,transcrib]'s ,notes3 ,text enclos$ by und]scores is 9 italics 7italics74 ,additional ,transcrib]'s ,notes are at ! end4 99 99 99 99 99 ,,god',s ,,c\ntry ,! ,trail to ,happ9ess ,by ,,james ,,oliv] ,,curwood ,au?or ( ,! ,valley ( ,sil5t ,m5 ,! ,riv]'s ,end1 etc4 ,illu/ration ,,new ,,york ,cosmopolitan ,book ,corporation ,,mcmxxi 99 99 99 99 99 ,copyright1 #aiba1 by ,,cosmopolitan ,,book ,,corporation ,all rights res]v$1 includ+ t ( translation into =eign languages1 includ+ ! ,sc&9avian ,,pr9t$ ,,9 ,,! ,,unit$ ,,/ates ,,( ,,am]ica ,! ,qu9n ,bod5 ,company ,,book ,,manufactur]s ,,rahway ,,new ,,j]sey ,! ,f\r ,trails to ,happ9ess ,,page ,! ,fir/ ,trail ,,my ,,secret ,,( ,,happ9ess #c ,! ,second ,trail ,i ,,become ,a ,,kill] #bi ,! ,?ird ,trail ,,my ,,bro!rhood #ec ,! ,f\r? ,trail ,,! ,,road ,,to ,,fai? #hc 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,fir/ ,trail ,,my ,,secret ,,( ,,happ9ess 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,fir/ ,trail ,,my ,,secret ,,( ,,happ9ess ,to-night ,i am 9 a little cab9 9 ! he>t ( a great wild]ness4 ,outside x is d>k4 ,i c he> ! w9d sigh+ 9 ! ?ick spruce tops4 ,i he> ! laught] ( a /ream out ( :i* ,i took my supp] ( tr\t4 ,! ,p ( ! ,night are awake1 = a little :ile ago ,i he>d a wolf h[l1 &1 n f> away1 9 an old /ub1 lives an owl t hoots at ! light 9 my w9d[4 ,i ?9k x's go+ to /orm4 ,!re is a heav9ess 9 ! air1 &1 9 ! dr[se ( x1 ! sweetness ( di/ant ra94 ,i am /rangely cont5t$ z ,i />t ! writ+ ( ?is /range/ ( all ! ?+s ,i h writt54 ,i _h nev] ?\ght to give voice to ! ?+s t ,i am ab\t to put on pap]2 yet h ,i dream$ t e s\l 9 ! _w might "k ( !m4 ,b ! task has seem$ too great = me1 & ,i h kept !m )9 myself1 expect+ !m to live & die !re4 ,i am cont5t$ on ?is black night1 ) its promise ( /orm1 = _m reasons--?\gh ,i am 9 ! he>t ( a peopleless =e/ fifte5 hundr$ miles f my city home4 ,9 ! fir/ place1 ,i h built1 ) my own h&s1 ?is cab9 t %elt]s me4 ,my palms are /ill bli/]$ by ! helve ( ! ax4 ,i am ! ar*itect ( ! fireplace ( /one & mud 9 :i* a small fire burns = *e]1 ?\gh x is late spr+1 ) summ] 9 ! brea? ( ! =e/s4 ,i h made ! *air 9 :i* ,i sit & ! table on :i* ,i write1 & ! build] ( a m>ble palace c\ld take no great] pleasure 9 8 a*ievem5t ?an h ,i4 ,i am cont5t$ because1 j n[1 ,i h ! /range conviction t1 9 ?is wild & peopleless place1 ,i am v close to t :i* _m peoples h s\ght ?r\gh _m ages & h n f\nd4 ,9 ! di/ance1 ,i c he> ?und]1 & a fla% ( lightn+ illum9es my w9d[4 ,a cry ( a loon comes ) ! fla%4 ,x is /range2 x is weird--& wond]ful4 ,& also1 9 a way1 x has j occurr$ to me t x is a fitt+ k9d ( night to beg9 t :i* ,i h be5 ask$ to write4 ,= ?is night1 = a %ort space1 w be l ! great _w at l>ge--a _w t is rock+ 9 ! ?roes ( a mighty tumult--a tumult ( unre/1 ( discont5t1 ( mad /riv+s1 ( despair1 & lack ( fai?--a _w t is ru%+ bl9dfold into unkn[n ?+s1 t is seek+ re/ & peace1 yet c nev] f9d !m4 ,x is1 ,i repeat1 a /range night to beg9 ! writ+ ( t :i* ,i h be5 ask$ to write1 & yet ,i d n ?9k t ,i w\ld h ! night *ang$4 ,x seems to picture to me m vividly ! unre/ ( ! _w fifte5 hundr$ miles away--& fifte5 ?\s& miles away4 ,i seem to see ) cle>] vision :at has happ5$ dur+ ! pa/ two ye>s--! mad que/+ ( a ?\s& million p = a spiritual ?+ :i* !y _c f9d4 ,i see1 f ?is vantage-po9t ( ! deep =e/1 a _w torn by five hundr$ s*isms & religions1 & ,i see n "o religion t fills ! s\l ) fai? & confid5ce4 ,i see ! multitudes ( ! e>? rea*+ up _! arms & cry+ = ! ,great ,my/]y ( life to be solv$4 ,que/ions t are rack+ ! e>? come to me 9 ! :isp]+s ( ! approa*+ /orm4 ,c ! gho/s ( ! dead return8 ,c ! spirits ( ! dep>t$ commune ) ! liv+8 ,is ! _w on ! edge ( an inundation ( spiritualism8 ,does ! salvation ( humanity lie !re--or !re--or !re8 ,:at %all ,i believe8 ,:at c ,i believe8 ,! ra9 is beg9n+ to beat on ! ro( ( my cab9 &1 9 numb]1 ! drops ( ! ra9 rem9d me ( ! millions & ! t5s ( millions ( re/less m5 & wom5 :o are read+ avidly1 9 ! pages ( magaz9es & books1 ! 8exp]i5ces0 ( ^? :o are giv+ voice to new cre$s & new beliefs or reviv+ old ones long lo/ 9 ! du/ ( =gott5 ages4 ,gho/s h be5 reviv$2 spirits are on ! move aga94 ,new g5]ations are dr9k+ 9 ) wond] & susp5se ! :ole bagful ( tricks worn out t5 ?\s& g5]ations ago4 ,to-morr[ x may be ! revival ( wit*craft4 ,& ! next day new prophets may arise & new religions take ! place ( ! old4 ,= s travel ! m9ds ( m52 & s !y h travel$ = hundr$s ( ?\s&s ( ye>s be=e ,*ri/ 0 born & ,*ri/ianity 0 kn[n2 & s !y w g on seek+ until ,god is f\nd 9 a =m s simple & intimate t all humanity w at la/ und]/&4 ,! /orm has brok54 ,x is l a deluge ov] ! cab94 ,! ?und] & cra% ( x is 9 ! spruce tops--& su* is ! dreadfulness ( ! tumult & ! alon5ess ( ! place t ,i am 91 t ,i w\ld cease :]e ,i am did ,i ?9k t any?+ ,i am ab\t to say might be sacrilege4 ,b :5 a m9d gives expression to t :i* x holds z tru?1 !re _c be sacrilege4 ,i h be5 ask$ to put on pap] some?+ ( t religion :i* ,i h discov]$ = myself 9 nature4 ,!re are _m :o w laugh2 !re are _m :o w disbelieve1 = x w be impossible = me to make myself entirely cle> 9 su* a matt] z ?is4 ,= ,i h f\nd :at1 to me1 is ,god2 & ,i _c expect to />tle ! _w1 ev5 if ,i desir$ to d s1 = :at ,i h f\nd has be5 f\nd 9 a v simple way--)\t br++ spirits back f ! dead1 or he>+ voices out ( tombs1 or ga!r+ fai? ?r\gh ! inspiration ( m$iums4 ,i h f\nd ! he>t ( nature4 ,i believe t its doors h op5$ to me1 & t ,i h le>n$ mu* ( its language4 ,?r\gh adv5ture & blood%$ ,i h come to a great und]/&+2 & und]/&+ has br\ght me heal? & fai? & a joy 9 life4 ,& because ^! ?+s w d ! _w no h>m1 & may d "s good1 ,i am und]tak+ to write ! /ory ( a great & inclusive ,god :om m5 & wom5 & little *ildr5 %\ld be made to "k1 b to :om1 un=tunately1 ! swift pace ( ! times has made mo/ ( u /rang]s4 ,i fe> t ,i am go+ to %ock _m p1 & s ,i am ( a m9d to get ! %ock ov] ) & come to ! meat ( :at ,i h to say4 ,b ,i %all />t ) some?+ :i* ^? :o read ?is mu/ conc$e--t ev]yone 9 ! _w seems to be look+ = some?+ :i* w br+ him m com=t & m happ9ess f life4 ,t1 ,i ?9k1 is ! reason ! ,ca?olic ,*ur* is ! only ,*ur* :i* is gr[+ to any ext5t4 ,x is gr[+ because x is ! only ,*ur* :i* is hold+ out its arms z a "m & giv+ a human be+ a brea/ ^u :i* to lay 8 head :5 he is 9 tr\ble4 ,yet ,i am n a ,ca?olic4 ,nei!r am ,i a ,prote/ant4 ,i d n belong to ! ,high1 ,l[1 ,broad1 or ,free ,*ur*4 ,i d n confess to ,romanism1 ,pop]y1 or ,prote/antism any m ?an ,i d to ,mohamm$anism1 ,calv9ism1 or ! doctr9es ( ! ,latt]-,day ,sa9ts4 ,i am n a sect>ian any m ?an ,i am a ,%ak] or a ,re/itutioni/4 ,i d n believe t "o necess>ily goes to hell because he does n accept ,*ri/ z ! ,son ( ,god4 ,i believe t ,*ri/ 0 a good man & a great tea*] ( 8 times1 j z !re h be5 o!r good m5 & great tea*]s 9 _! times4 ,i c look ^u ! ,mussulman at pray]1 or ! ,p>see at 8 devotion1 or ! ,eskimo call+ ^u 8 unse5 spirits ) ! same feel+ ( bro!rhood & und]/&+ t ,i c see a congregation ( ,bapti/s or ,me?odi/s s++ _! praise to ! ,god on high4 ,i d n pity or condemn ! ,african savage & ! ,indian ( ! ,great ,b>r5s because !y see _! ,god ?r\gh ano!r vision ?an t ( ! ,*ri/ian4 ,!re 7 _m roads t l$ to old ,rome4 ,& !re are _m roads1 no matt] h[ twi/$ & d>k !y seem to u1 t lead to ! bett] aft]-life4 ,i wi% t "s mighty p[] w\ld rise t c\ld %[ to man h[ little & h[ insignificant he is4 ,only !re91 ,i ?9k1 c\ld ! ?orns & brambles be tak5 out ( t pa? to peace & cont5tm5t :i* he w\ld l to f9d1 & w\ld f9d if he 7 n bl9d$ by 8 own importance4 ,he is ! supreme egoi/ & monopoli/4 ,8 conceit & self-suffici5cy are at times almo/ blasphem\s4 ,he is ! human peacock1 puff$ up1 inflat$1 flu%$ 9 ! conviction t ev]y?+ 9 ! univ]se 0 made = him4 ,he looks d[n 9 sup]cili\s lord%ip on all o!r life 9 creation4 ,he goes out & murd]s millions ( 8 k9d ) 8 sci5tific inv5tions2 yet he calls a tig] bad & a pe/ because ! tig] occasionally kills ! two-legg$ ?+ t hunts x4 ,if he kills a man illegally1 x is call$ murd]1 & he is hang$ & goes to hell4 ,if 8 gov]nm5t tells him x is prop] to kill a ?\s& m51 he kills !m1 & is call$ a h]o--& a *os5 place is kept wait+ = him 9 heav54 ,8 conceit bl9ds him to fact4 ,he ?9ks our little e>? 0 ! *os5 creation ( ! ,supreme ,p[]--=gett+ t ! e>? is b a fly-speck comp>$ ) ! o!r worlds 9 space4 ,he ?9ks t ,*ri/ 0 born a long "t ago1 & t "t began ) our own k ( hi/ory--:51 z a matt] ( fact1 he has no reason = disbeliev+ t man liv$ & di$ hundr$s ( ?\s&s ( ye>s ago1 & t c\ntless religions h come & gone 9 ! eons ( ! pa/4 ,he does n /op to reason t1 9 numb]1 he is z a drop 9 ! ocean comp>$ ) o!r beat+ he>ts on e>?4 ,to me1 e he>t t beats is a sp>k f ! brea? ( ,god4 ,i believe t ! w>m & beat+ he>t 9 ! brea/ ( a s++ rob9 is z preci\s to ! ,creator ( ?+s z ! he>t ( a man c\nt+ money4 ,i believe t a vital sp>k exi/s 9 e blade ( grass & 9 e leaf ( ! trees4 ,x is ! great law ( exi/5ce t life mu/ de/roy 9 ord] to live1 & :5 de/ruction is inevitable & necess>y1 x ceases to be a misdemeanor4 ,b to let live1 :5 x is n necess>y to de/roy1 is a beautiful ?+ to consid]4 ,be=e m5 f9d a satisfy+ fai? & peace1 !y mu/ come to see _! own littl5ess4 ,!y mu/ discov] t !y are n alone 9 a p>tn]%ip ) ,god1 b t all manife/ation ( life1 :e!r 9 tree or fl[] or fle% & blood1 is a sp>k loan$ = a space by t ,supreme ,p[] t[>d :i* we all1 9 our individual ways1 are grop+4 ,!re is "o tea*] v close to u1 z close to ! poor z to ! ri*1 to %[ u ?is littl5ess & make u und]/&4 ,t tea*] is nature--&1 9 my und]/&+ ( ?+s1 all nature is re/ & peace4 ,i believe t nature is ! ,great ,doctor1 &1 if giv5 ! *ance1 c cure m ills & fill m empty s\ls ?an all ! physicians & prea*]s ( ! e>?4 ,i h _h p say to me t my cre$ is a beautiful "o = a p]son z =tunately situat$ z myself1 b t x is impossible = ! great multitudes to g out & f9d nature z ,i h f\nd x4 ,to ^! p1 ,i say t "o ne$ n make a two-?\s&-mile trip along ! ,arctic coa/ & live ) ! ,eskimo to f9d nature4 ,aft] all1 x is our n]ves t kill u 9 ! long run1 our ov]-re/less m9ds1 our worry+1 que/+ bra9s4 ,& nature :isp]s its great peace to ^! ?+s ev5 9 ! ru/l+ leaves ( a corn field--if "o w only get acqua9t$ ) t nature4 ,& my desire--my ambition--! great goal ,i wi% to a*ieve 9 my writ+s is to take my read]s ) me into ! he>t ( ?is nature4 ,i love x1 & ,i feel t !y mu/ love x--if ,i c only get ! two acqua9t$4 8,f9e l9e ( talk = a man ^: home is fill$ f cell> to g>ret ) m\nt$ heads & furs10 ,i he> "s ( my good fri5ds say4 ,q true1 too4 ,x is h>d = "o to confess oneself a murd]]1 & x is /ill h>d] to expla9 "o's reg5]ation4 ,yet1 to be g5u9e1 ,i mu/ at lea/ make ! confession1 ?\gh x is less ! fact ( murd] ?an ! fact ( reg5]ation t ,i h ! incl9ation to emphasize1 n[ t ,i h ! opportunity4 ,!re 0 a "t :5 ,i took pride 9 ! wid5ess & div]sity ( my kill+s4 ,i 0 a de/roy] ( life4 ,n[ ,i am only glad t ^! kill+s ultimately br\ght me to a discov]y :i* is ! f9e/ ?+ ,i h to contemplate ?r\gh ! re/ ( my exi/5ce4 ,9 my home are tw5ty-sev5 guns1 & all ( !m h be5 us$4 ,_m ( ! /ocks are sc>r$ ) t9y not*es :]eby ,i kept track ( my 8kills40 ,) !m1 ,i h left r$ trails to ,hudson's ,bay1 to ! ,b>r5 ,l&s1 to ! c\ntry ( ! ,a?abasca & ! ,great ,be>1 to ! ,arctic ,ocean1 to ! ,yukon & ,alaska1 & ?r\gh\t ,briti% ,columbia4 ,?is is n int5d$ z a pan ( triumph4 ,x is a fact :i* ,i wi% _h nev] exi/$4 ,& yet x may be t my love ( nature & ! wild ?+s1 at ! la/1 is great] because ( ^? reckless ye>s ( kill+4 ,i am incl9$ to believe s4 ,9 my pan!i/ic he>t1 ! m\nt$ heads 9 my home are no long] cr[n$ ) ! gr&eur ( trophies1 b r ) ! nobility ( m>tyrs4 ,i love !m4 ,i commune ) !m4 ,i am no long] _! enemy1 & ,i w>m myself ) ! belief t !y "k ,i am fight+ = !m n[4 ,9 ?is religion ( ! op51 ,i h come to und]/& & ga!r peace f ! :isp]+ voices & ev5 ! sil5ce ( all ,god-lov+ ?+s4 ,i h le>n$ to love trees1 & !re are times :5 ,i put my h&s on !m because ,i love !m1 & re/ my head aga9/ !m because !y are comrades & _! comrade%ip & _! might give me c\rage4 ,!re is a gn>l$ old cripple ( an oak 9 ! y>d ( my ,mi*igan home1 a brok5 & twi/$ dw>f :i* _m p h told me to de/roy4 ,b t tree & ,i h 8talk$ ov]0 _m ?