571 MSxhought, by the 9 last two words crossed out and shall breed the thought, replaced above by two words 5 missing the immediate PZ869:the mediate 8591 MS:Beyond MS:picture and show truth P1869:picture. twice show truth, 8601 MS:Or, note <> yoursoul 5 crossed that imagery PZ869:Beyond mere imagery out mind P1869:So, note < > mind, 8611 MS:ever the Andante dived 0 over illegible erasure 9 Pl869:dived,-1889a:were’enBeethovendived,-

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So write a book shall mean beyond the facts, Suffice the eye and save the soul beside.

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And save the soul! If this intent save mine,If the rough ore be rounded to a ring, Render all duty which goodring should do, And, failing grace, succeed in guardianship,Might mine but lie outside thine, Lyric Love, T h y rare gold ring of verse (the poet praised) Linking our England to his Italy!

862-641 MS:mean, beyond the facts,/ And save your soul. If <> mine, PZ869:/Suffice the 1889a:mean beyond eye and save the soul beside./ 7 And save the soul! If < > mine,<> / / no q / Z889:/ / no ; emended to restore 1; see Editorial Notes / 856-681 MS:And serve as symbol, as good < > / May it go outside thine, followed by illegible erasure 0 Lyric PZ869:Render all duty which good <> /And, failing grace, 8691 MS:Thy succeed in guardianship,-/Might mine butlieoutsidethine,Lyric partially blotted out poet praised," P1869:Thy rare gold ring of verse, rare gold,-her a70) MS:to their Italy? P1869:to his Italy! ring of verse (the poet praised) 285

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EDITORIAL NOTES

THE RING AND THE BOOK, Books 9-12

Emendations to the Text The following emendationshave been made to the 1888-89 text: 9. Juris Doctor ]ohannes-Baptista Bottinius 9.427: The 1888-89 edition omits the required quotationmarks at the end of the line. The MS-1872 quotation marks are restored. 9.437: MS-1872 Yet became Yea in 1888-89, thereby losing the ironyof Bottini’s defense, yet accusation of Pompilia’s coquetry toward her “friend,/ Yet stranger,”Caponsacchi. The MS-1872 reading Yet is restored. 9.1511: The 1888-89edition omits the required singlequotation mark after years:, though the space for it remains. The MS-1872 quotation mark is restored. 10. The Pope 10.371: The 1888-89edition has only a single quotation mark at the end of the line: the required quotation marks present in MS-1872 are restored. 10.734: TheP1869-1872commaafter besidebecameaperiodin 1888-89. The line is part of a description of Greed beginning 10.733, within a larger categorization of Craft, Greed and Violence (10.730-47),and both sense and syntax in the passage require a comma rather than a period after beside. The line contains one correction in both DC and BrU, but, curiously, not this one (see Variants). The 1869-72reading is restored. 10.983: The 1888-89 edition omits the object of the preposition under required by the parallel construction who art under . . . / As Z a m under God inthis and the followingline; the same expression occurs at 10.1450. It is frequently the case in B’s revision that the contraction of a preposition to a singlevowel (i’ for in, 0’for of, etc.) reduces the metrical weight of the preposition, elidingit into thebeat of the nextword. That elision appears to have been the purpose here, but in making the revision the word me which occasioned it was lost. Syntax, sense and rhythm all argue the restoration of the MS-1872 reading underme, and the revision has been made. 10.945: The hyphen in the compound noun birthrzght-badge, present in 1869, was lost in 1872 and never restored. The hyphen was probably lost because the line was broken in the middleof the word and birthright

came at the outeredge of the line of type. The 1869 reading birthrightbadge is restored. 10.1877: The 1888-89 reading that destroys the contrast obviously intended between the following word reason, andjiner sense in the line above. The MS-1872 reading than is restored. 10.2074: The 1872-1889 reading make is inconsistent with the verb tenses in the passage, which develops an ironic forecast of the Pope’s imminentdeath(beginning 10.2053) andthe demoralizing consequences of his supposed hypoaisy and injustice in sentencing Guido and the accomplices to death. The irony depends on rhetorically treating all the deaths as a fait accompli, andpast thetense of the verb is important to this irony.Since both sense and grammatical consistency in the passage require the past tense, the MS-1869 reading made is restored. 11. Guido 11.599: T h e 1888-89edition omits the required question mark at the end of the line. The MS-1872 question mark after disbelieue is restored. 11.619: MS-1872makebecamemadein the 1888-89edition.Bothconsistency with the otherverbs in the passage and the tone of Guido’s ironic hypothesis require the present tense; the MS-1872 reading is restored. 11.827: The 1888-89edition omitsthe apostrophe inwolf’s, though the space for it remains. The MS-1872 apostrophe is restored. 11.1071: T h e 1888-89 edition omits the comma at the end of the line required by the subordinate clause. The MS-1872 comma is restored. 11.1216: The question mark appliesto the clause beginning shall Zsay in line 1215, while the quotation marksrefer only to line 1216. MShas the correct punctuation ”?, but MS was misread by compositors of P1869 and the error was never corrected. The 1888-89edition has been emended to restore the MS reading face”? 11.1412: T h e 1888-89editionomitstherequiredquotationmarksat the end of the line. The MS-1872 quotation marks are restored. 11.1613: The 1888-89edition omits the required question mark at the end of the line. The MS-1872 question mark after escape is restored. 11.2007: The MS-1872 colon at the end of the line, required by syntax, appears as a period in 1888-89. The MS-1872 colon is restored. 12. The Book and the Ring

A note on punctuation: The problem of omitted and inconsistent quotation marks in copy text of Book 12began with MS and persisted throughout allprinted editions. The problem was compounded by Smith, Elder’s practice of repeating 288

quotation marks at the beginning of every line of all quotations. The multiple narratorsof Book 12and the complex quotes-within-quotes in this book apparently led B to employ very freely and loosely a shorthand that he used more precisely elsewhere in the MS of The Ring and the Book, a line drawn downthe left margin from quotation marks at the top of the page; the indication appears first at 12.31. A still simpler notation appears in the margin at 12.403 (where Bottini’s letter begins), Quotes to end. After this point in MS there is no attempt to indicate which end is meant nor where i t is, nor to discriminate quotes-withinquotes by single quotation marks. In the monk’s sermon (12.456-643, for instance, both singleand double quotes appear the onsame page of MS for quotes-within-quotes. These indications suggest that B did not regard the structureof the quotations as confusing, nor did hewish the punctuation of the quotationsto become needlesslycomplex. In short, the most practical and straightforward method of discriminating the various narrators and speakers was apparently his intention.We have therefore treated the monk’s sermon asif it were the sermon itself, and punctuated it independently, not as aquote withina quote,despite the fact that it is inserted into Bottini’s letter. We have emended the copy text to add punctuation at the beginning at and the endof quotations at the lines below, for the specific reasons indicated. 12.455: Quotation marks added at the end of the line where Bottini’s letter breaks off. 12.456: Quotation marks indicating new speaker added at the beginning of the linewhere the monk’s sermon begins. 12.644: Quotation marksadded at the beginning of the line where Bottini’s letter resumes. 12.747: Quotation marks added at the end of the line where Bottini’s letter ends. We have emended the punctuation of quotes-within-quotes from double to single quotation marks in the following lines: 12.648-50 12.731-32 12.742-43 12.747 We have emended the punctuation of the quote-within-quotefrom single to double quotation marks at 12.742. 12.141: The apostrophe in thecontraction ’mid,present in the 1869edition, is missing in all subsequent editions. The’1869 apostrophe is restored. 12.201: The punctuation at the endof the line,present MS-1872, isonly 289

faintly visible in 1888-89,probably because of t y p e damage. The comma is restored. 12.334: The quotation mark at the end of the quotation, present 186972, is missing in the 1888-89edition. The quotation mark after thanks! is restored. 12.402: The MS-l872 question mark after Eh became an exclamation point in1888-89.Idomatic usage and thesense of the line, which is a cue to the whining tone of Bottini’s letter to follow, suggest that the loss of the question markwas an error; the MS- 1872question markis restored. 12.491: The subordinate clause beginning though wasset off by a comma MS-1872, but the comma is missing in1888-89.The comma may have been set and subsequently lost through type damage, since the space for it remains in 1889. The MS-l872 comma is restored. 12.557: The 1888-89revision souls’, of MS-l872 that’s, was almost certainly intended to be singular, soul’s, which is consistent withthe referent itself and with soul in the line above. B’s script is characteristically ambiguous aboutthe placementof apostrophes, and the errorwas probably a misreading of a lost handwritten revision. The 1888-89 souls’ is emended to SOUl’S.

B indicated divisions indiscourse by line spacing rather than by indentation. During the printing history of The Ringand the Book paragraph divisions were occasionally lost when they happened to occur between pages. We have restored all of B’s paragraphs. These form a separate class of emendations to the 1888-89text. Paragraphing is restored at: 9.211-12 12.488-89 10.1424-25 9.714-15 9.237-38 12.668-69 10.1784-85 9.880-81 9.288-89 12.863-64 10.1948-49 9.1495-96 9.605-6 10.380-81 12.117-18 9.637-38 10.960-61 12.314-15 The paragraph is also restored at 9.372-73, where confusion resulting from the addition of lines 371-72 between MS and P1869 led first to displacement of the paragraph marked in MS at line 373, to line 371 in P1869, and subsequently to its loss in 1869-1889.In accordance with B’s twice asserted intention, inMS and CP1869, the paragraph is restoredat 9.372-73. A note on variants: Since thepublication of Volumes VI1 and VIII, further light has been shedon the publishing history ofthe poem and on the s e t of 1872 sheets with revisions in B’s handwhich are among the proofs in the Beinecke Library at Yale. Michael Meredith (“A Botched Job: Publication of The Ring and the Book,” SIB 15 [ 1988],41-50) has convincingly identified the provenanceof these sheetsin hisreconstruction of the differentstages of revision of the

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Notes to Pages 5-7 poem for the 1872 edition, some revisionsbeing made aslateas 1883, he argues, but still bearingan 1872 title-page.Several small mysteriesof the printing history of TheRingand the Book are accountedfor by Meredith’s reconstruction, including the missing Book 2 in the revised sheets and the fact that documents the remainedoutside the descentof the text. The line of descent of the textis accurately recordedin the variantsin this edition, but as Meredith makes clear, therole of invention, necessity and circumstancein that line was almost as influential as within the poem itself.

Book 9, Juris Doctor Johannes-Baptista Bottinius 21 If . . . speech SeeVol.VII, Sources. 41 blow Bloom. 51 wildings . . . parterre Wild plants in a cultivated ornamental garden. 131 louts him low Bows obsequiously. 191 nutritive of arts A reference to the Roman traditionof patronage to art. 271 A-journeying to EgyptFor the flight of Joseph and Mary to Egypt to protect the infant Jesus from Herod’s wrath,see Matthew 2:13-16. The flight was a favorite subject for medieval painters. 29-33] painter . . . Molinist Bottini implies an analogy between the flight of the HolyFamily into Egypt and theflight of Caponsacchi and Pompilia to Rome, then with an irony typical of his defense, he suggests his willingness to martyr Pompilia in his artful argument.Bodies of infidel casualties in Holy Wars are useful (assistant) in studying anatomy, says Bottini. The irony that the artist’s models for the Holy Family in flight from Herod’s tyranny are victims of Christian oppressorsis not lost on him. girding loin and lighting lamp:“Let your loins be girded about, and your lights burning” (Luke 12:35). Molinist: see 1.303-13n. 35-40] To . . . foot Reminiscent of the method of Leonard0 da Vinci as preserved in his notebooks. 44-45] flax-polled . . . Joseph White headed old man (sire).Joseph was usually represented in art asaged, though there is no Biblical authority for this. 501 be . . . me Perhaps the sense here is, “May I find the words to bring thisfigure (i.e. Pompilia) to life on paper” (asthe painter does on his). 531 Marmoreal . . . uberous Marblelike, sculptured . . . swelling, full of milk. Uberous is used of animals andsuggests Bottini’s condesasexucension to Pompilia-by analogy to Mary-and perhaps also the ality B attributes to him; see 1.1 188-98and 8.234-36 and n. 561 stumped The lines of the picture are shaded by an artist’s instrument called a stump, which is used to blend lines drawn by pencil or crayon or chalk.

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Notes to Pages 7-10

611 unpanniered and elate Relieved of his load of baskets and thus happy. 631 clouted . . . scrip Shoes patched or reinforced with metal or nails . . . a bagor wallet carried by travellers or beggars. Both clout andscrip are humble articles. Cf. Milton’s “dull swain . . . with his clouted shoon” (Comus 635) and Jesus’ instructions to the disciples going forth to preach, “Take nothing for your journey, neither staves, nor scrip” (Luke 9:3). is the smallest portion. Atittle is a small diacriti651 jot nor tittleA jot cal mark. Jesuspromised in the Sermon on the Mount, “Tillheaven and wiseno pass from the law, till all earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in be fulfilled” (Matt. 5:18). Jesus’ reference isto the laws of Moses. By his analogy between painting and law, Bottini casts himself as law giver (Moses). 741 Thy . . . oils See9.27. 841 conceit Fanciful image. 86-1071 Rather . . . false Bottini’s description of the artistic process has strong similarities with B’s. See 1.451-72. The analogy with law is expedient, in that it allows Bottinito question circumstantialevidence. E pluribus unum: One from many. 971 chyme Food after digestion. 1051 stole . . . clout Cape-like wrap such as Mary is represented as wearing in many paintings . . . rag, diaper. 106-71 spirit-birth . . . false The painting figure and Bottini’s case come together and both areassociated with the improbablemiracle of the virgin birth. 1091 eximious AnotherLatinism,meaning literally “select, distinguished,” but having in English ironic overtones (OED). 1121 Capena Entry gate for the Appian Way, the ancient Roman road from Capua in the N to Rome. 114-171 Florentine . . . Ferri Michelangelo, Raphael, Pietro of Cortona, and Ciro Ferri, who died 1689. See 5.486-87n. 1191 exordium . . . ear The rhetorical term for the introduction to an oration is the exordium. Phoebus, or Apollo, god of poetry, is mentioned in Virgil, Eclogues 6.3-4 and in Milton’s “Lycidas”: “Phoebus . . . touched my trembling ears” (77). 1211 Ciro’s See5.486-87n. 123-263 Family . . . babe St. Anne, notmentionedin the Bible, is known as the motherof the Virgin Mary and here stands for Violante; Pietro must be the father of Mary (a figure not identified in Bible or legend), and Pompilia is the Virgin Mary. Joseph is missing in the picture. 1321 a month See Chronology. 292

Notes to Pages 10-13

1361 Herod . . . innocents Herod the Great, tetrarch of Jerusalem, out of fear because of the reported birthof a Messiah ordered all young, children slaughtered. See Matthew 21-18. a is stretched until, 1431 rack An instrument of torture on which body its limbs are pulled out of joint. See also 1.971-72n. and 5.12-13n. 1441 lyrist Horace. 145-471 Lene . . . duro Horace likens torture to wine in that both to an intellect, loosen the tongue. “You applygentlecompulsion . . . usually dull” (Odes 3.21, 13-14). 1481 full . . . o’er But hardly with goodness and mercy. “Thou pre; parest a table before mein the presence of mine enemies: thou annointest my head with oil;my cup runnethover. Surely goodness and mercy shall, 23:5-6). follow me all the days of my life (PS. 170-731 Phryne . . . drapery The beautiful Greek courtesan Phryne was a model,it was said, for Praxiteles’ Cnidian Venus and otherrepresentations of the goddess. The story is toldof herthat when on trial for a, capital offense she bared her breast and was acquitted. Doing away with drapery, Bottini will reveal his client to be, if not guiltless, yet under; standably tempted and tempting. 177-791 What . . . Lucretia See8.1660-66n. 181-821 antiquity . . . infallible The reference to antiquity, infallible, and innocence are aplay on words suggested by the dogmaof Papal Infallibility. See 5.1344n. 1861 Phrynean See 9.17011. 1871 Lucretia’s . . . Tarquin’s See8.1660-66n. 1881 thistles . . . Jigs “For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a, bramble bush gather they grapes” (Luke 6:44).. 1891 oblique Misdirected, unjust. 190-2091 A . . . last Mock epicintroduction. Contrast with 1.1382, 1408. 2031 opaline The changeable opal was associated with inconstancy and bad luck; Bottini’s symbolism is ambiguous. 2061 lapidary Worker in gems. 213-141 Sermocinando . . . clepsydram “Let me not declaim beyond, the clepsydram with my discoursing.” A clepsydram was a water glass for measuring time, or by extension, a period of time so measured. 2151 hour-glass Since Bottini’s speech was never delivered aloud (see Sources), it is curious thathe measures its lengthby an hour-glass. Yet Arcangeli also used an hour-glass; see 8.59 and 8.1427 and nn. 2161 Flaccw . . . plunge As Horacepromptsin ArsPoetica, 148. Homer, hesays, “always hastens to the issue and hurries hisreaders into the heart of the story, justas if theywere familiarwithit.” 2181 arrest your love Catch your attention; win your approval. /

./

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/

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Notes to Pages 13-15

2241 0’ . . . sex Satan “first attacked the mind of the weaker sex,” said Ebttini inOYB,E 211. 234-351 Hebe-slips . . . foot Daughter of Jupiter and Juno, goddess of youth andcupbearer to the gods,Hebe lost her office as cupbearer(according to one version of the story) through a slip and fall while in attendance on the gods. 2361 wiselier winkThroughout hispresentation Bottiniinsists that he proposes to prove Guido guilty, not toprove Pompilia innocent. The burden of proof of adultery, he contends, lay solely with theAdvocate of the Poor. His effort to be “objective” makes him all too willing to acknowledge some natural feminine “frisking” on Pompilia’s part. 2371 dear Costly. 2381 Hymen The god of marriage. 239-401 Discedunt . . . amor “Loves now depart . . . Let love remain.” 2451 foodful glebe Productive land. 248-491 cohabita . . . ducere “She was barred from leading a freer life.” The phrasingis from Arcangeli’s opening argument(OYB,E 11). 250-531 heifer . . . yokeA heifer is a youngcow which has not calved; the term is used figuratively for a wife. A hind is a rustic, a male farm laborer. natural law: the law as itis observed in animals, andby extension as a wife should behave toward her husband. Yoke has double meaning: the yoke of marriage and the yoke of bondage. 262-651 Importunate . . . ire Precisely the charges Guidobrought against her. 269-811 mind . . . new Throughout this passage there areechoesof 2 Corinthians 5:17 and Revelation 21:4-5: “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things arebecome new.” “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: forthe former things are passed away. And he that sat upon the throne said,Behold, I make all things new.” 2801 Partake . . . bower Initially Pompilia had refused to consummate the marriage. See 7.715 ff. 283-851 Novorum . . . ordo “Of new things the order is being born!” (Virgil [the Mantuan], Eclogues 4.5-7). 285-881 Every . . . Canticles To confer is to compare. A canticle is a liturgical song fromthe Bible. The passage here referred to is Song of Solomon 211-14. “For, lo, the winteris past, the rain is over and gone; The flowers appear on the earth. . . . 2901 suppression . . . end See9.280n. ”

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Notes to Pages 15-18 297-3001 lady . . . true This charge against Pompilia is not found in the record. feminity: femininity. 3011 choice Favor. 3041 donative A noun meaning “gift, donation.” 3061 escapes Transgressions, peccadillos (OED). 3071 prepense Premeditated. 3121 olent Giving off a fragrance. 3141 One chaliceA perverse referenceto the common cup of the Holy Eucharist. 3171 advertise Inform. 339-411 Constans . . . away “Constantin lightness”‘(Ovid, Tristia 5.8.18). Bottini makes levity carry the triple sense of “lightness” (as in the Latin original, where the reference is to Fate); “object of humor” (including the joke Bottini is making now), and “levite” (deacon; see 1.260-6211.). Bears the bell also has triple significance: B took the title “Bells and Pomegranates” (1845) from their Biblical association with “Pleasure and Profit, the Gay and the Grave . . . (RB-EBB,ed. Kintner, 1.241 [Oct. 18,18451).“To bear the bell”is proverbial for “to be the best,” and of course Caponsacchi bore away the belle as well. 345-471 Trust . . . delectum “Believe him not from the criminal mob chosen for you” (Horace, Odes 2.4.17-18). 3491 phoenix The very summation. 351-531 precept . . . blemish Areference to the laws laid down in Leviticus 21 :21,“No man that hath blemish a of the seed of Aaron the priest by fire:he hath a shall come nigh to offer the offerings of the Lord made blemish; he shall notcome nigh to offer the bread of his God.” 353-541 lest . . . Pesh “Lest the mind be reflected unclearly (uncand i d ) through the obstructing (thwarting) flesh.” 355-651 Was . . . well A conflation of three passages of scripture. The 1 Samuel16: 12.David firstencountered description of David comes from to mediate between him andher “churlish and Abigail when she came misbehaved” husband, Nabal, who had insulted David and his men. When she told Nabal of what shehad done, hebecame ill anddied ten days later, smote by the Lord (1 Sam. 25: 1-38).David did notdance before Abigail but before the Ark of God, which he had brought into citythe of David (2 Sam. 6:14-16). 3671 Heu . . . jides “Also the antique faith.” Virgil, Aeneid 6.878. 3701 Discover Uncover. 371-721 Pope . . . simile See10.485-93 and 10.1435-45for sea-side similes. 377-811 Truly . . . fine Pompilia so stated in her deposition. See OYB,E 92. ”

