,,! ,,lo/ ,,^w   ,a ,*ri/mas ,leg5d (   
,long ,ago   ,by  ,,h5ry ,,van ,,dyke   
,new ,york  ,,mdcccxcviii     ,,d$icat$ 
,,to ,,my ,,fri5d ,,hamilton ,w4 ,,mabie
     ,,cont5ts      ,i ,,! ,,pov]ty ,,( 
,,h]mas   ,,ii ,a ,,*ri/mas ,,loss      
,,iii ,,p>t+1 ,,b ,,no ,,f>ewell   ,,iv 
,,love ,,9 ,,se>* ,,( ,a ,,^w    ,v     
,,ri*es ,,)\t ,,re/   ,,vi ,,great ,,fe>
 ,,& ,,recov]$ ,,joy      ,i  ,,!       
,,pov]ty ,,( ,,h]mas   ,,come d[n1      
,h]mas1 come d[n6 ,! night is pa/4 ,x is
 "t to be /irr+4 ,*ri/ is born to-day4  
,peace be ) y 9 ,8 "n4 ,make ha/e & come
 d[n6  ,a little gr\p ( "y m5 7 /&+ 9 a 
/reet ( ,antio*1 9 ! dusk ( e>ly morn+1 
fifte5 hundr$ ye>s ago4 ,x 0 a class (  
c&idates :o _h ne>ly f9i%$ _! two ye>s (
 tra9+ = ! ,*ri/ian *ur*4 ,!y _h come to
 call _! fell[-/ud5t ,h]mas f 8 lodg+4  
,_! voices rang out *e]ily ?r\gh ! cool 
air4 ,!y 7 full ( t glad s5se ( life :i*
 ! "y feel :5 !y awake & come to r\se "o
 :o is /ill sleep+4 ,!re 0 a note (     
fri5dly triumph 9 _! call1 z if !y 7    

exult+ unconsci\sly 9 hav+ begun !      
adv5ture ( ! new day be=e _! comrade4   
,b ,h]mas 0 n asleep4 ,he _h be5 wak+ = 
h\rs1 & ! d>k walls ( 8 n>r[ lodg+ _h   
be5 a prison to 8 re/less he>t4 ,a      
nameless sorr[ & discont5t _h fall5 ^u  
him1 & he c\ld f9d no escape f !        
heav9ess ( 8 own ?\ghts4  ,!re is a     
sadness ( y\? into :i* ! old _c ent]4 ,x
 seems to !m unreal & causeless4 ,b x is
 ev5 m bitt] & burd5some ?an ! sadness (
 age4 ,!re is a /+ ( res5tm5t 9 x1 a    
fev] ( angry surprise t ! _w %\ld s soon
 be a disappo9tm5t1 & life s e>ly take  
on ! look ( a failure4 ,x has little    
reason 9 x1 p]haps1 b x has all ! m     
we>9ess & gloom1 because ! man :o is    
oppress$ by x feels dimly t x is an     
unnatural & an unreasonable ?+1 t he    
%\ld be sep>at$ f ! joy ( 8 companions1 
& tir$ ( liv+ be=e he has fairly begun  
to live4  ,h]mas _h fall5 into ! v dep?s
 ( ?is /range self-pity4 ,he 0 out (    
tune ) ev]y?+ ar\nd him4 ,he _h be5     
?9k+1 ?r\gh ! dead1 /ill night1 ( all t 

he _h giv5 up :5 he left ! h\se ( 8     
fa!r1 ! weal?y pagan ,demetrius1 to jo9 
! company ( ! ,*ri/ians4 ,only two ye>s 
ago he _h be5 "o ( ! ri*e/ "y m5 9      
,antio*4 ,n[ he 0 "o ( ! poore/4 ,& !   
wor/ ( x 0 t1 ?\gh he _h made ! *oice   
will+ly & accept$ ! sacrifice ) a k9d ( 
en?usiasm1 he 0 already dissatisfi$ ) x4
  ,! new life 0 no happi] ?an ! old4 ,he
 0 we>y ( vigils & fa/s1 we>y ( /udies &
 p5ances1 we>y ( pray]s & s]mons4 ,he   
felt l a slave 9 a treadmill4 ,he knew t
 he mu/ g on4 ,8 hon\r1 8 consci5ce1 8  
s5se ( duty1 b\nd him4 ,he c\ld n g back
 to ! old c>eless pagan life aga92 =    
some?+ _h happ5$ )9 him :i* made a      
return impossible4 ,d\btless he _h f\nd 
! true religion1 b he _h f\nd x only z a
 task & a burd52 its joy & peace _h     
slipp$ away f him4  ,he felt            
disillusion$ & robb$4 ,he sat beside 8  
h>d little c\*1 wait+ )\t expectancy = !
 gray dawn ( ano!r empty day1 & h>dly   
lift+ 8 head at ! %\ts ( 8 fri5ds4      
,come d[n1 ,h]mas1 y slugg>d6 ,come d[n6

 ,x is ,*ri/mas morn4 ,awake & be glad )
 u6  ,i am com+1 he answ]$ li/lessly2   
only h pati5ce a mom5t4 ,i h be5 awake  
s9ce midnight1 & wait+ = ! day4  ,y he> 
him6 said 8 fri5ds "o to ano!r4 ,h[ he  
puts u all to %ame6 ,he is m wat*ful1 m 
eag]1 ?an any ( u4 ,our ma/]1 ,john !   
,presbyt]1 does well to be pr\d ( him4  
,he is ! be/ man 9 our class4 ,:5 he is 
baptiz$ ! *ur* w get a /rong memb]4     
,:ile !y 7 talk+ ! door op5$ & ,h]mas   
/epp$ out4 ,he 0 a figure to be rem>k$ 9
 any company--tall1 broad-%\ld]$1       
/raight-hipp$1 ) a head pr\dly pois$ on 
! firm column ( ! neck1 & %ort br[n     
curls clu/]+ ov] ! squ>e =ehead4 ,x 0 ! 
p]petual type ( vig\r\s & intellig5t "y 
manhood1 su* z may be f\nd 9 e c5tury   
among ! ?rongs ( ord9>y m51 z if to %[  
:at ! fl[] ( ! race %\ld be4 ,b ! light 
9 8 d>k blue eyes 0 cl\d$ & unc]ta92 8  
smoo? *eeks 7 lean] ?an !y %\ld h be5 at
 tw5ty2 & !re 7 d[nw>d l9es ab\t 8 m\?  
:i* spoke ( desires unsatisfi$ &        
ambitions repress$4 ,he jo9$ 8          

companions ) brief greet+s1--a nod to   
"o1 a ^w to ano!r1--& !y pass$ toge!r   
d[n ! /eep /reet4  ,ov]head ! my/]y (   
daybreak 0 sil5tly transfigur+ ! sky4 ,!
 curta9 ( d>kness _h lift$ s(tly upw>d  
along ! edge ( ! horizon4 ,! ragg$ cre/s
 ( ,m\nt ,silpius 7 outl9$ ) pale rosy  
light4 ,9 ! c5tral vault ( heav5 a few  
l>ge />s tw9kl$ dr[sily4 ,! great city1 
/ill *iefly pagan1 lay m ?an half       
asleep4 ,b multitudes ( ! ,*ri/ians1    
dress$ 9 :ite & c>ry+ light$ tor*es 9 _!
 h&s1 7 hurry+ t[>d ! ,basilica (       
,con/ant9e to keep ! late/ holy day ( ! 
*ur*1 ! new fe/ival ( ! bir?day ( _!    
,ma/]4  ,! va/1 b>e build+ 0 soon cr[d$1
 & ! y\ng] conv]ts1 :o 7 n yet p]mitt$  
to /& among ! baptiz$1 f\nd x difficult 
to come to _! appo9t$ place betwe5 !    
fir/ two pill>s ( ! h\se1 j )9 !        
?re%old4 ,!re 0 "s good-hum\r$ press+ & 
jo/l+ ab\t ! door2 b ! c&idates pu%$    
/eadily =w>d4  ,by y\r leave1 fri5ds1   
our /ation is beyond y4 ,w y let u pass8
 ,_m ?anks4  ,a t\* "h1 a c\rte\s nod   