+s toge!r2 x has po9t$ out to me h[ to /& up "u adv]sity1 has %[n me h[ to put up a man's fight4 ,=1 eat5 to ! he>t1 a de=mity among its k9d1 ea* spr+ & summ] saw x mak+ its valiant /ruggle to 8d its be/40 ,x 0 !n ,i became its fri5d1 gave x a help+ h&1 /opp$ its decay & dea?1 & ea* season n[ ! old oak is /rong]1 & (t5 ,i g out & sit ) my back aga9/ x1 & ,i he> & und]/& its voice1 & ,i "k t x is a great fri5d t w nev] d me wrong4 ,x is ?us t ?is religion ( m9e f9ds its /r5g? f ! s\rces ( great & unkn[n p[]4 ,b be=e x comes 9 all its peace & joy1 man mu/ br+ d[n 8 head f out ( ! cl\ds ( egoism1 & say1 8,! oak is z great z ,i--p]haps great]40 ,n long ago1 x seem$ to me t my _w _h gone d>k & t x w\ld nev] gr[ completely light aga94 ,9 p]haps ! d>ke/ h\r1 ,i flung myself d[n ^u ! gr\nd close to ! bank ( a /ream4 ,& !n1 close ov] my head--s close ,i c\ld h toss$ a pebble to x--a w>bl] ne> bur/ its little ?roat 9 song4 ,& ! miracle ( x 0 t x 0 a d>k & sunless day4 ,b ! w>bl] sang1 & !n he *irp$ 9 ! b\ghs above2 & :5 ,i look$ at ! gr\nd beside me aga91 ,i saw !re1 peep+ up at me out ( ! grass1 a s+le violet4 ,& ! bird & ! violet gave me m c\rage & cle>$ my _w = me m ?an all ! human fri5ds :o _h told me !y 7 sorry4 ,! violet said1 8,i am /ill "h2 y w nev] lose me10 & ! little w>bl] said1 8,i w always s+--?r\gh all ! ye>s y live40 ,& /rong] ?an ev] came ! fai? 9 me t ^! ?+s 7 no m an accid5t ( creation ?an man himself4 ,once ,i saw ?is ,great ,doctor ( m9e a burn+1 vibrant =ce 9 a room ( a cr[d$ t5em5t1 f ! ro( ( :i* "o c\ld n see a blade ( grass or a tree4 ,9 fact1 t =ce fill$ ?ree rooms1 9 :i* liv$ a man & woman & five *ildr54 ,i sp5t an h\r 9 ^? rooms on a ,sunday aft]noon1 & ! exp]i5ce ( t h\r 9 a hot & cr[d$ t5em5t 0 a mighti] s]mon ?an 0 ev] prea*$ to me 9 ! he>t ( a =e/4 ,at e w9d[ 0 a box 9 :i* gre5 /uff 0 gr[+4 ,!re 7 fl[]s 9 pots4 ,a pair ( can>y-birds look$ d[n ^u ! smoky ro(s ( a great city & sang4 ,:at int]e/$ me mo/ 0 two contrivances ! man _h made to =ce oats into swift g]m9ation & gr[?4 ,9 a week1 he told me1 ! gre5 spr\t ( an oat w\ld be two in*es long4 ,!n ,i saw :y !y 7 gr[n4 ,sev]al times :ile ,i 0 !re w\ld a dove come to a w9d[ & wait = a bit ( ! gre54 ,i c\ld see !y 7 diff]5t doves4 ,!y told me at lea/ a doz5 7 accu/om$ to come 9 t way4 ,!y 7 ! *ildr5's pets4 ,a little baby 9 arms coo$ at !m & wav$ 8 arms 9 delight4 ,i h se5 _m poor t5em5t families1 b t1 ,i ?9k1 0 ! only happy "o4 ,! s++ ( ! birds1 ! com+ ( ! doves1 ! gr[+ ( gre5 ?+s 9 _! room 7 _! inspiration1 _! hope1 ! promise ( dreams t w\ld "s day come true4 ,nature _h become _! religion1 & yet !y did n "k x z su*4 ,x 0 call+ !m out into ! great op5 spaces--& !y 7 liv+ 9 anticipation ( t day :5 !y w\ld answ] ! call4 ,because ,i h sp5t mu* ( my "t 9 adv5tur+ 9 di/ant wild]nesses1 & explor+ :]e o!r m5 h n gone1 x has be5 accept$ by _m t my love = nature means a love = ! di/ant &1 = mo/ p1 ! inaccessible wilds4 ,x is true t 9 ! va/ & sil5t places "o comes ne>]1 p]haps1 to ! deep] tru?s ( life4 ,( ! wild & its miracles ,i love to write1 & :5 ,i come to t "p ( my /ory1 ,i %all possibly be happie/4 ,b ,i w\ld be unfair to myself1 & ! religion ( nature itself1 if ! great tru? 7 n fir/ emphasiz$ t its treasures are to be possess$ by mank9d :]ev] "o may turn--ev5 9 a prison cell4 ,i 0 p]sonally 9 t\* ) "o rem>kable in/ance ( ?is 9 ! ,mi*igan ,/ate ,p5it5ti>y1 at ,jackson1 :]e a can>y-bird & a r$ g]anium sav$ a man f madness & ev5tually ga9$ him a p>don1 s5d+ him out into ! _w a liv+ be+ ) a new & bett] religion ?an he _h ev] dream$ ( be=e4 ,b ! op5 skies & ! free air 7 int5d$ f ! beg9n+ ( ?+s z ! greate/ gifts to man1 & x is !re1 if "o is sick 9 body or s\l1 t "o %\ld seek4 ,:e!r x is a mile or a ?\s& miles f a city makes little diff]5ce4 ,= nature is ! univ]sal law4 ,x is ev]y:]e4 ,x is nei!r my/]y nor my/]i\s4 ,its pages are op52 its life is vibrant ) ! desire to be und]/ood4 ,! "o miracle is = man to br+ himself d[n out ( ! cl\ds ( 8 egoism & replace 8 passion = de/ruction ) ! desire to und]/&4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i h 9 m9d a case 9 po9t4 ,i _h a v de> fri5d1 a newspap] man1 ^: wife _h di$4 ,i don't "k t ,i ev] saw a man m utt]ly brok5 up1 = 8 love = h] 0 m ?an love4 ,x 0 wor%ip4 ,he grew fad$ & ?91 & a gray pat* ov] 8 temple turn$ :ite4 ,! mightie/ ef=ts ( 8 fri5ds c\ld d no?+4 ,he want$ to be alone1 alone 9 8 home1 :]e he c\ld grieve himself to dea? by in*es4 ,i knew t 8 case 0 h>d] because he 0 m]ely tol]ant ( religion4 ,"o day1 ! idea came to me t result$ 9 8 spiritual & physical salvation4 ,i took him 9 my auto1 & we w5t out into ! c\ntry f\r or five miles1 op5$ a gate1 drove d[n a long lane1 & /opp$ at ! edge ( a =ty-acre wood4 8,fr$1 ,i am go+ to %[ y a wond]ful city10 ,i said4 8,come ) me--quietly40 ,we climb$ ov] ! f5ce1 & ,i l$ him to ! he>t ( ! wood1 & !re we sat d[n1 ) our backs to a log4 8,n[1 j to humor me1 be v /ill10 ,i said4 8,don't move1 don't speak--j li/540 ,x 0 ?ree o'clock 9 ! aft]noon1 t wond]ful "t ( a summ] day :5 nature seems to r\se h]self f midday slumb] to fill ! _w ) h] ru/l+ life4 ,! sun fell slantwise ?r\gh ! wood1 & "h & !re1 "u ! ro(s ( ! trees1 we c\ld see gold5 pools & /reams ( x on ! cool e>?4 8,?is is "o ( ! mo/ wond]ful cities 9 ! _w10 ,i :isp]$1 8& !re are hundr$s & ?\s&s ( su* cities1 "s ( !m )9 ! rea* ( all40 ,! musical ripple ( a creek came to our e>s4 ,& !n1 sl[ly at fir/1 !re came ^u my fri5d ! wond] ( x all4 ,he und]/ood--at la/4 ,ab\t u1 ?r\gh all t =ty acres ( wood1 ! air seem$ to :isp] =? a /range & wond]ful life4 ,ov] our heads1 we he>d a grat+ s\nd4 ,x 0 a squirrel gnaw+ ?r\gh ! %ell ( a la/ autumn's nut4 ,on an old /ub1 a woodpeck] hamm]$4 ,close ab\t u 7 ! 8*eep1 *eep1 *eep10 & 8twit1 twit1 twit10 ( little br[n bru%birds4 ,a w>bl] bur/ sudd5ly into a glori\s snat* ( song4 ,a qu>t] ( a mile away1 a cr[ caw$1 & betwe5 u & ! cr[ we he>d a fox-squirrel b>k+1 &1 a little lat]1 saw x1 ) its mate1 scrambl+ 9 play up & d[n ! trees4 ,my fri5d caught my arm & po9t$4 ,he 0 becom+ int]e/$1 & :at he saw 0 a fat "y wood*uck pass+ ne> u on a =ag+ exp$ition to a neighbor+ clov] field4 ,= an h\r we did n move1 & ?r\gh all t city 0 ! drone & voice ( life1 & t life 0 a s(t & wond]ful song1 soo?+ "o almo/ to sleep4 ,& :51 at la/1 my fri5d :isp]$ aga91 8,x s\nds z ?\gh ev]y?+ is talk+10 ,i knew t ! _s ( ! ?+ _h got into him4 ,!n ,i drew 8 att5tion to a colony ( big black ants ^: =tress 0 9 ! log aga9/ :i* we 7 re/+4 ,!y 7 work+4 ,two ( !m 7 try+ to drag a dead cat]pill> ov] my fri5d's knee4 ,:5 we rose to g1 ,i l$ him pa/ a little swale 9 :i* a score ( blackbirds _h br$ _! "y4 ,on a sl5d] will[1 a bobol9k 0 s++4 ,a l&-turtle lumb]$ back into ! wat]1 & ! bright eyes ( gre5-head$ frogs />$ at u f pat*es ( scum4 ,"u a bu%1 a score ( toads 7 tea*+ _! t9y y\ng/]s to swim4 ,:5 my fri5d saw ! little fell[s cl++ to _! mo!rs' backs1 he laugh$--! fir/ "t 9 _m mon?s4 ,:5 we w5t back to ! c>1 ,i said3 8,y h se5 j "o t5-?\s&? ( :at nature holds = y & e o!r man & woman4 ,y hav5't believ$ 9 ,god v /rongly4 ,b y've got to n[4 ,t's ,god back !re 9 ! wood40 ,t 0 f\r ye>s ago4 ,to-day1 t man n only lives 9 ! he>t ( nature b1 f a special assignm5t man1 he has ris5 to ! manag+ editor%ip ( a big metropolitan daily4 ,he has only 8 summ] vacation 9 :i* to get out into ! big woods1 b he has made room = nature all ab\t him4 ,f e>ly spr+ until late autumn1 8 front & back y>d fairly bur/ ) life4 ,& x is n1 l mo/ y>ds1 m]ely = %[ & pass+ pleasure to ! eyes4 ,he has br\ght himself d[n out ( ! cl\ds ( man's egoism1 & is le>n+ & tak+ /r5g? f nature--:i* he n[ wor%ips z ! great 8,i am40 ,he has develop$ a hobby = 8int]bre$+ plants10 z he calls x1 & especially gladioli4 ,ea* morn+ 9 spr+ & summ] & autumn1 he goes out into 8 g>d51 &1 f ! ?\s& liv+ ?+s !re1 he receives /r5g? = 8 n]ve-rack+ duties ( ! day2 & at night1 aft] 8 task is done1 he returns to 8 g>d5 to seek t peace :i* is ! great & vibrant =ce ( ! life t is !re4 ,dur+ ! mon?s ( w9t]1 he has 8 little cons]vatory4 ,& ?is man--= m ?an ?irty ye>s--h>dly knew :e!r an oak grew f an acorn or a se$6 ,yet has he "o great regret4 ,& m ?an once he has said to me1 ) t grief 9 8 voice :i* w nev] q die out3 8,if we _h only f\nd ^! ?+s be=e1 %e w\ld be ) me n[4 ,i am conv9c$ ( x4 ,x 0 ?is /r5g? %e ne$$ to keep h] f fad+ away--to build h] up into joy\s life aga94 ,sometimes ,i wond] :y ! ,great ,p[] t is above did n let h] live to g into ! wood ) u t day40 99 99 99 99 99 ,h\rs h pass$ s9ce ,i fir/ sat d[n to write ^! ?\ghts t 7 9 my m9d4 ,! /orm has pass$1 &1 foll[+ x1 !re has come a m>vel\s sil5ce4 ,bo? my door & w9d[ are op51 & !re is r>e sweetness 9 ! brea? ( ! ra9-wa%$ air4 ,i c he> ! ne>-by trees dripp+4 ,! creek runs ) a l\d] ripple4 ,! moon is %imm]+ ?r\gh ! fleecy cl\ds t are rac+ s\? & ea/--t[>d my 8civiliz$0 home1 fifte5 hundr$ miles away4 ,ov] all ?is _w ( m9e !re is1 j n[1 a va/ & voiceless quiet4 ,& if ,i 7 sup]/iti\s1 or fill$ ) ! imag9ation ( "s ( ! prophets ( old1 ,i am sure ,i w\ld he> a ,voice speak+ out ( t mighty solitude1 & x w\ld say3 8,o y mortal1 bl9d--bl9d z ! rocks :i* make up ! m\nta9s6 8,bl9d z ! trees :i* y ?9k h nei!r e>s nor eyes6 8,made to see1 yet unsee+2 mak+ my/]y out ( t :i* 0 born ) y2 seek+--yet seek+ af> = t :i* lies close at h&6 8,y want peace4 ,y g 9 que/ ( a ,brea/ mighti] ?an all life to re/ ?y tir$ head ^u4 ,& ?y que/ is l ! drift+ ( a %ip )\t a rudd] at sea4 ,= y ?9k t ! _w is "y because ?\ live/ 9 x n[--& x is old1 s old t ?\s&s & t5s ( ?\s&s ( peoples liv$ & di$ be=e ,*ri/ 0 born4 ,y ?9k t civilization has come to pass1 & #8civilization' has di$ a ?\s& times "u ! du/ ( ! ages4 ,y believe y are tread+ ! only pa? to ,god--yet h a million billion p di$ be=e y1 unkn[+ ! religions :i* y n[ "k4 8,o y mortals ( to-day1 y are small & ne>-sight$1 & h>d ( he>+--ev5 m ?an !y :o liv$ a million ye>s be=e y1 :5 ! _w 0 an h\r or two y\ng] ?an n[6 8,:at are y8 ,pr\d ( ?y purse1 va9 ( ?y p[]1 conceit$ 9 ?y self-glorification--yet y seek a simple ?+ & _c f9d x4 ,y _c f9d re/4 ,y _c f9d fai?4 ,y _c f9d und]/&+4 ,y _c f9d t ,brea/ mighti] ?an all life ^u :i* to re/ ?y head :5 ! end comes & :5 y g to jo9 ^? trillions :o h gone be=e y4 8,&1 9 y\r despair1 y cry out t y "k n :i* way to turn1 t y seek 9 d>kness1 t ! _w is a wild]ness ( s*isms & religions1 & t y _c tell :i* is ! "r & :i* is ! wrong4 ,= y "k t worlds h liv$ & di$ ?r\gh ! eons ( c5turies be=e ,*ri/ianity 0 born4 ,& y are oppress$ by d\bt ev5 z y grope6 8,yet y "k deep 9 ?y s\l t ! heav5s 7 n an accid5t4 ,y "k t hundr$s & ?\s&s ( worlds great] ?an ?9e own h travel$ _! pa?s 9 space = et]nities4 ,y "k t ! sun 0 set 9 ! skies s long ago t all ! p ( ! e>? c\ld n c\nt ! ye>s ( its life4 ,& y "k t a ,great ,h& plac$ x !re4 ,& t ,h&1 y say1 0 ,god4 8,yet y seek--& y seek--& y seek--& d\bt ev]la/+ly cl\ds ?9e eyes2 & :5 d>kness comes & y /& at ! edge ( ! ,great ,beyond1 y look back1 &--lo6--! pa? y h travel$ seems v %ort1 & x is clutt]$ ) brambles & ?orns & ! wreckage ( %att]$ hopes & wa/$ ye>s4 8,& !n y see ! ,light6 8,&1 z ?y _s dep>ts1 ! my/]y unveils--! answ] comes4 8,= t :i* y s\ght1 y look$ too f>4 ,close "u ?y feet & close ov] ?y head might y h f\nd x60 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,second ,trail ,i ,,become ,a ,,kill] 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,second ,trail ,i ,,become ,a ,,kill] ,?is morn+ is a glory ( sun%9e & peace aft] la/ night's ra94 ,x seems inconceivable t ! blue sky above ! =e/ 0 fill$ a few h\rs ago ) ! cra% ( ?und] & ! blaze ( lightn+4 ,i 0 up at dawn1 wak5$ by a pair ( r$ squirrels play+ ^u ! ro( ( my cab94 ,toge!r we wat*$ ! sun rise1 & aft] t !y *att]$ ab\t my op5 door :ile ,i prep>$ my breakfa/4 ,we are becom+ great fri5ds4 ,"o ( !m ,i h giv5 ! "n ( ,nuts1 & = no reason 9 ! _w unless x is because !re are no nuts up "h2 & ! o!r1 ! sleek1 beautiful little female1 ,i call ,spoony because %e looks at me s slyly1 ) h] pretty head p]k$ on "o side1 z if flirt+ ) me4 ,x is only eight o'clock1 yet we h be5 up ne>ly f\r h\rs4 ,at ! edge ( ! creek1 less ?an a /one's ?r[ f ! cab91 ,i h built me a n>r[ table ( smoo?-hewn sapl+s betwe5 two old spruce trees1 & ?is is my op5-air /udio :5 ! wea!r is f9e4 ,^w ( x has gone abroad1 ?\gh ,i am _m hundr$s ( miles f civilization4 ,_m k9ds ( wild ?