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Notes to Pages 19-24 3931 Comacchian The vale of Comaccio, N of Ravenna, was known for its large eels. 8961 fasting bearableChurch discipline prohibited the eating of meat on Fridays and fast days and seasons, such asthe Lenten season now in course, but permitted fish, a category which would includeeels. 3991 Lernaean snakeThe fabled nine-headed monster which haunted the marshesof Lema by Argos. Hercules slew him as one of the twelve labors imposed as punishment on himby Eurystheus. 4021 lunes Irrational acts. 4031 Znsanit homo “The man is insane.” Horace, Satires 2.7.17. 4171 lose his soul “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matt.16:26). 424-311 And . . . shield See9.225-27n. 432-411 Alike . . . folly While denying that Pompilia was guilty of adultery, Bottini does say, “Although Pompilia’s love for the latter for the purpose of winning him . . . ” [Caponsacchi] was merely pretended (OYB,E 184). 4461 Allow . . . hers “Although they seem amatory, yet they were ordained to the purpose of alluring this same Caponsacchi,in order that he might flee with her. . . . Inasmuch as the end is permissable the means are so considered” (OYB,E 182). 45 1-54] move . . . speech In the prologue to Satires, Persius the Latin poet (34-62 A.D.) says thatjust asthe stomach (maw)-that is, necessity-can make the parrot, the pie (magpie) andthe now speak like a man, so hunger can spur a man to poetry. The argument that Pompilia was driven by necessity to learnhow to write is adapted from Bottini in OYB,E 180. Concave: “the vault of heaven” (OED). 4571 one letterThe letter writtenby Pompilia to her parents from Castelnuovo was certainly her own. See OYB,E 160. 4621 She . . . love-letters An addition by B to the record; Bottini did not concede this in OYB. 4631 Negatusvoces “Skill at speaking the words denied.” See 9.451-54n. 4651 lies i’ Shares. 4661 Forged . . . all It is impossible that Guido forged the “one.” See 9.457n. 4731 candid Unblemished. 5111 muckworms Worms or grubsthat live in muck; figuratively, money grubbers. 5131 generous Unselfish, with ironic overtones. 5151 Samson . . . snare Samson, because of his love for Delilah, revealed to her the secret of his strengthand she betrayed him to his enemies. The story is told in Judges 16:15-21.

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Notes to Pages 24-28

520-241 Quia . . . else SeeOYB,E184. 526-271 Venus . . . Moschi Moschus, Idyls 1.3-5,of which B provides a paraphrase in the lines following. 5541 for exanple-sake“Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they were written for our admonition” (1 Cor. 1O:ll). 5581 Myrtillus, AmaryllisNames commonly given to lovers in pastoral verse, and used in the letters allegedly written by Caponsacchi and Pompilia. 545-471 Ulysses . . . garb Ulysses, in the guise of a beggar, slipped to tell his into the Trojan camp, slew many of the Trojans, and returned own army about the enemy and their plans. See Odyssey 4.245-61. 5481 clout Beggar’s rags. 5491 clack dish A lidded wooden dish carried and clacked by beggars. 5611 perdue Concealed. 5631 Molinist See1.803-1311. 566-681 Judith’s . . . lust Judith was the beautiful young Jewess who by seductive wiles attracted the Assyrian general Holophernes and then, having lured him intoa drunken state, cutoff his head. Thus she inspired the Israelites to a great military victory over the Assyrians. See Judith 13. 570-711 faulchion . . . dish A falchion(theusualspelling)isa sword. Holophernes’ head was carried in a net concealed in afood bag, not on a dish. It was John the Baptist whose head was presented to Herod on a dish (Matt.14:68). The confusion of John the Baptist and Holophernes suggests the substitution of Salome for Judith; Bottini’s defense again betrays his ambivalence about Pompilia. 574-793 wax . . . Zcarus Icarus attempted to reach heaven using wings attached to his body with wax, but whenhe came t o o close to the sun, the wax melted, the wings dropped, and he fell to earth. 5931 still . . . heretics By the seventeenth century the worst of the Inquisition was over. Heresy remaineda continuing concern of the Church, however. In 1689, Innocent XI1 himself condemned Fenelon’s writings. See 12.65n., 12.66-67n. 5941 Give . . . Gath The gigantic Philistine warrior Gath challenged the army of Israel with these words:“Choose you a man from you and let him come down to me. If he be able tofight with me, and to kill me, then will we be your servants: But if I prevail against himand kill him,then shall ye be our servants and serve us” (1 Sam. 1723-9). The giant was killed by the young David with his slingshot. 5981 dragon . . . George See1.579n. 602-31 Saint Paul . . . presence “For his letters, say they, are weighty and powerful; but his bodily presence is weak” (2 Cor. 1O:lO). He

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Notes to Pages 28-33

is depicted as puny also in the apocryphal “Acts of Paul and Tecla.” 6051 true . . . oak It was popularly believed that the oak was especially susceptible to being struck by lightning. 6131 inapprehensive Imperceptive, unaware. 6141 premiss Premise. 6151 bear . . . bush From Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” 5.1.21-22: “Or inthe night, imaginingsome fear, / How easy is a bush supposed a bear!” 6221 Helen’s nepentheAfter the Trojan war when Odysseus’sson Telemachus was seeking his father, he visited Helen, now reunited with Menelaus in Greece. To assuage Telemachus’ grief and anxiety, Helen gave him an Egyptian drug called Nepenthe (Odyssey 4.220-21). 6321 apparition Appearance (here, real). 6341 former speech A reference to Bottini’s first argument in OYB; see Sources. 6411 Suis . . . militat “Who goeth a warfare any time at his own charges? (1 Cor. 9:7). 648-501 Money . . . store The list is in the records; see OYB, E 184. 652-531 With . . . queen Pygmalion, King of Tyre, murdered his sister Dido’s rich husband andtook his wealth. The husband’s ghostrevealed to Dido boththe perpetrator of the crime and theplace where he had hidden the treasure. She secured it and decamped, later founding Carthage and becoming its queen. The story is told by Virgil in the Aeneid 1.348-64. 6691 bale Trouble, disaster. 6761 Sororia . . . oscula “At least sisterly kisses” (Ovid, Metanorphoses 4.334, 9.537). The real Bottini did not admit the kissing, but subject here were adapted from many of the other arguments about the OYB,E 185. 680-821 driver . . . Governor See6.1668n. That Borsi’s evidence was given after some weeks or months of prison (he was not acquitted until December, nine months after the flight, though he may have been released earlier), may indicate pressure from the authorities in Arezzo that he depose in Guido’s behalf. 6871 full tale The complete sum. 6921 first argument See Sources. 708-91 nectar . . . imbue “The sweet lipsthat Venus hadimbued with the quintessence of her own nectar” (Horace, Odes 1.13.15-16). 7221 Molinist See1.303-13n. 723-241 built . . . her Jesus said to Peter, “And I say also unto thee, that thou artPeter, and uponthis rock I will build my church: and the gates of hell shall notprevail against it” (Matt. 16:18).

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7291 Spirit . . . weak So Jesus saidto the sleepingdisciples who were too weary to watch while heprayed in the Gardenof Gethsemane (Matt. 26:41). 742-431 Ut . . . perii Virgil, Eclogues 8.41 The translation is accurate but not the tone. 755-631 Archimedes . . . innocence Livy, AbUrbeConditaLibri 25.31.9. Actually Archimedes was “intent uponthe figures which he had traced in the dust.” He is said tohave beenso absorbed in a problem that he did notknow that Syracuse had been attacked. He was killed without realizing that there was danger. The analogy between the death of the sage and the deathof innocence is a masterpiece of double entendre and innuendo. As Altick and Loucks say, the passage “must be the most audacious sexual scene in Victorian literature. Only apoet confident of his reputation for unintelligibility would have dared print such lines” (Richard D. Altick and James F. Loucks, Browning’s Roman Murder Story [Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 19681, 180). 776-771 N o n . . . Debemw “We ought not always to hold the same language, butwe ought always to aim atthe same end” (Cicero, Epistulae ad Familiares 1.9.21). 7781 Lie . . . bids The contrast between the old and new law isreminiscent of Jesus’ interpretation of the law in Matthew 5:20-48. 7871 greatest . . . womanhood A play on the Pharisees’ question to Jesus: “Master, which is the greatest commandment in the law?” (Matt. 22:36)]. 7891 impudence The opposite of modesty; shamelessness. 797-991 Hold . . . veil The Medici Venus in the Ufizzi in Florence, which is a copy of an originalby Praxiteles, shields her nakedness with both hands. 803-51 epistle . . . Violante See 2.67811. 8171 pose I.e., the Medicean pose of 9.797-98. 8201 repugnant Resisting. 826-291 Nero . . . write Nero, called upon to sign a death sentence when he was about seventeen, is said to have wished that he could not write. 8321 0 . . . mendacious Horace, Odes 3.11.35-36. 8351 Beware . . . unsuccess I.e., don’t confuse guilt and failure. 838-391 Troy . . . stood In the war between the Greeks and the Trojans, the Trojans were eventually defeated not by superior valor but by guile. 8441 assist Are present. 8451 succeeds Follows. 8461 moonstruck Demented.

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8511 cubiculum Bedroom. 8541 Good . . . sleep Literally, commerce means communication; the line refers to the belief that God often communicated with man through angels. Commerce may also carry the contrary notionof sexual intercourse between devils, incubi, and their human victims. Thus, again, Bottini compromises Pompilia while professing to defend her. 861-621 Vulcan . . . net See3.1444-49n. 8661 Demodocus . . . song Demodocus was the minstrel in the Odyssey whose song tells the story Bottini has just repeated. It was widely thought inthe nineteenth century that the passage was spurious, therefore nugatory, worthless. 8701 pickthank One who curries favor; in this case, one whosensationalizes in order to gain popular favor. 8781 desecrated brow A reference to the cuckold’s horns. 8801 Tacitus Roman historian c.55-c.120. There is a pun on “silence” . (Altick). 883-861 bare . . . Thalassian-pure The lines are a series of broad jokes on the expression “the naked truth.” Thalassianmeans “pertaining to the sea,” and Thalassian-pure may refer back to the Aphrodite (Venus)of 9.798, whose name means “foam-born” and whoaccording to legend arose from the foam of the sea. Bottini thusrepresents Pompilia naked as an innocent new-born-or naked as an aduluess. 8871 catches . . . sword See2.1023n. 890-911 Crowned . . . obedience “A virtuouswoman is a crown to her husband.” See 5.580-81n. 9171 Drew . . . life See2.1023n. 9251 awaiting . . . stone T o the crowd about to stone the woman caught in adultery,Jesus said, “He that is without sin among you,let him first cast a stone at her”(John 8:7). 93 1-33] Magdalen . . . gardener Magdalen mistook the risen Jesus to be the gardener (John 20: 15). 961-731 Hesione . . . trick King Laomedon attempted to defraud the for his breach of builders of the wall around Troy, and as punishment faith the city was threatened with destruction by a sea monster. As a propitiatory offering the king left his daughterHesione on a rock to be devoured by the beast. She was rescued by Hercules, Alcmena’s son. 9631 uest Clothing, covering. 9741 Nimis incongrue OYB,E 110. the contrary opinion” 9751 Sententiam . . . contrariam “Ihold (OYB,E 188). 977-801 l o v e . . . Aethiop Achilles begged his mother Thetis to perThetis suade Zeus ( l o v e ) to mediate his quarrel with Agamemnon, but

300

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informed him thatZeus was banqueting with the Ethiopian king and would be unavilable for twelve days (Homer, Iliad 1.351-427). 980-881 Hercules . . . fate Hercules slew his friend Iphitus and for punishment was exiled for a year to serve as slave to Omphale, queen of Lydia. Sheput himto doing woman’s work. According to one version of the legend, Hercules fell in love with her and served her willingly. He dideventuallystir himself, however, to kill the monster orc. See 9.961-73n. 985-861 Governor . . . Archbishop See3.965-6611. 990-921 anti-Fabius . . . restuit Fabian tactics, from the policies advocated by Fabius Maximus, an opponent of Hannibal in the Second Punic War, are strategicdelays designed to keep the opponent off balance. The Latin, “Whoby not delayingrestoredthe thing,” is an adaptation of Cicero, de Seneca 4.10; there was no negative in the original. 9961 ranged Positioned as spectators. 9991 gripe Old spelling for “grip.” 10091 Quid vetat From alinein Horace’s Satires 1.1.24-25:“Why shouldn’t onetell the truth injest?” 101l ] recreate Entertain, distract. 10131 apologue Moral tale. 10151 Tradition . . . scripture The beginnings of Christianity and its spread over the western world preceded the authorized canon of the New Testament. 1020-211 lying . . . Yeschu Psalm 31:6, “I have hated them that reBook of the Generagard lyingvanities.” Sepher Toldoth Yeschu (The tion of Jesus), is an apocryphal accountfrom a Jewishpoint of view of some of the events in the New Testament. 10251 schismatic Molinist? See1.303-13n. 10391 Molinism See 1.303-1311. 10631 proud . . . mine At Jesus’ right hand in his comingkingdom. See Matthew 20:20-21. 10651 Loved Disciple “When Jesus [from the cross] saw his mother, and the disciple standingby, whom he loved, he saith unto his mother, Woman behold thy son!” (John 19:26). 10681 Vicar and Vice-gerentThe words are close in meaning: representative of God. 10691 keys . . . hell Jesus said to Peter: “Thou art Peter, and upon prevail this rock I will build my church, and thegates of hell shall not against it. And I willgive unto thee the keys of the kingdomof heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bindon earth shallbe bound inheaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matt. 17:18-19).

30 1

Notes to Pages 48-51

’

1077-781 And . . . all At the Last Supper, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, atask ordinarily thatof servants, andsaid: “If I then, your Lordand Master have washed your feet, ye also oughtto wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14). 10931 giue . . . poor When Mary annointed Jesus’ feet with costly ointment, Judas asked, “Why was not this ointment sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor? This hesaid not that hecared for the poor; But because he was a thief” (John 12:3-6). 10981 Merry-thought Wish Bone. 1100-11011 Thucydides . . . laughed Greek historian and model in his careful documentation and historical method for later historians, c.464-c.402 B.C. A medieval scholar writing in the margins of Thucydides’ History of the Peloponnesian Warssaid, “Here the lion smiles.” The passage is not humorous and the comment may refer to the historian’s presumed pride in the polish of his work, not to its comedy (Cook). But the point of the reference is Bottini’s apology for his relish in his own extended humorous relief. He makes the obscure and forced allusion to Thucydides in orderto associate himself with the exemplary methods and seriousness of the classical author, incontrast to the historian of the farcical story just concluded, that“foolish Jew / Pretending to write Christian history” (9.1033-34). 11071 Nor . . . uain St. Paul admonishes everyone to be subject to the “higher powers”since all power derives from God. “Forhe is the minister of God to thee for good. Butif thou do that which is evil be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain” (Rom.13:1,4). 11091 oil . . . wine In the parable, the Good Samaritan went to the aid of the man whowas beaten and robbed, and “boundup his wounds, pouring in oil and wine . . . and took care of him” (Luke 10:34). 11 141 barley-bread Jesus fed the multitude withfive barley loaves. See John 6:7- 11. 1127-281 Sophocles . . . throned “Justice declared from of old,sits with Zeus in the might of the eternallaws” (Oedipus at Colonus 1832). 11401 pother . . . cocked See9.377-81n. 11491 light Happily, readily. 11571 Twelue enthroned “And Jesus said unto them, verily I say unto you, thatye which have followed me, in the regenerationwhen the Son of man shall sit in thethrone of his glory, ye also shall sit upontwelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matt. 19:28). Seealso Luke 22:30. 11591 impossible . . . come Jesus said, “it must needs be that offenses come; but woe to that man by whom the offence cometh!” (Matt. 18:7).

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11601 leet-day The day on which the court sits. A somewhat quaint foreview of heaven. 11641 Put . . . ear When one of the disciples, attempting to defend Jesus at the time of his arrest, cut off the ear of a servant amidst the arresting party,Jesus demanded, “Put up again thy sword into his place; for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword” (Matt. 26~51-52). 11751 toys Innocent flirtations. 11771 curt Short. 1185-861 range . . . pound Open fields for grazing . . . enclosure for retaining domestic animals. The reference is to Pompilia’s relegation to the monastery. 11871 ashes, dust Symbols of penitence. 11881 mollitious Voluptuous, sensuous. 11951 wicked . . . sonnet-book Pietro Aretino (1492-1557)wrote ribald verse that was widely readand much admired. 11981 wire-shirt . . . discipline References to thehairshirt(rough hair was likened to wire, as in “wire-haired terrier”) and twisted or braided cord used as awhip by religious ascetics and penitents who believed thatpunishing the fleshwas a necessary part of religious discipline. 12011 since . . . miss Law’s abundant reserves are not diminished by use. 12031 holy house See2.1189-90n. 1206-71 Being . . . matter Jesus commanded the leper whom he had healed to tell no one. “But he went out, andbegan to publish i t much, and to blaze abroad the matter, insomuchas Jesus could no moreopenly enter into the city” (Mark 1:45). 1209-111 Bethesda . . . physician “Now there is at Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, whichis called in the Hebrew tongue, Bethesda, having five porches. In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water” (Luke 5:2-3). “They that be whole need not a physician,but they that are sick” (Matt. 2:12). 12161 prison’sstyle I.e. Domus pro carcere, “house arrest.” See 2.1333n. 12181 Redeunt . . . regna “The Golden Age returns”(Virgil, Eclogues 4.6). Seealso 10.776-77 and n. 12181 Six . . , slip A mistake. See2.1314 and Chronology. 12231 pots A mistaken translation of Psalm 18: 13.KJV reads, “Though ye have lien among the pots, ye shall be as the wings of a dove covered

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with silver, and feathers with yellow gold.” All modern versions substitute “sheepfolds” for pots. 12241 mued Molted. 12311 preoccupy Occupy in advance. 12321 Darnel Weed-grass. 12331 Znfelix . . . horridus “Unfruitful damel, prickly thistle.” Inaccurately quoted from Virgil’s Georgics 1.154, 151-52. 12391 Znterdum Now and then. 12591 T o u i Malpighi’s (or Malpichi’s) successor as physician to the Pope. See 7.41911; 11.2326, 2330; 12.40. intercourse / broached / discuss All puns in the 1267,1272,12731 course of Bottini’s heavily suggestive account of Caponsacchi’s motives for the journey. All can be taken either asterms for conversation or for sex; discuss had a colloquial sense of “consume” (OED). See 9.755-63 and n. for a still more outrageous innuendo. 12741 use Custom. 12761 colocynth Acatharticmade from the bitter seedof the colocynth, an Asian fruit of the gourd family. 1288-891 Lebanon . . . beloved “My nose is as the tower of Lebanon which looks toward Damascus” (Song of Sol. 1:4). 12901 Forsan . . . olim The complete quote is, forsan et haec olim meminisse iuvabit: “Someday perhaps rememberingeven this will be a pleasure” (Virgil, Aeneid 1.3). 12971 hap . . . unconscious Luck . . . unsuspecting. 13021 palm Of victory; theexpression goes backto thegladiatorial contests, when victors received a palm tree branch. 13091 apple . . . eye “He kept him as the apple of his eye” (Deut. 32:lO). 1310-141 crown . . . child The sage remains unidentified. In substance, however, the passage is reminiscent of Proverbs 17:6: “Children’s children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers.” summum bonum: highest good. 1316-181 filius . . . doubt A legal expression: “He is the son according to the marriage contract.” See 5.1462n., 2016. The text twits (rebukes) the doubter. 13191 faith . . . world “When the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith upon the earth?” (Luke 18:s). 13221 bandied Tossed from side to side. 1323-251 Cujum . . . Aegonis “Whose is this flock?” . . . “Meliboeus’?” . . . “Nay, Aegon’s.” Loosely quoted from Virgil, Eclogues 3.1-2. 1328-311 To . . . marriage Pompilia said in her depositionthat 304