!re1 a little pati5ce1 a little         
p]si/5ce1 & at la/ !y /ood 9 _! place4  
,h]mas 0 tall] ?an 8 companions2 he c\ld
 look easily ov] _! heads & survey !    
:ite sea ( p /ret*+ away ?r\gh !        
columns1 "u ! %ad[s ( ! high ro(1 z !   
tide spreads on a calm day into ! pill>$
 cav]n ( ,/affa1 quiet z if ! ocean     
h>dly d>$ to brea!4 ,! light ( _m       
flambeaux fell1 9 flick]+1 unc]ta9 rays1
 ov] ! assembly4 ,at ! end ( ! vi/a !re 
0 a circle ( cle>]1 /eadi] radiance4    
,h]mas c\ld see ! bi%op 9 8 great *air1 
surr\nd$ by ! presbyt]s1 ! l(ty desks on
 ei!r side = ! read]s ( ! ,scripture1 ! 
communion-table & ! table ( (f]+s 9 !   
middle ( ! *ur*4  ,! call to pray] s\nd$
 d[n ! long aisle4 ,?\s&s ( h&s 7       
joy\sly lift$ 9 ! air1 z if ! sea _h    
blossom$ into wav+ lilies1 & ! ,am5 0 l 
! murmur ( c\ntless ripples 9 an e*o+   
place4  ,!n ! s++ began1 l$ by ! *oir ( 
a hundr$ tra9$ voices :i* ! ,bi%op ,paul
 _h f\nd$ 9 ,antio*4 ,timidly1 at fir/1 
! music felt its way1 z ! p jo9$ ) a    

brok5 & unc]ta9 cad5ce1 ! m+l+ ( _m     
little waves n yet ga!r$ into rhy?m &   
h>mony4 ,soon ! long]1 /rong] bill[s (  
song roll$ 91 sweep+ f side to side z ! 
m5 & ! wom5 answ]$ 9 ! cle> antiphony4  
,h]mas _h (t5 be5 c>ri$ on ^? ,tides (  
music's gold5 sea ,sett+ t[>d et]nity4  
,b to-day 8 he>t 0 a rock t /ood        
motionless4 ,! flood pass$ by & left him
 unmov$4  ,look+ out f 8 place at ! foot
 ( ! pill>1 he saw a man /&+ f> (f 9 !  
l(ty bema4 ,%ort & sl5d]1 wa/$ by       
sickness1 gray be=e 8 "t1 ) pale *eeks &
 wr9kl$ br[1 he seem$ at fir/ l a p]son 
( no significance--a re$ %ak5 9 ! w9d4  
,b !re 0 a look 9 8 deep-set1 poignant  
eyes1 z he ga!r$ all ! glances ( !      
multitude to himself1 t beli$ 8 mean    
appe>ance & prophesi$ p[]4 ,h]mas knew v
 well :o x 03 ! man :o _h drawn him f 8 
fa!r's h\se1 ! tea*] :o 0 in/ruct+ him z
 a son 9 ! ,*ri/ian fai?1 ! guide &     
tra9] ( 8 s\l--,john ( ,antio*1 ^: fame 
fill$ ! city & began to ov]fl[ ,asia1 & 
:o 0 call$ already ,*ryso/om1 !         

gold5-m\!d prea*]4  ,h]mas _h felt !    
magic ( 8 eloqu5ce _m a "t2 & to-day1 z 
! t5se voice vibrat$ ?r\gh ! /illness1 &
 ! s5t5ces mov$ onw>d1 gr[+ full] &     
/rong]1 be>+ argosies ( co/ly rhetoric &
 treasures ( homely spee* 9 _! bosom1 & 
draw+ ! he>ts ( m5 ) a resi/less magic1 
,h]mas knew t ! prea*] _h nev] be5 m    
pot5t1 m inspir$4  ,he play$ on t imm5se
 congregation z a ma/] on an in/rum5t4  
,he rebuk$ _! s9s1 & !y trembl$4 ,he    
t\*$ _! sorr[s1 & !y wept4 ,he spoke ( !
 conflicts1 ! triumphs1 ! glories ( _!  
fai?1 & !y broke out 9 ?und]s (         
applause4 ,he hu%$ !m into rev]5t       
sil5ce1 & l$ !m t5d]ly1 ) ! wise m5 ( ! 
,ea/1 to ! l[ly bir?place ( ,jesus4  ,d 
?\1 !re=e1 likewise leave ! ,jewi% p1 ! 
tr\bl$ city1 ! blood?ir/y tyrant1 ! pomp
 ( ! _w1 & ha/5 to ,be?lehem1 ! sweet   
h\se ( spiritual bread4 ,= ?\gh ?\ be b 
a %eph]d1 & come hi!r1 ?\ %alt behold ! 
"y ,*ild 9 an inn4 ,?\gh ?\ be a k+1 &  
come n hi!r1 ?y purple robe %all pr(it  
!e no?+4 ,?\gh ?\ be "o ( ! wise m51 ?is

 %all be no h9drance to !e4 ,only let ?y
 com+ be to hon\r & adore1 ) trembl+    
joy1 ! ,son ( ,god1 to ^: "n be glory1  
on ?is ,8 bir?day1 & =ev] & =ev]4  ,!   
s\l ( ,h]mas did n answ] to ! musician's
 t\*4 ,! /r+s ( 8 he>t 7 slack &        
s\ndless2 !re 0 no response )9 him4 ,he 
0 nei!r %eph]d1 nor k+1 nor wise man1   
only an unhappy1 dissatisfi$1 que/ion+  
y\?4 ,he 0 out ( sympa?y ) ! eag]       
prea*]1 ! joy\s he>]s4 ,9 _! h>mony he  
_h no "p4 ,0 x = ?is t he _h =sak5 8    
inh]itance & n>r[$ 8 life to pov]ty &   
h>d%ip8 ,:at 0 x all wor?8  ,! graci\s  
pray]s ) :i* ! "y conv]ts 7 bless$ &    
dismiss$ be=e ! sacram5t s\nd$ holl[ 9 8
 e>s4 ,nev] _h he felt s utt]ly lonely z
 9 t pray+ ?rong4 ,he w5t out ) 8       
companions l a man dep>t+ f a banquet   
:]e all b he _h be5 f$4  ,f>ewell1      
,h]mas1 !y cri$1 z he turn$ f !m at !   
door4 ,b he did n look back1 nor wave 8 
h&4 ,he 0 alone already 9 8 he>t4  ,:5  
he ent]$ ! broad ,av5ue ( ! ,colonnades1
 ! sun _h already topp$ ! ea/]n hills1 &

 ! ruddy light 0 /ream+ ?r\gh ! long    
d\ble r[ ( ar*ways & ov] ! pavem5ts (   
crimson m>ble4 ,b ,h]mas turn$ 8 back to
 ! morn+1 & walk$ ) 8 %ad[ be=e him4  ,!
 /reet began to sw>m & :irl & quiv] ) ! 
motley life ( a huge city3 begg>s &     
juggl]s1 danc]s & musicians1 gild$ y\?s 
9 _! *>iots1 & daught]s ( joy look+ out 
f _! w9d[s1 all intoxicat$ ) ! m]e      
delight ( liv+ & ! gladness ( a new day4
 ,! pagan populace ( ,antio*--reckless1 
pleasure-lov+1 sp5d?rift--7 prep>+ = !  
,saturnalia4 ,b all ?is ,h]mas _h       
r5\nc$4 ,he cleft 8 way ?r\gh ! cr[d    
sl[ly1 l a reluctant swimm] we>y (      
brea/+ ! tide4  ,at ! corn] ( ! /reet   
:]e ! n>r[1 popul\s ,lane ( !           
,camel-driv]s cross$ ! ,colonnades1 a   
/ory-tell] _h bewit*$ a circle ( p ar\nd
 him4 ,x 0 ! same old tale ( love &     
adv5ture t _m g5]ations h li/5$ to2 b ! 
lively fancy ( ! he>]s l5t x new int]e/1
 & ! wit ( ! improvis] drew =? sighs (  
int]e/ & %\ts ( laught]4  ,a yell[-hair$
 girl on ! edge ( ! ?rong turn$1 z      

,h]mas pass$1 & smil$ 9 8 face4 ,%e put 
out h] h& & caught him by ! sleeve4     
,/ay1 %e said1 & laugh a bit ) u4 ,i "k 
:o y are--! son ( ,demetrius4 ,y mu/ h  
bags ( gold4 ,:y d y look s black8 ,love
 is alive yet4  ,h]mas %ook (f h] h&1 b 
n ung5tly4  ,i don't "k :at y mean1 he  
said4 ,y are mi/ak5 9 me4 ,i am poor]   
?an y are4  ,b z he pass$ on1 he felt ! 
w>m t\* ( h] f+]s ?r\gh ! clo? on 8 arm4
 ,x seem$ z if %e _h pluck$ him by !    
he>t4  ,he w5t out by ! ,we/]n ,gate1 "u
 ! gold5 *]ubim t ! ,emp]or ,titus _h   
/ol5 f ! ru9$ ,temple ( ,j]usalem & fix$
 ^u ! ar* ( triumph4 ,he turn$ to !     
left1 & climb$ ! hill to ! road t l$ to 
! ,grove ( ,daphne4  ,9 all ! _w !re 0  
no o!r highway z beautiful4 ,x w\nd =   
five miles along ! foot ( ! m\nta9s1    
among g>d5s & villas1 plantations (     
myrtles & mulb]ries1 ) wide outlooks ov]
 ! valley ( ,orontes & ! di/ant1 %imm]+ 
sea4  ,! ri*e/ ( all ! dwell+s 0 ! ,h\se
 ( ! ,gold5 ,pill>s1 ! mansion (        
,demetrius4 ,he _h won ! favor ( !      