+s h come to get acqua9t$ ) me1 fasc9at$ *iefly1 ,i ?9k1 by ! m>vel\s new language ( my click+ typewrit]4 ,! welcome & fri5d%ip ( ^! little wild]ness-he>ts are gr[+ ne>] & m app>5t to me e day2 & ) ea* day ! ,great ,tru? speaks to me ev5 m cle>ly ?an ! day be=e--t ea* ( ^! beat+ he>ts1 l my own1 is a "p ( t nature :i* ,i wor%ip & is z vitally a sp>k ( its life z ! he>t :i* is beat+ inside my own flannel %irt4 ,^! fri5ds ( m9e1 ga!r+ ab\t me m intimately & 9 great] numb] ) ea* pass+ day1 are individuals to me because ,i h come to und]/& !m & "k _! language4 ,!re is ! ,artful ,dodg]1 = in/ance--,i sometimes call him ,bill ,sykes or ,capta9 ,kidd--scream+ close ov] my head ?is v mom5t4 ,9 v intimate mom5ts ,i call him ,arty1 or ,kid1 or ,bill4 ,he is a big blue jay4 ,9 spite ( all t has be5 said & writt5 aga9/ him1 ,i h a v bro!rly affection = ,bill4 ,he is a man's man1 among birds1 not)/&+ t he occasionally breakfa/s on ! eggs ( o!r birds1 & kills m ?an is good = 8 reputation4 ,also1 he is ! greate/ li> & ! bigge/ fraud & ! mo/ braz5-fac$ *eat 9 ! bird k+dom4 ,b ,i "k ,bill intimately n[1 :]e ,i us$ to kill him z a pe/1 & ,i love him = all 8 s9s4 ,he is a pirate :o nev] loses 8 s5se ( humor4 ,he is always rais+ a di/urbance j = ! excitem5t ( x1 & :5 he has drawn a cr[d1 s to speak1 he w slip slyly away to "s ne>by vantage-po9t & laugh & *uckle ov] ! rumpus he has rais$4 ,"r n[1 he is scream+ himself ho>se =ty feet above my head4 ,two o!rs h jo9$ him1 & !y are mak+ su* a b$lam ( s\nd t ,nuts & ,spoony h ceas$ _! *att]+4 ,!re6--,i h fir$ a /ick at !m1 & !y are gone4 ,!y h _h _! joke1 & are q satisfi$--= ! pres5t4 ,i c he> ! musical rippl+ ( ! creek aga91 n[ t ,bill & 8 blu/]+ pals are gone1 & my typewrit] is l a t9y ma*9e gun s5d+ its click+ notes out into ! /ill =e/4 ,a pair ( moose-birds1 almo/ z big z ! jays1 are hopp+ ab\t1 s ne> t1 at times1 !y are p]*$ on ! end ( my sapl+ table4 ,!y are ! tame/ birds 9 ! wild]ness1 & )9 ano!r day or s w be eat+ out ( my h&4 ,unlike ! jays1 !y make no di/urbance4 ,!y are s(t & quiet1 nev] mak+ a s\nd1 & _! big1 beautiful eyes fairly pop ) _! int5se int]e/ 9 me4 ,i l _! company1 because !re is a philosophy ab\t !m4 ,!y nev] tire ( look+ at me1 & /udy+ me1 & at times ,i h ! v pleasant fancy t !y are bur/+ ) a desire to speak4 ,!y are v g5tle1 & nev] fight or scold or commit any s9s t ,i "k (2 & j n[1 z ! two look at me ) _! big s(t eyes1 ,i f9d myself wond]+ :i* ( u is ( mo/ acc\nt 9 ! f9al analysis ( ?+s4 ,t5 or fifte5 rods above me1 ! creek wid5s & =ms a wide pool ov]hung ) trees1 s t1 9 ! hotte/ wea!r1 x mu/ be a delightfully refre%+ place4 ,i c see x pla9ly f :]e ,i am sitt+1 = ! creek twi/s a little1 s t x is runn+ directly t[>d me :5 ,i look 9 t direction4 ,_m wild ?+s come to t pool4 ,?is morn+1 ,i f\nd a be>-track !re1 & ! fre% ho(-pr9ts ( a doe & fawn4 ,ye/]day1 a pair ( travel+ ott]s discov]$ x1 b :5 ,i tri$ !m out ) ! voice ( my typewrit]1 !y turn$ back4 ,i am confid5t !y w return1 & t we %all get acqua9t$4 ,at ! pres5t mom5t1 9 look+ t[>d ! pool1 ,i am /ruck by :at at fir/ ?\ght ,i might consid] a discordant note 9 ?is wond]l& ( quiet & peace t is ab\t me4 ,at ! edge ( ! pool1 rigid & wat*ful1 a hawk is pois$ on a dead limb project+ f a lightn+-/ruck /ub4 ,he is hungry & eag] to kill4 ,i h se5 him laun* himself twice aft] a victim1 b ea* "t )\t success4 ,f9ally1 he w succe$4 ,he w kill a liv+ ?+ t he himself may cont9ue to live4 ,yet ,i h no incl9ation to %oot him4 ,= to live1 & to *]i% t sp>k ( life t is 9 him1 is z mu* 8 "r z x is m9e4 ,he is n1 l man1 a kill] = ! love ( kill+4 ,he wants 8 breakfa/4 ,& 9 fairness to him ,i ?9k ( two t5d] "y spruce-p>tridges :i* ,i %ot late la/ ev5+1 & :i* ,i %all roa/ = my d9n]1 along ) a potato & a flavor ( bacon4 ,my religion does n dem& veget>ianism any m ?an x does fle%2 = t1 too1 is life4 ,= ! trees :isp]+ above me n[ are z alive to me z ! moose-birds p]*$ at ! end ( my table1 yet :5 necessity comes ,i cut !m d[n ) an ax1 & make a cab9 or cook my food ) !m4 ,all nature cries out t life mu/ exi/ ^u life1 t "o tree mu/ gr[ ^u ! mold ( ano!r1 t = ea* gre5 blade ( grass ano!r blade mu/ die4 ,x is n aga9/ a wise & necess>y de/ruction t ! ,god ( all nature cries out4 ,! crime--! crime great] ?an all o!r crimes--is de/ruction )\t cause4 99 99 99 99 99 ,t is :at ,i mu/ come to n[1 ev5 9 ?is glory ( peace t is :isp]+ ab\t me--,i mu/ face ! task ( confess+ my own s9s z a kill]1 z a de/roy] ( life = ! love & ?rill ( kill+4 ,i 0 born1 l all ! *ildr5 ( m51 a monum5tal egoi/4 ,my p>5ts 7 egoi/s4 ,my =efa!rs = t5 ?\s& g5]ations 7 egoi/s be=e me1 & ,i 0 ! la/ product ( _! egoism--"o ( ! billion & a half p :o are liv+ to-day 9 ! bl9dness ( a self-conceit t has fill$ _! worlds ) s*isms & religions z false & z un/able z ! trea*]\s s&s ( human 8almight9ess0 ^u :i* !y h be5 built4 ,f ! beg9n+1 ,i did n ne$ argum5t or education to tell me t ,i 0 ! greate/ ( all creat$ ?+s--t my p>ticul> br& ( life1 ( all life on ! e>?1 0 ! only life t ,god _h int5d$ to be inviolate4 ,t fact 0 p\nd$ home to me 9 ! public s*ools2 x 0 prea*$ to me 9 ! *ur*es4 ,i 0 "p & p>cel ( ! great 8,i ,am40 ,= me1 all ! univ]se _h be5 built4 ,= me1 ! ,great ,h]eaft] 0 solely creat$4 ,all o!r life 0 m]ely incid5tal1 & creat$ especially = my b5efit4 ,x 0 m9e to d ) z ,i pleas$4 ,9 a mild sort ( way1 ! s*ool & ! *ur* told me to h a little *>ity1 & n to 8hurt ! poor little birdies40 ,b *ur* & s*ool did n tell me1 & has nev] told its pupils1 t all o!r life on ! e>? 0 z preci\s z my own1 & _h an equal "r to fight = its exi/5ce4 ,x is true ,i 0 told t nev] a sp>r[ falls t ,god does n see x1 b x is also true t1 = six ye>s1 my /ate urg$ its *ildr5 to kill sp>r[s = a b\nty ( two c5ts a head4 ,i f\nd no c\rse 9 s*ool or college t attempt$ to tea* me t ! sp>k ( life animat+ my own body 0 no diff]5t f ! sp>ks :i* animat$ all o!r liv+ ?+s4 ,bo? religion & s*ool in/ill$ into me t ,i 0 next 9 place to ,god4 ,all o!r life1 f ! life ( trees & fl[]s to t ( bea/s & birds1 0 put on e>? = my special b5efit4 ,no o!r life _h a "r to exi/ unless ! human egoi/ saw fit to let x live4 ,& all ?is simply because human life happ5$ to be ! mo/ p[]ful life1 & clev]e/ 9 ! art & sci5ce ( de/roy+ o!r life4 ,i wond] :at w\ld happ5 if = t5 g5]ations ! *ur*es & s*ools w\ld tea* _! little *ildr5 & _! gr[n-ups t !re is a heav5 = fl[]s & trees & birds & butt]flies j z surely z !re is a heav5 = man6 ,:at w\ld happ5 if ! tea*+ ( ! ,great ,tru? ( nature began 9 ! k9d]g>t51 & w5t on ?r\gh ! lives ( m5 & wom51 gr[+ /rong] 9 ! race z g5]ation add$ itself to g5]ation8 ,x is some?+ to ?9k ab\t 9 ^! days :51 9 our madness = a fai?1 we are reviv+ gho/s & phantom voices & are fright5+ our *ildr5 aga9 ) ! diseas$ & weird belief t ! spirits ( ! dead c come back to u4 ,we want some?+ t is clean & heal?y & inspir+1 some?+ t is beautiful to contemplate1 & :i* is n an ov]:elm+ insult to t ,great ,p[] ( ! univ]se ( :i* we are s small a "p--& 9 ! k9d]g>t5 we c\ld plant ! se$ ( t ?+1 s t1 ?r\gh ! s*ool & ! *ur* & all life1 x w\ld cont9ue to gr[ /rong] ) ea* g5]ation1 until1 at la/1 man w\ld %ake (f t deadlie/ ( all 8 enemies1 8 own egoism & self-conceit4 ,!n1 & n until !n1 w he f9d cont5tm5t & peace & happ9ess 9 ! bro!rhood ( all o!r life t is ab\t him4 ,b ,i seem to be evad+ ! issue--my own confession z a monum5tal egoi/ & a kill]4 ,i h said t my p>5ts 7 egoi/s1 l all _! =efa!rs be=e !m4 ,yet ! _w nev] held a bett] "m ?an m9e4 ,i d n except any :o may sit 9 heav5 at ! pres5t "t4 ,& my fa!r1 z a man1 0 f> bett] ?an 8 son w ev] be4 ,he 0 a g5tleman ( ! old s*ool1 liv+1 z he di$1 an example ( c\rage & fe>lessness & honor to all :o knew him4 ,yet did ^! two spl5did p1 l all o!r p>5ts1 fo/] & cultivate my egoism f ! beg9n+4 ,!y did x unconsci\sly1 bl9dly1 z hundr$s ( millions ( o!r p>5ts are do+ to-day4 ,my fa!r lov$ hunt+ & fi%+1 & at eight ye>s ( age ,i possess$ my own gun4 ,i rememb] ) :at pride he taught me to %oot & to /alk my fir/ liv+ victims2 & :5 we return$ f a hunt1 if ,i _h kill$ any?+1 x 0 always to me t my belov$ "m gave h] greate/ att5tion & comm5dation4 ,we liv$ on an ,ohio f>m !n1 & ,i became a sort ( boy prodigy 9 ! art ( hunt+4 ,:5 ,i 0 n9e ye>s old1 a newspap] 9 a ne>-by city publi%$ a /ory ( my pr[ess1 & ,i d n ?9k ,i 0 m puff$ up ov] x ?an my fa!r himself4 ,by ! "t ,i 0 twelve1 ,i _h lo/ all respect = t life :i* ! laws ( our /ate said ,i might take4 ,i _h a f9e collection ( birds' eggs1 & ano!r 8spl5did0 collection ( birds' w+s4 ,my room 0 decorat$ ) ! w+s4 ,i always recall ) an odd sort ( feel+ t at ?is p>ticul> height ( my boyi% slaught] ( life ,i 8got religion10 & got x h>d4 ,at ,joppa1 a 8f\r-corn]s0 two miles f our f>m1 a s]ies ( revival meet+s 0 go+ on t w9t]1 & ,i _c rememb] anyone 9 all our community :o did n get ! religi\s fev]1 except mo/ ( ! y\ng/]s4 ,b x hit me h>d4 ,i felt t ,i 0 actually inspir$4 ,s deeply did ! excit$ prea*+s effect my m9d t frequ5tly1 :5 ,i 0 alone1 ,i felt t angels 7 ) me4 ,"o moonlight night1 9 return+ f a revival1 ,i actually saw an angel1 & ! beautiful ?+ ) :ite w+s & :ite raim5t & wond]ful fl[+ hair walk$ halfway home ) me4 ,:5 ,i told t /ory at s*ool ! next day1 & insi/$ t x 0 true1 ,i _h five diff]5t fights4 ,my "m said t x probably 0 true1 = %e 0 delight$ t ,i _h become religi\s4 ,s ,i f\ght1 & lick$--& got lick$--= ab\t a mon? because ( my fai?4 ,b :at ,i am com+ to is ?is3 ,?\gh practically our :ole t[n%ip 0 conv]t$1 at no "t did ?is religion tell me to /op kill+4 ,s inspir$ 0 ,i t ,mr4 ,tea*\t1 ! revivali/1 _h me give a %ort 8s]mon0 "o ev5+--& ,i recall vividly h[1 9 8introduc+0 me1 he said1 9 a l\d voice & ) a great fl\ri% ( 8 arms1 t ,i 80 ! be/ hunt] 9 all ,erie ,c\nty & c\ld kill m game 9 a day ?an almo/ any gr[n hunt] !re40 ,:]eupon !re 0 a mighty applause f ! hundr$ p pres5t1 & ,i 0 ! pr\de/ y\ng/] 9 ,ohio4 ,:y8 ,because f a *ur* ro/rum ,i 0 hail$ z ! greate/ boy kill] 9 t c\nty6 ,no "o ( all ^? ,*ri/ians told me t ,i %\ld /op kill+4 ,!y made a h]o ( me because ,i 0 already becom+ a ma/] 9 ! art ( kill+4 ,!y built up my egoism to a po9t :]e x became blasphem\s--to a po9t :]e x m ?an (fset my "m's plead+s t ,i /op %oot+ birds = _! w+s4 ,!n came a ?+ :i*1 z ,i look back ^u x n[1 seems to me mon/r\s4 ,!re 0 to be a big 8hunt]s' supp]0 to end ! revival4 ,! m5 *ose sides1 & on a c]ta9 day all ^! m5 set out to kill4 ,!y 7 to kill no?+ 8outside ! law40 ,b all life n protect$ by law might be sacrific$4 ,i rememb] t a rabbit c\nt$ five po9ts1 a squirrel f\r1 a hawk six1 a blue jay two1 & s on4 ,! side t lo/ out on 8po9ts10 or1 9 o!r words1 de/roy$ ! lea/ life1 0 compell$ to furni% ! supp]4 ,h[ ,i did slaught]6 ,:5 ,i came 9 to ! 8c\nt0 t night1 my game-bag 0 fill$ to ! brim ) dead ?+s4 ,among o!r creatures ,i _h kill$ sev5te5 blue jays6 ,any wond] t ,capta9 ,kidd & 8 pals scream$ ov] my head ?is morn+8 ,& yet good ,*ri/ian p /ill reg>d ) horror ! day :5 pagan ,rome burn$ ! m>tyrs4 ,my education 9 ! art ( de/ruction increas$ z my ye>s grew 9 numb]4 ,i 0 n alone4 ,all ! human _w 0 de/roy+1 j z x is de/roy+ to-day4 ,we mov$ back to ! little city ( ,owosso1 9 ,mi*igan1 :]e ,i 0 born4 ,9 ,erie ,c\nty1 ,ohio1 my nickname _h be5 ,slipp]y--j :y ,i don't "k2 n[1 9 ,mi*igan1 x became ,nimrod & ,wildcat ,jim4 ,i haunt$ our beautiful ,%iawassee ,riv] z gho/s are n[ haunt+ "s ( our sci5tific writ]s4 ,i trapp$ & hunt$ & fi%$ m ?an ,i /udi$--s mu* m1 9 fact1 t ,i became decid$ly unpopul> ) our high-s*ool pr9cipal1 ,mr4 ,au/91 :o is n[ my v good fri5d4 ,at la/1 ,i /ood at ! splitt+ ( ! ways--& ,i *ose my own c\rse4 ,i trapp$ a season1 &1 ) ! money e>n$1 />t$ 9 on a special c\rse at ! ,univ]sity ( ,mi*igan4 ,?+s w5t well4 ,i slipp$ ?r\gh college ) ! ease ( an eel1 took up newspap] "w 9 ,detroit1 became a special writ] & a magaz9e writ] & ! y\nge/ metropolitan newspap] editor 9 ,mi*igan4 ,i felt incl9$ to believe t ,i 0 a wild & upro>i\s success4 ,b "u x all burn$ my desire to get back to my old job ( de/ruction1 & ?is desire l$ me into my long ye>s ( adv5tur+ into ! f> nor!rn wild]nesses4 ,z ,i sit "h n[1 click+ my typewrit] 9 ! /ill he>t ( ! =e/1 x is a wond] to me t "s colossal _s ( v5geance does n rise up out ( x & de/roy me4 ,& yet1 :5 ,i consid]1 ,i "k :y t v5geance does n come--& 9 ! face ( ?is 8great reason10 ,i see my littl5ess z ,i h nev] se5 x be=e4 ,x is because1 v sl[ly1 my egoism is crumbl+ away4 ,& z x crumbles1 my big bro!r--all nature--grips my h& ev] m closely1 & :isp]s to me to tell o!rs some?+ ( :at ,i h f\nd4 ,& t big bro!r is n only ! _s ( ! he>t-beat+ ?+s ab\t me1 b also ! _s & voice ( ! trees1 ( ! liv+ e>? t ?robs "u my feet1 ( ! fl[]s1 ! sun1 ! sky4 ,x is all rea*+ out to me ) a great %[ ( fri5dl9ess1 & ,i seem to feel t fe> & misund]/&+ h slipp$ away f betwe5 u4 ,x is invit+ me to accept ( x all t ,i may require1 yet to *]i% t :i* ,i _c use4 ,x is tell+ me1 z x has :isp]$ to me a ?\s& times be=e1 ! secret ( life2 t ! life 9 my own brea/ & all ?is t is ab\t me are "o & ! same--& t1 9 our p>tn]%ip = happ9ess1 we ea* belong to ! o!r4 ,& !re mu/ be no desire = v5geance betwe5 u4 ,yet1 to me1 x does n seem l ju/ice1 look+ at x f ! w>p$ & n>r[ po9t ( view ( my human m9d4 ,x is ! human in/9ct to dem& an eye = an eye & a too? = a too?4 ,& ,i _c see :y my ,god ( nature %\ld give me su* rew>d ( peace & fri5d%ip aft] :at ,i h done4 ,x has always be5 my logic t life is ! *eape/ ?