Notes to Pages 58-60

about a year after the consummation of her marriage the Franceschini turned against her because she had borne no child. See OYB,E 91. 1335-461 Like . . . horse Until the middle of the seventeenth century naturalists, followingAristotle, universally accepted spontaneous generation in atleast the lower forms of life. It was not until themiddle of the nineteenth century that the idea wastotally discredited. Bottini’s first example refers to the story of Aristaeus’ bees as recorded (memorized)by Virgil (Maro). Aristaeus’bees were destroyed as a punishment but refour cows which stored to him inthe carcass of one of the four bulls and he sacrificed to atone for his offense (Georgia 4.554-68); bowels: viscera. Another superstition was that horsehair soaked in water (or dung) thus the snake is thespontaneous productof the would produce snake; a horse through its horsehair. Bottini’s defense once againslides into incrimination as he implies that Pompilia hasborne a snake. 13491 our conception Guido’s “spontaneous” conception, and Bottini’s ingenious idea. 13501 Zs . . . City-arms Many Tuscan cities had animals as emblems on their flags. In Casa Guidi WindowsEBB describes several of these, including the one on which “Arezzo’s steedpranced clear from bridlehold” (1.509). 1352-561 Cur . . . vir0 “Why should I/ Without a mate despairof becoming / a mother? And of giving birthprovided I’m / pure andhaven’t touched a man?” (Ovid, Fasti 5.241-42) A distich is a couplet. 13571 prodigy Miracle (of spontaneous generation). 13611 Gaetano See 7.100-104n. 1364-651 exult . . . song With the reminder “Thy maker is thy husband,” the prophetIsaiah exhorts the barren to rejoice, “For ye shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace; the mountains and thehills shall break forth before you in singing” (Isa. 55:12). 1366-671 Zncipe . , . patrem Virgil, Eclogues 4.60. The translation is exact. 1368-711 Nor . . . Cognoscendo “And donotdoubtful hesitate, father, in recognizing your child.” Spoken by Juno to Jupiter atthe birth of Minerva from Jupiter’s head. 1373-771 dmil . . . first “When the unclean spirit is gone out of a man, he walketh through dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none. Then he saith, I will return into my house from whence I came out; and when he is come, he findeth it empty, swept, and garnished. Then goeth he, and taketh with himself seven other spirits morewicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there: and the last state of that man is worse than the first” (Matt. 12:43-45). The passage is about a demon going outof and then returning to an unbelieving, unsaved man. The

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swept and garnished (decorated) house in the Bible is the temporarily reformed man; inthe poemi t is also the houseof the Comparini. Guido summoned four, of course, not seven. 1382-831 simile . . . dam “He [Diomede] went storming up the plain like a winterswollen river in spate thatscatters the dikes in the running current, / one that the strong-compacted dikes can containno longer, / neither the mounded banks of the blossomingvineyards hold it/ rising suddenly as Zeus’ rain makes heavy the water and many lovely works of the young men crumble beneath it” (Homer, Zliad 9.87-92). 13891 efigies Latin for effigy, likeness. 13931 ofluscated Darkened. 13971 What’s . . . Bacchus The earliest Greek dramas were in honor of Dionysus, or Bacchus. As the form developed chants were introduced on other subjects, and the audiencewouldprotest, What’s this to Bacchus? Bottini twits Arcangeli’s one-track epicure’s mind. 1399-14001 Poor . . . pauperes “Blessedare the poor” (Matt.5:3).But not when the present Advocate of the Poor is in charge of their livelihood, says Bottini. 14113 simulateddeath The SecondAnonymousPamphlet, OYB,E 225. 14163 full confession OYB,E57-61. 1419-251 O h . . . tale Bottini admits the variance of his and Pompilia’s versions, but denies that the unpleadable confession of innocence has any bearing on his more plausible argument. The syntax is complex and elliptical but not ungrammatical. The first as (1420) means “for example,” while the second as (1425) introduces a conditional clause and means “as if.” 14331 Adamicflesh Fallen humanity. 14361 That withthisBottini’s presentation with Pompilia’sstatement. 14491 art’s . . . short Hippocrates, Aphorisms, quoted by Seneca in De Breuitate Vitae 1.1. 14501 compass Withinbounds. 14561 so circumstanced Under these circumstances. 14791 W h o . . . sin Theargument here is that themeans (Pompilia’s possibly false confession) justified the ends (Guido’s punishment and repentence). 14841 Triarii The backup soldiers of the third rank, the older men in the Roman army, who were called upon in time of crisis. 1486-881 she . . . sense The argumentis expressed in the First Anonymous Pamphlet,OYB,E 156.If Pompiliaconfessed her “true” guilt privately beforeher public protestationof innocence, shewas absolved and therefore technically innocent afterwards. The real Bottini argued that the public confession was true. 306

Notes to Pages 62-71

14891 Molinist See1.303-13n. 14961 Soluuntur . . . go “Is theaccount paid?” (i.e., Is the case settled?)A variation on “Solventur risu tabulae,” “The case will be dismissed with laughter.” Horace, Satires 2.1.86. 1507-111 Decretum . . . years See 6.1980-90n. 15161 misapprehensiueness Misunderstanding. 1517-311 Titulus . . . find The Titulusis thedescription of thecrime or charge, in this case “Romana Homicidiorum” or “Roman (case) of Homicides.” The argument is from Bottini’s address, OYB,E 175. 15331 tense . . . bids “Apollo sometimes rouses the silent lyric muse, neither does he always bend his bow” (Horace, Odes 2.10.13-20). Apollo (Phoebus) is god of the sun, thus like Law a bringer of light. 1535-451 draught . . . crimeB found the illustration of the argument in the Second Anonymous Pamphlet,OYB, E 223. The ivy was sacred to Bacchus and from early times, a bough hung over a door meant that wine was sold there. 15521 Law’s . . . help Bottini returns to the imagery of the opening of his argument, this time not the holy family of 9.23, but Law as the mother of truth (9.1515, 1559) and the son (Bottini) who crowns her through his efforts (9.1556). 15531 tenax proposzto “Tenacious of my purpose” (loosely quoted from Horace, Odes 3.3. l). 15591 eliminate T o draw out. 15621 panegyric oflsocratesThe Athenian oratorand rhetorician (436338 B.C.) whose famous panegyric urged an invasion of Persia. It was said thatthe orator took more time advising the invasion thanAlexander took to conquer Asia. 15681 priest for auditory The Roman Rota; see Sources.

Book 10, The Pope

l ] Ahusuerus Biblical king of Persia, identified with the well-known Xerxes, who reigned 486-465 B.C. B refers to the following passage in the king sleep, and he commanded Esther 6: 1: “On that night could not to bring the book of record of the chronicles;and they were read before the king.” The king read in the records that a plot against hislife had been discovered by the Jew Mordecai. Mordecai at the timewas in fear of his life from his enemy Haman, who had built a gallowson which he hoped to have Mordecai hanged but on which hehimself was executed by the King’s orders. The reference to Ahasuerus is thus appropriate both to the Pope’s habitof daily reading and to the question presently preoccupying him, whether or not to sentence Guido. 307

Notes to Pages 71-72

21 seven years Pope Innocent XI1 held office beginning in 1691; he is speaking in February, 1698. 3-11] History . . . Peter The particular history has not been idenhistorian and tified. B does refer to Sigebert of Gembloux (c. 1030-1 115), hagiographer, as one of his sources. The Apostle Peter, for whom St. Peter’s Church isnamed, was known as the founderof the Church;Alexander VI11 was the Pope’s immediatepredecessor, in office 1689-91. A collection of biographies of the Popes called Liber Pont$calis was first compiled in thesixth centuryand maintained through the fifteenth century. It extends back to St. Peter and comprises many different authors, which approximates the Pope’s description. It was reprinted in Paris 1886-92; it is possible that B hadheard mention of its preparation. 91 making . . . end “Of making many books there is no end” (Eccl. 12:12). 131 how . . . Pope On the question of judgment and Papal infallibility, see 5.1344n. 201 H i s . . . Vicar In the Roman Catholic Church, the Pope is regarded as Christ’s representative on earth. The TitleVicar of Christ was given to him as early as the eighth century. 22-23] page . . . cyst A reference to the record of a Pope’sdeeds that is customarily placed in his casket (cyst). 251 Formosus Innocent describes one of the most sensationalepisodes in the annals of the history of the popes, perhaps because as a noted reformer of church abuses himself he is particularly awareof their history. Formosus was first made Cardinal Bishop of Porto in Spain, and then served as Pope891-96during the heightof two centuries of turmoil and corruption in the Roman Catholic church. His posthumous by trial the pope whosucceeded him is one of the wonders included in Nathaniel Wanley’s Wonders of the Little World, a favorite childhood book of B’S where he doubtless first became acquainted with the incident. 261 Sigebert See 10.3-lln. 321 Stephen Pope 896-97. He was as B says “Seventh of the name,” although he is generally recognized as Stephen VI since an earlier Stephen was electedto the officebut died before he was consecrated. His brief and violent reign ended in his own imprisonment and suangulation. 391 embalmed Cook cites Story as authority on the date after which Popes were embalmed (1513). Thus the body was in a worse state than Innocent describes. 401 buried . . . Vatican About 150, or more than half the number of Popes, are buried in the Vatican.

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43-44] pontifc chair The body was robed in papalvestments and seated on the papal throne, bothsymbolic of the office of Christ’s vicar. 45-49] Stephen . . . Church Canon law contains the rules of the Church for her organization, government and administration.Canons . designed to curb ambition and forbidding the translation or promotion of bishops were used against Formosus at one point in his career, later overridden, then posthumously invoked against him in the mannerthe Pope describes-only to be subsequently overridden again. Since Stephen hadbeen a bishoptoo (see 10.59-61), and ordained by Formosus, it was in theinterest of his own legitimationto declare Formosus and all his offices void, thus removing the objection to his ownpapal authority, though this does not appear to have been his only motive. 501 Deacon See1.260-62n. 621 Synod A representative body of the Church charged with determining doctrine and discipline. 681 Christ’s Vicar See10.20n. 851 threefingers The three middle fingers usedin blessing are symbolic of the Trinity. 891 Fish The initialletters of the Greek words for Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior,make u p the Greek word forfish. Thejsh very early became the symbol for Christ and for Christianity. 91-92] Pope . . . Fisher’s-signet The Pope is the representative of Christ, whose symbol is the fish; he also is the successor to St. Peter, the and I will makeyou fisher Fisherman, to whom Jesus said, “Follow me, of men” (Matt. 4:19). The Pope’s signet ring depicts St. Peter fishing from a boat. 1001 W o t . . . thus Do you suppose Herodcrucified Jesus because Jesus offended him inthe same way Formosus offended you? The satirical comparison likens Jesus’ carrying the cross to Calvary and Formosus’ corpose being trailed from street to street (10.94). 1031 captiue . . . strangled See10.32n. 1041 Romanus Became Pope in 897 and served less than four months. 1071 Theodore Was Pope in 898. 1081 synod See10.62n. 1131 Jonas The nameis a variant of Jonah, whowas swallowed by a large fish and discharged after three days; his story is found inthe Book of Jonah. 1161 embalmer’s spice See10.39n. 1211 Luitprand A tenth century historian and Bishop of Cremona. B assumes, contrary to contemporary opinion, thathe wrote Liber Ponttficalis.

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Notes to Pages 76-79

128-311 John . . . Ravenna John was Pope 898-900. He moved the synod meeting to Ravennabecause of the disturbances in Rome. 1331 Eude . . . France Odo, Count of Paris, who became King of the Western Franks in 888. 1341 anathematize B uses the word in its general sense of strong disapformal proval,not in reference to theceremonyaccompanyinga anathematization. 1361 Auxiliw Early tenth century priest who strongly defended Formosus and argued for the validity of his ordination in Defensionem of the Sacred OrSacrae Ordinationis Pupae Formosi Libellus (Defense dination of the Libeled Pope Formosus). 1401 Marinus Pope 882-84, Marinus restored Formosus to his see as Bishop of Porto after Formosus’ earlier deposition andexcommunication in 876. 1411 Sergiw Sergius 111, the third Popeafter John. Hereigned 904-1 1. ’ 1501 infallible See10.13;5.1344n. 154-561 Fear . . . hell “And fear not them which killthe body, but are not ableto kill the soul; but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul andbody in hell (Matt. 1028). 1591 Vice-gerent See9.1068n. 1631 twilight . . . work “I must work the work of him who sentme, 9:4). while it is day: The night cometh, when no man can” (John 1641 His staffThe papal staff is one of the symbols of the office. 165-661 my . . . sorrow “The days of our years are three score ten: and if by reason of strength they be four score years, yet is their strength labour andsorrow; for it is soon cutoff,and we fly away” (PS.9O:lO). The Pope was actually 82 at the time. 1681 Pope for Christ See10.2011. 1691 man’s assize Civil court. 179-801 exceeded . . . license “My spirit will not always strive with man” (Gen. 6:3). 180-811 Adam’s . . . die “God hath said, Ye shall noteat of it, neither shall ye touch it, lest ye die. And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die” (Gen. 3:3-4). of the glory 182-831 All . . . grace “All have sinned, and cometh short of God; beingjustified fully by his grace” (Rom. 323-24). 1991 passion . . . bear Christ’s passion on the cross is an association of the word here; more immediately,passion denotes the suffering that the Popenot only bears responsibility for in regard to Guido, butmust also bear himself in his imminent death. 2151 jigure Representation. 219-201 chief . . . lie Guido’s excuse for the murders was that he had

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been duped from the beginning, withthe final excuse of calling outCaponsacchi’s name at the Comparini’s doorto test Pompilia. Arcangeli’s lie was his use of the cause of honor as the major supporting argument for the defense. 2221 start subterfuge Expose deceit, take it by surprise; from a hunting idiom, as in “start a hare.” Arcangeli’s defense set Guido’s murderu p as a direct and honest, honorable retaliation againstdeceit. 223-241 torture’s . . . brutal See1.971-72n. 2271 rede Interpretation. OED credits B with using rede in this sense. 2351 Irresolute The fault most historians have found with Innocent XI1. 2491 Breathe Lance. 2681 changed Exchanged. 2811 arrased Curtained. 292-961 sagacious . . . Virgil Emanuel Swedenborg (1688-1772) is surely the reference of the passage, although infact he was only ten years old at thetime the Popeis speaking. The writings of Swedenborg were the authority and guide inthe nineteenth-century vogue for spiritualism; Swedenborgians believed in a spirit worldand practiced clairvoyance. EBB wasa fervent believer in spiritualism andit was a major point of disagreement between the Bs. According to Mrs. Orr, B “remained subject, for many years, to gusts of uncontrollable emotion, which would sweep over him whenever the question of ‘spirits’ or ‘spiritualism’ was revived” (Orr, Life, 217). Sagacious suggests the intense, paranormal powers of perception claimed by spiritualists, and figures means, as so often in B’s work, “symbols,” or the materialfigure for the transcendent spiritual reality. The references to prediction by means of chance, either by casting lots or by random selection of passages from Virgil (see 5.401n.),strongly suggest B’s feeling that Victorian spiritualism was simply ancient superstition masquerading in a fashionable guise. The whole passage is another example of B’s identification with the Pope, and his consequent imperviousness to anachronism or other such unhistorical liberties. For discussion and examples of spiritualism and spiritualists, including Swedenborg, see Irvine and Honan,304-9. On the related topic of Mesmerism see also 1.722-52n. and notes to the poem “Mesmerism,” Vol. V, 373-74. 3081 house-magistrate Head of the house. 3181 twice . . . seven-times-ten See10.165n. 3211 cark Archaic for“distress.” 3271 posset A hot drink made of curdled milk with ale or wine. 3291 smokingflax “A bruised reed shall he notbreak and the smoking flax shall he not quench” (Isa. 425). The Pope, incontrast, sees human

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life as asmokingflax subject to being quenchedby the most trivial and unexpected circumstance. 3401 Since . . . judged “For the tree is known by his fruit” (Matt. 12:33). 3501 curse “And unto Adam he said . . . cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of i t all the days of thy life” (Gen.3:17). 3721 filthy . . . coil “But we are all as an unclean thing, and our righteousnesses are asfilthy rags” (Isa. 54:6). coil: noisy dispute. 3751 He . . . Truth “I am the way, the truth, andthe life” (John 14:6). “In the beginningwas the Word . . . and the Word wasmade flesh and dwelt among us” (John1:1,14). 382-831 Antonio . . . self The Pope addresses his former selfby his real name. The passage which follows, particularly the extended comparison of Guido to the soldier crab (10.485-509) is appropriate to the Neopolitan birthplace of the Pope. 385-861 I’ . . . lands He served in various capacities in Urbino, Malta, Perugia, Florence, Poland, andGermany. In 1681he became a Cardinal, and then Bishopof Faenza, Legate of Bologna, and Archbishop of Naples before being elected Pope. 3861 legate-rule A legate was the special representative of the Pope to whom the power of the Holy See was entrusted. 3921 old . . . world Here old has the sense of former, earlier. 3931 inquzsitiue Eager for knowledge. 3971 Wise . . . world “For the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light” (Luke 1623). 3981 reprobate Condemned. Since the Pope, who has power to “bind and loose” (see 5.134411.) is speaking, the word may carryits theological meaning of being lost in sin and beyond redemption. 4151 Straitened Restricted, hindered. 4161 cirque Arena. 4171 penfold for probation A penfold is a pen or fold for confining animals; probation: trial, testing. 4191 monition Admonition. 4251 miss . . . march Mistakenly overstep the natural course. 434-351 Man . . . God “We beseech you brethren, and exhort you, by the LordJesus, that as ye have receivedof us how ye ought to walk and please God . . . (1 Thess. 4:l). 435-421 H e . . . bruise See1.260-62n. 4361 man’s obedienceThe rule of obedience required when he accepted orders in the Church. 440-411 Professed . . . sinned See1.257n. ”

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4421 frocked Clothed in the clerical robes, i.e., invested witka clerical office. 4481 portentous Omnious. 4501 pale Protected sphere of governance. 4511 Abate . . . Girolamo See1.547n. 4651 sunscreen . . . ombrijuge Protectionagainst sun, wind and rain. 4701 sacristan Keeper of the sacristy, a place in the churchwhere sacred vessels and vestments are kept. 471-741 Shall . . . company A reference to the miracle of the multiplication of the loaves and fishes, recorded in all four gospels, with the added suggestion that Judaswas by nature athief. It is reminiscent also of John 12:6: “This he [Judas]said, not that he cared for the poor; but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bare what was put therein.” Attent withjijties (a large number) in a companyis an echo of Luke’s account of the story: “Make them sit down by fifties in a company” (Luke 9:14). 4851 ambiguousfish The hermit crab (soldier crab) often inhabits the shell of other sea creatures which he can discard at will. He also can shed his own shell, as all crabs can. 4891 Armour Reminiscent of Paul’s admonition: “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” (Eph. 6:ll). 4921 affiliateA legal term meaning “to fix the paternity of a child, to ascribe a child to its putative father.” was Guido almost a priest,son a of the Church. 494-951 Does . . . deep No. The rhetoricalquestions deflate both Guido’s conceit and society’s imperviousness to it, by scaling the one against the plan of the universe, and by weighing the other as a law of custom equal in force to the laws of nature. The Pope’s search for the everywheredeeper and broader than a probeinto roots of the murder are its immediate circumstances or specific agent. 4961 mew A place of confinement, or, more appropriate here, of hiding. 4981 sand-flyand slush-worm Pests, parasites; slush means waste, garbage. 502-41 filthy . . . carrion-prey Scavengersea life. 5091 soldier-crab See10.485n. 5131 armour See10.489n. 5301 Or . . . or Either . . . or. 5311 remark Notice.