apo/ate ,emp]or ,julian1 ^: va9 ef=ts to
 re/ore ! wor%ip ( ! hea!n gods1 "s     
tw5ty ye>s ago1 _h op5$ an easy way to  
weal? & p[] = all :o w\ld mock & oppose 
,*ri/ianity4 ,demetrius 0 n a s9c]e     
fanatic l 8 royal ma/]2 b he 0 bitt]    
en\gh 9 8 pr(ess$ scorn ( ! new         
religion1 to make him a fav\rite at !   
c\rt :]e ! old religion 0 9 fa%ion4 ,he 
_h reap$ a ri* rew>d ( 8 policy1 & a    
/range s5se ( consi/5cy made him m      
fi]cely loyal to x ?an if x _h be5 a    
real fai?4 ,he 0 pr\d ( be+ call$ !     
fri5d ( ,julian2 & :5 8 son jo9$ himself
 to ! ,*ri/ians1 & ackn[l$g$ ! unse5    
,god1 x seem$ l an insult to 8 fa!r's   
success4 ,he drove ! boy f 8 door &     
dis9h]it$ him4  ,! glitt]+ portico ( !  
s]5e1 haughty h\se1 ! repose ( !        
well-ord]$ g>d51 /ill bloom+ ) belat$   
fl[]s1 seem$ at once to d]ide & to      
invite ! "y outca/ plodd+ along ! du/y  
road4 ,?is is y\r bir?right1 :isp]$ !   
clamb]+ rose-trees by ! gate2 & ! clos$ 
portals ( c>v5 bronze said3 ,y h sold x 

= a ?\ght--a dream4     ,,ii  ,a        
,,*ri/mas ,,loss   ,,h]mas f\nd ! ,grove
 ( ,daphne q des]t$4 ,!re 0 no s\nd 9 ! 
en*ant$ vale b ! ru/l+ ( ! light w9ds   
*as+ ea* o!r ?r\gh ! laurel ?ickets1 & !
 babble ( innum]able /reams4 ,memories (
 ! days & nights ( delicate pleasure t !
 grove _h (t5 se5 /ill haunt$ ! bewild]$
 pa?s & brok5 f\nta9s4 ,at ! foot ( a   
rocky em95ce1 cr[n$ ) ! ru9s ( ,apollo's
 temple1 :i* _h be5 my/]i\sly de/roy$ by
 fire j aft] ,julian _h re/or$ &        
reconsecrat$ x1 ,h]mas sat d[n beside a 
gu%+ spr+1 & gave himself up to sadness4
  ,h[ beautiful ! _w w\ld be1 h[ joyful1
 h[ easy to live 91 )\t religion4 ,^!   
que/ions ab\t unse5 ?+s1 p]haps ab\t    
unreal ?+s1 ^! re/ra9ts & duties &      
sacrifices--if ,i 7 only free f !m all1 
& c\ld only =get !m all1 !n ,i c\ld live
 my life z ,i pleas$1 & be happy4  ,:y  
n8 said a quiet voice at 8 back4  ,he   
turn$1 & saw an old man ) a long be>d & 
a ?readb>e cloak 7! g>b affect$ by !    
pagan philosoph]s7 /&+ beh9d him & smil+

 curi\sly4  ,h[ is x t y answ] t :i* has
 n be5 spok58 said ,h]mas2 & :o are y t 
hon\r me ) y\r company8  ,=give !       
intrusion1 answ]$ ! /rang]2 x is n ill  
meant4 ,a fri5dly int]e/ is z good z an 
introduction4  ,b to :at s+ul>          
circum/ance d ,i owe ?is int]e/8  ,to   
y\r face1 said ! old man1 ) a c\rte\s   
incl9ation4 ,p]haps also a little to !  
fact t ,i am ! olde/ inhabitant "h1 &   
feel z if all visitors 7 my gue/s1 9 a  
way4  ,are y1 !n1 "o ( ! keep]s ( !     
grove8 ,& h y giv5 up y\r "w ) ! trees  
to take a holiday z a philosoph]8  ,n at
 all4 ,! robe ( philosophy is a m]e     
affectation1 ,i mu/ confess4 ,i ?9k     
little ( x4 ,my pr(ession is ! c>e (    
alt>s4 ,9 fact1 ,i am t solit>y prie/ ( 
,apollo :om ! ,emp]or ,julian f\nd "h :5
 he came to revive ! wor%ip ( ! grove1  
"s tw5ty ye>s ago4 ,y h he>d ( !        
incid5t8  ,yes1 said ,h]mas1 beg9n+ to  
be int]e/$2 ! :ole city mu/ h he>d ( x1 
= x is /ill talk$ (4 ,b surely x 0 a    
/range sacrifice t y br\ght to celebrate

 ! re/oration ( ,apollo's temple8  ,y   
mean ! goose8 ,well1 p]haps x 0 n       
precisely :at ! emp]or expect$4 ,b x 0  
all t ,i _h1 & x seem$ to me n          
inappropriate4 ,y w agree to t if y are 
a ,*ri/ian1 z ,i guess f y\r dress4  ,y 
speak lightly = a prie/ ( ,apollo4  ,oh1
 z = t1 ,i am no bigot4 ,! prie/hood is 
a pr(essional matt]1 & ! "n ( ,apollo is
 z good z any o!r4 ,h[ _m alt>s d y ?9k 
!re h be5 9 ?is grove8  ,i d n "k4  ,j  
f\r-&-tw5ty1 includ+ t ( ! m>tyr        
,babylas1 ^: ru9$ *apel y see j beyond  
u4 ,i h _h some?+ to d ) mo/ ( !m 9 my  
"t4 ,!y--are transitory4 ,!y give       
employm5t to c>e-tak]s = a :ile4 ,b ! ?+
 t la/s1 & ! ?+ t int]e/s me1 is ! human
 life t plays ar\nd !m4 ,! game has be5 
go+ on = c5turies4 ,x /ill disports     
itself v pleasantly on summ] ev5+s ?r\gh
 ^! %ady walks4 ,believe me1 = ,i "k4   
,daphne & ,apollo 7 %ad[s4 ,b ! fly+    
maid5s & ! pursu+ lov]s1 ! music & !    
dances1 ^! are ! realities4 ,life is !  
game1 & ! _w keeps x up m]rily4 ,b y8 ,y

 are ( a sad c\nt5ance = "o s "y & s    
fair4 ,are y a los] 9 ! game8  ,! words 
& tone ( ! speak] fitt$ ,h]mas' mood z a
 key fits ! lock4 ,he op5$ 8 he>t to !  
old man1 & told him ! /ory ( 8 life3 8  
luxuri\s boyhood 9 8 fa!r's h\se2 !     
irresi/ible spell :i* compell$ him to   
=sake x :5 he he>d ,john's prea*+ ( !   
new religion2 8 lonely ye> ) ! an*orites
 among ! m\nta9s2 ! /rict discipl9e 9 8 
tea*]'s h\se at ,antio*2 8 we>9ess (    
duty1 8 di/a/e = pov]ty1 8 discont5t )  
wor%ip4  ,& to-day1 said he1 ,i h be5   
?9k+ t ,i am a fool4 ,my life is swept z
 b>e z a h]mit's cell4 ,!re is no?+ 9 x 
b a dream1 a ?\ght ( ,god1 :i* does n   
satisfy me4  ,! s+ul> smile deep5$ on 8 
companion's face4 ,y are ready1 !n1 he  
sugge/$1 to r5\nce y\r new religion & g 
back to t ( y\r fa!r8  ,no2 ,i r5\nce   
no?+1 ,i accept no?+4 ,i d n wi% to ?9k 
ab\t x4 ,i only wi% to live4  ,a v      
reasonable wi%1 & ,i ?9k y are ab\t to  
see its accompli%m5t4 ,inde$1 ,i may ev5
 say t ,i c put y 9 ! way ( secur+ x4 ,d