+ 9 exi/5ce4 ,!re is j s mu* e>?1 s mu* wat]1 s mu* air ab\t u2 b ( life !re is no end4 ,s we g on de/roy+4 ,if nature w\ld keep ?is de/roy$ life unto h]self = a few g5]ations1 in/ead ( giv+ x back to u 9 h] unv5geful way1 ! e>? w\ld soon become a des]t4 ,!n we w\ld le>n our lesson4 ,i am ?9k+1 z ,i write ?is1 ( a beautiful little =e/ 9 a wond]ful valley 9 ! he>t ( ! ,briti% ,columbia m\nta9s4 ,x 0 a glori\s ?+ to look d[n ^u t day :5 ,i de/roy$ x4 ,i call x a =e/1 ?\gh !re 0 n m ?an an acre ( x1 or two at ! mo/4 ,& ! valley 0 really a 8pocket0 among ! mighty peaks ( ! ,firepan ,range4 ,x 0 ( balsams & c$>s1 ri* gre51 & d5sely ?ick--a m>vel\s pat* ( liv+ tape/ry1 vibrant ) ! gl[ & pulse ( life 9 ! sunset ( t day4 ,into its %elt] we _h driv5 a w\nd$ grizzly :i* _h refus$ to turn & fight4 ,& s ?ick & protect+ 0 ! he>t ( x t we c\ld n get ! grizzly out4 ,night 0 n f> away1 & 9 its d>kness we knew our game w\ld escape u4 ,& ! ?\ght came to u to burn t little p>adise ( gre54 ,!re 0 no dang] ( a spread+ fire4 ,! m\nta9 walls ( ! 8pocket0 w\ld prev5t t4 ,& x 0 ,i :o /ruck ! mat*6 ,9 tw5ty m9utes1 ! little =e/ 0 a sea ( wri?+1 leap+ flame4 ,x cri$ out & moan$ 9 ! agony ( conflagration4 ,! be> fl$ f its torture & its ru91 & we kill$ him4 ,t night1 ! moon %one d[n on a black & smold]+ mass ( ru9 :]e a little :ile be=e _h be5 ! p>adise4 ,9 our camp1 we laugh$ & exult$4 ,! egoism ( man made u feel our false triumph4 ,:at x _h tak5 a ?\s& ye>s to place 9 t cup ( ! m\nta9s we _h de/roy$ 9 half an h\r--yet we felt no regret4 ,we _h de/roy$ a ?\s& times m life ?an fill$ our own pitiable bodies1 yet did ! false e?ics ( our bre$ assure u t we _h done no wrong--simply because ! life we _h de/roy$ _h n possess$ a =m & tongue l our own4 8,?is man mu/ be los+ 8 reason10 ,i he> "s ( my read]s say4 ,is x t1 or is a bit ( reason j return+ to me1 aft] a million ye>s ( sleep8 ,if x is madness1 x is ( a k9d t w\ld com=t ! _w c\ld all be mad z ,i am mad4 ,life is ,life4 ,x is a sp>k ( ! same ,supreme ,p[]1 :e!r 9 a tree1 a fl[]1 or a ?+ ( fle% & blood4 ,to me1 z ,i view x n[1 ! wanton de/ruction ( t little p>adise 0 z tragic z ! de/ruction ( life c>ri$ ab\t on two legs or f\r4 ,i feel t ! crime ( its de/ruction 0 z great z t ( ano!r day :i* ,i recall mo/ vividly 9 ^! mom5ts4 ,i 0 9 ano!r wond]l& ( ! nor!rn m\nta9s1 & my companion 0 a grizzl$ old hunt] :o _h le>n$ ! art ( kill+ ?r\gh a lifetime ( exp]i5ce4 ,) our pack-outfit ( sev5 horses1 we 7 hitt+ = ! ,yukon ov] a trail nev] travel$ by :ite man be=e4 ,s glori\s 0 ! valley we 7 9 on ?is day ( :i* ,i write t at noon we /ruck our camp4 ,s awesome 0 ! va/ness & beauty ( x t my s\l 0 held spellb\nd ) ! magic ( x4 ,on all sides ( u rose ! mighty m\nta9s1 ) sn[-cr[n$ peaks ris+ "h & !re out ( ! t[]+ ranges4 ,! murmur ( rippl+ wat] fill$ ! s(t air ) soo?+ song2 gre5 mead[s1 sweet ) ! p]fume ( wild hyac9?s1 violets1 & a hundr$ o!r fl[]s1 c>pet$ ! ri* e>? ab\t u2 on ! sun-w>m$ rocks1 :i/l]s lay 9 fat cont5tm5t1 call+ to "o ano!r l small boys :i/l+ betwe5 _! tee?2 ! slopes 7 dott$ ) pt>migan2 a pair ( eagles so>$ high above u1 & f ! pat*es & f+]s ( timb] came ! cry & song ( birds4 ,) my back propp$ aga9/ a pile ( saddles & panni]s ,i c>efully scann$ ! slides & slopes ?r\gh my hunt+-glasses4 ,high up on ! crag ( a m\nta9-%\ld]1 ,i pick$ up a nanny-goat fe$+ ) h] kid4 ,/ill f>!r away1 on a gre5 8slide0 at lea/ two miles f camp1 ,i discov]$ five m\nta9-%eep ly+ d[n4 ,& aft] t1 sw++ my glasses sl[ly1 ,i came to some?+ :i* s5t a ?rill ?r\gh my blood4 ,x 0 a mile away1 a great1 sl[-mov+ hulk t ,i might h mi/ak5 = a rock _h my eyes n be5 tra9$ to ! ways & movem5t ( game4 ,x 0 a grizzly4 ,alone ,i w5t aft] him1 arm$ ) man's deadlie/ weapon ( ext9ction1 a 4#dje ,w9*e/]4 ,inside ( half an h\r ,i 0 well 9 ! tee? ( ! breeze com+ up ! valley1 & almo/ )9 gun%ot ( my victim4 ,i came to a c\lee & crept up t1 & :5 ,i rea*$ ! table-l& mead[ :]e x began1 a ?\s& feet above ! valley1 ,i f\nd myself )9 a hundr$ y>ds ( ! grizzly4 ,he 0 digg+ l a dog = a goph]4 ,&1 !n1 sudd5ly1 my he>t gave a ?ump t almo/ *ok$ me4 ,9 a twi/ ( ! m\nta9-b5*1 n m ?an sev5ty or eighty y>ds above me1 7 two m grizzlies4 ,i hesitat$1 & look$ back d[n ! c\lee1 = a mom5t d\btful :e!r to retreat or decl>e w>4 ,!n ,i decid$4 ,9 my h&s 0 a kill] ( ! deadlie/ & sure/ k9d4 ,i 0 an exp]t %ot & my n]ves 7 /eady4 ,i began4 ,i ?9k ,i fir$ five %ots 9 p]haps ?irty seconds1 & ! ?ree big grizzlies di$ almo/ 9 _! tracks4 ,a conqu]or return+ 9 8 triumph to old ,rome c\ld n h be5 m elat$ ?an ,i4 ,i rememb] t ,i leap$ & danc$ & %riek$ out at ! top ( my voice 9 ! direction ( camp4 ,i 0 mad ) joy4 ,?ree ?\s& p\nds ( fle% & blood lay hot & lifeless "u my eyes1 & ,i1 ! human ne>-god1 ) my own two insignificant h&s & a me*anical ?+1 _h tak5 ! life f x6 ,i sat d[n on "o ( ! huge c>casses t /ill brea!d "u me4 ,i wip$ my face1 & my blood 0 runn+ a race t heat$ me z if ) fire4 ,& ! ?\ght came to me3 8,oh1 if ! _w c\ld only see me n[--"h 9 my glori\s triumph--) ^! great bea/s ab\t me60 ,= x 0 a mighty triumph = man1 ! egoi/4 ,9 ?irty seconds ,i _h de/roy$ a possible "o hundr$ ye>s ( ?robb+1 he>t-beat+ life1 a hundr$ ye>s ( w9t]1 a hundr$ ye>s ( summ]1 a hundr$ mat+-seasons1 & ! ?\s& o!r lives t n[ w\ld nev] be born6 ,i /ood up1 & %riek$ aga9 t[>d ! camp1 & f> above me out ( ! blue ( ! sky ,i he>d an answ]+ cry f "o ( ! eagles4444 ,yes1 z ,i sit "h1 look+ back ov] ! days t are gone1 ,i wond] t ! _s ( v5geance does n rise up out ( ! =e/ & de/roy me1 ev5 z ,i h de/roy$4 ,x w\ld be ju/ice1 accord+ to t ju/ice :i* man ! egoi/ metes out4 ,& yet1 ev5 z ,i wond]1 ! answ] comes to me v cle>ly4 ,i am no diff]5t ?an hundr$s ( millions ( o!rs4 ,i h de/roy$ 9 my own way1 :ile o!rs h de/roy$ 9 !irs4 ,& nature1 ! mo/ bless$ ( all ?+s1 is n v5geful4 ,god =gives4 ,& nature is ,god4 ,x is ,god t lives 9 ! rose1 9 ! violet1 9 ! tree1 j z he lives 9 ! he>t ( man4 ,x is ,god t brea!s 9 ! grass :i* makes ! e>? sweet to tread ^u1 & x is ,god t lives 9 ! song ( birds4 ,8 8life0 is all-encompass+1 ! vital sp>k ( all exi/5t ?+s4 ,in/ead ( s5d+ gho/s back to e>? to prove 8 p[]1 he gives u all ^! ?+s1 & lives & brea!s 9 !m1 t we may h him ) u 9 physical ?+s all ! days ( our lives if we w only rise out ( our egoism--& und]/&4 ,& n[ ,i h come aga9 to ! p>t+ ( a way4 ,i h b>$ ! black side ( my l$g]1 & x has n be5 pleasant "w = me4 ,to-morr[ beg9s ! joy\s "p ( my task--! beg9n+ ( t /ory :i* w tell h[ at la/ my eyes 7 op5$1 h[ und]/&+ came to me1 & ) t und]/&+ a new fai? :i* w live ) me ?r\gh all ! re/ ( ! ye>s ( my life4 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,?ird ,trail ,,my ,,bro!rhood 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,?ird ,trail ,,my ,,bro!rhood ,to-day is ,sunday1 & ,i h j return$ f a week's hike up ! my/]i\s little creek t runs pa/ my cab94 ,x seems good to be home aga91 & ,nuts & ,spoony & ,wild ,bill1 ! blue jay1 h giv5 me a royal welcome1 & ,i am almo/ conv9c$ my pop-ey$ moose-bird fri5ds are try+ to tell me :o 0 ! ?ief 9 my cab9 :ile ,i 0 gone4 ,on t 8to-morr[0 :5 ,i _h promis$ myself ano!r day ( writ+1 ! ,w&]lu/ came to me1 & ,i pack$ up a kit & a week's supply ( grub & />t$ out to explore my creek4 ,x is a v individual sort ( creek--x has "*1 ev51 if x hasn't a "n4 ,x comes out ( deep1 d>k1 & unexplor$ masses ( =e/ to ! nor?1 & ,i h fanci$ x br++ d[n all sorts ( romance & trag$y out ( ! hidd5 places if x c\ld only talk4 ,s ,i w5t to ! end ( x to f9d out its secrets = myself4 ,& !re 0 s mu* ( int]e/ t ,i c\ld fill a book ) x4 ,i don't ?9k any o!r :ite feet h ev] travel$ up ?is creek1 :i* ,i n[ call 8,lonesome40 ,surely n ev5 an ,indian has be5 along x = at lea/ a g5]ation1 = ,i did n f9d ! m>k ( an ax or sign ( a fire or ve/ige ( deadfall or trap-h\se4 ,b x did take me =ty miles back into a c\ntry ( su* savage wild]ness & d5se =e/s t ,i h almo/ det]m9$ to build me ano!r cab9 !re a little lat]1 if = no o!r reason ?an to live = a :ile ) ! hundr$s ( owls t inhabit c]ta9 p>ts ( x4 ,i h nev] se5 s _m owls any:]e 9 ! ,nor?l&1 & ,i figure ?is is because ! big sn[-%oe rabbits h be5 multiply+ = sev]al ye>s pa/1 & n[ exi/ !re lit]ally 9 ?\s&s4 ,at _m places along ! creek1 ! e>? 0 beat5 h>d by _! furr$ feet4 ,by all ! signs1 ,i h pr$ict$ t next ye>1 or ! ye> aft]1 ! 8sev5-ye> rabbit-plague0 w come along & kill (f n9ety out ( e hundr$4 ,!n ! owls w scatt]1 & mo/ ( ! lynxes & foxes & wolves w w&] (f into o!r hunt+ gr\nds1 = ! rabbit is ! /aff ( life ( ! fle%-eat+ birds & bea/s ( ! big nor!rn =e/s1 j z all ! _w ov] :eat is ! ma9/ay ( human /oma*s4 ,b ,i am w&]+ a bit f ! po9t 9 m9d--:i* is to say t1 9 leav+ on my j\rney ( exploration1 ,i =got to close ! w9d[ ( my cab91 & ?r\gh t op5 w9d[ ent]$ ! rascally ?ief :om ! pair ( moose-birds are try+ to tell me ab\t4 ,i ?9k ,bill kn[s also1 b ,i don't believe he w\ld give a bro!r robb] away1 ev5 if he did h f\r feet & a tail4 ,by tracks & two or ?ree o!r signs1 ,i "k ! ?ief is a wolv]9e1 :o1 l ! pack-rat ov] 9 ! m\nta9s1 /eals almo/ entirely = ! fun ( x4 ,?is mis*ief-mak+ humori/1 among o!r ?+s1 has c>ri$ away a hat1 "o ( my two fry+-pans1 sev]al t9s1 half a slab ( bacon1 & my favorite fi%-clean+ knife dur+ my abs5ce4 ,b ,i "k ?is clev] fell['s ways1 & h hope t ,i %all soon recov] my prop]ty if ,i keep my eyes op5 & li/5 ) bo? my e>s4 ,& ,i %all n kill him1 no matt] h[ r$-h&$--or r$-foot$--,i cat* him4 ,a few ye>s ago1 ,i w\ld h plann$ to ambu% him ) a rifle4 ,b n[ ,i h ! desire to become z intimate ) him z possible & le>n a little m def9itely :at he wants ) a knife1 a skillet1 & my pans4 ,i feel t1 = 8 !ft1 he %\ld 9 "s way be rew>d$ & n sla91 = he has add$ to my int]e/ 9 life by r\s+ a ke5 & h>mless curiosity4 ,8 is only "o way 9 :i* nature is con/antly add+ fullness ( life & great] cont5tm5t to my ye>s4 ,ev]y:]e1 ev5 to ! smalle/ ?+s "u my feet & at my h&1 ,i am le>n+ m & m ( ! m>vel\s ways & life ( all creation1 & ! m ,i le>n ! m ,i am conv9c$ t ,i am simply an atom 9 its va/ bro!rhood1 & ,i am f9d+ a great happ9ess by mak+ myself actually a "p ( x4 ,h]et(ore1 ,i h be5 a self-expatriat$ sp>k ( life1 s to speak2 9 my human egoism1 ,i h held myself ap>t f all o!r sp>ks ( life t 7 n =m$ 9 my own poor & unlovely %ape--&1 ev5 !n1 ,i consid]$ myself consid]ably bett] ?an ^? :o did n happ5 to be ( my p>ticul> color & bre$4 ,two v simple ?+s are add+ to my pleasure 9 life ?is e>ly aft]noon1 & illu/rate ! po9t ,i h 9 m9d--if "o c b[ "o's head d[n to ! level ( und]/&+4 ,i am writ+ aga9 betwe5 ! two big spruce trees1 b dur+ my week ( abs5ce o!r sp>ks ( life h1 9 a way1 tak5 possession ( my table4 ,f betwe5 two ( ! hewn sapl+s t =m ! top ( ?is table1 :]e ! big /orm ( w9d mu/ h flung a bit ( e>? & a se$1 a t5d] gre5 spr\t ( some?+ has />t$ to gr[4 ,x is a s+le spe> n[1 n ( grass1 & its gre5 is ! :iti% gre5 ( ! l[] "p ( an asp>agus %oot4 ,to me1 x seems fairly to pulse ) life1 & ,i h ! v fooli% feel+ )9 me t nature plann$ ?is little surprise = me :ile ,i 0 away1 & t1 if ,i give x a bit ( bro!rly att5tion1 ,i am go+ to h a fl[] on my table1 n transplant$ or pluck$1 b !re delib]ately ?r\gh fri5d%ip = me4 ,h[ev] fooli% ?is notion may be1 x is a v pleasant "o to h1 & its effect is to br+ me mu* ne>] to ! ,creator ( ?+s ?an any s]mon ,i c\ld he> prea*$ f a pulpit2 = ,i am n li/5+ m]ely to words ab\t ,god1 b ,i am look+ directly at a physical "p ( ,god1 & ,i f9d a great satisfaction 9 ?is fai?4 ,a second int]e/+ ?+ t has happ5$ to my table is t x has become a pla9 across :i* n[ runs ! trail ( a big tribe ( ants4 ,^! ants1 ,i h f\nd1 climb up ! f>!/ "r-h& support ( my table & proce$ /raight across to ! big spruce on my left1 up :i* !y disappe>2 & a return+ file ( ! work]s come d[n ! spruce & hit x 8cross-c\ntry0 to ! table-leg aga94 ,!y don't seem to be be>+ any burd5s1 yet !y move ) precision & purpose1 & ,i h come to und]/& t1 :5 ants move 9 ?is way1 !y h some?+ v def9ite 9 m9d4 ,i am conv9c$ !y are mov+ f "o =tress home to ano!r1 or at lea/ t e 8work+0 individual 9 ! tribe is p]sonally inve/igat+ "s new discov]y t has be5 made ei!r up ! spruce or 9 ! direction ( ! creek4 ,lat]1 ,i w "k m ab\t x4 ,b ! po9t t impresses itself ^u me mo/ is t1 9 my de/roy+ days1 ,i w\ld h swept ! fri5dly little gre5 spr\t f its cradle1 & w\ld h driv5 ! ant tribe f my prop]ty1 de/roy+ z _m ( !m z possible4 ,aga9 ,i want to emphasize t ,i am n a crank1 or n>r[-m9d$ 9 my religion ( 8live & let live40 ,if ?is same tribe ( ants _h invad$ my cab91 & 7 prey+ on ?