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5391 all to instigate I.e., all directed to instigate, to spur on some evil action, without declaringso. 542-431 A 11 . . . murder “The love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Tim. 6:lO). 549-511 toad . . . victims It was thought that toads secrete a poison that silenced a victim. See also 5.1382n. 5561 Edged . . . month Forced to leave, actually in four months; see Chronology. 5661 painted Imagined. 567-691 crown . . . marriage See9.890-91n. 5781 gor-crow Carrion crow. 5881 draws . . . crime Approaches thehighlydetailed, elaborate crime. 5951 thought . . . deed Phrase from the General Confession, Book of Common Prayer. 6001 gripe Old spelling for “grip.” 6181 Campagne Countryside. 634-351 frenzy-stung . . . anywhere Io, daughter of a river-god, beloved by Zeus, was hated by jealous Hera. She was changed into a heifer, either by Hera out of spite, or, some accounts say, by Zeus in order to protect her. Hera inretaliation sent a gadfly to pursue her. Maddened, Io wandered frenzied over the world seeking relief. 6361 should front Happen to meet. 6401 pluck . . . hand “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand” (John 10:28). 6521 other Aretine See 9.1195 and n. 661-621 star / Fought “They fought from heaven, the stars in their courses fought against Sisera” (Judges 520). 6681 holy ground In presence of the burning bush, Moses was comoff thy shoes from off thy feet,for manded: “Draw not nigh hither: Put the place whereon thou standeth is holy ground” (Ex. 3:5). 6701 Satan . . . lightning Jesus said, “I beheldsatan as lightning fall from heaven” (Luke 10:18),recalling, perhaps,theoldTestament verse, “How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer” (Isa. 14:12). 6771 ermine-like The ermine has white fur in winter, except for its black tail. 684-851 thorn . . . rose A reversal of the popular proverb. 6891 preconcerts Contrives beforehand. 6931 armed . . . teeth According to the record, Guido was either unarmed (OYB,E 148),or armed only with traveling a sword (OYB,E 122). 705-61 Probation . . . purge Guido was given a chance, a test (Probation) to repent and be saved, if he couldhave opened himself to (could he 314

Notes to Pages 100-105

know) the mercy of confession and repentance, thefiery purge which lasts only a minute compared to the eternal reward. Cf. 2 Cor. 4:17, “For our lightaffliction, which is but for a moment,worketh for us afar more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” 7081 heaped . . . head “If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:for thou shalt heap coals of h e upon his head” (Prov. 25:22). 7101 Eliminate Eliminated. 71 l] saved . . . fire “If a man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: But he himself shall be saved; yet as by fire” (1 Cor. 3:15). 7121 g o softly “I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul” (Isa. 38:15). 7151 deigns Stoops to (Obs.). 7211 luring owl See3.338n. 7301 complot Plot together, conspire (arch.). 7401 Murder . . . knife See2.14611. and 8.1 151-56n. 747-481 dove’s . . . olive When the dove, released from the Ark, returned withan olive leaf in her bill, Noahknew that the flood waters had abated (Gen. 8:6-11). 756-591 My . . . wife Had he murdered Pompilia before the birth of his son, he would have not received the proceeds of the usufruct. See also 3.1539-45; 4.1096-99. 7601 determined on Depended on. 776-771 gold . . . ruled The Golden Age when Saturn ruled the world was characterized by pastoral simplicity. It was followed by steady decline throughthe silver and bronze heroic ages to the leaden, the present. The Pope mocks the equation of virtue and rustic life. See also 9.1218n. 778-791 clown . . . clownship In the archaic sense of a rustic,and also in the modern sense of a fool. 785-861 O n . . . will The song of the angels announcing the birth of Jesus. Luke 2:14. 7971 bring . . . death “Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:andsin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death” (James 1:15). 81l] hebetude Dullness. 8161 warrant See3.1621n. 8211 resident . . . years A mistake. See2.302n. 8281 reach . . . frontier Had they reached the Tuscan border they would no longer have been subject to Roman authority. 830-321 judgment . . . Granduke Guido brought a charge of adultery and theft against Pompilia in Arezzo. She was found guilty and sentenced to life imprisonment, a verdict confirmed by the Court in Florence on 24 December 1697, two months before the Poperejected Guido’s appeal. See OYB,E 5-7. That verdict branding her an adultress permitted 315

Notes to Pages 105-10

Guido to murder .her with impunity so far as the Tuscan Court was concerned. See also 4.1501-5. 8421 blood-flustered Drunk with blood. See also 11.1609, 1618 and nn. 8441 permissible I.e., allowed by their exhausted but desperate state; they went twenty mi. 8471 swine . . . h i m “The devils besought him saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herdof swine. And he said to them, Go. And when they were cast out, they went into the herd of swine: and behold, the whole herd of swine ranviolently down thesteep place into the sea, and plunged inthe waters” (Matt. 8:31-32). 8621 Had Would have. 863-641 Thither . . . see In Hell, where Guido, if he confesses before the execution, will not go. Guido was executedon 22 February. The real Pope denied his appealon the 20th. 8711 mage Magician, worker of black magic. 8771 Abate See1.547n., 2.28911. 879-801 yellow . . . craft The color yellow is the symbolic color of guile or betrayal; Judas wears yellow in medieval paintings. Paul is twice Guido because in his hypocrisy he is twice as dangerous. Twice replaces the misleadingThis in the &st edition; see variants. In 10.903-5, as the worst of the three, Girolamo is blue asthe hottest flames of hell are blue, and the word is used in this context to symbolize lust. Pompilia accused Girolamo of trying toseduce her. Paul’s yellow seems to be like Guido’s red, one of the colors of fire; Guido’s red is also symbolic of violence. In 10.907, the mother of the three is associated with the color gray and withsmoke rather thanfire. She has grown old and although still of hell she onlysmolders. 881-831 copier . . . temple-porch In function and in name Paolo is only copier of the two great apostles. The temple-porch is the court of the Temple inJerusalem. Peter taught and healed there. To one lame beggar he said, “Silver and gold I have none, but suchas I have I give thee”-and he healed him (Acts 3:6). 8851 trims . . . lamp Eph. 6:14. 889-911 Paul . . . time See3.1533-34n. 8931 Girolamo See1.547n.,2.289n. 8991 simple quality Undisguised evil. 903-71 lust . . . smoke See10.879-80n. 9241 unwholesome . . . breath Of Rome, where Guido has been. 9331 glebe Field. 9601 exceed . . . year An error. Minority was claimed for only two of the accomplices. According to the law at the time that meant that they were under twenty-five.

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9681 Civility Courtesy due from one titled gentleman to another. 968-831 Marzi-Medici . . . Archbishop The Governor of Areuo was Vincenzo Marzi-Mediciand the Granduke of Tuscany was Cosimo 111of the Medici family, but despite their common name i t does not appear that they were kinsmen. See 3.965-66n. 9711 rushlight-end A makeshift candle made by dipping the absorbent pith of a rush ingrease. 985-871 Shepherd’s . . . reach The sign of office of a bishop was a shepher’s crook, symbolizing his duty under Christ, Goodthe Shepherd (John lO:ll, 21:17). 9881 hireling . . . fIeeThe hireling whofled in the face of danger and not the good shepherd whocared for the sheep. See John 1O:l-14. 9911 heat . . . sevenfold Angeredbecause Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego would not worship his golden calf, Nebuchadnezzar commanded that the furnace be heated “seven times more than was it wont to be heated,” and that therebels be thrown intoit (Dan. 3:9-30). The three were miraculously delivered from the flames unharmed. 1001-51 whiteness . . . garb “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” (Rev. 1993). 10061 new . . . uesture The “immortal nakedness” of 6.956;see 6.951-5811. 1006-81 Armed . . . angel The statue of the Archangel Michael, leader of the celestial armies, on the Caste1 St. Angelo near St. Peter’s. The statue was erectedin gratitude for Michael’s supposed preservation of Rome from araging pestilence. The statue by Rafaello da Montelup erected in 1535which the Pope refers to has been moved to a courtyard. The statue atop St. Angelo’s in B’s time is by Verschaffelt and it is armed and crowned. 1010-1l ] sword . . . shield The language is suggestive of Ephesians 6:14-17. See 10.489n. 10171 Memorized Memorialized. 10191 pluckingfiend Perhaps an echo of John 10:38, “And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” 1020-211 new . . . known “To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna,and I will give him a white stone and the stone in a new name is written, whichno man knoweth saving him thatreceiveth it” (Rev. 423). 10231 If . . . praise “if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things” (Phil. 423). 1033-341 fat . . . eye “Those that be planted in the house of the Lord

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Notes to Pages I 14-1 7

shall flourish in thecourts of our God. They shall bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fat [R.V. ‘full of sap’) andflourishing” (Psa.92:13-14). 1036-381 seed . . . enemy “A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the wayside; and it was trodden down,and the fowls of the air devoured it” (Luke 8:5). 10491 meanermiserable Servants. 10501 hests, eked out Biddings, added to. 10531 trump . . . service “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall arise first.’’ (1 Thess. 4:16). her husband. See 1064-671 standing . . . law That a wifeobey 5.580-81n. 1065-661 novel . . . requirement Of her unborn child. 10691 fools call Nature “The fool hath said in his heart, There is no God” (Psa. 14:l). 10781 own sword See2.1023n. 1080-871 H i m . . . servant The language and imagery of the passage contrast the visible providence represented by Caponsacchi with the inner prompting of emotion (motion) felt by Pompilia. Caponsacchi was more proneto scruple and less true to touch-touch implying both “hint” and reference to the finger of God-because he had not been through the long apprenticeshipof obedience that Pompilia had served, described above 10.1044-55.The image of the finger of God for truth or faith occurs often in B’s poetry; cf. “Abt Vogler” 49-50 for an open reference, and the lines describing thedlscovery of OYB at 1.39-40:“a Hand, / Always above my shoulder, pushed me once,” for another, less obvious one. Like the good and faithful servant of Matthew 25:23, Pompilia’s judgment was authentic in that her experienced ear recognized a higher authority: “His lordsaid to him, Well done, goodand faithfulservant; thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler of many things.” 1092-941 other . . . degree The comparison of other is to the rose symbolic of the VirginMary, to Pompilia. The Golden Rose was a spray a smallvial into which balsam and of roses made of gold and containing musk were poured, the whole symbolizing God and hisgrace. grave: engrave, sculpt.T h e roxe was awarded to kings or other leaders who had contributed some important service to the Church.It was blessedon the fourth Sunday of Lent, not long after the dateof the Pope’s monologue. 1098-11081 leviathan . . . mouth See5.1497-98n.,8.1717-21n. Here the references include Job 41:12,21, 24, 26, 32: “I will not conceal . . . his comely proportion . . . Hisbreathkindleth coals, and a flame goeth out of his mouth . . . His heart is as firm as a stone; yea, as hard as a piece of the nether millstone . . . The sword of him that layeth at 318

Notes to Pages l 17-21

him cannothold. . . . He maketh apath to shine after him; one would think the deep to be hoary.” 11031 deep to deep “Deep calleth unto deep at the noise of thy water42:7). spouts: all thy waves and thy billows are gone over me” (PS. 1112-17] idol . . . gratitude The Churchinitially destroyed or defaced pagan statuary but later reinterpreted them in light of Christian teaching and sometimes used them in their efforts to convert the pagans. The Pope emphasizes the secondary nature of Caponsacchi’s role all through this description;cf. “in its degree” above 10.1094. 11181 sweet savour “Walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour” (Eph. 5:2). 11191 Nard Spikenard, an aromatic herb. 1134-351 moan . . . beasts Reference to the martyrdom of early Christians in the Roman arena. 11371 pale See10.450n. 11381 mid-cirque Middle ring or circle. 11411 laws . . . pudicity The pronoun “which,” often elided in B’s style, is apparently understood after laws, which is unrevised MS is not possessive; see variants. Pudicity: modesty. 1143-451 tax . . . cloud The tax ( m u l c t )on foolish youth is paid by wiser manhood through loss of trust. 1158-611 White-cinct . . . coat The white belt, red stockings, and the insignia are partof the attire symbolicof the office of a cardinal. The Pope fancies that red symbolizesunhesitating willingness (unchariness) to shed blood. 11621 bewraying Betraying. 11641 thought . . . deed From the general confession, Book of Common Prayer. 11681 strait Difficult time. 11811 master . . . fool One of several images of Caponsacchi asa conquering Saint George. See 1.579n. 11831 Lead . . . temptation An ironic application of the phrase from the Lord’s Prayer (Matt. 613). 11861 Reluctant dragonsReminiscent of Horace’s reluctantes dracones (Odes 4.4.1 l), andof the legend of Saint George; see 1.579n. 11891 deserve Serve (OED). 11921 standing . . . ranged Deployed in strict formation by rank. An image of the stultifying effects of inflexible churchteaching and discipline. 12011 irregular . . . boundary Both the unconventional leap over the pale at 10.1137 and a break in the ranks of the stiff clergy of 10.1 192. 12061 Deserve . . . spasm See10.1189n.Serve, justify the urgent im319

Notes to Pages 121-27

pulse (spasm-the leap of 10.1137)which initiated the new life of dedication. Znitiatory spasm may carry also the more general sense of the suffering which cameof original sin;see 6.951-5811. 1208-201 you . . . death The pronouns you, they both refer to the Comparini, the shift in point of view meant perhaps to suggest their representative and typical, median qualities. The historical present tense throughout the passage also invokes the persistence of the pattern. 12281 Challenge . . . purging Dare, invite destruction. 12401 lynx-gift .Not the large wildcat known as a lynx, but a fabulous beast with extraordinary sight capable of seeing in the dark or even through solids. 12421 decayed intelligence See also 8.1442n.; 12.56-58n., 29511. 12521 mount Amount. 12531 conglobed Formed into a round mass. 12561 recognize Receive the testimony or confession of. 12601 Perk and pry Recover liveliness, inquire into (OED).. 12641 due wage “The labourer is worthy of his reward” (1 Tim. 5:18). 12651 gyves A shackle for the legs. 12661 Pay . . . misprision Punishmisunderstanding. 12751 signs Sun, moon. 12791 darkness . . . felt “The Lord said to Moses, Stretch out thine arm toward heaven, that there may bedarkness over the landof Egypt, even darkness which may be felt” (Ex. 10:21). 1283-841 truth . . . Remembered A suggestion of the Platonic doctrine of “recollections” developed in the Phaedo. 1297-981 near . . . end See10.165n. 13301 new philosophyThe new philosophywas the Copernican heliocentric theory of the universe, which was published in 1543 and was generally regarded as a threatto faith inthe divine order. Copernicus’ book wasplaced on the Catholic Index of prohibited works in 1616,and Donne’s famous lines are a reference to the effect of Copernican thought: “The new philosophy calls all in\ doubt / The element of fire isquite put / Can well direct out; / The sunis lost, and th’earth, and no man’s wit pieces, all coherence gone; /All him where to look for i t . . . ’Tis all in just supply, and allrelation” (“The First Anniversary” 205-8, 213-14). The Pope’s positive reading of the new philosophy is unusual, and an indication of the original andmodern cast of his thinking. 1331-331 This . . . swarm The Copernican discovery that theearth is not the stationarycenter of the cosmos. 13341 transcendent act The word transcendent when used of the deity signifies His being “above and distinct from the universe” (OED), asin “operation outside this our sphere” at 10.1339 below. Here the tran-

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scendent act is the Incarnation, the direct evidence of the transcendent love. 13371 thing Z am The Vicar of Christ. See 10.20n. 13421 take Thy placeI.e., the placeYou assigned tome, and Your place . as Your deputy on earth (10.20, 1328-29). 1243-441 tale . . . mouth The New Testament, and also,from the of Half-Rome and Other Half-Rome’s ambiguous phrasing reminiscent gossip, the controversial story of The Ring and the Book. In itsallusiveness the Pope’s monologue has times at an anagogicstructure similar to the Bible’s; in the sufferingsand vision of Caponsacchi and Pompilia the Pope finds a microcosm of earthly probationand aproof of the fundamental love of God. 13461 discept Differ. 1355-641 cause . . . limit An equilateral triangle is symbolic of the Trinity. ThePope argues thatit is possible to deduce two of the attributes of God, strength and intelligence, from His work i’ the world.Until the present case, however, there was no equalpower of love observable, or but only an isoscele, a triangle with two equal sides and an unequal deficient base. “Isosceles” is the usual spelling; OED cites B’s use as a variant. 13691 Feel . . . stand5 “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” (Heb. 1l:l). 1372-731 all . . . pain No man pays so dearly as did God in Christ. 13791 Z . . . God5 “I have said, Ye are gods: and allof you are children of the most High” (PS.82:6). “Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods?” (John 10:34). 1380-831 pain . . . revealed The reference of this is to pleasure (the love inductively arrived atin 10.1374);the reference of other is to pain, the “dread machinery of sin and sorrow” of 10.1370-71. 13961 fret Roughness. 13981 choppy . . . law Chapped, by chemical action. 14021 God’s . . . bare By knowledge of God’s power through the agency of chemistry, or by direct observance. 1403-91 Nor . . . world See 1343-44 and n. Similarly, tale here can be both the miracles and the mysteries of the Bible, and the notorious discrepancies of the variousversions of the story of The Ringand the Book, especially the night spent at Castelnuovo, ,alldubious in the transmitting. Rationalist interpretations of the Bible by the Higher Criticism questioning the Bible’s historical truth were concurrent with the writand doubtless influenced B to make the ing of The Ring and the Book controversy between rationalism and faith central tothe Pope’s monologue, skirting the anachronism to which his close identification with

32 1

Notes to Pages 129-33

the Pope makes him vulnerable by merely invoking, not naming, the influence. For background onthe Higher Criticismsee Vol.V, 34 1. Close to the date of The Ringand the Bookwere Renan’s Lifeof Jesus (1863) and Strauss’s New Life of Jesus (1864), both of which questioned the which B’s thinking andthe divinity of the mancalled Jesus, the point on Higher Criticism were most divided. See W. 0. Raymond, “Browning TheZnfinite Momentand Other Essays in and the Higher Criticism,” in Robert Browning (Toronto, 1950), 32-44. The Pope argues that some ambiguity isessential to the development of the moralsense. Conflating the tale and man’s earthly progress, he says that transmitting the meaning of the tale is like persisting in the moral passage of life: both are dependant on confronting riddles, rendering obstacleflat; if truth were readily apparent, where would the moral sense get its exercise? 141l ] probatiuely By trial. 1428-291 subordinate . . . present The difference between the two’ points of view is prepared in 10.1411-17. 1431-341 Life . . . goal The doctrine of incompletion regarded theologically. 14361 pearl “Again the kingdomis like unto a merchantman, seeking goodly pearls: Who when he had found onepearl of great price, went and sold all he had and bought it” (Matt. 13:45). See 1438-391 certain . . . contemptuous Thehighercritics. 10.1403-9n. 1444-451 whelks . . . M u d - w o r m A whelk is a mollusc found on the shore when the tide recedes; a mud-worm is a worm that lives in mud, also a term used figuratively to express contempt. 14481 robes . . . world “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this,To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:27). 14491 Aretine Archbishop See3.965-6611. 14561 heady Impetuous. 14671 barefoot monk See 3.1013n. 14711 cuticle Skin. 14771 dared . . . ark See1.192n. 14801 Z . . . promise To write a letter for her to her parents. 1483-841 Zf . . . wonder In the parable, the foolish virgins failed to secure sufficient oil for their lamps and were therefore unprepared to meet the bridegroom when he appeared (Matt. 25:l-13). 14861 mystic . . . Bridegroom The mystic Spouse is the Church, and Christ is the Bridegroom. “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriageof the Lamb is come, and hiswife has made herself