 y believe 9 magic8  ,i h told y already
 t ,i d n "k :e!r ,i believe 9 any?+4   
,?is is n a day on :i* ,i c>e to make   
pr(essions ( fai?4 ,i believe 9 :at ,i  
see4 ,i want :at w give me pleasure4    
,well1 said ! old man1 soo?+ly1 z he    
pluck$ a leaf f ! laurel-tree above !m &
 dipp$ x 9 ! spr+1 let u dismiss !      
riddles ( belief4 ,i l !m z little z y  
d4 ,y "k ?is is a ,ca/alian f\nta94 ,!  
,emp]or ,hadrian once read 8 =tune "h f 
a leaf dipp$ 9 ! wat]4 ,let u see :at   
?is leaf tells u4 ,x is already turn+   
yell[4 ,h[ d y read t8  ,weal?1 said    
,h]mas1 laugh+1 z he look$ at 8 mean    
g>m5ts4  ,& "h is a bud on ! /em t seems
 to be swell+4 ,:at is t8  ,pleasure1   
answ]$ ,h]mas1 bitt]ly4  ,& "h is a     
trac+ ( wrea?s ^u ! surface4 ,:at d y   
make ( t8  ,:at y w1 said ,h]mas1 n ev5 
tak+ ! tr\ble to look4 ,suppose we say  
success & fame8  ,yes1 said ! /rang]2 x 
is all writt5 "h4 ,i promise t y %all   
enjoy x all4 ,b y d n ne$ to believe 9  
my promise4 ,i am n 9 ! habit ( requir+ 

fai? ( ^? :om ,i w\ld s]ve4 ,no su* h>d 
conditions = me6 ,!re is only "o ?+ t ,i
 ask4 ,?is is ! season t y ,*ri/ians    
call ! ,*ri/mas1 & y h tak5 up ! pagan  
cu/om ( ex*ang+ gifts4 ,well1 if ,i give
 to y1 y mu/ give to me4 ,x is a small  
?+1 & really ! ?+ y c be/ af=d to "p )3 
a s+le ^w--! "n ( ,him y pr(ess to      
wor%ip4 ,let me take t ^w & all t       
belongs to x entirely out ( y\r life1 s 
t y %all nev] ne$ to he> x or speak x   
aga94 ,y w be ri*] )\t x4 ,i promise y  
ev]y?+1 & ?is is all ,i ask 9 return4 ,d
 y cons5t8  ,yes1 ,i cons5t1 said       
,h]mas1 mock+4 ,if y c take y\r price1 a
 ^w1 y c keep y\r promise1 a dream4  ,! 
/rang] laid ! long1 cool1 wet leaf s(tly
 across ! "y man's eyes4 ,an icicle (   
pa9 d>t$ ?r\gh !m2 e n]ve 9 8 body 0    
drawn toge!r !re 9 a knot ( agony4  ,!n 
all ! tangle ( pa9 seem$ to be lift$ out
 ( him4 ,a cool languor ( delight fl[$  
back ?r\gh e ve91 & he sank into a      
pr(\nd sleep4     ,,iii  ,,p>t+1 ,,b    
,,no ,,f>ewell   ,,!re is a slumb] s    

deep t x annihilates "t4 ,x is l a      
fragm5t ( et]nity4 ,b5ea? its en*antm5t 
( vacancy1 a day seems l a ?\s& ye>s1 & 
a ?\s& ye>s might well pass z "o day4   
,x 0 su* a sleep t fell ^u ,h]mas 9 !   
,grove ( ,daphne4 ,an immeasurable      
p]iod1 an int]val ( life s blank & empty
 t he c\ld n tell :e!r x 0 long or %ort1
 _h pass$ ov] him :5 8 s5ses began to   
/ir aga94 ,! sett+ sun 0 %oot+ arr[s (  
gold "u ! glossy laurel-leaves4 ,he rose
 & /ret*$ 8 arms1 grasp+ a smoo? bran*  
above him & %ak+ x1 to make sure t he 0 
alive4 ,!n he hurri$ back t[>d ,antio*1 
tread+ lightly z if on air4  ,! gr\nd   
seem$ to spr+ b5ea? 8 feet4 ,already 8  
life _h *ang$1 he knew n h[4 ,some?+ t  
did n belong to him _h dropp$ away2 he  
_h return$ to a =m] /ate ( be+4 ,he felt
 z if any?+ might happ5 to him1 & he 0  
ready = any?+4 ,he 0 a new man1 yet     
curi\sly famili> to himself--z if he _h 
done ) play+ a tiresome "p & return$ to 
8 natural /ate4 ,he 0 buoyant & free1   
)\t a c>e1 a d\bt1 a fe>4  ,z he drew   

ne> to 8 fa!r's h\se he saw a confusion 
( s]vants 9 ! por*1 & ! old /ew>d ran   
d[n to meet him at ! gate4  ,"l1 we h   
be5 seek+ y ev]y:]e4 ,! ma/] is at !    
po9t ( dea?1 & has s5t = y4 ,s9ce ! six?
 h\r he calls y\r "n cont9ually4 ,come  
to him quickly1 "l1 = ,i fe> ! "t is    
%ort4  ,h]mas ent]$ ! h\se at once2 no?+
 c\ld amaze him to-day4 ,8 fa!r lay on  
an ivory c\* 9 ! inmo/ *amb]1 ) %runk5  
face & re/less eyes1 8 lean f+]s pick+  
incessantly at ! silk5 cov]let4  ,my    
son6 he murmur$2 ,h]mas1 my son6 ,x is  
good t y h come back to me4 ,i h miss$  
y4 ,i 0 wrong to s5d y away4 ,y %all    
nev] leave me aga94 ,y are my son1 my   
heir4 ,i h *ang$ ev]y?+4 ,h]mas1 my son1
 come ne>]--close beside me4 ,take my   
h&1 my son6  ,! "y man obey$1 &1 kneel+ 
by ! c\*1 ga!r$ 8 fa!r's cold1 twit*+   
f+]s 9 8 firm1 w>m grasp4  ,h]mas1 life 
is pass+--long1 ri*1 prosp]\s2 ! la/    
s&s1 ,i--_c /ay !m4 ,my religion1 a good
 policy--,julian 0 my fri5d4 ,b n[ he is
 gone--:]e8 ,my s\l is empty--no?+      

beyond--v d>k--,i am afraid4 ,b y "k    
some?+ bett]4 ,y f\nd some?+ t made y   
will+ to give up y\r life = x--x mu/ h  
be5 almo/ l dy+--yet y 7 happy4 ,:at 0 x
 y f\nd8 ,see1 ,i am giv+ y ev]y?+4 ,i h
 =giv5 y4 ,n[ =give me4 ,tell me1 :at is
 x8 ,y\r secret1 y\r fai?--give x to me 
be=e ,i g4  ,at ! s\nd ( ?is brok5      
plead+ a /range passion ( pity & love   
took ! "y man by ! ?roat4 ,8 voice %ook 
a little z he answ]$ eag]ly3  ,fa!r1 !re
 is no?+ to =give4 ,i am y\r son2 ,i w  
gladly tell1 y all t ,i "k4 ,i w give y 
! secret ( fai?4 ,fa!r1 y mu/ believe ) 
all y\r he>t1 & s\l1 & /r5g? 9--  ,:]e 0
 ! ^w--! ^w t he _h be5 us$ to utt]     
night & morn+1 ! ^w t _h meant to him m 
?an he _h ev] kn[n8 ,:at _h become ( x8 
,he grop$ = x 9 ! d>k room ( 8 m9d4 ,he 
_h ?\ght he c\ld lay 8 h& ^u x 9 a      
mom5t1 b x 0 gone4 ,"s "o _h tak5 x     
away4 ,ev]y?+ else 0 mo/ cle> to him3 ! 
t]ror ( dea?2 ! lonely s\l appeal+ f 8  
fa!r's eyes2 ! in/ant ne$ ( com=t &     
help4 ,b at ! "o po9t :]e he look$ =    

help he c\ld f9d no?+2 only an empty    
space4 ,! ^w ( hope _h vani%$4 ,he felt 
= x bl9dly & 9 desp]ate ha/e4  ,fa!r1   
wait6 ,i h =gott5 some?+--x has slipp$  
away f me4 ,i %all f9d x 9 a mom5t4 ,!re
 is hope--,i w tell y pres5tly--oh1     
wait6  ,! bony h& gripp$ 8 l a vice2 !  
glaz$ eyes op5$ wid]4 ,tell me1 :isp]$ !
 old man2 tell me quickly1 = ,i mu/ g4  
,! voice sank into a dull rattle4 ,!    
f+]s clos$ once m1 & relax$4 ,! light   
beh9d ! eyes w5t out4  ,h]mas1 ! ma/] ( 
! ,h\se ( ! ,gold5 ,pill>s1 0 keep+ wat*
 by ! dead4     ,,iv  ,,love ,,9 ,,se>* 
,,( ,a ,,^w   ,,! break ) ! old life 0 z
 clean z if x _h be5 cut ) a knife4 ,"s 
fa9t image ( a h]mit's cell1 a b>e lodg+
 9 a back /reet ( ,antio*1 a class-room 
full ( e>ne/ /ud5ts1 rema9$ 9 ,h]mas'   
memory4 ,"s dull e*o ( ! voice ( ,john !
 ,presbyt]1 & ! murmur$ s\nd ( *ant+1 & 
! murmur ( great congregations1 /ill    
l+]$ 9 8 e>s2 b x 0 l some?+ t _h happ5$
 to ano!r p]son1 some?+ t he _h read    
long ago1 b ( :i* he _h lo/ ! mean+4  ,8