+s necess>y to me1 ,i w\ld de/roy !m or drive !m away4 ,t is my nature-giv5 privilege--to protect myself & :at is m9e4 ,x is also ! privilege ( e o!r sp>k ( life4 ,^! same ants1 7 ,i to /& on _! =tress1 w\ld attack me desp]ately4 ,b n[ !y d n mole/ me4 ,& ,i d n mole/ !m4 ,x is ! beautiful law ( 8live & let live0--s long z ! necessity = de/ruction does n arise4 ,:5 ,i sat d[n at my typewrit] an h\r ago1 ,i _h plann$ to beg9 imm$iately ! tell+ ( :at ,i h w&]$ some:at away f--! /ory ( a few incid5ts :i* help$ to br+ ab\t my own reg5]ation1 & :i* at la/ impress$ ^u me ?is great ,gold5 ,rule ( all nature--live & let live4 ,! big dramatic climax 9 t "p ( my life happ5$ ov] 9 ! ,briti% ,columbia m\nta9s1 :]e my love ( adv5ture has tak5 me on _m long j\rneys4 ,b ! *ange _h begun to "w 9 me be=e !n4 ,my consci5ce 0 already /abb+ me4 ,i 0 regrett+1 9 a mild sort ( way1 t ,i _h kill$ s mu*4 ,b ,i 0 /ill ! supreme egoi/1 believ+ myself ! ,god-*os5 animal ( all creation1 & :5 at any "t ,i )held my de/roy+ h&1 ,i flatt]$ myself ) a ?\ght ( my condesc5sion & human k9dness4 ,at ! p>ticul> "t ,i am go+ to write ab\t1 ,i 0 on a big grizzly-hunt 9 a wild & unhunt$ "p ( ! ,briti% ,columbia m\nta9s4 ,i _h ) me "o man1 sev5 horses1 & a pack ( ,air$ales tra9$ to hunt be>4 ,we _h /ruck a grizzly-&-c>ib\ p>adise1 & !re _h be5 consid]able kill+1 :51 "o day1 we came ^u ! trail ( ,?or1 ! great bea/ t %[$ me h[ small 9 s\l & incl9ation a man c be4 ,9 a pat* ( mud 8 feet _h left tracks t 7 fifte5 in*es f tip to tip1 & s wide & deep 7 ! impr9ts t ,i knew ,i _h come ^u ! k+ ( all 8 k9d4 ,i 0 alone t morn+1 = ,i _h left camp an h\r ahead ( my man1 :o 0 two or ?ree miles beh9d me ) f\r ( ! horses & ! ,air$ale pack4 ,i w5t on wat*+ = a new campsite1 = ! ?rill ( a great desire possess$ me--! desire to take ! life ( ?is mon/] k+ ( ! m\nta9s4 ,x 0 9 ^! mom5ts t ! unexpect$ happ5$4 ,i came ov] a little rise1 n expect+ t my be> 0 )9 two or ?ree miles ( me1 :5 some?+ t 0 v mu* l a l[ & sull5 rumble ( f>-away ?und] /opp$ ! blood 9 my ve9s4 ,ahead ( me1 on ! edge ( a little wall[ ( mud1 /ood ,?or4 ,he _h smell$ me1 &1 ,i believe1 x 0 ! fir/ "t he _h ev] smell$ ! sc5t ( man4 ,wait+ = ?is new my/]y 9 ! air1 he _h re>$ himself up until ! :ole n9e feet ( him re/$ on 8 haun*es1 & he sat l a tra9$ dog1 ) 8 great =efeet1 heavy ) mud1 droop+ 9 front ( 8 *e/4 ,he 0 a mon/] 9 size1 & 8 new ,june coat %one a gold5 br[n 9 ! sun4 ,8 =e>ms 7 almo/ z l>ge z a man's body1 & ! ?ree l>ge/ ( 8 five knifelike claws 7 five & a half in*es long4 ,he 0 fat & sleek & p[]ful4 ,8 upp] fangs1 %>p z /iletto-po9ts1 7 z long z a man's ?umb1 & betwe5 8 great jaws he c\ld h cru%$ ! neck ( a c>ib\4 ,i did n take 9 all ^! details 9 ! fir/ />tl+ mom5ts2 "o by "o !y came to me lat]4 ,b ,i _h nev] look$ ^u any?+ 9 life q s magnific5t4 ,yet did ,i h no ?\ght ( sp>+ t spl5did life4 ,s9ce t day1 ,i h re/$ 9 camp ) my head pill[$ on ! arm ( a liv+ grizzly t weigh$ a ?\s& p\nds4 ,fri5d%ip & love & und]/&+ h sprung up betwe5 u4 ,b 9 t mom5t my desire 0 to de/roy ?is life t 0 s mu* great] ?an my own4 ,my rifle 0 at my saddle-horn 9 its bucksk9 jacket4 ,i fumbl$ x 9 gett+ into action1 & 9 ^? preci\s mom5ts ,?or l[]$ himself sl[ly & ambl$ away4 ,i fir$ twice1 & w\ld h /ak$ my life t ,i _h miss$ bo? times4 ,n until lat] did ,i discov] t "o ( my bullets _h op5$ a furr[ two in*es deep & a foot long 9 ! fle% ( ,?or's %\ld]4 ,yet ,i did n see him fl9*4 ,he did n turn back1 b w5t 8 way4 ,%ame burns )9 me z ,i write ( ! days t foll[$2 & yet1 ) t %ame1 !re is a deep & abid+ joy1 = !y 7 also ! days ( my reg5]ation4 ,day & night1 my "o ?\ght 0 to de/roy ! big grizzly4 ,we nev] left 8 trail4 ,! dogs foll[$ him l demons4 ,five times 9 ! fir/ week we came )9 long %oot+-range1 & twice we hit him4 ,b /ill he did n wait = u or attack u4 ,he want$ to be left alone4 ,9 t week1 he kill$ f\r ( ! dogs1 & ! o!rs we ti$ up to save !m4 ,we trail$ him ) horses & afoot1 & nev] did ! spoor ( o!r game lure me aside4 ,! desire to kill him became a passion 9 me4 ,he outg5]al$ u4 ,he beat all our games ( trick]y4 ,b ,i knew t we 7 b\nd to w9--t he 0 sl[ly weak5+ because ( exhau/ion1 & ! sickness ( 8 w\nds4 ,we loos$ ! dogs aga91 & ano!r 0 kill$4 ,!n1 at la/1 came t spl5did day :5 ,?or1 ma/] ( ! m\nta9s1 %[$ me h[ contemptible 0 ,i--) my human %ape & s\l4 ,x 0 ,sunday4 ,i _h climb$ ?ree or f\r ?\s& feet up ! side ( a m\nta9 & bel[ me lay ! wond] ( ! valley1 dott$ ) pat*es ( trees & c>pet$ ) ! beauty ( ri*1 gre5 grass1 m\nta9-violets & =get-me-nots1 wild a/]s1 & hyac9?s4 ,on ?ree sides ( me spread out ! wond]ful panorama ( ! ,canadian ,rockies1 s(t5$ 9 ! gold5 sun%9e ( late ,june4 ,f up & d[n ! valley1 f ! breaks betwe5 ! peaks1 & f ! little gullies cleft 9 %ale & rock t crept up to ! sn[-l9es came a s(t & dron+ murmur4 ,x 0 ! music ( runn+ wat]--music ev] 9 ! air ( summ]1 = ! riv]s & creeks & t9y /reamlets gu%+ d[n f ! melt+ sn[ up ne> ! cl\ds are nev] /ill4 ,sweet p]fumes z well z music came to me2 ,june & ,july--! la/ ( spr+ & ! fir/ ( summ] 9 ! nor!rn m\nta9s--7 comm+l+4 ,all ! e>? 0 bur/+ ) gre52 fl[]s 7 turn+ ! sunny slopes & mead[s into color$ spla%es ( r$ & :ite & purple1 & ev]y?+ t _h life 0 giv+ voice to exultation--! fat :i/l]s on _! rocks1 ! pomp\s little goph]s on _! m\nds1 ! squirrel-l rock-rabbits1 ! big bumblebees t buzz$ f fl[] to fl[]1 ! hawks 9 ! valley1 & ! eagles ov] ! peaks4 ,e>?1 x seem$1 0 at peace4 ,& ,i1 look+ ov] all t va/ness ( life1 felt my own greatness ?ru/ ^u me4 ,= _h n ! ,creator1 ( all ?+s1 made ?is wond]l& = me8 ,!re c\ld be no d5ial4 ,i 0 ma/]--ma/] because ,i c\ld ?9k1 because ,i c\ld reason1 because ,i held ! re9s to an unutt]able p[] ( de/ruction4 ,& !n ! va/ness ( "t seiz$ ^u me l a liv+ ?+4 ,ye/]day1 a ?+ _h happ5$ :i* came /rongly into my ?\ghts ( to-day4 ,"u a great ov]hang+ cliff ,i _h f\nd a "p ( a mon/] bone1 z heavy z iron--a section ( a gigantic v]tebra4 ,two ye>s be=e ,i _h f\nd "p ( ! skeleton ( a prehi/oric creature1 id5tical ) ?is1 &1 f photographs :i* ,i took ( x ! sci5tific dep>tm5ts ( ! ,univ]sity ( ,mi*igan & ! gov]nm5t at ,ottawa agre$ t ! bones 7 "p ( ! skeleton ( a mammo? :ale t once _h swum :]e ! valleys & peaks ( ! ,rocky ,m\nta9s n[ disrupt ! cont95t4 ,& on ?is ,sunday1 look+ d[n1 ,i ?\ght ( ! mon/] bone ,i _h f\nd ye/]day 9 ! dry %ale & s& "u ! cliff4 ,:5 ! ,?ree ,wise ,m5 saw ! /> 9 ! ea/1 t bone 0 z ,i _h f\nd x4 ,x 0 !re :5 ,*ri/ 0 born4 ,x 0 !re1 unmov$ & unt\*$1 be=e ,rome 0 f\nd$1 be=e ,troy di$ 9 ! mi/s ( ! pa/1 be=e hi/ory1 z we "k hi/ory1 began4 ,x 0 !re a million ye>s ago1 t5 million1 fifty1 a hundr$4 ,&1 ?9k+ ( ?is1 ,i felt myself gr[+ small] & small]2 my egoism di$ away1 & ,i saw ^! m\nta9s oblit]at$ & "u ! blue ( a va/ ocean1 & ris+ out ( t ocean ,i saw o!r cont95ts1 peopl$ ) o!r p1 mov$ by o!r religions1 beat+ to ! pulse ( o!r civilizations long dead4 ,i he>d ! beat ( waves bel[ me1 :]e grew ! grass & ! fl[]s ( ! valley4 ,& ! dron+ music ( t valley seem$ to *ange into ! l[ :isp]+s ( c\ntless trillions ( m5 & wom5 & little *ildr5 :o _h liv$ & di$ 9 ^? o!r civilizations ( ! lo/ ages2 & t fanci$ :isp]+ ( dead worlds told me a great tru?--t ! ,supreme ,arbit] ( ?+s _h wat*$ ov] all ^? trillions j z he 0 n[ wat*+ ov] me1 t ,i 0 b a pitifully small gra9 ( du/ 9 ! great s*eme ( ?+s1 t my egoism 0 crim9al1 sacrilegi\s1 a curse set ^u myself by myself4 ,& ! s(t & dron+ :isp] also told me ! "t w\ld come :5 my own 8civilization0 w\ld be oblit]at$1 to be foll[$ by a hundr$1 a ?\s&1 or a million o!rs1 ea* 9 its turn to live & die4 ,& x 0 !n1 on t ,sunday preci\s to me1 t ,i ask$ myself an old1 old "q 9 a great1 new way--8,:at is ,god80 ,& look+ d[n into ! valley1 & up into ! sky1 und]/&+ came to me4 ,god is !re1 & !re1 & !re4 ,he is ! ,inf9ite ,p[]4 ,he is ,life4 ,life began inf9ities ago1 & x w cont9ue ?r\gh o!r inf9ities4 ,:ile we are squabbl+ among ourselves ) our little religions & our little views1 :ile we are prea*+ ! damnation ( beliefs t are n ours1 :ile sects fight to conv]t sects t d n ?9k z !y ?9k1 :ile our n>r[-gage m9ds travel 9 _! n>r[-gage pa?s1--t ,inf9ite ,p[] is wat*+ & wait+1 z x has wat*$ & wait$ f ! beg9n+1 & z x w wat* & wait until ! end4 ,& ,i />$ d[n into ! valley1 gre5 & glori\s & fill$ ) sun%9e & peace1 & t l[-sung :isp] seem$ to say1 8,if ?is is n ,god :at is ,god80 ,& !n also1 9 a new way1 came some?+ 9 my bra9 :i* said to me1 8,& :o are y80 99 99 99 99 99 ,i climb$ high] up ! m\nta94 ,i felt my greatness gone4 ,k9dly1 some?+ _h told me h[ pitiful ,i 04 ,i 0 n mighty4 ,i 0 no m 9 ! ultimate ( ?+s ?an a blade ( grass4 ,my egoism1 on t glori\s ,sunday1 began to crumble 9 my s\l4 ,& !n1 by *ance if y w h x s1 came ! climax ( t day4 ,i came to a %e] wall ( rock t rose hundr$s ( feet above me4 ,along ?is ran a n>r[ l$ge1 & ,i foll[$ x4 ,! passage became craggy & difficult1 & 9 climb+ ov] a brok5 mass ( rock1 ,i slipp$ & fell4 ,i _h br\ght a light m\nta9-gun ) me1 & 9 try+ to recov] myself ,i swung x ab\t ) su* =ce t ! /ock /ruck a %>p edge ( rock & broke clean (f4 ,b ,i _h sav$ myself f possible dea?1 & 0 9 a frame ( m9d to congratulate myself r ?an curse my luck4 ,fifty feet f>!r on ,i came to a 8pocket0 9 ! cliff1 :]e ! l$ge wid5$ until1 at ?is p>ticul> place1 x 0 l a flat table tw5ty feet squ>e4 ,"h ,i sat d[n1 ) my back to ! precipit\s wall1 & began to exam9e my brok5 rifle4 ,i laid x beside me1 useless4 ,/raight up at my back rose ! %e] face ( ! m\nta92 9 front ( me1 _h ,i leap$ f ! l$ge1 my body w\ld h hurtl$ ?r\gh empty air = a ?\s& feet4 ,9 ! valley ,i c\ld see ! creek1 l a ribbon ( %imm]+ silv]2 two or ?ree miles away 0 a little lake2 on ano!r m\nta9 ,i saw a bur/+ cascade ( wat] leap+ d[n ! heights & los+ itself 9 ! velvety gre5 ( ! l[] timb]4 ,= _m m9utes1 new & /range ?\ghts possess$ me4 ,i did n look ?r\gh my hunt+-glasses1 = ,i 0 no long] seek+ game4 ,my blood 0 /irr$1 b n ) ! desire to kill4 ,& !n1 sudd5ly1 !re came a s\nd to my e>s t seem$ to /op ! beat+ ( my he>t4 ,i _h n he>d x until x 0 v ne>--approa*+ along ! n>r[ l$ge4 ,x 0 ! click1--click1--click ( claws rattl+ on rock6 ,i did n move4 ,i h>dly brea!d4 ,& out f ! l$ge ,i _h foll[$ came a mon/] be>6 ,) ! swiftness ( lightn+1 ,i recogniz$ him4 ,x 0 ,?or6 ,&1 9 t same in/ant1 ! great bea/ saw me4 ,9 ?irty seconds ,i liv$ a lifetime1 & 9 ^? ?irty seconds :at pass$ ?r\gh my m9d 0 a ?\s& times swift] ?an spok5 ^w4 ,a great fe> root$ me1 & yet 9 t fe> ,i saw ev]y?+ to ! m9ute/ detail4 ,?or's massive head & %\ld]s 7 front+ me4 ,i saw ! long nak$ sc> :]e my bullet _h pl[$ ?r\gh 8 %\ld]2 ,i saw ano!r w\nd 9 8 =e leg1 /ill ragg$ & pa9ful1 :]e ano!r ( my s(t-nos$ bullets _h torn l an explosion ( dynamite4 ,! giant grizzly 0 no long] fat & sleek z ,i _h fir/ se5 him t5 days ago4 ,all t "t he _h be5 fight+ = 8 life2 he 0 ?9n]2 8 eyes 7 r$2 8 coat 0 dull & unkempt f lack ( food & /r5g?4 ,b at t di/ance1 less ?an t5 feet f me1 he seem$ /ill a mighty bro!r ( ! m\nta9s !mselves4 ,z ,i sat /upidly1 /unn$ to ! immobility ( a rock 9 my h\r ( doom1 ,i felt ! ov]:elm+ conviction ( :at _h happ5$4 ,?or _h foll[$ me along ! l$ge1 &1 9 ?is h\r ( v5geance & triumph1 x 0 ,i1 & n ! great bea/1 :o 0 ab\t to die4 ,x seem$ to me t an et]nity pass$ 9 ^! mom5ts4 ,& ,?or1 mighty 9 8 /r5g?1 look$ at me & did n move4 ,& ?is ?+ t he 0 look+ at1--%r9k+ aga9/ ! rock1--0 ! creature t _h hunt$ him2 ?is 0 ! creature t _h hurt him1 & x 0 s ne> t he c\ld rea* out ) 8 paw & cru% x6 ,& h[ weak & :ite & helpless x look$ n[6 ,:at a pitiful1 insignificant ?+ x 06 ,:]e 0 its /range ?und]8 ,:]e 0 its burn+ lightn+8 ,:y did x make no s\nd8 ,sl[ly ,?or's giant head began sw++ f side to side2 !n he advanc$--j "o /ep--& 9 a sl[1 graceful movem5t re>$ himself to 8 full1 magnific5t height4 ,= me1 x 0 ! beg9n+ ( ! end4 ,& 9 t mom5t1 doom$ z ,i 01 ,i f\nd no pity = myself4 ,"h1 at la/1 0 ju/ice6 ,i 0 ab\t to die4 ,i1 :o _h de/roy$ s mu* ( life1 f\nd h[ helpless ,i 0 :5 ,i fac$ life ) my nak$ h&s4 ,& x 0 ju/ice6 ,i _h robb$ ! e>? ( m life ?an w\ld fill ! bodies ( a ?\s& m51 & n[ my own life 0 to foll[ t :i* ,i _h de/roy$4 ,sudd5ly fe> left me4 ,i want$ to cry out to t spl5did creature t ,i 0 sorry1 & c\ld my dry lips h fram$ ! words1 x w\ld n h be5 c[>dice--b tru?4 ,i h read _m /ories ( tru? & hope & fai? & *>ity4 ,f a little boy1 my fa!r tri$ to tea* me :at x meant to be a g5tleman1 & he liv$ :at he tri$ to tea*4 ,& f ! days ( my small boyhood1 "m told me /ories ( great & good m5 & wom51 & 9 ! days ( my manhood1 %e fai?fully liv$ ! great tru? t ( all preci\s ?