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ready” (Rev. 9:7). Butin thiscase the Spouse, like the foolish virgins, was unready. 14891 weighed . . . wanting Daniel interpreted the prophetic handwriting on the wall as sentence a of doom againstBelshazzar, last king of the Neo-Babylonian Empire: “Thou artweighed in the balance and art found wanting” (Dan. 527). Soon thereafter his.kingdom fell. 14941 Monastery . . . Convertites See2.1189-9011. 15111 pretends to Claims. 15131 Fisc’s advice The case on behalf of the convertites was actually filed by Gambi, whoassisted Bottini in the prosecution of Guido andthe defense of Pompilia. See OYB,E 253. 15151 one saint Mary Magdalen. 15173 infant-heir to cheat The heir was not the infant son but one Domenico Tighetti. 15213 Soldiers . . . coat Because the coat “was without seam, woven from the topthroughout,” the soldiers who were dividing Jesus’ clothes after his crucifixion said, “letus not rend it, butcast lots for it, whose it shall be” (John 19:23-24). 15241 woof of price Valuable cloth, the coat without seams. 15323 terror Both fear and holy awe at the tangible evidence of God. The words terror and terrible are frequently associated with Godin the Bible; cf. “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord” (2Cor. 5: 1l), and “Let them praise thy great and terrible name; for i t is holy” (PS.99:3). 15411 Impassible Insensitive. 15441 advent . . . star The star of Bethlehem at Christ’s birth (Matt. 2 2 ) was authoritative because the birth of Christ bore witness to God’s love. 15491 uncommissionedmeteors Incontrast to “authoritativestar” above 10.1544. Caponsacchi acted not on the inadequatelaw and ruleof church authority, but on his own unauthorized initiative. 15611 Panoply Suit of armor. 1562-651 loins . . . God Eph. 6:14-17.See also 10:489and;,,. 15751 or Either. 15761 boots Is the value of. 15801 publicans thesameIt is not enough, Jesus said, to love those who 6:46) Youmust love love you. “Do not the Publicans the same?” (Matt. your enemies. 1584-991 Five . . . dlference The dispute between the missionary Jesuits and the Pope’s Vicar Apostolic in China,Bishop Maigrot, arose over which Chinese word should be used to designate the Christian God, the politic Jesuits having long fostered a policy of tolerance and com-

323

Notes to Pages 137-42 promise between Christians and Chinese. In 1693 (five years since) the Bishop condemned the term allowed by the Jesuitsbecause he thoughtit inconsistent with the teachings of the Church. The Pope apparently to pressconsidered the matterof minor importance. He did not respond ing appealsto intervene. Later, in 1704, Tournon was sent by Innocent XII’s successor to enforce the stricter usage, but Tournon was not acardinal at this time. Tournon was not successful and a sharp decline in Christian converts in Chinadates from this period. The Bishop resided in the province of Fo-kien, not T o - k i n ; the MS spelling is ambiguous and may beF, but inany case was not corrected in any printed edition. 15841 rounds . . . ear See4.597n. 16131 j u s t i f y its priceThe price of man’s salvation, deathon the cross. 1614-151 adept . . . Work A fully initiated, highly skilled member of the mystical Rosicrucian Order whose Great Work was to discover the infinite in the finite. They sought the philosopher’s stone that would transmute base metal into gold. 16451 comports Provides. 16491 first . . . new “And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. . . . I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end” (Rev. 21:5-6). 16621 pleads some bard Euripides (c. 479-4096),to whom B was especially attracted. On 19September 1864B wrote to Isa Blagden from Biarritz that hewas “having agreat read at Euripides-the only book that I brought with me” (Dearest Isa: Robert Browning’s Letters to Isabella Blagden, ed. Edward C. McAleer [Austin, 19511, 193). Euripides is the imagined speaker in lines 1664- 1784. 16691 engine hoists See 4.15-1611. 16721 Machinist Zeus,the “Deus ex machina.” Many of Euripides’ plays end with the unexpected appearance of a godwho is lowered onto appearing irrathe stage by means of a mechanism. Such action, while tional to man, may be perfectly rational to the god. 16771 long . . . birth See10.1662 and n. 16861 warrant Authorization by higher authority. 16921 Know . . . mean Motto engraved on the Temple atDelphi; and a favorite maxim of Greek philosophy. 1695-961 born . . . law Since salvation was impossible for him. 17011 Third . . . T w o The third is Euripides. The other two are his predecessors, Aeschylusand Sophocles. surprised:Euripides scorned the old traditions and was considered a rebel in his time. 17041 one . . . circumstance He was born before the coming of Christ. 1705-81 Adopted . . . years B seems to have Paul’s words to the Ro-

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mans (2:14-15)in mind:“For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained inthe law, these, having notthe law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts the meanwhile accusing or excusing one another.”Thus the Popediscerns in Euripides, born too soon to be a believer, the spirit of the Christ. B’s own thoughts are more precisely expressedin the translation of The New English Bible: “When Gentiles who do notpossess the law carry out its precepts by the light of nature, then, althoughthey have no law, they are their own law, for theydisplay theeffects of the law inscribed on their hearts.” 1712-141 Paul . . . come When Paul was arrested on charges brought against him by the Jews, he pled hiscase beforeFelix, the Roman procurator of Judea (52-60). In response to Felix’s questions hespoke: “As he reasoned of righteousness, temperance, and judgment to come, Felix trembled, and answered, Go thy way for this time: when I have a more convenient season, I will call for thee” (Acts 24:25). 17151 strong style His stylus or pen; also, hisbold manner of writing. 17 161 branding browA Possible reference to Cain and his mark. Euripides attacked concepts of the gods which heconsidered unworthy of the Divine, and consequently, was accused of atheism by his critics. Ironia of proteccally, the markof Cain was lessa condemnation thanmeans tion: “And the Lord set a markupon Cain,lest any findmg him should kill him” (Gen. 4:15). 17201 duty . . . doctrine Paul’sfaith in the revelation of God in Christ. 17241 Galileo’s tubeGalileo (1564-1642) wascondemned by the Inquisition and his works remained on the Indexuntil 1835. Nevertheless, B’s Pope is interested in his telescope or tube, as it was often called. 17391 one reuealment The Incarnate Christ. 17501 prints Makes footprints on. 17531 nature The name given to the mystery above, 10.1730. 17561 tenebrzfic Darkened. 17761 descrying Discerning. 1780-811 strong . . . stagsee 10.1715n. The figureof thestyleasastag invokes the Pope’s office and reinforces his kinship withEuripides. 17821 pricked Chosen, found. 17831 slush Waste, muck; see10.498n. 17861 Paul . . . Seneca St. Jerome pronounced Seneca (Roman philosopher, dramatistand tutor to Emperor Nero) a Christian, a judgment based upon forged letters alleged tohave been exchanged between him and St. Paul.

I

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Notes to Pages 145-48

179 1-94] Assured . . . new The final destruction of the world by fire is a recurring image the in New Testament. new : “And he that sat upon the throne, said, Behold, I make all things new” (Rev. 21:5). 17951 rapt Swept up into heaven. 1797-18001 renouncing . . . hundredfold “And Jesus answered and said; Verily I say unto you, There is no man who hast left house, or bretheren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands for my sake, and the gospel’s, but he shallreceive an hundredfold now in thistime . . . andin theworld to come everlasting life” (Mark 10:29-30). 18021 embalmed “Preserved from oblivion” (OED). 1803-41 sun . . . parts Intheland of the midnightsun where the nights are almostnon-existent; cf. 10.1776. ghastlily: faintly, ghostlike. 18141 Tentatiues Efforts. 18181 Druid The Druids were the priests who performed a religious and magical office among the Celts who inhabited ancient Gaul and Britain. 1819-201 prism . . . true A prismmay be used to refract light rays and analyze their components(decompose them). The passage means “to see beyond the natural sun and the superstitiousrites the real source of both, God.” 18211 last . . . first “But many that are first shall be last and the last shall be first” (Matt. 19:30). 18271 Nero’s . . . stake Nero (37-68),Roman emperor, was responsible for the crucifixion and burningof many Christians. 18321 cornfield Field of grain. 1845-471 Unless . . . life The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The eighteenth century was called the Age of Reason in contrast to the earlier Age of Faith. The nineteenth century saw an outpouring of scientific investigation that called into questionthe historicity and accuracy of the Bible and thusseemed to threaten the foundationof the Christian Church; see 10.1403-911. 18521 N o . . . camp We are no longer either infantor a camp defending ourselves against wild beasts. 18581 old faith Worship of pagan gods. 1860-621 Faith . . . belie The Pope anticipates the attack on the literal interpretation of the Bible that so disturbed the nineteenth century Church; see 10.1403-9n. 1863-681 Molinist . . . man The Pope’s reference is aallusion to Molinist questioning of church dogma and ritual, and the sect’s hypothesis of an unmediated interchange between the believer and God

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(see 1.303-13n.). This is one of the few passages in the poem to refer tolerantly to Molinism. 1869-701 few . . . many “Because strait is the gate and narrow is the way which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). 18741 razed Erased. 18831 subjacent Beneath as foundation. 18861 lust . . . life “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lustof eyes, and the prideof life, is not of the Father but ofisthe world” (John 2: 16). 1887-951 mass . . . sink St. Paul speaks of Gentile Christians as wild branches that have been grafted on to the olive tree that was Judaism. See speaks, however, are Romans 11.16-24. Those of whomthePope were “barren” and reminiscent of the fruitless trees that in Jesus’ parable ordered destroyed (Luke 9:6-9).The difficult passage suggests that in the new age of doubt anddarkness (10.1849, 1851),although there will be a few who by habit “preserve the Christian level” (10.1873) and a rarer heroic few who “rise to the new height” (10.1869),the mass of men who are grafted now, in the future will slink / Worm-like into the mud [which] light now lays bare (exposes, protects them from). 18981 antimasque . . . kibe The burlesque interlude between parts of the more serious masque is called the antimasque. A kibe is a sore or chillblain on the heel. Cf. Hamlet 5.1.152-53: “The toe of the peasant comes so near the heel of the courtier, he galls hiskibe.” 19081 pantaloon . . . castanet Costume and props for the performer of the masque. 19131 measure Rhythm, and restraint. 19151 prodigy Extraordinary feat. 19191 morrice Morris dance. An old folk dance, popular in England especially on May Day,in which participantsdressed in fancy costumes. 19221 Augustin Saint Augustine (354-430),early Church father, Bishop of Hippo. Like Caponsacchi he lived a worldly life before his conversion to Christianity. 19251 Abate See1.547n. 19361 Loyola Ignatius Loyola (1491-1556),founder of the Jesuit Order in 1534. The Pope sees in him the exemplar of worldly wisdom and casuistry which he anticipates and for which the Jesuits are known popularly. He is a contrast to Augustine (see 10.1922n.). 19431 new came Same as new order 10.1905 above. 19501 last act Of his life, and of his masque (10.1898). 19521 Paul’s sword . . . Peter’s key St. Paul was often represented in medieval art with an upraised sword in his hand. The sword was proba-

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bly inspired by Ephesians 6: 11- 17. See 10.489n. The key is an identifying mark of St. Peter, based upon Matthew 1618-19: “Thou art Peter. . . . And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdomof heaven: And whatsoever.thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 19621 barren stock A reference to the barren twigs of 10.1891; see n. 19641 repent . . . fruit The plea of the dresser of the vineyard on behalf of a barren tree: “Lord, let it alone this year also, till I shall dig about it, and dungit” (Luke 13:8-9). 19691 Remonstrants The word hada special sense in ecclesiastical history denoting a Protestant reform sect; the Pope adapts the usage to the protest group inhis own church. 1976-771 Christ . . . place As the Pope implies,Jesus did not say this. The Pope refers to a statement B attributes to Arcangeli that is found originally in the Second Anonymous Pamphlet (OYB,E 154-55). See 8.655-59n. 19961 priest’s immunity See 1.257n.,1.260-62n. 20121 Civilizution is imperative So Guido argued. See 5.2026-33. 20161 Remonstrances Objections based on different beliefs, a revision from the very different tone and meaning of MS-1869 apologies; see variants. 2023-241 Civilizution . . . Pope In the days of the Roman Emperors, to be able to claim Roman citizenship ensured the holder all possible defense under thelaw. Paul protested when under threatof examination by whipping, “Is i t lawful for you to scourge a man that is a Roman, and uncondemned?” (Acts 22:25) The Pope ironically heralds the return of pre-Christian Rome. 20331 One . . . validity “If” is understood. 20371 coil Noisy strife. 20421 tenement Structure. 20471 life . . . socket-edge Like a guttering candle. 2050-511 Barabbas’ . . . free Pilate released Barabbas and condemned Jesus in response to the crowd’s demands. Matt. 27:16-26. 20521 Sabbathclose Very ironic argument. “Remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy. . . . the seventh day is the sabbathof the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work” (Ex.20:8, 10). The Pope approached the Sabbath close of his life. 20541 three . . . taps A pope is pronounced dead when he fails to respond after he has been called by name and tappedthree times on his forehead by the Cardinal Camerlengo. 20601 Luthers . . . Calvins Seventeenth century reformers regarded

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by theRomanCatholicChurch as signs of the disintegration of Christendom. 20611 Molinos See1.303-1311. 20631 petit-maitre Trivial,foppish. 20661 Sanctus et Benedictus Parts of the mass. 20741 jour lives An error. See 10.165n., 96011. 2082-841 Art . . . rest When Troy was falling, the aged Priam prepared to join the battle but was restrained by Hecuba, hiswife, with the words, “The hour calls not for such succor or such defenses” (Virgil, Aeneid 2.521-22). 2085-861 Pope . . . bends The two titles signify religious and temporal powers; Pope means “father.” 20951 Who . . . side See5.1541-42x1. 2101-61 customary . . . side See1.346-54n. 21231 sad . . . state Purgatory.

Book 11, Guido

Title / 1-21 Guido . . . names B took the names Acciaiuoli and Panciatichi from the Secondary Source, OYB,E 265. The two men were members of the Confraternity of Death (see 1.1303n.),charged with informing Guido of his sentence, both born in Florence and intheir late sixties at the timeof the execution.As members of the Confraternityof Death they would have worn “an all-enveloping black cassock and a pointed hood with narrow for slits the eyes” (Corrigan, 93,138) designed to render them anonymous. B may not have been able to determine from i t was more to his purOYB that they were in disguise, and at any rate pose here tohave Guido recognize them and to have them bear witness to his own unmasking. The stripping away of aristocratic title and surname in the title of the monologue,as compared to Book 5, is indicative of Guido’s lack of defense or disguise. His list of place names which follows, though it is a telling appealto nostalgia and spiritof place as well as to family pride, emphasizes that he has lost his place and his identity in family, country,and history. The landmarks, natural scenery, and monuments mixed with references to the lineage of the two Florentines arenow to Guido mere names in whichhe hasno share and on which no claim. 3-81 ancestor . . . rivulet Niccolo Acciaiuoli founded the Carthusian Monastery Cortosa, whichis built ona hill outside Florence where the Rivers Greve and Emu meet.

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5-91 Greue . . . bridge The bridge is about two mi. from the Roman Gate of Florence. 121 Kingfishers Small diving birds. They were supposed in legend to lay their eggs on the sea shortly before the winter solstice, during which time the sea was calm. The period was known as Halcyon (Greek for kingfisher) Days and the phrase became proverbial for a time of peace and happiness; Guido left his Halcyon Days behind when he took the Roman Road, though he took it from Arezzo, not from Florence. 131 Cortosa See11.3-8n. 141 Senescal The steward or master-domo in the household of a medieval lord. 181 sink Sewer. 241 ere . . . day Guido was informed of his approachingexecution at the eighth hour or at 2 a.m.See OYB,E 265. 371 fee . . . good-hand The Italian buonamono (good hand), a tip. 401 owned Claimed,had. 451 subterfuge “Device to which a person resorts in order to escape the force of an argument”(OED). 531 hat and plume Of nobility. 721 lawyers . . . kind Perhapsa reference to Guido’s lawyers, the Procurator and Advocate of the Poor,or perhaps to lawyers in general. See Jesus’ response to the Pharisees, “Woe unto you, lawyers!” (Luke 11:52). See also 1.174-76n. 761 coyness In the sense of “disdain.” 791 Vicar . . . Lord See10.20n. 80-811 abrogates . . . Nullifies Legalistic language in ironic contrast to the stark fact of death. 961 pricked . . . breathe Spurred . . . exercise briskly. 1041 knave Low-born country rustic. 1051 pale Dividing line, boundary, probably made of stone. 1081 jauncing Prancing. 1141 springe Trap. of inge1251 engine An engine is any contrivance which is the product of the many names by nuity. In this case, i t is the new guillotine, and one which that instrumentof death is called by Guido. See 11.212-29and n. 1321 lure to talk T o make a confession and perhaps, by admitting guilt, justify the Pope’s judgment. See 11.407-10. 1331 smile Of pardon. 1371 tacit Silent. 1411 shrived Heard his confession and absolved him of his guilt. 1441 shrunk-shanked Spindly.Perhaps an echo of As You Like I t

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Notes to Pages166-68

2.7.161: “His youthful hose . . . a world too wide / For his shrunkshank.” 1461 windlestraws Literally, dried stalks of grass. Figuratively, people weak in body and uncertain in purpose. 1651 woman’s . . . man Perhaps a reference to the making of Eve from Adam’s rib (Gen. 2:21-22). 1691 Settle Come together, become fixed, constant. 169-751 I’m . . . her He speaks beyond his present comprehension. See his final words when in desperation he calls on Pompilia to save him. 1771 sharp . . . tooth Guillotine. See11.125. 1841 Mannaia Guillotine. See 11.212-29 and n. 1861 Mouth-oj-Truth Mask of a Triton with open mouth in the vestibule of the Church of Santa Maria in Cosmedin in Rome. It was believed that the hand of a liar would be bitten off if i t were put in the mouth. The huge relief head with its grotesqueexpression might well give the impression of a decapitated head, perhaps thereason that Guido is reminded of the landmark. 1871 Capitol The Temple of Jupiter on the Capitoline Hill in ancient Rome. 1941 stabled buffaloesHerds of buffalo inhabited the countryside outside Rome. 2061 gay . . . guard The Swiss guard is the Pope’s personal guard. It was founded by Julius I1 (1443-1513).The elaborate and colorful costume of the Swiss guard derives from the Swiss national costume and is dominated by a bold pattern of red, yellow and black stripes. The grim part of the figure is the eight-foot halberd carried by the guard, a dramatic combinationof spear and hachet thatis to Guido like an exaggerated headsman’s ax. 212-291 There . . . with The precision of the description suggests that B had examined a guillotine or had obtained by other means an exact knowledge of it andits history. The instrument is much older than its use in the French Revolution, when it acquired the namei t is presently known by through the doctor who recommended i t for its merciful efficiency. Dr. Guillotine, itis said, took his knowledge from a description of an execution in Milan in 1702, and there areengravings and other descriptions of similar instrumentsused in Scotland (where it was called the Maiden), and Germany in in the Middle Ages. In Italy Mannaia was used for the execution of noble criminalsfrom the thirteenth century on. We do not know where B found his information, but we do know that from an early age he was curious about instruments of torture and death.

l

33 1

Notes toPages 169-71

Alfred Domett recorded that Bcollected curious weapons ( T h e Diary of Alfred Domett,ed. E.A. Horsman [London,18771,181-82),anda letter of EBB reports a visit in Paris to a collection of actual murder weapons exhibited by a famousFrench detective named Vidocq. Vidocq “did the honours of his museumof knives & nails andhooks that have helped great murderersto their purposes-he scarcely admits, Iobserve, an implement with only one attestationto its efficacy; but the oneor two exceptions rather justify his latitude infavour-thus their one little sort of desert-knife [sic] did onlytake one life. . ‘but then,’ says Vidocq, ‘it was the man’s own mother’slife, with fifty-two blows, and allfor’ (I think) ‘Fifteen francs she had got?’” (RB-EBB,ed. Kintner, 110[July 1,18451). 2321 trundles Rolls. 2411 Discoursed Discussed. 2431 elucubrate Seriously, perhaps pompously, explain. 258-591 Pope . . . Tales This Pope could have been either Alexander VII, in office 1655-67, or Clement IX, 1667-69. B thought Guido fifty rather than his actual forty, and that he hadbeen in Rome thirty years. the early period of his stay there, someThus if he were taking a walk in time after 1663, the dates of either Pope would apply. Alexander VI1 was known asan intellectual and patron of the arts and was said to enjoy a ribald tale. Clement IXwas a poet and holds credit for creating the comic opera. The reference here may be to the Tales of either Boccaccio or Franco Sacchetti. See 3.1440-43and n.; 5.557-5811. 2611 cullion Dupe. 270-721 Florid . . . bull Francesco Albano (1578-1660)was a Bolognese painter. The picture referred to here, for which B makes Felice’s sister the model,is in Leningrad (thenSt. Petersburg),which B visited in 1834; there is acopy inthe Ufizzi in Florence. Florid: hot-blooded, lusty. 2751 I . . . deed I.e., break the law, not kidnap a girl. 2761 lout and clout Clod and rustic boor. 278-791 ring . . . kerchief Accessories of agentleman. Tablets: flat ornaments such as are mentioned as offerings in Exodus 35:22, “bracelets, and earrings, and rings andtablets, all jewels of gold.” (Possibly notebooks, but the context suggests value.) 283-901 fencing-master . . . symphyses The two top vertebrae are called Atlas and Axis. Symphasesare the cartilage between bones. The interest in anatomythat B attributes to Guido was shared by himself. B’s fascination with art and artists extended to drawing and modeling in In a letter of March clay, and he had studied anatomy in this connection. 1861, EBBwrote from Rome to Sarianna BrowningaboutRobert’s work in Story’sstudio: “As to the modeling,-well, I told you that Igrudgeda little the time from his own particular art. But i t does not do to dis-