 new life 0 full & smoo? & ri*--too ri* 
= any s5se ( loss to make itself felt4  
,!re 7 a hundr$ affairs to busy him1 & !
 days ran swiftly by z if !y 7 %od ) w+$
 s&als4  ,no?+ ne$$ to be consid]$1     
prep>$ =1 begun4 ,ev]y?+ 0 ready & wait+
 = him4 ,all t he _h to d 0 to g on ) x4
 ,! e/ate ( ,demetrius 0 ev5 great] ?an 
! _w _h suppos$4 ,!re 7 f]tile l&s 9    
,syria :i* ! emp]or _h giv5 him1        
m>ble-qu>ries 9 ,phrygia1 & =e/s (      
valuable timb] 9 ,cilicia2 ! vaults ( ! 
villa conta9$ *e/s ( gold & silv]2 !    
secret cab9ets 9 ! ma/]'s room 7 full ( 
preci\s /ones4 ,! /ew>ds 7 dilig5t &    
fai?ful4 ,! s]vants ( ! magnific5t      
h\sehold rejoic$ at ! "y ma/]'s return4 
,8 table 0 spread2 ! rose-g>l& (        
pleasure 0 wov5 = 8 head1 & 8 cup 0     
already fill$ ) ! spicy w9e ( p[]4  ,!  
p]iod ( m\rn+ = 8 fa!r came at a =tunate
 mom5t1 to seclude & safegu>d him f !   
/orm ( political tr\bles & p]secutions t
 fell ^u ,antio* aft] ! insults (f]$ by 
! mob to ! imp]ial /atues 9 ! ye> #hhg4 

,! fri5ds ( ,demetrius1 prud5t &        
cons]vative p]sons1 ga!r$ ar\nd ,h]mas &
 made him welcome to _! circle4 ,*ief   
among !m 0 ,libanius1 ! sophi/1 8 ne>e/ 
neighb\r1 ^: daught] ,a!nais _h be5 !   
playmate ( ,h]mas 9 ! old days4  ,he _h 
left h] a *ild4 ,he f\nd h] a beautiful 
woman4 ,:at trans=mation is s magical1 s
 *>m+1 z ?is8 ,to see ! unc]ta9 l9es    
(-y\? r\nd$ into firmness & symmetry1 to
 discov] ! half-ripe1 m]ry1 *ang+ face (
 ! girl matur$ into p]fect lovel9ess1 & 
look+ at y ) calm1 cle>1 s]i\s eyes1 n  
=gett+ ! pa/1 b fully consci\s ( ! *ang$
 pres5t--?is is to behold a miracle 9 ! 
fle%4  ,:]e h y be51 ^! two ye>s8 said  
,a!nais1 z !y walk$ toge!r ?r\gh ! g>d5 
( lilies :]e !y _h s (t5 play$4  ,9 a l&
 ( tiresome dreams1 answ]$ ,h]mas2 b y h
 wak5$ me1 & ,i am nev] go+ back aga94  
,x 0 n to be suppos$ t ! sudd5          
disappe>ance ( ,h]mas f among 8 =m]     
associates c\ld long rema9 unnotic$4 ,at
 fir/ x 0 a my/]y4 ,!re 0 a fe>1 = two  
or ?ree days1 t he might be lo/4 ,"s ( 8

 m intimate companions ma9ta9$ t 8      
devotion _h l$ him out into ! des]t to  
jo9 ! an*orites4 ,b ! news ( 8 return to
 ! ,h\se ( ! ,gold5 ,pill>s1 & ( 8 new  
life z its ma/]1 filt]$ quickly ?r\gh ! 
gossip ( ! city4  ,!n ! *ur* 0 fill$ )  
dismay & grief & reproa*4 ,mess5g]s &   
lett]s 7 s5t to ,h]mas4 ,!y di/urb$ him 
a little1 b !y took no hold ^u him4 ,x  
seem$ to him z if ! mess5g]s spoke 9 a  
/range language4 ,z he read ! lett]s !re
 7 words blott$ out ( ! writ+ :i* made !
 full s5se un9telligible4  ,8 old       
companions came to reprove him = leav+  
!m1 to w>n him ( ! p]il ( apo/asy1 to   
entreat him to return4 ,x all s\nd$     
vague & futile4 ,!y spoke z if he _h    
betray$ or (f5d$ "s "o2 b :5 !y came to 
"n ! object ( 8 fe>--! "o :om he _h     
displeas$1 & to :om he %\ld return--he  
he>d no?+2 !re 0 a blur ( sil5ce 9 _!   
spee*4 ,! clock po9t$ to ! h\r1 b ! bell
 did n /rike4 ,at la/ ,h]mas refus$ to  
see !m any m4  ,"o day ,john ! ,presbyt]
 /ood 9 ! atrium4 ,h]mas 0 ent]ta9+     

,libanius & ,a!nais 9 ! banquet-hall4   
,:5 ! visit ( ! ,presbyt] 0 ann\nc$1 !  
"y ma/] loos$ a coll> ( gold & jewels f 
8 neck1 & gave x to 8 scribe4  ,take ?is
 to ,john ( ,antio*1 & tell him x is a  
gift f 8 =m] pupil--z a tok5 (          
remembrance1 or to sp5d = ! poor ( !    
city4 ,i w always s5d him :at he wants1 
b x is idle = u to talk toge!r any m4 ,i
 d n und]/& :at he says4 ,i h n gone to 
! temple1 nor (f]$ sacrifice1 nor d5i$ 8
 tea*+4 ,i h simply =gott54 ,i d n ?9k  
ab\t ^? ?+s any long]4 ,i am only liv+4 
,a happy man wi%es him all happ9ess &   
f>ewell4  ,b ,john let ! gold5 coll>    
fall on ! m>ble floor4 ,tell y\r ma/] t 
we %all talk toge!r aga91 aft] all1 said
 he1 z he pass$ sadly out ( ! hall4  ,! 
love ( ,a!nais & ,h]mas 0 l a t9y       
rivulet t s9ks out ( sight 9 a cav]n1 b 
em]ges aga9 z a bright & brimm+ /ream4  
,! c>eless comrad]y ( *ildhood 0        
my/]i\sly *ang$ into a complete         
companion%ip4  ,:5 ,a!nais ent]$ ! ,h\se
 ( ! ,gold5 ,pill>s z a bride1 all !    

music ( life came ) h]4 ,h]mas call$ !  
fea/ ( h] welcome ! banquet ( ! full    
*ord4 ,day aft] day1 night aft] night1  
week aft] week1 mon? aft] mon?1 ! bliss 
( ! home unfold$ l a rose ( a ?\s&      
leaves4 ,:5 a *ild came to !m1 a /rong1 
beautiful boy1 wor?y to be ! heir ( su* 
a h\se1 ! he>t ( ! rose 0 fill$ )       
ov]fl[+ fragrance4 ,happ9ess 0 heap$ ^u 
happ9ess4 ,e wi% br\ght its own         
accompli%m5t4 ,weal?1 hon\r1 beauty1    
peace1 love--x 0 an abundance ( felicity
 s great t ! s\l ( ,h]mas c\ld h>dly    
conta9 x4  ,/rangely en\gh1 x began to  
press ^u him1 to tr\ble him ) ! v excess
 ( joy4 ,he felt z if !re 7 some?+ yet  
ne$$ to complete & secure x all4 ,!re 0 
an urg5cy )9 him1 a long+ to f9d "s     
outlet = 8 feel+s1 he knew n h[--"s     
expression & culm9ation ( 8 happ9ess1 he
 knew n :at4  ,"u 8 joy\s demean\r a    
secret fire ( re/lessness began to      
burn--an expectancy ( some?+ yet to come
 :i* %\ld put ! t\* ( p]fection on 8    
life1 ,he spoke ( x to ,a!nais1 z !y sat