+s *>ity & love are ! mo/ priceless4 ,yet _h ,i accept$ x all 9 ! n>r[e/ & little/ way4 ,n until ?is h\r on ! edge ( ! cliff did ,i realize h[ small c be ! s\l ( a man buri$ 9 8 egoism--or h[ spl5did c be ! s\l ( a bea/4 ,= ,?or knew me4 ,t ,i "k4 ,he knew me z ! deadlie/ ( all 8 enemies on ! face ( ! e>?4 ,yet until ,i die w ,i believe t1 9 my helplessness1 he no long] hat$ me or want$ my life4 ,= sl[ly he came d[n ^u all f\rs aga91 &1 limp+ z he w5t1 he cont9u$ along ! l$ge--& left me to live6 99 99 99 99 99 ,i am n1 9 ^! days1 sacrilegi\s en\gh to ?9k t ! ,supreme ,p[] pick$ my poor insignificant self f among a billion & a half o!r humans especially to prea* a s]mon to t glori\s ,sunday on ! m\nta9side4 ,possibly x 0 all m]e *ance4 ,x may be t ano!r day ,?or w\ld h kill$ me 9 my helplessness4 ,x may all h be5 a lucky accid5t = me4 ,p]sonally1 ,i d n believe x1 = ,i h f\nd t ! s\l ( ! av]age bea/ is clean] ( hate & ( malice ?an t ( ! av]age man4 ,b :e!r "o believes ) me or n1 does n matt]1 s f> z ! po9t ,i want to make is conc]n$--t f ?is h\r began ! great *ange 9 me1 :i* has f9ally admitt$ me into ! peace & joy ( univ]sal bro!rhood ) ,life4 ,x matt]s little h[ a s]mon or a great tru? comes to "o2 x is ! result t c\nts4 ,i return$ d[n ! m\nta91 c>ry+ my brok5 gun ) me4 ,& ev]y:]e ,i saw t ?+s 7 diff]5t4 ,! fat :i/l]s1 big z wood*ucks1 7 no long] s _m t>gets1 wat*+ me cauti\sly f ! rock-tops2 ! goph]s1 sunn+ !mselves on _! m\nds1 meant m to me n[ ?an a few h\rs ago4 ,i look$ (f to a di/ant slide on ano!r m\nta9 & made out ! half-doz5 %eep ,i _h /udi$ ?r\gh my glasses e>li] 9 ! day4 ,b my desire to kill 0 gone4 ,i did n realize ! fullness ( ! *ange t 0 ^u me !n4 ,9 a dull sort ( way1 ,i accept$ x z an effect ( %ock1 p]haps z a pass+ mom5t ( rep5tance & gratitude because ( my escape4 ,i did n tell myself t ,i w\ld nev] kill %eep aga9 except :5 mutton 0 necess>y to my camp fire4 ,i did n promise ! :i/l]s long lives4 ,& yet ! *ange 0 on me1 & gr[+ /rong] 9 my blood ) e brea? ,i drew4 ,! valley 0 diff]5t4 ,its air 0 sweet]4 ,its l[ song ( life & runn+ wat]s & velvety w9ds :isp]+ betwe5 ! m\nta9s 0 new inspiration to me4 ,! grass 0 s(t] "u my feet2 ! fl[]s 7 m beautiful2 ! e>? itself held a new ?rill = me4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a few nights lat]1 beside a small fire we _h built 9 ! cool ( ev5+1 ,i tri$ to tell old ,donald some?+ ab\t ! ,transfiguration1 h[ ,*ri/ _h gone up on ! m\nt ) ,pet] & ,john & ,james1 & :at _h happ5$ !re4 8,x wasn't t ,*ri/ himself 0 actually *ang$ z he pray$ on ! m\nta9-top10 ,i said to ,donald4 8,! *ange 0 9 ,pet] & ,john & ,james1 :o 9 ^! mom5ts saw ,*ri/ ) a new vision & a new und]/&+4 ,! ,transfiguration 0 simply a m5tal process ( _! own2 !y saw cle>ly n[ :]e be=e !y _h be5 half bl9d4 ,& ,i am wond]+ if ?is old _w ( ours w\ldn't *ange = u 9 ! same way if we saw x ) und]/&+1 & look$ at x ) clean eyes80 99 99 99 99 99 ,s1 on ?is o!r ,sunday1 z ! ev5+ draws on1 ,i look back ?r\gh ! ye>s betwe5 me & t day on ! m\nta9-top1 & ! memory ( ,?or fills a w>m corn] ( my he>t4 ,?r\gh him ,i h ! happy ?\ght t ,i 0 giv5 bir? into a new _w1 & all ?+s n[ hold a new significance = me4 ,i h discov]$ = myself1 9 a small way1 ! wond]ful secret ( ! in/9ctive processes ( nature1 & 9 a ?\s& ways ,i h f\nd ?is in/9ct1 com+ directly f ! f\nt ( supreme direction1 f> m amaz+ ?an reason+ itself4 ,i und]/& m cle>ly1 ,i ?9k1 :y all humanity loves a baby1 no matt] h[ ugly x may be4 ,x is because x is s utt]ly dep5d5t ^u in/9ct alone1 s completely helpless1 s absolutely )\t reason or protection ( its own4 ,we l to believe t a baby is v close to ,god1 simply because x has no reason+ & because x is z yet purely a creature ( in/9ctive processes4 ,& yet1 z we lay d[n our lives = its protection1 we =get t adult man1 ) all 8 reason+ & 8 p[]1 0 orig9ally a creature ( in/9ct himself4 ,we =get t x took millions ( ye>s to give him a language1 & t possession ( language alone has made him a sup]-creature4 ,= x is language t gives bir? to reason1 all[s ( communication ( ?\ght1 & %\ld man be sudd5ly b]eft ( all language & ?\ght-communication he w\ld1 9 ! c\rse ( ages1 rev]t aga9 into a creature guid$ solely by in/9ct4 ,9 t ev5t he w\ld be no?+ m or less ?an a bro!r to all o!r creatures ( in/9ct4 ,he w\ld aga9 become an ord9>y memb] ( ! ,anci5t ,bro!rhood ( ,common ,h]itage1 & c\ld no long] call himself ! ,*os5 ,"o & ! ,orda9$ ( ,god4 ,b good luck came to him1 p]haps ev5 9 ! days :5 he may h swung f ! trees by 8 tail--good luck 9 ! discov]y ( a crude me?od ( ?\ght-communication1 a discov]y t develop$ ?r\gh ! ages1 until n[ 8 head is turn$1 s to speak1 & = t5s ( ?\s&s ( ye>s he has look$ d[n m & m ^u 8 poor relations :o h n _h 8 own good =tune4 ,b ,i am le>n+ t "t has n fre$ him1 & nev] w free him1 f 8 blood relation%ip4 ,& cre$ may foll[ cre$1 & religion may foll[ religion1 b nev] w he f9d t full peace & cont5tm5t :i* might be 8 lot until he recognizes & admits into 8 comrade%ip aga9 ! s\l ( t nature :i* is 8 own "m1 & =gets 8 monum5tal egoism 9 a new und]/&+ ( ^? in/9ctive processes ( nature ?r\gh :i* he1 himself1 pass$ 9 ! k9d]g>t5 ( 8 own exi/5ce4 ,?is is my fai?1 my religion4 ,close to :]e ,i am sitt+ is an old /ub1 clo!d 9 a mass ( wood-v9e1 w>m & vivid 9 ! gold5 gl[ ( ! sett+ sun4 ,! wood-v9e has climb$1 in/9ctively1 to ! top ( ! /ub1 & n[1 f9d+ _! support gone1 half a doz5 long t5drils are rea*+ out t[>d a tall "y bir* six or eight feet away4 ,"o t5dril1 /rong] & old] ?an ! o!rs1 has rea*$ & clasp$ ! ne>e/ bran*4 ,! o!rs are foll[+ un]r+ly4 ,yet !y h no eyes to see4 ,no voice calls back to !m to po9t out ! way4 ,x is ! in/9ct ( life itself t is guid+ !m1 ! same in/9ct1 9 a small] way1 t dragg$ man up bit by bit f out ( ! black *aos ( ! pa/4 ,9 a ?\s& o!r ways1 if "o w take ! bl9dfold f 8 eyes & try to und]/&1 he may see ?is mightie/ ( all ! =ces ( ! e>?--in/9ct--a vibrant1 brea?+1 /ruggl+ ?+ ab\t him1 a =ce s mu* m p[]ful ?an 8 own1 s all-consum+ & inde/ructible t x /&s out z a giant m\nta9 comp>$ ) ! mole-hill ( 8 own littl5ess4 ,9 my own fai?1 ,i see x z a va/ & inexhau/ible res]voir ( life1 ( /r5g?1 ( 8upw>d climb10 ( inspiration4 ,i see x z ! "o great1 all-necess>y =ce ( creation--a =ce m preci\s to man ?an all ! m9es ( ! e>?1 m preci\s ?an all ! treasure ( ! m9ts1 if he w\ld =get 8 greatness & rea* out 8 h&s to x 9 ! gladness ( a new bro!rhood4 ,dusk is fall+4 ,&1 z ,i /op my "w1 "h 9 ! he>t ( a =e/1 ,i seem to see ! smiles ( _m :o w read ?is1 & ,i seem to he> ! l[ & unbeliev+ laught] ( ^? :o ?9k !mselves ( ! fle% & blood ( ,god4 ,& ,i seem to he> _! voices say+3 8,he is wrong4 ,nature is beautiful--sometimes4 ,also1 x is crude4 ,x is r\gh4 ,x is de/ructive4 ,x is1 half ! "t1 a pe/4 ,:ile we--we--h we n p]=m$ wond]s8 ,h we n prov$ ourselves ! *os5 ( ,god8 ,h we n creat$ nations8 ,h we n built up great cities8 ,h we n accumulat$ va/ ri*es8 ,h we n inv5t$ ! ,doll>8 ,are we n1 9 a hundr$ ways1 %ackl+ nature z a man h>nesses a horse1 prov+ ourselves its ma/]s1 & x our slave80 ,i he>--& !n ,i he> ano!r voice1 & s(tly1 di/antly1 x says3 8,yea6 y are great--9 y\r own eyes4 ,y h made nations & cities & great tab]nacles--& y h creat$ ! ,doll>4 ,b1 :51 = a mom5t1 y cease ! mad /ruggle y are mak+1 y are afraid4 ,yes2 y cry out l\dly !n 9 y\r fe>4 ,y fight to br+ gho/s back1 t !y may tell y :at happ5s :5 y lie d[n & die4 ,y cry out = a religion :i* w give y absolute fai? & com=t & _c f9d x4 ,y ?9k y are great because y h built skyscrap]s & ride close to ! cl\ds & h made x possible to ru% swiftly ?r\gh a c\ntry *ok$ ) du/4 ,b y =get quickly4 ,y =get h[ little y 7--ye/]day4 ,y d n tell y\rself t y are a pe/1 p]haps ! greate/ ( all4 ,yea2 y are great1 & 9 y\r greatness y are wise1 b all t :i* y h a*iev$ _c give y t :i* y s va9ly seek--! cont5tm5t ( a deep & abid+ fai?40 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,f\r? ,trail ,,! ,,road ,,to ,,fai? 99 99 99 99 99 ,! ,f\r? ,trail ,,! ,,road ,,to ,,fai? ,x has be5 "s "t s9ce ,i sat d[n to "w at my table "u ! tall spruce trees4 ,i h _h an exp]i5ce dur+ ! pa/ five or six days :i* is "o ( my rew>ds = lett+ nature live1 &1 = a space1 x q completely upset me1 s f> z "w 0 conc]n$4 ,9 o!r words1 ,i h be5 hav+ an exp]i5ce ) a species ( v]m9 :i* ,i love4 ,! baby v]m9 ( ?is p>ticul> species are1 to me1 almo/ z lovable & q z cute 9 _! ways z human babies2 & = ! adult v]m91 ! mo!rs & fa!rs ( ! babies1 ,i h a f> great] love & respect ?an ,i h = _m males & females ( my own bre$4 ,&1 tak+ x all r\nd1 !y are a clean]1 h&som]1 & m :olesome-look+ lot ?an ! av]age cr[d ( humans1 ?\gh !y are--because ( ! might9ess ( man's edict--no?+ m ?an v]m94 ,i am speak+ ( be>s4 ,a few ye>s ago1 "o ( my mo/ ?rill+ sports 0 to hunt !m--blacks1 grizzlies1 & pol>s4 ,n[ ,i consid] !m1 9 a way1 my bro!rs1 & ,i am hav+ a lot ( fun 9 ! comrade%ip4 ,i am fill$ ) res5tm5t :5 ,i consid] t 9 all ! /ates ( ?is c\ntry1 ) ! exception ( two or ?ree1 ! law says ^! fri5ds ( m9e are 8v]m910 along ) lice & fleas & maggots1 & t !y may be kill$ on sight1 babies & all1 because1--p]haps once 9 8 lifetime1--a be> liv+ v close to civilization may make a meal ( pig or lamb4 ,if e human "m 9 ! l& c\ld hold a baby cub 9 h] arms = five m9utes1 !re w\ld be su* an upris+ ( fem99e sympa?y t ! laws w\ld be repeal$4 ,9 ?9k+ aga9 ( our mo!rs1 ,i w\ld give a good ye> ( my life if a million ( !m c\ld h se5 :at ,i h se5 dur+ ! pa/ few days4 ,=1 aft] all1 ,i believe t ne>ly all great movem5ts t[>d bett] & bigg] & m beautiful ?+s mu/ & w beg9 ) wom54 ,no am\nt ( 8equality0 w ev] take t bless$ sup]iority to m5 away f !m4 ,to-day1 ev5 religion1 %ameful to m5 z ! fact may be1 re/s on a pill> ( wom5's :ite %\ld]s1 & all ! fai? t ! _w possesses fir/ f9ds its re/+-place 9 _! s(t brea/s4 ,& ,i look ahead to ! day1 ) unb\nd$ fai? ( my own1 :5 wom5 w see1 & und]/&1 & beg9 ! great fight t[>d comrade%ip ) all t o!r life :i* is s utt]ly dep5d5t ab\t !m n[--life :i* ?robs & urges 9 e liv+ ?+ f ! grass-blade & ! oak to ! 8in/9ct0 creatures ( fle% & blood4 ,!n %all we h a 8religion ( nature10 ) a =ce & a might beh9d x :i* w glorify ! e>?1 & man w come to realize t he is n ,god1 b only an insignificantly small "p ( ,god's h&iwork4 ,& :5 man comes to t po9t1 :]e he ca/s (f 8 arrogance & 8 ego1 !n w ! "t h come = ! bir? ( a satisfy+ & univ]sal fai? 9 t great & all-embrac+ ,p[] :i* we "k & speak ( 9 our own language z ,god4 ,& ! v f\ndation ( ?is fai?1 ,i believe1 w be an und]/&+ ( all life1 ! ackn[l$gm5t at la/ t man himself may n be a m preci\s physical manife/ation ( ! ,supreme ,vital ,=ce ?an _m ( ! o!r creat$ ?+s ab\t him4 ,x is because ,i believe t nature1 ! "m ( all life1 is try+ to tea* u ?is great tru? 9 a ?\s& or a million diff]5t ways1 9 ! smoke & grime & cru% ( big cities z well z 9 f>m-l& & =e/1 t ,i come back to my little exp]i5ce ) ! be>s4 ,ab\t six or sev5 miles to ! nor? ( me is a great ridge1 pla9ly visible f "o ( ! halfway limbs ( my look\t spruce1 a sort ( b>ri] :i* rises up betwe5 me & ! /ill va/] h9t]l& beyond x4 ,sometime 9 ! pa/1 a fire swept ov] x1 s t n[ x is cov]$ ) a gorge\s & spl5did gr[? ( "y bir* & popl>s1 & virile pat*es ( v9es on :i*1 a little lat]1 !re w be an abundance ( /rawb]ries1 raspb]ries1 rose-b]ries1 & black currants4 ,x is also ri*ly spr9kl$ ) m\nta9-a% trees1 :i* give promise ( a yield ( hundr$s ( bu%els ( fruit ?is late summ] & autumn4 ,altoge!r1 x is an ideal fe$+-range = wild ?+s1 ho(1 claw1 & fea!rs4 ,?ree times ,i h travel$ = miles along ! cap ( ?is ridge4 ,to me1 9 all its ri*ness & promise1 x is a glori\s manife/ation ( ,life4 ,x brea!s "u me & ab\t me4 ,i c fairly he> its compell+ y\? bur/+ f its gr[+ leaves1 its swell+ fruits1 its fl[]s1 & f ! mold t pulses & ?robs ) ! vital =ces "u my feet4 ,i almo/ ?9k ,i c\ld live & die on ?is ridge1 or ano!r ridge l x1 & nev] be at loss = company4 ,on my fir/ visit to ! ridge1 be+ ov]tak5 by /orm1 ,i built me a bru% %elt] 9 a lovely spot close to x1 ) a t9y creek ( spr+-cold wat] n m ?an a doz5 paces away4 ,on my ?ird & la/ visit1 ,i return$ to ?is spot1 & ran face on into my adv5ture4 ,f ! %elt]$ b[] ( balsams :]e ,i _h built my wigwam1 ,i c\ld look up a roll+1 mead[y brea/ ( ! ridge1 s p]fect 9 its adornm5t ( v9e & bu% & small clumps ( "y trees t1 to "o n entirely acqua9t$ ) ! exquisite art ( nature1 x w\ld almo/ seem z ?