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Notes to Pages 171-74

hearten him about hismodeling. He has givenh great deal of time to anatomy withreference to the expression of form, and the clay is only the new medium whichtakes the placeof drawing” (Letters of EBB, 2,434). 2911 cant Chant, sing. . 292-973 silver . . . losing Here the spinal cord is the silver cord and the brain is the gold bowl. “Or ever the silver cord be loosed, or the as it golden bowl be broken . . . then shall the dust return to the earth was and the spirit shall return untoGod who gave it” (Eccles. 12:6-7). Guido’s puns on loosed, lost, losing, loosingare typical of the gallows humor he brings to his situation. 2961 Felice’s ghost See 11.189-204. 301-51 blood . . . bruin The language is medical: blood extravasate is blood forced out of a vessel; lymph suffused is the spreadof the toxic or contagious matter of a sore; the arachnoid tunicis the membrane covering the brain. The sword and mace (a spikedclub) were the weaponsof the great soldiers and friends Roland and Oliver; see 2.1485n. See also 11.283-90above and n., for Guido’s, and B’s, knowledge of anatomy. 3071 engine See 11.12511. 3091 Fagon’s self Fagon was the physician to Louis XIV. 3121 Pistoja-ware Pistoia, Italy, was known for its fine weapons and cutlery. 3171 thrids Slips in and out, threads. 322-271 Peter . . . thee A pastiche interwoven to serve his own purposes. St. Jerome tells the legend that Peter was leaving Rome during the reign of Nero when he met Christ, whom he asked, “Domine, quo vadis?” (Lord, whither goest thou?) TheLord replied, “I come to be crucified again.” Whereupon Peter returned to Rome to be himself martyred. The story of Dorcas, whom Peter raised from the dead, is taken from Acts 9:36-41. 3331 mystery . . . flesh “Forthe mystery of iniquitydoth already work: only he who now letteth willlet, until he be taken out of the way“ (2 Thess. 2:7). 3401 Since . . . doom “And it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Heb. 9:27). 3411 crib Steal. 3451 Suppose . . . me The line was inserted between MS and P1869 (see variants), andthe original revision is not in the surviving galleys. 11.343-46 in P1869 reads, “Think, Sirs, if I have done you any harm,/ And you require the natural revenge,/ Suppose, and so intend to poison me,/ -Just as you take and slip intomy draught”. . . . The intended transposed: the three words and so word order of line 345 may have been intend seem parallel with And you require and meant to come at the

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Notes to Pages 174-79

beginning of the line, while Suppose seems meant to be juxtaposed with the parenthetical dash clause in line 346. The placement of the correction in the marginor margins of an earlier proof of 1869 mayhave been ambiguous, and theword order of the line transposed in type setting. If there was an error, however, it was overlooked through all printed editions, an unusual circumstance in this poem. 3481 blue Leaden color, color of death. 3491 overset Archaic for “upset.”. 8561 soul . . . world “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36; see also Matt. 16:26). 359-611 Christ’s . . . law A reference to Old Testament law and New Testament gospel. Jesus said, “Think notthat I am come to destroy the law, or theprophets: Iamnotcome todestroy, butto fulfil” (Matt.5:17). jire-new: brand new. 3621 love’s . . . God Guido argues, putting an ironic boast in the Pope’s mouth, that supposed Christian justice is no better than pagan revenge. 3681 O’erputter . . . wings “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings” (Mal. 4:2). 3771 nice and coy Exacting and disdainfully aloof (arch.). 3811 casuists See4.1470-75n. 394-951 priest . . . mine See1.257n.,260-62n. 4001 crumpled Crooked. 407-101 cause . . . guilty See11.132 and n. 425-261 old . . . obtuse See8.1442n.,12.56-58n. 431-411 Your . . . shag Perverseechoes of the parable of the Good Shepherd recorded in John 10:1- 18. 4331 Damage . . . one A thief ’S loss is felt the same as a guardian’s, a man of thrift. 4341 red hand T h e red hand is proverbial for a person caught inthe act, to as in “caught red-handed.” The line suggests that there is not much choose between the thief (the Pope) andthe wolf (Guido). 4411 shag Heavily matted hair. 4461 grace Appearance of truth. 4471 engine See 11.12511. 4521 misconceive Misrepresent. 455-561 Come . . . then See11.58511. 4661 no . . . death I.e., damnation. 4731 prize Contest. 4861 increase Make greater demands. 4911 looked me low Felled him by mere looks. See also 11.504n.

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Notes to Pages 180-83 499-5001 brow . . . red A probable reference to the mark placed on Cain by the Lordafter he had slain his brother Abel: “And the Lord said unto him, Therefore whosoever slayeth Cain, vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold. And the Lord set a mark upon Cain, lest any finding him should kill him”(Gen. 4:14). Ironically, the mark on Cain was a sign not of punishment but of protection. See also 10.1716 and n. 5041 Gorgon shieldAthene’sshield upon which was the likeness of the Gorgon Medusa. Anyone who looked upon itwould be turned to stone. 512-451 I . . . thus Perhaps B has in mind Jeremy Bentham’s social theory of utilitarianism, which held that theobject of man was the pursuit of happiness, that is, pleasure and the absence of pain. Bentham recognized, however, that certain restraints were necessary to prevent total license: political, social and theological. Guido here argues in favor of political restraints but rejects theological ones. 5301 reprisal The act of seizing property by force (OED). 5461 try a fall Wrestle. of uncertain originwhich is 5501 Colly my cow A colloquial expletive deflating here both in meaning and inits vernacular idiom; “come off it,” says Guido to the argument that man’s law is a reflection of the divine law, 558-591 dead . . . ashes Guido alsoanticipates the comingage of doubt of which the Pope speaks; see 10.1845ff. 5631 fabulous epoch An epoch fond of fables, untruths. 566-671 King . . . Mesopotamy A legendary Ethiopian king who fell in love with and married a beggar maid. He iscelebrated in poetry by . both Shakespeare and Tennyson. 5681 Sacristan See 10.47011. 5691 shrine-box The box in which the relics of a saint arepreserved. 5801 Later . . . Rome The Pope takes so much pleasure in Guido’s execution that it amounts to a doubling of Carnival from the week before Ash Wednesday to ten days into Lent. Guido was executed on 22 February; Ash Wednesday was the 12th. 5811 candle-contest On Shrove Tuesday, thelast night of Carnival, revelers carried small candles. As a final act of celebration everyone attempted to put outthe others’ candles. They couldbe relighted, and the game continued until all candles were put out. 5831 Ash Guido makes another parallel between himself and Christ; Ash Wednesday isthe beginning of Lent. 5851 moment . . . eye “In a moment, in a twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trump shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall all be changed” (1 Cor. 15:52). 587,5951 realize Make real.

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6001 whited tomb One couldbe defiled by contact with sepulchres,so the Jews covered them with a lime wash once a year to prevent the unaware from touching them. Guidohas Matthew 2327 in mind: “For ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness.” 6131 gird . . . feet At the last supper Jesus washed the disciples’ feet and then commanded that they wash one another’s feet as a token of Christian humility. See John 13:4-14. It is a practice performed still in many churches aspart of the Maundy Thursday (the d a y before Good Friday) ritual. 6151 crook Bow. 623-281 Pope’s halberdier . . . pantingly See11.206n. Thedisciplined composure of the Swiss guard makes them seem inhumanly imperturbable; Guido chooses a figure of extreme poise andextreme artificiality as a hypothetical exampleof what might happenif the hypocriticalfacade of Christianity should become suddenly real. 6261 convinced of sin Convicted of sin. “Which of you convinceth me of sin?” Jesus asked the Pharisees (John 8:46). 6331 prize . . . world See11.356n. 6351 His . . . Referendary An important Vatican official. 6391 spinal cord See11.292-97n. 6401 Molinism See1.303-13n. 6411 trundles See11.232n. 6451 otherwise . . . seal I.e., what would move them to such exertions if faith is the pretense Guido thinks it is? 6521 priceless soul See11.356n. 6561 Referendary See11.635n. 6641 Which . . . world See11.356n. 67‘21 skirt Coat-tail, hanging part of a robe or coat. 6721 round . . . ears See4.597n. 6801 tinkle near The tinkle, the ringing of the bell, came during the mass at the timeof the elevation tosignify that the bread and wine had become the body and blood of Christ. 6821 Trebbian An Italian wine. 6941 Gold . . . prize “Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross” (PS. 119:19). “Therefore, I love thy commandments above gold” (PS.119:127). “Take away thy dross from the silver and there shall come forth a vessel for the finer” (Prov. 25:4). 6961 a-maundering . . . mumping To maunder is to walk in a dreamy or aimless way. Mumping means “assuming a demure, sanctimonious or miserable aspect of countenance” (OED).

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Notes to Pages 188-94 727-291 Entire . . . also “So then because thou a r t lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spue thee out of my mouth” (Rev. 3:16). 7321 caudatory A prelate’s train-bearer; the word means “tail.” 7331 caps Tips his hat as a gesture of respect. 748-501 rend . . . raves “But the children of the kingdom [the Jews] shall be cast out into outerdarkness, and there shall be weeping, and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 8:12). 757-601 prodigal . . . taste The familiar story of the prodigal son is found in Luke 15:16-23. 7631 draff-box The trough from which refuse is fed to pigs. 771-721 bloody . . . fools In British speech, the word bloody used as an expletive arose from a corruption of “ G o d ’ s blood,” and means damned or cursed. 7781 snow in haruest “As the cold of snow in the time of harvest so is a faithful messenger to them that sent him: (Prov. 28:13). 7801 abrupt machine See11.125n. 7821 chop and change Proverbial for “to be changeable”; and literal, in Guido’s case. 7851 Chap-fallen With slack jaw. 786-871 beareth . . . edge “But if thou do that whichis evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain; For he is the minister of G o d , a revenger to execute wrath upon him whodoeth evil” (Rom. 13:4). 7971 genius . . . birth The attendant spirits or godsallotted a person at birth. 7981 compass . . . concert Enjoy together. 798-991 take . . . wood I.e., take the broad way of destruction. The irregular way is the rule (regular) in the Church Guido joined. The Church’s invitation is the oppositeof the Biblical injunction: “Enterye in at the straitgate: for . . . broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat” (Matt. 7:14). 81l ] tongues offlameAs on Pentecost: “And there appeared untothem cloven tongues as of fire” (Acts 2:3). 818-271 renounce . . . breed See11.431-41n. 8201 red-crossed Marked apart for the religious life. 834-371 gloved . . . fears The expression gloved hands is figurative for indirection, craft; having once been manipulated himself, Guido would now turn clerical sway or popular fears to his own benefit. 8441 Mannaia-machine See 11.212-29 and n. 8661 martyrologist Historian of martyrs. 867-681 sup . . . day Guido suggests that Saints’ days are fast days, on which no flesh is eaten. Such, however, is not the case. Perhaps he is

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referring to the Vigil fast sometimes observed on the eveningpreceeding the Saint’s Day. 8811 jaundiced patch Jealous fool. 8971 March hare The hare was said to be especially wild in March because that was his breeding time. 8991 kissed . . . blind A kiss of an adulterous wife was believed to blind her husband to her infidelity. 9021 Crowned his head With the horns of a cuckold. 904-61 That’s . . . was The Vallombrosa Convent near Florence was founded by a repentantprofligate who mightwell have appreciated such in when he a painting as Guido describes. B himself saw the picture 1847 and EBB visited the Convent. EBB was incensed by the Monks’ misogyny and wrote: “The brothers attain to sanctification, among other means, by cleaning outpigsties with their bare hands, withoutspade or shovel; but thatis uncleanliness enough-they wouldn’t touchthe little finger of a woman” (Letters of EBB, 1, 336-37).The convent was suppressed in 1866. 907-91 But . . . through People will believe the representation of art, but call reality pretense, artful representation. 9131 horn-blind Unaware that his wife has been unfaithful. 914-151 lynx . . . through See10.1240n. 9231 mote-self Miniscule self. 9251 couching Lurking. 9271 fieldfares Thrushes. 9281 bent Stiff coarse grass or rush. 9461 Groundedly As he really is. 9531 red thing See 11.212-29 and n. 975-761 heifer . . . priest The simile is found in the passage on the sacrifice of Iphegenia in Lucretius’De Rerum Natura 1.97-99. 9771 insuppressive Irrepressible. 979-801 cup . . . cross In the Garden of Gethsemene Jesus prayed: “Let this cup pass from me” (Matt. 26:39). 994-951 Esther . . . sceptre The Jewish queen Esther appeared before her husband thePersian King Ahasuerus (XerxesI) onbehalf of the Jews who by royal edict were to be slain. As a signof favor “the king heldout to Esther the golden sceptre” (Esther 5:2). 9991 Done-with Treated,approached. 10021 French Louis Louis XIV was known for his romantic exploits. 10131 portliness Dignity. 10201 thews Muscles. 10221 wheelwork Mechanism.

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1023-241 untempered . . . crude Before it achieved ultimate strength or before it became tempered (wrought)steel. 10261 officious Dutiful,obliging. 10321 gripe Old spelling for “grip.”. 10531 weeks More than weeks; see Chronology. 1058-591 Endure . . . the Pompilia initially refused to consummate the marriage. See 7.740-42. 10841 pure boon Free blessing, grace. 1095-971 blow . . . prodigy The dog-rose is awildEuropean rose with singlepink blooms, not to be compared with the hundred-petalled Provence prodigy; see 5.671n. 11011 hedge-bird’s Probably the small European warbler often found in hedges. 11141 think Imagine. 11 15-24] dreadful . . . slew Bellerophon slew the monster Chimaera which Homer described (Iliad 6.181) as a creature that was a lion in front, a serpent behind, and a goatin the middle. A bronze statue of the Chimaera was discovered in Areuo in1554. Guido casts himself in the role of the dragonslayer. griesly: grisly. 11381 velvet They are more affluent. 1141-421 Since . . . starue Theoperative word is stalled; in contrast to Pietro, theass who has n o home, the ass who has a comfortable stall will always find an audience in those who come to pick u p his leavings. There does not seem to be a proverbial or folk origin for the figure. 11493 trappings Harness. 11501 quondam Former. 11511 ViaVittoria See1.389n. 11521 Pantaloon A stock character in Italian comedy, a foolish oldman usually wearing loose trousers. a meaning cheap and showy. It might 11531 tawdry Used here as noun refer to either or both his costume or his talk. 11541 Ash-Wednesday . . . mid-Carnival AshWednesday is the solemn first dayof Lent andfollows the gaiety of the preceeding carnival week. 11701 proved . . . right Might makes Right. 11711 chattel . . . chapman The product bought and not the seller. 1173-751 shepherd . . . beneath “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, butinwardly they are raveningwolves” (Matt. 7:15). The Comparini are the shepherd here. 11823 board and bed The marriage state. 11871 perdue Concealed.

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11921 f o u r . . . months Actually three; see Chronology. 12131 wife . . . blood “Thereforeshallaman . . . cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh” (Gen. 2:24). 12191 Rounded . . . ears See4.597n. 12271 Inconscious . . . silly-sooth Unconscious . . . gullible. 1239-431 Panciatichi . . . Via LargaSee 11.2n. The Palazzo Panciatichi is located at the S end of what is now called Via Cavour. 12501 galleys A galley is a ship propelled by either sails or oars. They were ordinarily manned by slaves and convicts. To be sentenced to the galleys was a commonform of punishment inthe seventeenth century. 12521 lymphatic Uninspired, dull. People were thought to be so through an excess of the humor known as lymph. 12661 fetor Offensive smell. 12721 transformations of disgust Disgusting changes. 12731 snug . . . hand See1.389n. out of hand: straight off, unhesitatingly. 12771 ’S death An oath: “God’s death.” 12781 coil A noisy disturbance. 12851 unimpeached Not charged with. 12911 San Lorenzo See1.866-67n. 13001 Flesh . . . bone “Then Adam said, This is now bone of my bone and flesh of my flesh: She shall be called woman” (Gen. 2:23). 1300-13011 bride . . . groom See5.2032-33n. 13031 husband . . . rule See2.251-52n.,5.579-Son. 1327-281 Commissary . , . Archbishop See3.965-66n. 13451 wisp A twisted bunch of hay or straw. 1378-791 wards . . . lock The innerpart of a lock cut to admit akey of the same design; alock or padlock which opens and shutsonly by means of a key. 1398-14001 binds . . . fist See2.251-52n.,5.576n. 14011 proper . . . side Assigned function (place) to suffer in childbirth. “Unto the woman he said, I will greatly multiply thy sorrow and thy conception; in sorrow thou shalt bring forth children” (Gen. 3:16). side: loin (OED). 1408-111 Armida . . . Rinaldo Characters inan opera based on Tasso’s Gerusalemme Liberata. A eunuch played the part of Armida. 14151 zecchines Coins of small value. 14221 chalk-ball A fake egg made of white stone. 1435-401 plant . . . each An old belief, not now supported, that ash and elm trees would not grow together. 14391 pleasaunce A pleasure ground or garden.