 toge!r1 "o summ] ev5+1 9 a b[] (       
jasm9e1 ) _! boy play+ at _! feet4 ,!re 
_h be5 music 9 ! g>d52 b n[ ! s+]s &    
lute-play]s _h )drawn1 leav+ ! ma/] &   
mi/ress alone 9 ! l+]+ twilight1        
tremul\s ) in>ticulate melody ( unse5   
birds4 ,!re 0 a secret voice 9 ! h\r    
seek+ va9ly = utt]ance--a ^w wait+ to be
 spok5 at ! c5tre ( ! *>m4  ,h[ deep is 
our happ9ess1 my belov$6 said ,h]mas2   
deep] ?an ! sea t slumb]s yond]1 bel[ ! 
city4 ,& yet ,i feel x is n q full &    
p]fect4 ,!re is a dep? ( joy t we h n   
yet kn[n--a repose ( happ9ess t is /ill 
beyond u4 ,:at is x8 ,i h no sup]/iti\s 
fe>s1 l ! k+ :o ca/ 8 signet-r+ into !  
sea because he dread$ t "s secret       
v5geance w\ld fall on 8 unbrok5 good    
=tune4 ,t 0 an idle t]ror4 ,b !re is    
some?+ t oppresses me l an invisible    
burd54 ,!re is some?+ /ill undone1      
unspok51 unfelt--some?+ t we ne$ to     
complete ev]y?+4 ,h y n felt x1 too8 ,c 
y n lead me to x8  ,yes1 %e answ]$1     
lift+ h] eyes to 8 face2 ,i1 too1 h felt

 x1 ,h]mas1 ?is burd51 ?is ne$1 ?is     
unsatisfi$ long+4 ,i ?9k ,i "k :at x    
means4 ,x is gratitude--! language ( !  
he>t1 ! music ( happ9ess4 ,!re is no    
p]fect joy )\t gratitude4 ,b we h nev]  
le>n$ x1 & ! want ( x tr\bles u4 ,x is l
 be+ dumb ) a he>t full ( love4 ,we mu/ 
f9d ! ^w = x1 & say x toge!r4 ,!n we    
%all be p]fectly jo9$ 9 p]fect joy4     
,come1 my de> "l1 let u take ! boy ) u1 
& give ?anks4  ,h]mas lift$ ! *ild 9 8  
arms1 & turn$ ) ,a!nais into ! dep? ( ! 
g>d54 ,!re 0 a dismantl$ %r9e ( "s      
=gott5 fa%ion ( wor%ip half hidd5 among 
! luxuriant fl[]s4 ,a fall5 image lay   
beside x1 face d[nw>d 9 ! grass4 ,!y    
/ood !re1 h& 9 h&1 ! boy dr[sily re/+ on
 8 fa!r's %\ld]--a ?reefold h>mony (    
/r5g? & beauty & innoc5ce4  ,sil5tly !  
roseate light c>ess$ ! tall spires ( !  
cypress-trees2 sil5tly ! %ad[s ga!r$ at 
_! feet2 sil5tly ! cry/al />s look$ out 
f ! deep5+ ar* ( heav54 ,! v brea? ( be+
 paus$4 ,x 0 ! h\r ( culm9ation1 !      
supreme mom5t ( felicity wait+ = its    

cr[n4 ,! tones ( ,h]mas 7 cle> & l[ z he
 began1 half speak+ & half *ant+1 9 !   
rhy?m ( an anci5t song3  ,fair is ! _w1 
! sea1 ! sky1 ! d\ble k+dom ( day &     
night1 9 ! gl[ ( morn+1 9 ! %ad[ ( ev5+1
 & "u ! dripp+ light ( />s4  ,fair] /ill
 is life 9 our brea/s1 ) its manifold   
music & mean+1 ) its wond] ( see+ & he>+
 & feel+ & kn[+ & be+4  ,fair] & /ill m 
fair is love1 t draws u toge!r1 m+les   
our lives 9 its fl[1 & be>s !m along l a
 riv]1 /rong & cle> & swift1 reject+ !  
/>s 9 its bosom4  ,wide is our _w2 we   
are ri*2 we h all ?+s4 ,life is abundant
 )9 u--a measureless deep4 ,deepe/ ( all
 is our love1 & x longs to speak4       
,come1 ?\ f9al ^w6 ,come1 ?\ cr[n (     
spee*6 ,come1 ?\ *>m ( peace6 ,op5 !    
gates ( our he>ts4 ,lift ! weight ( our 
joy & be> x upw>d4  ,= all good gifts1 =
 all p]fect gifts1 = love1 = life1 = !  
_w1 we praise1 we bless1 we ?ank--  ,z a
 so>+ bird1 /ruck by an arr[1 falls     
headlong f ! sky1 s ! song ( ,h]mas     
fell4 ,at ! end ( 8 flight ( gratitude  

!re 0 no?+--a blank1 a holl[ space4  ,he
 look$ = a face1 & saw a void4 ,he s\ght
 = a h&1 & clasp$ vacancy4 ,8 he>t 0    
?robb+ & swell+ ) passion2 ! bell swung 
to & fro )9 him1 beat+ f side to side z 
if x w\ld bur/2 b n a s+le note came f  
x4 ,all ! fulness ( 8 feel+1 t _h ris5  
upw>d l a liv+ f\nta91 fell back f !    
empty sky1 z cold z sn[1 z h>d z hail1  
froz5 & dead4 ,!re 0 no mean+ 9 8       
happ9ess4 ,no "o _h s5t x to him4 ,!re 0
 no "o to ?ank = x4 ,8 felicity 0 a     
clos$ circle1 a wall ( et]nal ice4  ,let
 u g back1 he said sadly to ,a!nais2 !  
*ild is heavy ^u my %\ld]4 ,we w lay him
 to sleep1 & g into ! libr>y4 ,! air    
gr[s *illy4 ,we 7 mi/ak54 ,! gratitude (
 life is only a dream4 ,!re is no "o to 
?ank4  ,& 9 ! g>d5 x 0 already night4   
,v  ,,ri*es ,,)\t ,,re/   ,,no outw>d   
*ange came to ! ,h\se ( ! ,gold5        
,pill>s4 ,ev]y?+ mov$ z smoo?ly1 z      
delicately1 z prosp]\sly1 z be=e4 ,b    
inw>dly !re 0 a subtle1 inexplicable    
trans=mation4 ,a vague discont5t--a f9al

 & inevitable s5se ( incomplet5ess1     
ov]%ad[$ exi/5ce f t night :5 ,h]mas    
realiz$ t 8 joy c\ld nev] g beyond      
itself4  ,! next morn+ ! old man :om he 
_h se5 9 ! ,grove ( ,daphne1 b nev]     
s9ce1 appe>$ my/]i\sly at ! door ( !    
h\se1 z if he _h be5 s5t =1 & ent]$1 to 
dwell !re l an invit$ gue/4  ,h]mas c\ld
 n b make him welcome1 & at fir/ he tri$
 to reg>d him ) rev]5ce & affection z ! 
"o ?r\gh :om =tune _h come4 ,b x 0      
impossible4 ,!re 0 a *ill 9 !           
inscrutable smile ( ,m>cion1 z he call$ 
himself1 t seem$ to mock at rev]5ce4 ,he
 0 9 ! h\se z "o wat*+ a /range         
exp]im5t--tranquil1 int]e/$1 ready to   
supply any?+ t might be ne$$ = its      
completion1 b ?or\ghly indiff]5t to !   
feel+s ( ! subject2 an anatomi/ ( life1 
look+ curi\sly to see h[ long x w\ld    
cont9ue1 & h[ x w\ld behave1 aft] ! he>t
 _h be5 remov$4  ,9 8 pres5ce ,h]mas 0  
consci\s ( a c]ta9 irritation1 a        
res5tful ang] aga9/ ! calm1 frigid      
scrut9y ( ! eyes t foll[$ him ev]y:]e1 l

 a pair ( spies1 pe]+ out ov] ! smil+   
m\? & ! long :ite be>d4  ,:y d y look at
 me s curi\sly8 ask$ ,h]mas1 "o morn+1 z
 !y sat toge!r 9 ! libr>y4 ,d y see     
any?+ /range 9 me8  ,no1 answ]$ ,m>cion2
 some?+ famili>4  ,& :at is t8  ,a s+ul>
 lik5ess to a discont5t$ "y man t ,i met
 "s ye>s ago 9 ! ,grove ( ,daphne4  ,b  
:y %\ld t int]e/ y8 ,surely x 0 to be   
expect$4  ,a ?+ t we expect (t5         
surprises u :5 we see x4 ,besides1 my   
curiosity is piqu$4 ,i suspect y ( keep+
 a secret f me4  ,y are je/+ ) me4 ,!re 
is no?+ 9 my life t y d n "k4 ,:at is ! 
secret8  ,no?+ m ?an ! wi% to h "o4 ,y  
are gr[+ tir$ ( y\r b>ga94 ,! game      
we>ies y4 ,t is fooli%4 ,d y want to try
 a new "p8  ,! "q 0 l a mirror ^u :i* "o
 comes sudd5ly 9 a half-light$ room1 ,a 
quick illum9ation falls on x1 & !       
pass]-by is />tl$ by ! look ( 8 own     
face4  ,y are "r1 said ,h]mas4 ,i am    
tir$4 ,we h be5 go+ on /upidly 9 ?is    
h\se1 z if no?+ 7 possible b :at my fa!r
 _h done be=e me4 ,!re is no?+ orig9al 9