\gh a human l&scape-ar*itect _h 8laid out0 ! little p>adise :i* 0 my hillside back y>d4 ,on ?is p>ticul> morn+1 com+ up quietly1 my eyes 7 greet$ by an amaz+ly pretty spectacle4 ,! gre5 hillside1 s(t & velvety 9 ! sunlight & %ad[ ( ! morn+1 0 9 full possession ( two families ( black be>s4 ,s close 7 ! ne>e/ ( !m to me t ,i dropp$ l a %ot beh9d a big rock1 & ! brea? ( air t 0 /irr+ be+ 9 my favor1 ,i 0 at a spl5did vantage-po9t to take 9 ! :ole sc5e4 ,)9 =ty y>ds ( me 7 a "m & ?ree cubs1 & a little high] up--p]haps twice t di/ance--7 a "m & two cubs4 ,at almo/ ! v cre/ ( ! ridge 7 two m be>s1 :i* ,i at fir/ ?\ght 7 adults4 ,a clos] inspection assur$ me !y 7 la/ ye>'s cubs1 & possibly n m ?an a ?ird gr[n1 ?\gh to :i* ( ! two mo!rs !y belong$1 if to ei!r1 ,i c\ld n make up my m9d4 ,frequ5tly1 in/ead ( sett+ out 9 life = itself1 a black be> cub w foll[ its "m ?r\gh a second season1 & ,i judg$ ?is to be ! situation "h4 ,= two h\rs1 ,i did n move f my place ( concealm5t4 ,t spectacle ( mo!rhood & babyhood on ! hillside1 ) ! virile & luxuriant life ( nature puls+ & beat+ all ab\t x1 0 a new *apt] 9 my book ( religion4 ,x 0 po9t+ out to me1 9 p]haps a hundr$? or a ?\s&? lesson1 t all life is ! same1 & t x is only language1 or ! want ( language1 t makes ! diff]5ce 9 ! 8life-relation%ip0 ( all creat$ ?+s4 ,i c\ld fancy1 z ,i lay !re1 j h[ ! ,supreme ,arbit] ( ?+s _h giv5 physical be+ to all ?is life t 0 ab\t me1 z well z ! life t 0 9 me4 ,x has all come f ! same dynamo1 s to speak--a sp>k ( x 9 ea* tree1 a sp>k ( x 9 ea* fl[] & %rub1 & blade ( grass1 a sp>k ( x 9 ea* ( ! bea/s ( fle% & blood on ! hillside1 & a sp>k ( x 9 me4 ,our life 0 ! same4 ,x _h all come f ! same vital s\rce1 f ! same supreme f\nt ( exi/5ce4 ,yet h[ diff]5t 7 ! =ms x animat$6 ,close to my h& 0 a beautiful rock-violet1 blue z ! sky1 its velvety petals freckl$ ) t9y flecks ( gold2 a few y>ds away1 p]*$ among ! ru/l+ leaves ( a bir*1 a bru%-w>bl] fill$ ! air ) melody2 back ( me1 ! tops ( ! ?ick balsams :isp]$ s(tly1 & up !re ,i c\ld he> ! grunt+ ( ! "m be>s1 ! squeal+ ( ! little cubs1 & a g5tle murmur+ s\nd t came f ! ridge itself1 z if all liv+ ?+s 7 fight+ = a language1 /ruggl+ to give voice to some?+ t 0 9 !m4 ,i h _h "s amusem5t & a little discord ov] ! teapot tempe/s t s-call$ nature-sci5ti/s occasionally /ir up among !mselves ov] ! 8humaniz+0 ( wild life4 ,man's ego has possess$ him s utt]ly t x is di/a/eful to him to conc$e any?+ 8humanlike0 to any creature t is n 9 8 own fle% & =m4 ,= my "p1 lov+ all wild life z ,i d1 ,i am pr\d & glad t x does n possess m ( our human qualities4 ,if ,i write hone/ly ( :at has come to me 9 my own wide exp]i5ce 9 nature1 ,i mu/--no matt] h[ unpleasant ! /atem5t may be--confess t wild life does possess a great _m *>act]i/ics t are v 8human10 & ! ways ( its memb]s are 9 _m in/ances /rangely ! same4 ,i c\ld see little diff]5ce betwe5 my be>s on ! hillside & two human mo!rs & _! *ildr51 except 9 _! physical appe>ance1 & ! fact t ! humans w\ld und\bt$ly h made a great deal m noise4 ,b ! be>s 7 h&som]--begg+ ! ladies' p>don4 ,_! sleek coats %one l black sat9 9 ! sun1 & ! cubs 7 cute en\gh to hug to dea?4 ,b !y 7 a worry to _! mo!rs = all t1 & especially "o ( !m1 :i* appe>$ to be ! hog-x-all memb] ( ! family ne>e/ me4 ,:5ev] ! "m be> paw$ ov] a /one or pull$ d[n a t5d] bu%1 ?is little cu/om] 0 always !re ahead ( ! re/ ( ! family1 lick+ up ! *oice/ grubs & ants & gett+ ! fir/ m\?ful ( gre5s4 ,half a doz5 times1 ! "m slapp$ him ) h] paw1 roll+ him ov] l a fat ball4 ,b !re c\ld h be5 no v great corrective p[] 9 ! cuff+s1 or else he 0 t\gh5$ to !m by usage1 = he 0 back on ! job aga9 )\t v mu* loss ( "t4 ,= almo/ two h\rs1 ! be>s f$ on ! hillside4 ,sev]al times ! two families drew s ne> toge!r t ! cubs int]m+l$ & ! mo!rs almo/ rubb$ sides4 ,i feel t ! int]e/ ( ?is p>ticul> page w\ld be greatly increas$ = _m ( my read]s if ,i add$ a f]oci\s imag9>y fight betwe5 ! two mo!rs & a bloody feud betwe5 ! y\ng/]s4 ,be>s d fight :5 !y meet--sometimes--j l humans1 only n z (t54 ,b x is my duty to relate t ^! be>s 7 at peace on ?is p>ticul> day1 & t !y seem$ to enjoy ! mutual companion%ip4 ,x 0 all s f9e t ,i _h an impell+ desire to g up on ! hillside & become a comrade ) !m4 ,:5 ! fe$+ 0 ov]1 & ! cubs 7 wre/l+ & runn+ ab\t 9 play1 ,i almo/ rose up f beh9d my rock to call out my fri5d%ip to !m4 ,! lack ( "o ?+ held me back--t "o ?+ :i* all nature is cry+ out =--a language4 ,i feel !y w\ld h welcom$ me c\ld ,i h told !m ,i 0 a fri5d1 & want$ to play ) !m1 & make !m a pres5t ( "s sug>4 ,b in/ead ( t ?is is :at happ5$3 ,9 _! play1 two ( ! cubs _h desc5d$ )9 tw5ty feet ( my rock4 ,"o ( ^! 0 ! g\rm&4 ,someh[1 he lo/ 8 balance1 roll$ ov]1 & came tumbl+ d[n4 ,:5 he /opp$ he 0 n m ?an half a doz5 feet f me4 ,z he br\ght 8 fat little body to its feet he saw me4 ,8 eyes fairly popp$4 ,x seem$ to me t = a full m9ute he did n move or brea!4 ,& dur+ t same m9ute ,i rema9$ z /ill z a rock4 ,9 8 amazem5t & 8 wond]1 he 0 ! funnie/ ?+ ,i _h ev] se51 & 9 spite ( myself1 my face broke into a gr94 ,in/antly !re came out ( him a little1 piggi% grunt1--& he 0 (f4 ,up t hillside he w5t z if ! _w 0 aft] him4 ,he did n /op :5 he rea*$ 8 "m & ! o!r cubs1 b seem$ to hit x /ill fa/] = ! top ( ! ridge4 ,! "m look$ aft] him1 sniff$ ! air1 & rose to h] feet4 ,9 half a m9ute1 %e 0 lumb]+ aft] him1 ! two rema9+ cubs hu/l+ ahead ( h]4 ,a hundr$ y>ds away1 ! second "m be> took ! w>n+4 ,9 a v %ort "t1 !y _h all disappe>$ ov] ! cap ( ! ridge4 ,i _h n %[n myself4 ,i _h made no s\nd4 ,! w9d 0 /ill 9 my favor4 ,yet ! fright5$ cub _h giv5 w>n+ to !m all4 ,= no o!r creature b man w\ld !y h fl$ l t4 ,ev5 9 ! face ( a pack ( wolves1 ! mo!rs w\ld h turn$ to fight4 ,some?+ _h told !m t man 0 ne>--yet only ! cub _h se5 & smell$ t man1 & he _h probably nev] se5 or smell$ ano!r4 ,yet he knew1 & all ! o!rs knew1 t man 0 ! deadlie/ ( all enemies4 ,& ,i am half conv9c$1 z ,i write ?is1 t nature has at lea/ ! beg9n+ ( a univ]sal language1 t ! c5turies & hundr$s ( c5turies h giv5 x f\r words1 & ^! words are3 8,man is our enemy40 ,i might fancy t ! w9ds c>ry ^! words1 t ! tree-tops :isp] !m1 t !y are 9 ! und]tone ( runn+ wat]s1 t all life outside ( man & man's pitiably few fri5ds has1 9 "s /range way1 come to le>n !m4 ,x is1 ,i confess1 an elusive sort ( fancy1--b x sets "o to ?9k+4 ,x makes "o wond]1 = in/ance1 :y man is s jeal\s ( himself4 ,! ,supreme ,p[] is immeasurable1 he tells himself4 ,x has no su* a ?+ z limitation4 ,heav51 no matt] 9 :at =m he may conceive x1 is utt]ly b\ndless4 ,yet he is jeal\s ( x4 ,he does n want to conc$e t any o!r life w =m a "p ( x b t ( 8 own bre$4 ,he has tri$1 ?r\gh unnumb]$ c5turies1 to fool himself into ! belief t he is ! "o & only ?+ 9 all creation ^u :i* ! ,rul+ ,p[] ( ! univ]se has its gu>dian eye4 ,he has tri$ to make himself believe t he is ! "o toad 9 ! huge puddle ( life4 ,he has n conc$$ t an all-p[]ful b t5d] ,god might love fl[]s & birds & trees & _m o!r liv+ ?+s z well z he loves man4 ,& z ,i sit "h "u my spruce trees aga91 x seems to me t1 j because he has be5 s ne>-sight$1 man has n yet f\nd a fai? :i* is all-com=t+ & ( :i* he is utt]ly sure4 ,i seem to see a v cle> reason = ?is4 ,9 ?is age1 ?\gh /ill fett]$ by 8 egoism1 man is n utt]ly bl9d to 8 own de=mities4 ,z 8civilization0 progresses1 he sees m & m :at a mon/] he has be5 9 ! pa/1 & :at a mon/] 9 _m ways he is to-day4 ,he sees 8 bre$ committ+ e crime kn[n to ! ages1 f petty l>c5y to _w-slaught]s t deva/ate nations4 ,he sees ev]y:]e ! /rong tak+ advantage ( ! weak4 ,he sees millions g hungry & cold t a few may pr(it4 ,9 great conv5tion-halls1 he sees ! 8/atesm50 t rule ! de/9y ( a mighty nation cutt+ cap]s & act+ g5]ally l a lot ( silly little *ildr54 ,he sees e man 9 a great game fight+ to see :o c accumulate ! mo/ doll>s1 no matt] at :at co/ to ! o!rs4 ,he sees sick5+ & disgu/+ fads come & g4 ,he looks on a _w-bro!l ( iniquity1 ( discont5t1 ( av>ice & gre$ & but*]y among m54 ,n[h]e does he see ! /ability1 ! dignity1 & ! mighty =ces ( good t %\ld walk h& 9 h& ) 8! *os5 ( ,god40 ,he is beg9n+ to see himself1 at la/1 z a contemptible specim5 ( life--9 spite ( 8 bra9 & 8 inv5tions4 ,he is beg9n+ to und]/& t ! mo/ p]fect air%ip 8 bra9 w ev] conceive _c take him to heav54 ,he is beg9n+ to realize t !re is a ?+ great] ?an bra91 great] ?an me*anical progress4 ,& z he comes to und]/& m & m h[ imp]fect a ?+ he is1 ! m un/able 8 fai? becomes2 & ! sacrilegi\s ?\ght comes to him1 unconsci\sly b ) t]rific =ce3 8,if ,i am ! *os5 h&iwork ( ,god1 !n ,i c h no v great fai? 9 ! judgm5t & workman%ip ( ,god40 ,& z ! suspicion gr[s ^u him t he may n be ! 8"o & only0 *ild ( ,god1 he cries out wildly 9 ^! mod]n days = evid5ce4 ,he tries to br+ spirits back f ! dead t !y may (f] him "s pro(4 ,he que/s va9ly = 8revelations0 t may satisfy him4 ,he says ) 8 m\?1 8,yes2 ,i believe absolutely 9 ,god10 yet1 9 8 he>t1 he kn[s t he is half ly+1--because ( fe> ( :at 8 neighbor w ?9k if he speaks ! tru?4 ,he wants to believe !re is a ,god4 ,he wants to "k !re is a ,god4 ,yet he is afraid4 ,&1 p]sonally1 ,i am glad t ! "t has come :5 he is afraid4 ,i ?9k x is ! real beg9n+ ( 8 salvation & ! dropp+-away ( 8 egoism4 ,to-day he is beg9n+ to see all life z he did n see x ye/]day4 ,& to-morr[ 8 eyes w be wide op54 ,t is my fai?4 ,i believe t ,god is great] ?an humanity has ev] conceiv$ him to be4 ,i ?9k he is 8a common sort ( fell[10 & ,i write ^! words ) all ! holy rev]5ce ( :i* ! s\l is capable4 ,i d n mean to imply t ,i ?9k he is 9 my =m1 or 9 any p>ticul> =m4 ,b he is ,life4 ,& x is 8 int5tion & 8 desire t e liv+ ?+ t is wor?y ( life be a "p ( him4 ,i am almo/ ,indian 9 ?is fai?4 ,i c he> ! buoyant1 *e]+ call ( ,life 9 a wat]fall4 ,! inspiration ( x comes into my own body f out ( a :isp]+ tree1 f a bu% gl[+ ) bloom1 f a fl[]1 f ! song ( a bird1 f ! ra9 itself4 ,i f9d great peace & cont5tm5t 9 my fai? t ?is ,god is ev]y:]e1 & t we may meet him face to face fifty times a day if we ?r[ (f ! h>d %ell ( our egoism1 & realize t all nature is ,god--& t we1 z m5 & wom5 & *ildr51 are a "p ( t all-embrac+ nature4 ,ev5 n[ ! sun is filt]+ ?r\gh ! tree-bran*es ^u ?is p>tly writt5 page4 ,i look at x1 & ,i see aga9 ! inconceivable greatness ( ! ,supreme ,p[]1 & my own microscopic littl5ess4 ,= we ( ! e>? h ?\ght t ! e>? is great1 & t we1 hav+ inh]it$ ! e>?1 are ( all ?+s greate/4 ,yet is t sun :i* w>ms & lights my page z ,i write--m ?an a million times z l>ge z ! e>?--m ?an eight hundr$ ?\s& miles f "o end ( its diamet] to ! o!r4 ,& ! /ill m /up5d\s fact is t ?is sun is itself only a small bit ( me*anism 9 ! mighty =ces ( inf9ity1 = !re are a hundr$ million o!r suns 9 space1 ea* light+ & w>m+ its own worlds--innum]able worlds--ea* peopl$ ) its own type ( fle% & blood1 & ea* possess+1 p]haps1 its own peculi> =ms ( 8civilization0 & its own savag]y4 ,j t great1 & va/1 & all-embrac+ is ! h&iwork ( t vital =ce :i* rules all inf9ity--& to :i* we h giv5 ! "n ( ,god4 ,& "h ,i emphasize aga9 t great tru? :i* nature has impress$ ^u me--t1 j s long z man consid]s himself ! "o & only *os5 "p ( ,god1 & !re=e next to him 9 greatness1 j t long w 8 egoism & self-conceit bl9d him to ! greatness & glory ( ! real tru?1 & to ! glory ( ! fai? :i* might be 84 ,i believe t ,*ri/ 0 a great tea*]1 t he 0 a great /ud5t ( 8 times1 & incorporat$ into 8 tea*+s all t 0 highe/ & be/ 9 ! tea*+s ( o!r great m5 :o _h liv$ & di$ be=e him4 ,& ,i h always regrett$ t ,*ri/ 0 un=tunate to h = 8 hi/orians a set ( m5 :o 7 unequal to _! task1 _m ( !m n>r[-m9d$1 mov$ by 8visions0 & sup]/itions in/ead ( fact1 m5 :o believ$ 9 all ! miracles ( ! imag9ation f conv]s+ ) angels to /opp+ ! sun1--m5 utt]ly incapable ( writ+ d[n calmly & tru?fully ^? mighty tea*+s ( ,*ri/ :i*1 _h !y be5 writt5 z !y 7 spok51 w\ld h meant s mu* = ! _w to-day4 ,= ,i believe1 9 my own he>t1 t ,*ri/ 0 ! greate/ lov] ( nature t hi/ory kn[s ( to ! pres5t day4 ,i believe t 9 ! _m ye>s ( 8 8disappe>ance10 ,*ri/ 0 n only /udy+ ! tea*+s ( ! pa/1 b t1 close to ! brea/ ( nature1 he 0 le>n+ ! spl5did tru?s ( life--all life--:i* 7 aft]w>d ! v he>t & s\l ( 8 messages to mank9d4 ,i believe t ,*ri/1 c\ld he return to e>? to-day1 w\ld say3 8,my biograph]s h giv5 y a wrong impression ( me1 & !y h misquot$ me4 ,:at my s\l 0 call$ ^u to tea* n9ete5 hundr$ ye>s ago1 !y h clo!d 9 ! raim5t ( sup]/ition1 ( misund]/&+1 & ( impossible miracle4 ,= ,i am a man1 ev5 z !e & ?9e4 ,b ,i h f\nd ! true fai?4 ,& t fai?1 z ,i told !m !n1 dep5ds utt]ly ^u ! dropp+ ( ! scales ( self f man's eyes1 & 8 und]/&+ ( all life4 ,= t ,i gladly di$40 ,! greate/ regret ,i h is t ,*ri/1 z a man1 did n =esee m cle>ly ! trem5d\s influ5ce 8 tea*+s 7 to ex]t ^u humanity ?r\gh ! ages4 ,_h he guess$ ?is1 he w\ld h writt5 d[n ) 8 own h& ^? tea*+s :i* 7 s c>elessly left to ! m]cy ( sup]/iti\s--frequ5tly fanatical--& at ne>ly all times incapable biograph]s4 ,= ,*ri/1 ( all m5 t ev] liv$1 0 und\bt$ly "o ( ! be/ & ! mo/ humble4 ,8 tea*+s came /raight f 8 he>t4 ,he did n int5d t !y %\ld be smo!r$ 9 hyp]bole1 metaphor1 & rhetorical embroid]y until no two liv+ m5 c\ld agree absolutely ^u _! mean+4 ,i believe t he spoke simply & directly1 = only 9 t way c\ld he h rea*$ ! he>ts ( ! masses4 ,& ,i believe t ! greate/ ( all 8 lessons 0 ! lesson ( humility4 ,z a man1 he _h dropp$ 8 egoism1 _h submitt$ himself to ! ,ma/] ( all life1 & 9 t submission he _h f\nd ! tru?1 & ! glory ( a great fai?4 ,! mis=tune ( ! humanity to foll[ 9 aft]-ages 0 t ! _w ( ,jesus ,*ri/ 0 small--s small t by ^w ( m\? he c\ld rea* f end to end ( x4 ,_h he dream$ t !re 7 /ill undiscov]$ worlds s great t 9 comp>ison 8 own 0 b a h&ful ( dirt out ( a wagon-load1 ,i am conv9c$ )9 myself t ! _w to-day w\ld n be /ruggl+ to und]/& a fai? writt5 9 p>ables & riddles1 = ,*ri/ w\ld h set 8 own h& to ! task :i* o!rs s poorly accompli%$4 ,) su* a priceless inh]itance 9 ! =m ( ,*ri/'s own h&iwork1 ,i am equally sure t humanity w\ld no long] h an excuse = its egoism1 or be a%am$ ( t humility :i* is necess>y to ! und]/&+ ( life1 & ess5tial to ! possession ( a deep & abid+ fai?4 99 99 99 99 99 ,i h1 at times1 he>d intellig5t p express amazem5t t ,i %\ld d>e to place human life on an equal level ) all o!r life1 t ,i %\ld s 8blaspheme ! ,creator0 z to say t ! life 9 a two-legg$ animal :o c talk is ! same z t 9 a fl[] or a plant or a tree or "s o!r animal :i* _c talk4 ,i h sometimes all[$ myself to po9t out ! innum]able advantages possess$ ov] man by _m liv+ ?