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Notes to Pages 215-18

14531 red thing See 11.212-29 and n. 14601 pulpit-corner . . . gospel-side The gospel side is traditionally on the left or N side of the altar. The pulpitis ordinarily on this side also. 14631 use Custom, practice. 1464-661 muzzled . . . field Among the sundry laws laid down for the Jews was: “Thou shalt notmuzzle theox when he treadeth out the corn” (Deut. 25:4; see also 1 Cor. 9:9 and 1 Tim. 5:18). These passages advise justice to the laborer. Guido distorts the quotation andthe sense, arguing that the restrained oxen have lost the ability to know what either justice or life is. 14691 Leavened “Corrupted by admixture” (OED). 14741 high-days Saints’ days, festive celebrations. 14841 promise . . . air “Ieat the air,promise crammed” (Hamlet 3.2.99). 14881 words . . . wind “Do you imagine to reprove words, and the speeches of one that is desperate, which are as wind?” (Job 6.26) “HOW long wilt thouspeak these things? andhow long shallthe words of thy mouth be like a strong wind?”(Job 8.2). 14931 Deny myself Self-denial is a frequent demandof the Gospels; for example: “If any man would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross, and follow me” (Matt. 16:24). 1494,15001 save the mark / marked The full phrase “God save the mark” is ironic and derisive. Guido plays on mark as “rank” and says that he, with no manifest or measurable superiority of standing in the clergy, was the better man. 1504-61 wrath . . . pruning-hook Anticiatingthe final triumph of Jehovah, Isaiahsays a that a time will come when “They shallbeat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation . . . (Isa. 2:4). 15091 Anathema Strictly speaking, anathema is defined as complete separation from the Body of Christ, or what has been called “Major” excommunication. Here theword is used lesstechnically: “a curse upon it.” 1518-191 stumbling-block . . . way “Let no manputastumbling block or anoccasion to fall in his brother’s way” (Rom. 14:13). 15201 hatchet The long-handled, spear-headed battle-ax symbolic of authority, carried in front of a dignitary in a procession. 15261 letter . . . alive “The letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life” (2 Cor. 3:6). 1530-331 clownish . . . himself “To wipe your own nose,” or“to wipe your nose on your sleeve” wasproverbial as early as theGreeks for taking rudimentary responsibility for oneself. ”

34 1

Notes to Pages 218-26 15371 partridge-wise Like a pair of love-birds represented breast to breast, and spitted as if for roasting inthe same position. 1546-471 house . . . kingdom In response to his critics whohad charged that heexercised demonic powers to cast out demonic powers, Jesus said, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought todesolation, andevery city or house divided against itself shall not stand” (Matt. 12:25). 15701 Villa See 1.38911. 15871 catacombs Underground roomsused for the burialof the dead in Christian Rome. lives as a parasite in the 16011 taenia Tapeworm that in the adult stage intestines of man and othervertebrates. 16091 deliriumJlwtered See10.842n.,11.1618-191-1. 16141 poor beside Comparatively insignificant. 1618-191 drunk . . . triumphant See11.1609; drunk with power. 16261 malapert Impudent. 16361 want . . . head According to the Secondary Source, Guido in his haste had left his hat at the scene of the crime (OYB,E 263). 16451 hacks and hamstrings Literally, cutsthe hamstring tendonso as to lame the victim. 16511 reached . . . boundary Of Tuscany. See3.1622n. 1658-591 Witness . . . confirmed See10.830-32n. 16611 Guillichini It was to Guillichini that Pompiliafirst appealed for help inher planned flight to Rome. He excused himself on the grounds of ill health. 16641 Stznche Prison in Florence. 16671 horn Calloused. 16711 hangdogs Contemptible fellows. 1674-751 knowing . . . you See11.283-90n. 16801 turn . . . lie “Who changed the truth of God into a lie and served the creature more than the creator” (Rom.1:25). Guido ignores the introductoryclause: “Professing themselves to be wise they become fools” (Rom. 1:22). 16981 preconcerted Premeditated. 1724-261 Forgiving . . . infinite OYB,E57-59. 17251 commending mineDying, Jesus cried, “Father into thy hands I commend my spirit” (Luke 23:46). 1733-391 Twist . . . throat See1.971-72n.,8.1581-89n. 17451 Z die last OYB,E 266 (The Secondary Source). 1752-551 Look . . . case See1.174-75n. 17561 skill Archaic use of the word to mean “make a difference.” 1764-681 And . . . end The word crosses is a pun referring to both the

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Notes to Pages 227-31

“double crosses” failure and affront, and to the cross of execution which he will soonsuffer. The hill on which Jesus was crucified was named Golgotha, which means skull. The bloody palms refer to the nailpierced hands of Jesus. This is another strongidentification of Guido with Christ. 17761 Jansenius See 1.303- 13n. 17851 trying . . . spirits “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they be of God” (1 John 4:l). 17881 refresh . . . bowels “Yea, brother, let me have the joy of thee in the Lord: refreshmy bowels in the Lord” (Philem. 20). Bowels in the archaic sense refers to the insideof the body and is regarded as the source of the tender emotions. The Revised Version translates the word “heart.” make unto thee any graven 17941 in . . . earth “Thoushaltnot image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is inthe water under the earth” (Ex.20:4). 1798-991 Stub . . . me Perhaps a reference to Julius Caesar, a heroic martyr in a different way from Christ. Dante placed Judas andBrutus, betrayers, in the lowest pit of hell as the supremesinners. One had betrayed the heavenly and the other the earthlycity. Again Guido makes himself a sacrificial victim. 1803-41 Vienna . . . Mustafu In 1683 the Turks under the Grand Vizier Kara Mustafa attacked Vienna and were routed by an allied force led by the Kingof Poland and hisGeneral, Charles, Duke of Lorraine. Both the victory and the leaders were much celebrated. 18231 warrant Strength. 1827-283 bare . . . France Going naked was often in Biblical times employed as a symbolic gesture by prophets and penitents. See, for example, 1 Samuel 19:24; Isaiah 20:2-4; Lamentations 4:21; Micah 1:8. B may have known of a specific event in France to which he refers. 18341 gird Taunt. 18391 jifty . . . age See2.769n. 18451 gaudearnus “Let us rejoice.” Guido may have in mind Psalms 103:1,5: “Blessthe Lord,0 my soul . . . Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle’s.’’ 18641 blood-offeringfail See 11.1849-50.Perhaps alsoanother identification with Christ. 1879-801 Go . . . Sir The son in the parable, however, said “I go, Sir, and went not” (Matt. 21:30). 18823 Paul A minimal amount of money. 1883-841 four . . . Vittiano “Thy wife shall be as a fruitful vine by the thy table” side of thine house:thy children like olive plants round about (PS. 127:3).

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Notes to Pages 231-33

18891 dollar See12.1 15n. 18901 mumping See11.696n. 18941 conceding . . . youth Making no concessions because of age. 19071 fall . . . sword A manner of self-destruction preferred by the noble Roman to dishonor at the hands of an enemy. 1906-81 ancient . . . ancient Tuscany is the oldest part of Italy and Arezzo is the oldest town in Tuscany. 1913-171 Name . . . oak Guido claims to be a descendant of the Etruscans, who were the earliest inhabitants of what is now Tuscany. Arezzo boasted of being the oldest Tuscan city. Guido claims to be a primitive religionist in preference to later Christianity. frigid Virgil: Guido expresses a romanticview of Virgil, whose classical restraint was considered in the nineteenth century inferior to the more robust style of Homer. Nevertheless, he quotes from the eighth book (134-35) of the Aeneid a passage in which King Evander described to Aeneas the land that was later to become Roman as having earlier been inhabited by primitive, near-savage people engendered by nymphs and fauns and sprung (Virgil’sfinest word)from the trunks of trees or rugged oaks. 19191 Joue Aegiocchw The name Aegiocchus is an epithet ofZeus (Jove)in the Odyssey; it means “holder of the aegis (shield),”by means of which Jove sent thunder-bolts and storms. 1920-221 Descried . . . Eighth The Arcadians claimed to have seen Jove oftenon the Capitoline Hill shaking shield his amid thunderand lightning. See Aeneid 8.352-55. 19241 uiuacious A Latinism: living. 1926-281 motto . . . azure There is no motto accompanying the Franceschini coat of arms, or shield. The play on words between Jove’s aegis or shield(see 11.1919 and n.) and the Franceschini shield suggests that themotto Guidohas in mind the is line describing Jove shaking his shield: “Aegida concuteret dextra nimbosque cieret” (His stronghand clashed the shield and roused the storm-clouds). See Virgil, Aeneid 8.354. The heraldic names for the colors red and blue are gules and azure. Gules symbolizes magnanimity and fortitude and is engraved perpendicularly; azure symbolizes loyalty and is engraved horizontally. For a full description of the coat of arms see Vol VII, 257; 11.2154-57 and 12.818-20. 19301 Joue Aegiochus See11.1919n. 1933-361 intermediary . . . these The Greek gods “Mars and Minerva, Bacchus and the rest” (see 11.1963-64). 1949-501 rod . . . pickle “Tohave rods in pickle” means to have punishment in store. Wood soaked in brine becomes more flexible and thusa better flagellant. Or the passage may have reference to the practice of

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Notes to Pages234-36

rubbing salt or salt andvinegar on a flogged man’s back to make the wounds smart. 19521 Venus . . . Apollo In Guido’s scheme Apollo, law, is the Pope and Venus, passion, himself. 1956-571 stop . . . pleasantry See9.1195 and n. 19631 medium-powers The in-between, intercessory powers. See 193336 and n. 19651 saved Propitiating Spared serving, relieved of believing in; the ambiguity of save is ironic. 19691 Irrational bunglers The gods are irrational, in contrast to the clear, skeptical “rationale” (11.1961)of the ministry. 19701 strike Pan dead Pan, the lustful god of flocks and herds and forests is oftendepicted playing a panpipe.He represents a spiritof nato Guido, Christianity hadsuppressed. According ture which, according to legend, certain Greek sailors are said to have heard at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion a voice saying “Pan is dead.’’ 19711 live good days “What man is he that desireth life, and loveth love life, many days, that hemay see good” (PS.34: 12).“For he that will and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil” (1 Peter 8: 10). 19751 change Reaction, counter-event. 19773 mulct and minish Punish and diminish. 1979-851 substituting . . . world Guido refers to a movement beginning in the early third century of certain devout Christians from the world to the seclusion of the desert. Most famous, no doubt, are St. Anthony of Egypt and St. Simeon Stylites. Anthony is generally called the first Christian monk and is remembered for his extreme asceticism, typified by his struggles with the devil under the form of wild beasts, lustful women,and brutalsoldiers who sometimes beat him andleft him for dead. Simeon was the first of the pillar monks and is perhaps most familiar through Tennyson’spoem “Saint Simeon Stylites.” These extreme ascetics represent a negation of the world that has remained an undercurrent in the Christian Church. 19851 unspotted . . . world “Pure religion and undefiled before God is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world” (James 1:17). 1989-901 new . . . old The new is Christianity exemplified in the desert ascetics; the old is the life-affirming spirit embodiedin the mythical Pan. 19921 profession Pretence; the Christian masque of 11.1972-73. 1993-941 law . . . saves A use of scripture to serve his own purpose: “The letter killeth but the spiritgiveth life” (2 Cor. 3:6). 19971 wink A permissive gesture, as i t were, on the sly.

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Notes to Pages 236-40

19991 poison . . . bread An oblique reference to Jesus’ response to one of Satan’s temptations in the wilderness, “Man shall not live by bread alone, butby everyword that proceedeth out of the mouth of God” (Matt. 4:4). 2000-20011 sword . . . foe Another “wink” at the law. 20061 mystery That which isconcealed to ordinary eyes, i.e.their “love of life.” 20191 pontifex The Pope. 2023-241 Unknown . . . Vatican Paul said to the Athenians: “For as I passed by and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with thisinsaiption T O T H E UNKNOWN GOD. Whom ye ignorantly worship, him I declare unto you”(Acts 17:23).Genius has thesense of “resident spirit.” 20281 Romano uiuitur more In Rome one does as Rome does. 2030-311 stamped . . . tares In the parable the master refused to rethe wheat. Guido move the tares (weeds)from his field lest he also uproot had acted less cautiously. If he had been politic, he says, and shown contrition, he might have excused his crimeon the groundsof excessive zeal for the Church. See Matthew 13:24-30. 20351 Molinist See1.303-13n. 2043-491 Ovid . . . wolf The story is told in Ovid’s Metamorphoses 1.237-39. The ineffectual Byblis was in love with her brother, whom she pursued so tearfully that she was turned into a fountain. Lycaon, the brutal brother,was turned into a wolf. The popularity of stories such as which adapted this belonged to a later moralizing, allegorizing tradition or selected among the pagan tales of the Metamorphoses. Guido’s allegory mocks the Christian readingof Ovid. 20511 Coerced Restrained. 20561 deformed . . . conformed An ironic echo of St. Paul’s words: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, thatye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God” (Rom. 12:2). 2073-741 ice . . . me Dante depicts the nethermost regions of hell as ice. See 11.1798-9911. 20791 abnegation of reuenge See 7.1690-1705; OYB,E 57-59. 2090-921 Would . . . else Guido would stay in hell as long as it gave him power over Pompilia (hisfoe). 20931 not make myself See7.1714. 21011 maundered See11.696n. 21091 daub A poorly painted, worthless picture. 21101 Rafael A painting of the Madonna by Raphael. Cf. 6.396-402. 21141 Titian’s . . . Angelic0 Guido prefers Titian because of his sen-

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Notes to Pages 240-45 suous and realistic depiction of the flesh to Angelico, whose work is abstract andother-worldly. 21211 lawn A fine sheer cloth of linen or cotton. 21221 selvage cloth An edging or border, of wealth if Pompilia had brought it to the marriage. See 11.2129-30. 21251 bieach Fade out. 21371 Paynimrie Heathendom, particularly the Middle East during the Christian crusades. 21421 furze-sprig . . . hauberk-joint Anevergreen shrubwhichgrows wild allover Europe; ajoining ina suit of chain mail armor. 21511 circumjacent The space surrounding. 2154-591 arms . . . air For a description of the coat of arms see Vol. VI1 257 and 12.817-20. 21771 Olimpias . . . Biancas Passionate, unscrupulous heroines of Italian romance. 21781 Ormuz Diamond market on an island in the Persian Gulf. 2191-951 Sounder . . . do Samson revealed to the wily Delilah that the secret of his great strength lay in hisunshaven head, whereupon she lulled him to sleep and cut his hair. His strength departed and he was delivered into the hands of his enemies (Judges 16:6-20). 21971 call-bird Decoy. 21991 Such . . . whom Both clauses are questionsimplyingthat there are no suchwomen (except in hell; see 11.2207ff. below). 2204-51 Circe . . . sun The sorceress and daughter of Helios (Sun), who turned Odysseus’ men into swine. 22061 honest distaff Literally, an instrumentused in weaving. It came to signify a woman because in ancient times women spun often from morning until night.Here it refers to Penelope, Ulysses’ faithful wife, who incontrast to Circe, stayed at home weaving while she waited for the return of her husband. 22071 Lucrezia The daughter of Pope Alexander VI and sister of Cesare Borgia, who was also, according to popular report, her lover. She did not marry and was long remembered as a passionate and treacherous woman. Guido’s remark reflects a beliefmodified by contemporary historians. 2214-151 Cardinal . . . alone They are trying to get him to kiss the crucifix. 221 81 saving dewA common image in the Old Testamentof the Lord’s favor, e.g., “I will be as the dew unto Israel: He shallgrow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon” (Hos. 145). 22281 inquisition . . . blood “When hemaketh inquisition for blood,

347

Notes to Pages 245-48

he remembereth them: he forgetteth not the cry of the humble” (PS. 9:12). The Revised Versionis clearer: “For hewho avenges blood is mindful of them; he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.” 22301 College The body of the seventy cardinals was called the Sacred College. 22321 scantling Few, here used ironically. 22401 damsel-Jly Dragon-fly. 22441 Lord . . . things “And God said, let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowls of the air, andover the cattle, and over all the earth, and over everycreeping thing thatcreepeth upon the earth” (Gen. 126). 22511 die next year The Pope lived for another two and a half years. 2253-571 first . . . come The names are historical. Guido speculates on possible successors to Innocent XII, and in11.2332he makes an accurate prediction. 2262-631 fulcrum-stone . . . world Archimedes, the Greek mathematician (c. 287-212 B.C.)is reported to have said, “Give me aplace to stand and I will move the earth.” 2272-731 Spare . . . love In a letter to Cencini,Gaspero del Torto writes concerning Guido’s pardon, “there have not been lacking admonitions of greatest consequence, since the’Ambassador of the Emperor spoke of that point on Tuesday, as he himself told me the day before yesterday; and then the matter was settled precipitately” (OYB, E 237). Acting on this suggestion B has Guido make hysterical appeals to opThe power struggle posed great powers of the time through the cardinal. between France and Austria-Germany is a historical constant in European politics at this time. The Holy Roman Emperor of Austria was Leopold I. His Hapsburgrelative Charles I1 of Spain was childless and the Pope favored an heir of Louis XIV as Charles’s successor. Such an agreement would have partly reconciled tensions between France and Austria and between Catholic factions inFrance and Italy, butpredictably, it did notoccur. The opposite targets of Guido’s appeal here seem meant more to emphasize his desperation thanto evoke the theological and political controversies and compromises of the period. 2275-761 Who . . . coercive Former hypocrites because of inducement andprivilege (coercive) such as immunityfrom prosecution, will no longer pretend allegiance to the church; with impunity apparently means “without apology, openly.” The semi-colon after coercive marks a break in thought. 22911 Saint . . . bark The fisher-disciple St. Peter and his church are often associated with a boat or bark. 23071 it Refers to “bad blow” 11.2305.

348

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his

to

Pages 248-53

23141 powersandprincipalitiesTermsused by New Testament writers for malignant powers through which evil works. See Ephesians 6:12, “For we wrestle not againstflesh and blood,but against principalities, of the darkness of this world, against against powers, against the rulers spiritual wickedness in high places. 23221 wine and myrrhThe drink offered to Christ on the cross to dull his senses and alleviate pain. 23251 Pope’s dead As good as dead. 23261 Toui See9.1259n. 23301 down in book T o be on one’s list of friends, or in this case, of prospective patients. 23311 smenty near Seventy is the fixed number of the College of Cardinals whenits membership is complete. At the time of this election, when a new Pope would be chosen, it was obviously not complete. 23321 Albano Who would become the successor to Innocent XII. 23391 Martinez The Emperor’s Ambassador to Rome. See 11.2272n., 12.94n. 23401 Stops . . . ueto The right of the Emperor to veto a papal election was granted to Otto the Great in 963; subsequently it was not always honored, however. 23551 halcyon See11.1211. 23781 foil . . . sparkle’s A metallic leaf placed behind jewels to make them sparkle. 23811 resign “To make surrender of [one’s will or reason] in reliance upon another” (OED). 23841 Pope for God See 10.20n. 24021 Athenian who diedThemistocles, who is thought to have committed suicide by drinking bull’s blood, long thought to be a poison. 24061 w h o . . . stair The Company of Death. See 1.1303n. B was uncertain aboutwhere in the prisonGuido was incarcerated, changing MS ascend to descend; see variants. 24071 accursed psalm See 1.13 11- 12n. 2417-191 Granduke’s . . . me To whom is he subject, the Granduke or the Pope? Like opening the lines of his monologue,Guido’s last lines are a catalogue of names, this time signifying his desperate wish to ret enroll among own them.

Book 12, The Book and the Ring 31 key Keystone or summit. 71 ghastly Ghostlike.