 be+ ri*1 & well f$1 & well dress$4     
,?\s&s ( m5 h tri$ x1 & h n be5 v well  
satisfi$4 ,let u d some?+ new4 ,let u   
make a m>k 9 ! _w4  ,x is well said1    
nodd$ ! old man2 y are speak+ aga9 l a  
man aft] my own he>t4 ,!re is no folly b
 ! loss ( an opportunity to enjoy a new 
s5sation4  ,f t day ,h]mas seem$ to be  
possess$ ) a p]petual ha/e1 an uneas9ess
 t left him no repose4 ,! summit ( life 
_h be5 atta9$1 ! highe/ possible po9t ( 
felicity4 ,h5ce=w>d ! c\rse c\ld only be
 at a level--p]haps d[nw>d4 ,x might be 
brief2 at ! be/ x c\ld n be v long4 ,x 0
 madness to lose a day1 an h\r4 ,t w\ld 
be ! only fatal mi/ake3 to =feit any?+ (
 ! b>ga9 t he _h made4 ,he w\ld h x1 &  
hold x1 & enjoy x all to ! full4 ,! _w  
might h no?+ bett] to give ?an x _h     
already giv52 b surely x _h _m ?+s t 7  
new to be/[ ^u him1 & ,m>cion %\ld help 
him to f9d !m4  ,"u 8 le>n$ c\nsel !    
,h\se ( ! ,gold5 ,pill>s took on a new  
magnific5ce4 ,arti/s 7 br\ght f ,cor9? &
 ,rome & ,byzantium to adorn x )        

spl5d\r4 ,its fame glitt]$ ar\nd ! _w4  
,banquets ( incr$ible luxury drew ! mo/ 
celebrat$ gue/s into its tricl9ium1 &   
fill$ !m ) envi\s admiration4 ,! bees   
sw>m$ & buzz$ ab\t ! gold5 hive4 ,!     
human insects1 gorge\s mo?s ( pleasure &
 gre$y flies ( appetite1 p>asites &     
flatt]]s & cr[ds ( inquisitive idl]s1   
danc$ & flutt]$ 9 ! dazzl+ light t      
surr\nd$ ,h]mas4  ,ev]y?+ t he t\*$     
prosp]$4 ,he b\ght a tract ( l& 9 !     
,caucasus1 & em]alds 7 discov]$ among ! 
m\nta9s4 ,he s5t a fleet ( :eat-%ips to 
,italy1 & ! price ( gra9 d\bl$ :ile x 0 
on ! way4 ,he s\ght political fav\r ) ! 
emp]or1 & 0 rew>d$ ) ! gov]nor%ip ( !   
city4 ,8 "n 0 a ^w to conjure )4  ,!    
beauty ( ,a!nais lo/ no?+ ) ! pass+     
seasons1 b grew m p]fect1 ev5 "u !      
inexplicable %ade ( dissatisfaction t   
sometimes veil$ x z a transluc5t cl\d t 
passes be=e ! full moon4 ,fair z ! wife 
( ,h]mas 0 a prov]b 9 ,antio*2 & soon m5
 began to add to x1 ,beautiful z ! son (
 ,h]mas2 = ! *ild develop$ swiftly 9 t  

fav\r+ clime4 ,at n9e ye>s ( age he 0   
/raight & /rong1 firm ( limb & cle> (   
eye4 ,8 br[n head 0 on a level ) 8      
fa!r's he>t4 ,he 0 ! jewel ( ! ,h\se ( !
 ,gold5 ,pill>s2 ! pride ( ,h]mas1 ! new
 ,=tunatus4  ,t ye> ano!r drop ( success
 fell into 8 brimm+ cup4 ,8 black       
,numidian horses1 :i* he _h be5 tra9+ = 
?ree ye>s = ! _w-r5[n$ *>iot-races (    
,antio*1 won ! victory ov] a score (    
rivals4 ,h]mas receiv$ ! prize c>elessly
 f ! judge's h&s1 & turn$ to drive once 
m ar\nd ! circus1 to %[ himself to ! p4 
,he lift$ ! eag] boy into ! *>iot beside
 him to %>e 8 triumph4  ,"h1 inde$1 0 ! 
glory ( 8 life--?is mat*less son1 8     
bright] c\nt]p>t c>v$ 9 brea?+ ivory1   
t\*+ 8 arm1 & balanc+ himself pr\dly on 
! sway+ floor ( ! *>iot4 ,z ! horses    
pranc$ ar\nd ! r+1 a great %\t (        
applause fill$ ! amphi!atre1 & ?\s&s (  
spectators wav$ _! salutations ( praise3
 ,hail1 =tunate ,h]mas1 ma/] ( success6 
,hail1 little ,h]mas1 pr9ce ( good luck6
  ,! sudd5 tempe/ ( acclamation1 ! swift

 flutt]+ ( innum]able g>m5ts 9 ! air1   
/>tl$ ! horses4 ,!y da%$ viol5tly =w>d1 
& plung$ ^u ! bits4 ,! left re9 broke4  
,!y sw]v$ to ! "r1 sw++ ! *>iot sideways
 ) a grat+ noise1 & da%+ x aga9/ ! /one 
p>apet ( ! ar5a4 ,9 an in/ant ! :eel 0  
%att]$4 ,! axle /ruck ! gr\nd1 & ! *>iot
 0 dragg$ onw>d1 rock+ & /agg]+4  ,by a 
/r5u\s ef=t ,h]mas kept 8 place on !    
frail plat=m1 cl++ to ! unbrok5 re94 ,b 
! boy 0 toss$ lightly f 8 side at ! fir/
 %ock4 ,8 head /ruck ! wall4 ,& :5      
,h]mas turn$ to look = him1 he 0 ly+ l a
 brok5 fl[] on ! s&4     ,,vi  ,,great  
,,fe> ,,& ,,recov]$ ,,joy   ,,!y c>ri$ !
 boy 9 a litt] to ! ,h\se ( ! ,gold5    
,pill>s1 summon+ ! mo/ skilful physician
 ( ,antio* to att5d him4 ,= h\rs ! *ild 
0 z quiet z dea?4 ,h]mas wat*$ ! :ite   
eyelids1 fold$ close l lily-buds at     
night1 ev5 z "o wat*es = ! morn+4 ,at   
la/ !y op5$2 b ! fire ( fev] 0 burn+ 9 !
 eyes1 & ! lips 7 mov+ 9 a wild         
delirium4  ,h\r aft] h\r t sweet *ildi% 
voice rang ?r\gh ! halls & *amb]s ( !   

spl5did1 helpless h\se1 n[ ris+ 9 %rill 
calls ( di/ress & s5seless laught]1 n[  
s9k+ 9 we>9ess & dull moan+4 ,! />s wax$
 & wan$2 ! sun rose & set2 ! roses      
bloom$ & fell 9 ! g>d51 ! birds sang &  
slept among ! jasm9e-b[]s4 ,b 9 ! he>t (
 ,h]mas !re 0 no song1 no bloom1 no     
light--only spee*less angui%1 & a c]ta9 
fe>ful look+-= ( desolation4  ,he 0 l a 
man 9 a nightm>e4 ,he saw ! %apeless    
t]ror t 0 mov+ t[>d him1 b he 0 impot5t 
to /ay or to escape x4 ,he _h done all t
 he c\ld4 ,!re 0 no?+ left b to wait4   
,he pac$ to & fro1 n[ hurry+ to ! boy's 
b$ z if he c\ld n be> to be away f x1 n[
 turn+ back z if he c\ld n endure to be 
ne> x4 ,! p ( ! h\se1 ev5 ,a!nais1 fe>$ 
to speak to him1 !re 0 some?+ s vacant &
 desp]ate 9 8 face4  ,at nightfall1 on !
 second ( ^? et]nal days1 he %ut himself
 9 ! libr>y4 ,! unfill$ lamp _h gone    
out1 leav+ a trail ( smoke 9 ! air4 ,!  
sprigs ( mignonette & rosem>y1 ) :i* !  
room 0 spr9kl$ e day1 7 unr5ew$1 & sc5t$
 ! gloom ) a close odor ( decay4 ,a     

co/ly manuscript ( ,!ocritus 0 tumbl$ 9 
disord] on ! floor4 ,h]mas sank into a  
*air l a man 9 :om ! v spr+ ( be+ is    
brok54 ,?r\gh ! d>kness "s "o drew ne>4 
,he did n ev5 lift 8 head4 ,a h& t\*$   
him2 a s(t arm 0 laid ov] 8 %\ld]s4 ,x 0
 ,a!nais1 kneel+ beside him & speak+ v  
l[3  ,h]mas--x is almo/ ov]--! *ild6 ,8 
voice gr[s weak] h\r by h\r4 ,he moans &
 calls = "s "o to help him2 !n he       
laughs4 ,x breaks my he>t4 ,he has j    
fall5 asleep4 ,! moon is ris+ n[4       
,unless a *ange comes he _c la/ till    
sunrise4 ,is !re no?+ we c d8 ,is !re no
 p[] t c save him8 ,is !re no "o to pity
 u & sp>e u8 ,let u call1 let u beg =   
compassion & help2 let u pray = 8 life6 
,yes2 t 0 :at he want$--t 0 ! only ?+ t 
c\ld br+ relief3 to pray2 to p\r out 8  
sorr[ some:]e2 to f9d a great] /r5g? ?an
 8 own1 & cl+ to x & plead = m]cy &     
help4 ,to leave t undone 0 to be false  
to 8 manhood2 x 0 to be no bett] ?an !  
dumb bea/s :5 _! "y p]i%4 ,h[ c\ld he   
let 8 boy suff] & die1 )\t an ef=t1 a   

cry1 a pray]8  ,he sank on 8 knees      
beside ,a!nais4  ,out ( ! dep?s--out ( !
 dep?s we call = pity4 ,! light ( our   
eyes is fad+--! *ild is dy+4 ,oh1 !     
*ild1 ! *ild6 ,sp>e ! *ild's life1 ?\   
m]ciful--  ,n a ^w2 only t dea?ly blank4
 ,! h&s ( ,h]mas1 /ret*$ out 9          
supplication1 t\*$ ! m>ble table4 ,he   
felt ! cool h>dness ( ! poli%$ /one     
b5ea? 8 f+]s4 ,a book1 dislodg$ by 8    
t\*1 fell ru/l+ to ! floor4 ,?r\gh ! op5
 door1 fa9t & f> (f1 came ! foot/eps ( !
 s]vants1 mov+ cauti\sly4 ,! he>t (     
,h]mas 0 l a lump ( ice 9 8 bosom4 ,he  
rose sl[ly to 8 feet1 lift+ ,a!nais )   
him4  ,x is 9 va91 he said2 !re is no?+ 
= u to d4 ,long ago ,i knew some?+4 ,i  
?9k x w\ld h help$ u4 ,b ,i h =gott5 x4 
,x is all gone4 ,b ,i w\ld give all t ,i
 h1 if ,i c\ld br+ x back aga9 n[1 at   
?is h\r1 9 ?is "t ( our bitt] tr\ble4   
,a slave ent]$ ! room :ile he 0 speak+1 
& approa*$ hesitat+ly4  ,ma/]1 he said1 
,john ( ,antio*1 :om we 7 =bidd5 to     
admit to ! h\se1 has come aga94 ,he w\ld

 take no d5ial4 ,ev5 n[ he waits 9 !    
p]i/yle2 & ! old man ,m>cion is ) him1  
seek+ to turn him away4  ,come1 said    
,h]mas to 8 wife1 let u g to him2 = ,i  
?9k ,i see ! beg9n+ ( a way t may lead u
 out ( ?is dreadful d>kness4  ,9 !      
c5tral hall ! two m5 7 /&+2 ,m>cion1 )  
disda9ful eyes & sne]+ lips1 taunt+ !   
unbidd5 gue/ to dep>t2 ,john sil5t1     
quiet1 pati5t1 :ile ! wond]+ slaves     
look$ on 9 dismay4 ,he lift$ 8 se>*+    
gaze to ! hagg>d face ( ,h]mas4  ,my    
son1 ,i knew t ,i %\ld see y aga91 ev5  
?\gh y did n s5d = me4 ,i h come to y   
because ,i h he>d t y are 9 tr\ble4  ,x 
is true1 answ]$ ,h]mas1 passionately2 we
 are 9 tr\ble1 desp]ate tr\ble1 tr\ble  
accurs$4 ,our *ild is dy+4 ,we are poor1
 we are de/itute1 we are afflict$4 ,9   
all ?is h\se1 9 all ! _w1 !re is no "o t
 c help u4 ,i knew some?+ long ago1 :5  
,i 0 ) y1--a ^w1 a "n1--9 :i* we might h
 f\nd hope4 ,b ,i h lo/ x4 ,i gave x to 
?is man4 ,he has tak5 x away f me =ev]4 
,he po9t$ to ,m>cion4 ,! old man's lips 

curl$ scornfully4 ,a ^w1 a "n6 he sne]$4
 ,:at is t1 ,o mo/ wise & holy          
,presbyt]8 ,a ?+ ( air1 an unreal ?+ t  
m5 make to describe _! own dreams &     
fancies4 ,:o w\ld g ab\t to rob any "o (
 su* a ?+ z t8 ,x is a prize t only a   
fool w\ld ?9k ( tak+4 ,besides1 ! "y man
 p>t$ ) x ( 8 own free w4 ,he b>ga9$ )  
me clev]ly4 ,i promis$ him weal? &      
pleasure & fame4 ,:at did he give 9     
return8 ,an empty "n1 :i* 0 a burd5--   
,s]vant ( demons1 be /ill6 ,! voice (   
,john rang cle>1 l a trumpet1 ?r\gh !   
hall4 ,!re is a "n :i* none %all d>e to 
take 9 va94 ,!re is a "n :i* none c lose
 )\t be+ lo/4 ,!re is a "n at :i* !     
devils tremble4 ,dep>t quickly1 be=e ,i 
speak x6  ,m>cion _h %runk into ! %ad[ (
 "o ( ! pill>s4 ,a bright lamp ne> him  
tott]$ on its p$e/al & fell ) a cra%4 ,9
 ! confusion he vani%$1 z noiselessly z 
a %ade4  ,john turn$ to ,h]mas1 & 8 tone
 s(t5$ z he said3 ,my son1 y h s9n$     
deep] ?an y "k4 ,! ^w ) :i* y p>t$ s    
lightly is ! key-^w ( all life & joy &  

peace4 ,)\t x ! _w has no mean+1 &      
exi/5ce no re/1 & dea? no refuge4 ,x is 
! ^w t purifies love1 & com=ts grief1 & 
keeps hope alive =ev]4 ,x is ! mo/      
preci\s ?+ t ev] e> has he>d1 or m9d has
 kn[n1 or he>t has conceiv$4 ,x is ! "n 
( ,him :o has giv5 u life & brea? & all 
?+s ri*ly to enjoy2 ! "n ( ,him :o1 ?\gh
 we may =get ,him1 nev] =gets u2 ! "n ( 
,him :o pities u z y pity y\r suff]+    
*ild2 ! "n ( ,him :o1 ?\gh we w&] f> f  
,him1 seeks u 9 ! wild]ness1 & s5t ,8   
,son1 ev5 z ,8 ,son has s5t me ?is      
night1 to brea! aga9 t =gott5 "n 9 !    
he>t t is p]i%+ )\t x4 ,li/51 my son1   
li/5 ) all y\r s\l to ! bless$ "n ( ,god
 our ,fa!r4  ,! cold agony 9 ! brea/ (  
,h]mas dissolv$ l a fragm5t ( ice t     
melts 9 ! summ] sea4 ,a s5se ( sweet    
release spread ?r\gh him f head to foot4
 ,! lo/ 0 f\nd4 ,! dew ( a div9e peace  
fell on 8 p>*$ s\l1 & ! )]+ fl[] ( human
 love lift$ its head aga94 ,! light ( a 
new hope %one on 8 face4 ,he /ood       
upright1 & lift$ 8 h&s high t[>d heav54 

,out ( ! dep?s h ,i cri$ unto ,!e1 ,o   
,"l6 ,o my ,god1 be m]ciful to me1 = my 
s\l tru/e? 9 ,!e4 ,my ,god1 ,?\ ha/     
giv52 take n ,?y gift away f me1 ,o my  
,god6 ,sp>e ! life ( ?is my *ild1 ,o ,?\
 ,god1 my ,fa!r1 my ,fa!r6  ,a deep hu% 
foll[$ ! cry4 ,li/56 :isp]$ ,a!nais1    
brea?lessly4  ,0 x an e*o8 ,x c\ld n be1
 = x came aga9--! voice ( ! *ild1 cle> &
 l[1 wak+ f sleep1 & call+3 ,my fa!r1 my
 fa!r6