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Notes to Pages 253-55

101 my powerA probablereference to the ring, with its inscription Vis Mea (my strength, my power). See 1.1-24n. 1l ] composite Composed. 121 Wormwood Star The bitter herb wormwoodis a symbol of divine follows the breaking chastizement. It is the name of the falling star that of the seventh seal and the sounding of the third of seven trumpets in the Book of Revelation (8:lO-11). It heralds divine judgment upon the wicked. 201 main streaksThe four accounts to be consideredin the aftermath of Guido’s beheading. Theyare: 1) a fictional letter from a Venetian genof 0 Y B . E tleman (31-207); 2) a letter from Arcangeli, a paraphrase 235-36 (237-86)and a fictional postscript (288-387);3) a fictional letter from Bottini (403-455,644-747)enclosing 4) an extract from a sermonby the Augustinian friar (456-643). 381 totters . . . grave The Popelived for another two and a half years. 391 Malpichi See7.419n. 401 Toxi See 9.125911. 411 inveterate Incurable. 42-43] Cardinal . . . head The Venetian visitor is less prescient than Guido. See 11.2253-57n., 11.2332n. 441 niece The Venetian implies that the next Pope will undo the reforms of nepotism (favors to nephews-often a euphemism for bastard sons-and by extension to-“nieces”) accomplished by Innocent XII. 46-48] Colloredo . . . Chamberlain All named were possible candidates for the office of Pope. The highest ranking cardinal was the Chamberlain. 521 Custom-house See also 12.89n. Cook says that InnocentXI1 built a custom-house in the Piazza di Pietra, far from the Tiber, butthat there is no record of a maritime custom-house. 56-58] fainting-fits . . . beads One of several disparaging remarks about the Pope’s intellectual capacity. See also 8.1440-42; 10.1241-42; 12.296, 373. 611 Jubilee . . . time The Pope had celebrated Jubilee to mark his eightieth birthday in 1695 (see 2.532n.). Why he should celebrate another three years later is not clear. 621 Holy Doors See 3.566-6811. 651 Finelon In 1689 Pope Innocent XI1 did condemn Fenelon’s writing. See 6.319n. 66-67] Cardinal . . . delinquent Cardinal Bouillon (12.112) was the representative of Louis XIV in Rome and Dean of the College of Cardinals. He is said to have incurred the displeasureof the kingfor not having pushed the case against FPnelon strongly enough. 741 recchines Coins of small worth. 350

’

Notes to Pages 255-56 81-82] old . . . pageant-king See11.2272-7811. The old e,nmity between Austria and Italy was still fresh and keen during the Bs’ stay in Italy, and EBB was as passionate a partisanof Louis Napoleon as the Pope ishere of Louis XIV. Cook, AppendixVII, discusses the relationship between Innocent XI1 and Louis XIV at length. Theirformer dispute was theological and centered on the limits of papal authority and on the legitimacy of Quetist doctrine(seen. on Molinism, 1.303-13).The Pope’s condemnation of Quietism in March 1699, a year after the trial, represented the truce and perhaps capitulation implied inthese lines. Louis XIV is thepageant-king because he builtVersailles (beginning in 1661)and other monuments and buildings in Paris, including thecolonnade of the Louvre. For background and descriptionof the tortured subject of nineteenth-century Italian politics and its effect on the Bs’ lives (which may be the real impulse behind this passage) see Irvine and Honan 131-35, 361-65. To the Venetian, the combination of ItalianAustrian national antagonism and the Pope’s recent reconciliation with Louis XIV means that the Austrian ambassador’s support of Guido is the kiss of death. 891 Dogana-by-the-Bank See12.52n. 941 Martinez . . . Minister The Austrian ambassador who tried to save Guido. See 11.2272n. 1041 palchetto Grandstand. 105-71 Under . . . Bridge See1.346-54n. 110-1l ] French . . . foe In contrast to theAustrian ambassador’s sulks, the French can signal victory over their foe-not Guido, but Austria. 1121 Cardinal Bouillon See12.66n. 1131 palchetti See12.104n. 1141 edge . . . Three Streets The three main streets running S from the Piazza are the Via delBabuino, theCorso and the Via di Ripetta; edge means “intersection.” 115-171 Let . . . too SeeOYB,E 265. 1151 six dollars Not the American dollar but a silver coin that circulated in several European countriesbefore i t became the standard monetary unit in the United States. The word dollar comes from German “thaler,” a large coin current in the sixteenth century. It was worth about four shillings and six pence in 1698, a substantial unit. 1161 Anguisciola A noted old Italian family named Aguissola corresponds to B’s reference and B’s spelling may be a variantof that name. 1171 Enuoy Contarini The name is notin OYB or the Secondary Source, but Contariniwas the nameof a Venetian envoy at the time; see Cook, Appendix VII. 1191 four-and-twenty hours ago At 8 p.m., 21 February. 351

Notes to Pages 257-60

1201 Acciaiuoli and Panciatichi Thevisitors were actually members of the Company of Death; see 11.1-2n. 1221 pitched Decided. 1241 ere cock-crow At the eighth hour (OYB,E 265)or 2 a.m.. 1291 Company of Death See 1.1303n. 130-311 twenty-hours . . . dinner-time 2 p.m. The statement that i t was at sunset must be an error. According to OYB, E 238, the execution itself took place after dinner. 1321 led . . . car See11.2406n.; car, horse-drawn cart. 135-371 intrepidity . . . saw “Franceschini . . . showed moreintrepidity and composure than the others, to the wonder of all” (OYB,E 265). 1391 New Prison See1.1276n.,2.1454n. 139-461 From . . . People The procession went by the “longest way” (1.1317n.) “following the most densely populated streets” (OYB,E 280). 1401 Pasquin’s Street See6.1633n. 148) change of locality See 1.346-54n. 155-581 Twelue . . . Quatern A sum staked on three numbers was a terno and on four a quaterno. Considerable superstition attached to gambling, and the number of the shop, being a multiple of three and four, would have assured some winners. Innocent XI1 did prohibit the lottery system of gambling. 1591 Saint Agnes A church along the route. 164-651 Not . . . block The distance was much shorter from the prison of Caste1 St. Angeloto the customaryplace of execution (asB supposed; see 1.346-54n., and 1.1276n.), than to the Piazza del Popolo. 1761 suffrage Intercessory prayers. 178-791 Pater . . . Aue . . . Salve ReginaCoeli Our Father; Hail (Mary); Hail Heavenly Queen. All were familiar prayers, the last to the Blessed Virgin Mary being the most popular. 1821 S t . M a y ’ s Santa Maria del Popolo stood at the north end of the Piazza. 1841 Umbilicw Umbilical cord. 1881 J e s w . . . lips Guido associates himself with St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr. “And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit” (Acts 7:59). 1931 f i f t y years So the Secondary Source says (OYB,E 266). See, however, 1.774-76n. 197-2011 dress . . . cap From the Secondary Source, OYB,E 266. baracan: usually barrucan, a coarse water-proof cloth. 1981 jwt-a-corps A tight fitting knee-length coat. 1991 camisole Shirt. 2041 end was peace“Mark the perfect man, andbehold the upright: For 352

Notes to Pages 260-63

the end of that man is peace” (PS. 37:37). This is indeed the Venetian gentleman’s judgmentof Guido. 2061 Spa& . , . Pope Cardinal Spada, the “actual minister” of 12.42 above. 2071 quatrain The quatrain is not supplied. 2081 streak See12.20n. 2091 letter B’s paraphrased version of an actual letter follows. SeeOYB, E 235-36 the poet adds a fictitious postscript (12.288-387). 2101 Proctor A form of “Procurator,” attorney. 2121 valiant . . . truth The name of one of Christian’s companions in Bunyan’s Pilgrim’s Progress(Altick). 2151 Socius Colleague. 2171 bowels The interior or vital parts. See 11.178811. 2191 joint effort Arcangeli sent to Cencini for the proofs of Guido’s clericate, but since the Pope overruled this qualification the proofs arrived “too late” (after the execution);OYB,E 235. 2201 nicked A technical gambling term which B explains (12.222) as meaning “succeeded.” 2221 Turocs A game of cards which could involve fortune-telling. 223-241 Cencini’s . . . thing Cencini was the probable compiler of the yellow thing, the OYB. 2251 four-years’ intimate For an account of the composition of the poem see Composition. 2271 whole . . . case See1.119-30. 234-361 Part . . . done B’s creative imagination. See1.452-470. 237-401 Late . . . God See 12.21911. Egregious has the archaic sense of “distinguished.” 2441 sense Direction (rare). 2561 cheirograph Handwriting or signature. See10.2096ff. 2571 derogate To annul. 2621 Pasquini See6.1633n. 2661 Decollate . . . priuilege This is B’s own interpretation of the original. The Secondary Source (see Sources), probably never seenby B, states that Guidowas beheaded rather than hanged “ratherout of respect for his being in clerical orders than for any other reason” (OYB,E 268-81). be done decently andin 2671 decently . . . order “Letallthings order” (1 Cor. 14:40). 270-7 l ] nor . . . red The background of the Franceschini coat of arms was azure. See Vol. VII, 257; 11.2154-59; 12.817-20. 2751 Quantum . . . uenwtiorum Catullus 3.2. Paraphrasedin the following line. 288-3871 Hactenus . . . case The Latin means “Thus far for the se353

Notes to Pages 263-65 niors” (clients, readers who take precedence). The postscript is entirely B’s invention. fleet’s arrival 2921 Pisan assistance A proverb deriving from the Pisan too late to participate in the crucial siege of Jerusalem during the First Crusade. 2961 Somebody’s . . . headpiece See12.56-58n. 308-91 indecent . . . Playground See1.346-54n. have relished” 3091 stigmatize Censure,blame(parallelwith“will had little 12.306 above). Rome will enjoy theshow but understand itthat to do with Guido’s guilt. 3 131 socket The base of a candle holder when a candle has burned all the way down. 3161 tender grapes “Take us the foxes, the little foxes, that spoil the vines: for our vines have tender grapes” (Songof Sol. 215). 3271 Themis’ throneGoddess of justice whose throne, according toArcangeli, wouldreside more appropriately in Tuscany than in Rome. 322-231 both . . . hot The lawyer Ugolinucci refersto thecoming Matrimonial Case and the case of Gomez in aletter to Cencini (OYB, E 238), but according to the record Arcangeli had nothing to do with either. See 12.653-60. 3241 Reliqua . . . crastinum Cicero, De Re Publica 2.44.4 “Put off the rest until tomorrow.” 3251 estafette Courier. 3281 fat-chaps HyacinthThe son of whom Arcangeli speaks so often in Book 8. than 335-361 hoc . . . subjunctive “That I wouldprefer”(rather “That I prefer.”) 3381 Proud . . . peacock-fans Peacock fans were carried on either side of the Popeon festival occasions. They represent the virtues that adorn the saintlyas the beauty of the colorful feathers adorn the peacock. 343,3491 Cintino / Cinone See12.328 and 8.1-2n. 3551 Eutropius Fourth century Roman historian. 3581 Bartolus-cum-Baldo See1.215-33n. 3601 Gomez . . . marriage-case See12.322-23n. 364-651 Adverti . . . Quod “I humbly beg it be noted that.” 3651 fungus . . . fop The epithets mock Bottini’s youth and flashy style: fungus, overnight growthof no durability;fop, one who trusts to appearances. 366-741 one . . . roadster The image is Franceschini on one side of the street, on the other the Pope, and Arcangeli driving two spirited horses between them, managing to preserve both-the honor of one and

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Notes to Pages 266-71

the dignity of the other-from danger or soiling. old Somebody: see 12.56-58n. roadster: pedestrian. 3821 inward . . . guide An indirect way of accusingthePope of Molinism. 3861 Cinuuo See12.343n. 3871 Gomez See 12.322-23n. 3881 letter This letter is B’s invention. 3911 Monday February 24,1698. 4101 lynx-eye Sharp eye.See 10.124011. 4121 twist . . . cord A reference to Guido’s torture; see 1.971-72n. 4141 Finished . . . penitent B took this from the Secondary Source (OYB,E 265-66). B introduces Guido’s penitence for the first time in of characters governed moreby selfBook 12and puts it in the mouths interest than by an objective search for truth-the Venetian, Arcangeli, Bottini. 419-201 claps . . . mows The same image Arcangeli used for Bottini; see 8.234-36and n. 4331 Spreti’s work Arcangeli’s partner in defense; see Sources. 4341 dundiprat A term of contempt: dwarf, pigmy. 4361 save-all A contrivance to hold a candle-end in a stick so that it may bum to the end. 4381 gird Taunt. 4471 San Lorenzo See 2.6n. 4481 treasure . . . church See2.8-15. 450-511 Let . . . liar “Let God be true, but every man a liar” (Rom. 3:4). 456-6431 This purported sermon of the Augustinian is B’s invention. 4681 Lord, how long A familiar cry in the Old Testament. For example: “0Lord, how long shallI cry, and thou wilt not hear! evencry out unto thee of violence, and thou wilt not save me” (Hab. 1:2). 471-781 inhabitants . . . bill The story is told in Genesis 89-11. 4761 culver Pigeon. 4911 morning-star Christianity. 4931 cavern-rnouth The catacombs in which Christians hid during times of persecution. 4941 obnoxious Liable to punishment, reprehensible. 5011 idol-god, an Ass Pagan Rome often accused Christians of worshipping anass. 5051 offscouring . . . race Christianity made its initial appeal especially to the lower classesand the deprived. 517-201 lamp . . . Christ0 Terracotta lamps and vessels containing

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Notes to Pages 271-77 blood were found inthe catacombs where persecuted Christians hadleft them. Palm branches, scratched on the walls, were symbols of ultimate no man could victory: “And I beheld, and,lo, a great multitude, which number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the lamb, clothed with whiterobes, and palms in their hands” (Rev. 7:9) Many of the objects found were inscribed with the motto “Pro Christo,” “For Christ.” 533-351 Apollo . . . centipede The two statues represent lightand guardianship, Apolloas godof the sun and Juno as Queenof Heaven, and the insects indicate betrayal. Certain varieties of centipedes are venemous. 5371 Demon anddeuil Some Christians thought that pagan godsApollo and Juno, for example-were fallen angels or devils. See Milton’s “Nativity Hymn.” 5831 intends Extends. 585-861 One . . . away “and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the Spiritof God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light” (Gen. 1:l-2). 5911 hate . . . light “For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither comethto the light, lest his deed should be reproved. But he that deeds may be manifest, thatthey doeth truth cometh to the light that his are wrought in God” (John 3:20-21). 597,600,6061 proof / proved / Approved . . . probation The passage develops a parallel contrastbetween true and jake and between probation and proof. In sum,Approved by life’sprobation (of falsehood) is to be proved by being put to proof; the words have the same root. 6151 God . . . heart “I know also, my God, that thou triest the heart, and hast pleasure in uprightness” (1 Chron. 29:17). 6201 Christ’s assurance “Verily I say unto you, there is no man who hath left house, or parents, or brethren, orwife, or children, for the kingreceive manifold more in thispresent dom of God’s sake, who shall not time, and inthe world to come life everlasting”.(Luke 18:29-30). 6251 as grace As for example, i t had for Caponsacchi. See 6.1089. 6441 ampollosity Included in OED as B’s coinage: inflated, bubbly, insubstantial. 6511 Molinism See1.303-13n. 6521 pitch Literally, the place where street or carnival hawkers set up stand. 6541 Gomez See12.360n. 6681 Perpend Weigh,ponder. 669-701 Monastery . . . first B errs. See2.1189-90. 6731 returned to die See 1.1077n.

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Notes to Pages 277-79

684-851 Tighetti . . . heir The official document, “Instrument of Final Judgment” (OYB,E 252) declares “Domenico Tighetti as an heir beneficiary of the same Francesca Pompilia.” Arcangeli, on the other hand, wrote,“But no man of sense could praise her testamentary disposition, in which she appointedas her sole heirher son, who, as heard, I was but justborn and hence innocent, and who hadbeen hidden away from his father, and which appointed as residuary legatee a stranger joined by no bond of relationship” (OYB,E 121). 6931 innocency . . . wife The Instrument of FinalJudgment declared, “Proof is not established as regards the pretended adultery, and therefore the memory of the same Francesca Pompilia shouldbe entirely restored” (OYB,E 254). 6981 contrary I.e., of innocency, 12.693 above. 699-7071 Pompilia . . . sainted The references are to the suit of the Convent of the Convertites for Pompilia’s property after her death, and to the Fisc’s role in prosecuting that claim;see Chronology. Though B emphasizes Bottini’s duplicity in the two suits,i t was actually hisassociate Gambi, Procurator of the Fisc, who represented the convent. 7021 lapse A legal term indicating the reversion of property to someone because of a failure of the original owner. 7091 tongue . . . sword A distortion of Hebrews 2:12, which reads, “For the word of God is quick andpowerful, and sharper thanany two edged sword, piercingeven to the dividing asunderof joints andmarrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” 710-1l] axe . . . coast A reference to the severe sentence of the Arezzo court and the more lenient one in Rome. See Chronology. 7121 Astraea redux See2.1466n. 7141 chop He will change his position. 7171 Florence . . . confirmative The Sentence of the Criminal Court of Florence did pronounce as Bottini states on 15 February 1697. See OYB,E 5-7. 7241 Noah’s . . . back See12.471-78n. 725-271 sooty . . . carcasses “And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until thewaters were dried up from off the earth” (Gen. based perhaps upon 8:7). The rest of the sentence is Bottini’s invention, the fact that the raven is a scavenger related to the vulture andwas considered unclean by the Jews. 7321 How . . . dim “How is the gold become dim! How is the most out intothe fine gold changed! The stones of this sanctuary are poured top of every street” (Lam. 4:l). 7341 clip away Cut short. Also a pun, on top of Arcangeli’s pun on “umbilicus”; see below 12.741-42.

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Notes to Pages 279-82

7361 hunks Miserly, ungenerous person. 7411 famous relic See12.184n. 7431 Ad . . . est Martial (c. 40-101), Epigrammata 4.89.1-2. “The umbilici of a book were two knobs at either endof a rollerto which the parchment whenfilled with writingwas attached. ‘We have come to the umbilici’ therefore means the book is finished” (Cook). 7471 HOW. . . d i m see 12.73211. 7471 send . . . piece See12.716-17. 7491 Instrument See 12.683,693n. 7521 Dated September The sentence was actually rendered 19 August, 1698 (OYB,E 253). 754-641 In . . . Corso A paraphrase of a portion of the original document. See 12.684-85n., 693n. 765-661 Marc . . . too Judge Venturini, the Vice-governor, issued the judgment (12.754-64) in the name of the governor of Rome. 7701 accession-day A mistake. His accession day was 12July 1691. He died 27 September 1700. 7711 doubt . . . good See10.1849 ff. 771-741 doubt . . . Voltaire Skeptic and gadfly to the church and to the ancien regimeof his native France, Voltaire was born in 1694 (died 1778).He was imprisoned and exiled for his satires, and hispersecution of became the mark of both hisdoubt and his genius as a leading thinker the Enlightenment. 778-853 Find . . . reverence This reference to a document in the case not included in OYB indicates an early and confirmed interest in the materials of the poem, given the fact that composition did not begin until 1864 (seeComposition). B foundthe book in June 1860,and his last visits to Arezzo were en route to Rome in the fall of that year, and the next spring in return to Florence. The quotation below at 12.796-803 is an accurate transcription of the original document in Arezzo. 7811 Porzia Guido’s one sister. 7831 Gonfalonier Bearer of the banner (gonfalon) of the town; the mayor. 7901 lying vanity “I have hated them that regard lying vanities” (PS. 31.6).. 7921 bane Deadly poison. 796-8031 Since . . . to-day See12.778-85n. 804-51 annalist . . . bard An annalist is a historian or record keeper, especially records of an antiquariannature. The facetious contrast with babble of a bard glances at the truth-fancy theme elaboratedat 1.451 ff. See also below 12.809-11 and n. 8051 Petrarch . . . Buonarroti The Italian lyric poet Petrarch was

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Notes toPages 282-85

born inArezzo in 1304,but his parents moved from the city when he was an infant. Michelangelo Buonarroti was born in 1475near Chiusi, inthe diocese of Arezzo, shortly before the family moved to Florence, where the child was nursed by a stonecutter’s wife. As quoted by Vasari, who was from Areuo, Michelangelo gave credit to both his early influences: “What good Ihave comes from the pure air of your native Areuo, and also because I sucked in chisels and hammers with my nurse’s milk” (Vasari, 4, 109). 809-1l ] Patavinian . . . FaceTitus Livius (59 B.C.-A.D. 17) was born in Patavium (Padua) andis remembered for his exhaustive History of Rome. The History links accounts of contemporary wars and political events in the Roman Republic withthe earliest myths of its founding, a combination B may have found “veracious” in adifferent sense than the of history in The Ring literal, asense more similar to his own treatment and the Book. Janus, the god represented as having two faces, one looking back and oneforward, was the god of beginnings and endings. There is no myth of the founding of Arezzo by Janus, nor does Livy mention one, and itis uncertain why B makes the connection.Janus is appropriate, on the other hand, to the final pages of a poemwhose central symbol is a ring andwhose theme invokes temporal circularity. 817-201 Which . . . slips For a full description of the coat of arms see Vol. VI1 257. 8241 Star Wormwood See12.12n. 8311 British . . . yet See1.405n. 8321 Marry An exclamation; a colloquial spelling of the name of the Virgin Mary. 842-431 eye . . . length “They have mouths but speak not: eyes have they, but see not: they haveears butthey hear not” (PS.115:5-6).Theears are the ears of an ass in length-and in understanding. 8451 troll To move nimbly, to wag. 8571 missing the mediate “Though the intermediary words be missing.” Adding alliteration to the MS reading, B also apparentlyreversed the original phrase“by the immediate”; see variants. The sense of the revision seems to be, “Art can tell the truth even without words, i.e. through painting andmusic.” 866-681 Render . . . thine A guard-ring is one worn above another ring, expecially a wedding ring, to protect it. See 1.1-24n. for a brief history and description of the two rings referred to h.ere. Although B size it could easily wore his ring onthe little finger of his right hand, in encompass EBB’S. B wrote of his wife’s ring, “Can yoc fancy that tiny finger?Can you believethat a woman could wear such acircle as this? It is a child’s’’ (Katharine de Kay Bronson, “Browning in Venice,” The

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Notes to Page 285

’

Cornhill Magazine, NS 12 [1902], 152). Guardianship has resonances beyond the literal in the poem and inB’s life: it echoes the inscription “Vis Mea” (see 12.10n.)on B’s ring andthe invocation that B wrote in OYB to “the Muse in her strength”(see Composition), and also the first real poem written by B after his marriage, “The Guardian Angel,” which is about Elizabeth (see Irvine and Honan 250-60). It is perhaps significant that B has here asserted to himself the guiding, guarding function that the earlier poem conferred on EBB: the tribute to her is also a signal that“RB a poem.”is complete (see Composition). Lyric Love: see 1.1383 and n. 869-701 T h e . . . Italy On a tablet above the entrance to Casa Guidi is inscribed a tributeto EBB bythe Italian poet Nicolo Tommasei in which he says she“made of her verse a golden ringlinking Italy with England.”

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