+s :i* h no language1 z we "k language4 ,i c\ld fill a doz5 volumes ) ^w-pictures ( ! ?\s&s & t5s ( ?\s&s ( advantages :i* liv+ ?+s outside ( man possess ov] man1 & :i*1 if man c\ld a*ieve1 w\ld be /up5d\s miracles4 ,b man1 collectively1 is bl9d$ by 8 egoism to ! m>vel\s atta9m5ts ( all life t does n walk & talk z he walks & talks4 ,:5 confront$ by ! incontrov]tible wond] & app>5t miracle ( o!r life z comp>$ ) 8 own ,i h ne>ly always f\nd t m5 & wom5 fall back1 z a la/ resort1 on ! absurd & %all[ argum5t3 8,b ?is o!r life y speak ( has only in/9ct4 ,x _c talk2 x _c reason1 & !re=e x is impossible = x to h a s\l40 ,once a beautiful "y matron said to me1 8,!re is mu* 9 y\r cre$ t is inspir+ & beautiful1 b x rea*es a po9t :]e x is inconceivable1 = y mu/ conc$e t a human be+ is ! mo/ p]fect ( all creat$ ?+s40 ,i gave h] an exquisite rose :i* ,i _h pluck$ f my g>d5 only a few m9utes be=e4 8,!re are1 outside ( m5 & wom5 & *ildr51 innum]able ?+s m p]fectly creat$ ?an ?is fl[]10 ,i said4 8,are y1 9 y\r y\? & beauty1 z p]fect z t rose80 99 99 99 99 99 ,& yet ,i "k t su* argum5ts z ^!1 innum]able ?\gh !y might be1 _c prevail until m5 & wom5 br+ !mselves face to face ) nature itself1 fill$ ) a will+ness & a ye>n+ to und]/&4 ,!y po9t out ! pe/s ( life--! s]p5t1 ! deadly insects1 ! plants t sc> & poison2 yet !y _c see !mselves z p]haps ! deadlie/ & ! mo/ rel5tless ( all pe/s4 ,= x is "o ( ! my/]i\s laws ( ,creation t e liv+ ?+--fl[]1 & tree1 & bea/1 & man--has a pe/ born unto x2 & unto ^! pe/s o!r pe/s are born1 until at la/1--:5 ! ?+ is analyz$1--a pe/ is a pe/ only 9 s f> z its enemy1 & n its fri5ds1 judge x to be a pe/4 ,if ! _w to-day 7 elim9at$ ( human pe/s z ea* individual 9 ! _w might judge = himself1 h[ _m ( u w\ld be left alive to-morr[8 ,& always1 :5 ,i h li/5$ to ! age-old argum5ts prompt$ by man's egoism & self-glorification1 ,i love to return to ! peace & ! com=t ( nature1 :e!r t nature be 9 ! =m ( a deep =e/1 a clov] field1 an or*>d1 or ! little back plot ( a cr[d$ city home4 ,& if ,i am :]e !re is no cool e>? to /& my feet ^u1 ,i f9d my peace & re/ 9 ! pr9t$ pages :i* describe t nature-_w ( m9e4 ,f ! mo/ beautifully writt5 volumes to ! hone/ pages & unembelli%$ fact ( f>m-j\rnals1 ,i h1 times )\t numb]1 f\nd en?rall+ int]e/1 consolation1 & ! /r5g? & c\rage ( ! cool & glori\s e>? itself4 ,nature's ,bible is n h>d to f9d4 ,x is ev]y:]e1 liv+1 brea?+1 pr9t$--! "o univ]sal & ev]-pres5t ,book ( ,life4 ,:5ev] ,i ?9k ( ! commone/ ( human argum5ts3 8,b ?is o!r life y speak ( has only in/9ct4 ,x _c talk2 x _c reason1 & !re=e x is impossible = x to h a s\l10 my m9d always travels back to a c]ta9 incid5t 9 my exp]i5ce z a refutation4 ,i c\ld1 _h ,i ! space1 answ] t argum5t ) a hundr$ compell+ facts2 ,i might answ] x f ! po9t ( ! fl[]1 ! v9e1 ! tree1 ! grass t c>pets ! e>?1 b ,i always ?9k fir/ ( ! p>ticul> trag$y ,i am go+ to describe1 because ( ! *ief human actor 9 x1 & because ?is actor 01 9 my humble e/imation1 "o ( ! mo/ physically p]fect ( h] species4 ,i w n give h] "n4 ,%e is ! daught] ( "o ( ! be/ kn[n m5 9 ! nation1 & "o ( ! =emo/ sci5ti/s ( ! _w2 & %\ld %e happ5 to read ^! l9es1 ,i hope t %e w see1 ) a new vision & a new und]/&+1 t 8triumph0 ( ye>s ago4 ,i ?9k %e 0 ab\t tw5ty :5 my outfit happ5$ to jo9 trails ) h] fa!r's 9 ! f> nor?4 ,%e w rememb] t e>ly aft]noon :5 we camp$ toge!r close to ! ,co*rane1 9 ! ,re9de] ,lake c\ntry4 ,i believe t ,i am q reasonably sure ( myself :5 ,i say t %e 0 ! mo/ beautiful woman ,i _h se5 up to t "t or h se5 s9ce4 ,x is simply because ( h] p]fection t %e has always appeal$ z hav+ furni%$ to me "o ( ! mo/ dramatic object-lessons ( my exp]i5ce4 ,%e 0 a?rill ) life4 ,%e wor%ip$ h] fa!r4 ,%e lov$ ! sun1 ! sky1 ! w9d1 ! trees1 ! :ole _w4 ,life seem$ to h giv5 h] ev]y?+ t x possess$--! r>e color+ ( ! mo/ beautiful fl[] "u h] feet1 a =m t 0 div9e1 hair & eyes t no arti/ c\ld pa9t1 &1 ,i ?9k1 "o ( ! sweete/ voices ,i h ev] he>d4 ,%e is1 ,i h he>d1 belov$ 9 h] own environm5t4 ,%e is a work] = human bett]m5t1 & sp5ds mu* ( h] "t 9 actual "w ) ! poor4 ,n long ago %e 0 responsible = ! build+ ( a home = un=tunate little *ildr54 ,t day 9 camp !re 0 a sudd5 excitem5t4 ,?ree ( ! ,indians _h driv5 a c[ moose1 a ye>l+1 & a bull into a small cov]4 ,x 0 a spl5did *ance = ! girl4 ,i c see h] eyes gl[+ ) ! fires ( excitem5t n[1 z %e caught up h] rifle & hurri$ ) h] fa!r & bro!r & ! ,indians to ! refuge-place ( ! family ( moose4 ,%e 0 plac$ at ! head ( an op5 space1 & ! moose 7 driv5 out4 ,fir/ came ! ye>l+ calf1 !n ! "m1 & aft] !m came ! old bull4 ,! girl's lovely face1 z ,i look$ at x1 0 flu%$4 ,x seem$ z ?\gh ,i might he> ! excit$ beat+ ( h] he>t z %e wait$1 quiv]+ ) ! desire to kill4 ,%e fir$ fir/ at ! calf1 & !n at ! "m--& f t mom5t all t 0 big & beautiful & noble 9 life seem$ to leave h] own body & ent] t ( ! old bull moose4 ,= ! fir/ %ot _h /ruck ! calf1 lam+ x s t x c\ld run b sl[ly1 ) ! "m urg+ x on f beh9d4 ,n once 9 ! mom5ts t foll[$ did ! "m run ahead ( h] calf4 ,& !n ,i beheld a ?+ t ,i believe to be z noble z any?+ t man has ev] done 9 all ! ages4 ,believe1 if y w1 t ! magnific5t old bull _h no reason4 ,believe1 if y _c sacrifice y\r egoism1 t he did n ?9k4 ,d n give him ! cr$it ( possess+ a he>t or a s\l or feel+s1 if t sacrifice ( egoism hurts y4 ,b consid] :at happ5$4 ,! old bull ran alongside ! c[1 alongside ! calf1 & !n1 by reason or in/9ct1 he knew :at _h happ5$4 ,he did n =ge ahead4 ,he did n race = safety1 b delib]ately he dropp$ beh9d1 turn$ himself broadside1 & /opp$1 mak+ ( 8 own spl5did body a b>ri] 9 ! pa? ( ! bullets4 ,i he>d ! girl's rifle crack+4 ,twice ,i saw ! bull fl9*1 & ,i knew t he 0 /ruck4 ,!n ,i he>d h] cry out1 almo/ frantically1 t h] la/ %ot 0 gone4 ,9 ! same in/ant1 h] bro!r ran up f ! cov] & ?ru/ 8 own rifle into h] h&s4 8,give x to him1 sis60 he cri$4 8,give x to him60 ,! big bull _h turn$4 ,he /agg]$ a bit z he ran1 b 9 a hundr$ feet he _h ov]tak5 ! c[ & ! calf4 ,! calf 0 go+ /ill m sl[ly1 & 9 my desire to see ! c[ & ! bull break away1 ,i %\t$4 ,almo/ simultane\sly ) ! s\nd ( my voice1 ! bull /opp$ aga94 ,he plac$ himself broadside1 at p]haps a ?ree-qu>t] angle1 s t1 by turn+ 8 head slightly1 he 0 look+ back at u4 ,he 0 directly betwe5 ! c[ & ! calf1 & ! girl's bullets cont9u$ to rip into him4 ,i rememb] t ,i cri$ out 9 prote/1 b %e did n s5se my words4 ,e fib] ( h] be+ 0 /rung to ! ?rill+ a*ievem5t ( t crime4 ,%e 0 deaf & bl9d to ! nobility ( ! great-he>t$ bea/ :o1 9 my eyes1 0 delib]ately sacrific+ 8 life4 ,! flam+ lu/ to kill _h driv5 all o!r ?+s out ( h] he>t & s\l4 ,h] fa!r _h run up1 & bro!r & fa!r cri$ out 9 triumph :5 ! old bull sagg$ sudd5ly 9 ! middle & almo/ fell to 8 knees4 ,f\r times he _h be5 /ruck :5 aga9 he w5t on4 ,f my exp]i5ce 9 big-game hunt+1 ,i knew t he 0 done =4 ,yet1 ev5 9 ^! mom5ts :5 he 0 dy+1 ! glori\s s\l ( him 0 unafraid4 ,?ree hundr$ y>ds away he /opp$ & turn$ aga91 giv+ ! c[ & ! calf a la/ *ance to rea* ! timb]4 ,! girl fir$ h] la/ %ots1 & miss$4 ,!n ! bull swung aft] ! c[ & ! calf & disappe>$ 9 ! cov]4 ,b1 z he w5t1 !re came back to u a t]rible1 deep-*e/$ c\gh1 & my he>t gave up its hope4 ,x told me ! h]oic old bull 0 %ot ?r\gh ! lungs4 ,i did n hurry aft] ! girl & h] fa!r & bro!r z !y ran ov] ! blood-/a9$ trail4 ,i cont9u$ to he> ! c\gh+ = a few mom5ts4 ,!n x 0 sil5t4 ,:5 ,i came up to !m1 j inside ! timb]1 ! ?ree 7 /&+ 9 triumph close to ! dead body ( ! bull4 ,h>dly m ?an tw5ty paces f x 0 ! ye>l+ calf1 dy+1 b n q dead4 ,! bro!r _h end$ x ) a revolv]-%ot4 ,& !n ,i look$ at ! creature :o _h committ$ ?is d\ble murd]4 ,_m times ,i _h done ?is same crime1 b ) me1 crude & r\gh1 ) all ! inborn savag]y ( man1 kill+ _h n seem$ q s horrible4 ,& /&+ !re1 a little lat]1--r$-lipp$1 h] face aflame1 h] eyes gl[+1 exquisite 9 h] beauty1--! girl _h h] picture tak5 9 triumph z %e /ood ) "o boot$ little foot on ! neck ( h] victim4 ,:5 ,i he> ( ! vaunt$ human s\l1 & :5 m5 & wom5 tell me !re is no s\l b ! s\l ( a human1 my m9d goes back to t day4 ,i might tell ( a hundr$ o!r in/ances t are conv9c+ unto myself1 b t "o /&s out ) un=gettable vividness4 ,i am sure1 = in/ance1 t ! s\l ( a fl[] once sav$ my life4 ,?is is n unusual1 or ev5 rem>kable1 = ! s\ls ( fl[]s h sav$ unnumb]$ lives1 z well z giv+ *e] & c\rage to c\ntless millions2 & :5 we die x is /ill ! ,s\l ( ! ,fl[] t wat*es ov] u 9 our re/+-places4 ,no place 9 ! _w d fl[]s live m beautifully ?an 9 our g>d5s ( ! dead1 *e]+ u :5 we come ) our grief to ! place ( our lo/ ones1 giv+ u c\rage to g on4 ,take ! ,s\l ( ! ,fl[] away f u1 & ! _w w\ld be h>d & bleak to live 94 ,to me1 ! s\l is synonym\s ) life4 ,i d n disassociate ! two4 ,:5 we brea! our la/1 our life--our s\l--is gone4 ,! two1 ,i believe1 are "o4 ,:5 we pluck a fl[] we de/roy nei!r1 b :5 we te> x up by ! roots s t x dies1 !n has its s\l1 or its life1 gone ! same way z t ( man :o dies4 ,i h sp5t _m wond]ful h\rs 9 ^? g>d5s ( ! dead :i* e city1 hamlet1 & c\ntryside mu/ h4 ,to me1 !re are only beauty & ! glory ( ,god 9 a cemet]y4 ,x seems to me t !re1 if nev] be=e1 "o mu/ come to und]/& ! bro!rhood ( all life4 ,x seems to me t ! v /illness & peace ( a re/+-place ( ! dead s(tly :isp] to u ! great secret :i* ^? :o are ly+ !re h at la/ discov]$--t life is ! same1 t its only diff]5ce is 9 =m & manife/ation4 ,i seem to feel t ,i h come into ! "o place :]e !re are only *>ity & fai? & good w1 & ,i h always ! ?\ght--:i* to me gives c\rage & hope--t ?is is :y ! fl[]s & ! trees are s beautiful & s com=t+ !re4 ,i h /ood 9 o!r cemet]ies :i*1 to ! pass+ eye1 h be5 b>r5 & ugly1 :]e man has l5t b v feebly a help+ h&1 b ev5 !re1 if ,i look$ a little clos]1 ,i h f\nd ! ,s\l ( ! ,fl[]1 ! same peace1 ! same tranquillity1 p]haps ev5 great] c\rage to inspire "o to 8keep on40 ,i h a case 9 po9t1 s conv9c+ to myself t all ! prea*+ 9 ! _w c\ld n *ange my s5tim5t 9 ! matt]4 ,i happ5$1 at ?is p>ticul> "t1 to be travel+ alone 9 ! ,nor?l&1 & :5 a c]ta9 accid5t befell me1 ! ne>e/ help ,i knew ( 0 at a half-bre$'s cab9 betwe5 tw5ty & ?irty miles away4 ,?irty miles is n a v great matt] 9 a c\ntry ( pav$ roads & level pa?s1 b x is a f> di/ance 9 a c\ntry ( d5se =e/ & swamp1 )\t trails or guide-po/s--& especially :5 "o is badly crippl$4 ,l ! mo/ amateuri% t5d]foot1 ,i took a *ance along ! face ( a cliff ne> a small wat]fall1 slipp$1 fell1 & came tumbl+ d[n a matt] ( ?irty feet ) a sixty-p\nd pack & my rifle on top ( me4 ,9 ! fall1 my foot receiv$ a t]rific bl[1 probably on a project+ l$ge ( rock4 ,! man :o has fac$ _m situations is usually ! man :o is cauti\s1 & ?\gh ,i _h j committ$ an inexcusable error 9 my c>elessness1 ,i n[ lo/ no "t 9 putt+ up my small silk t5t :ile ,i c\ld /ill drag myself ab\t4 ,x 0 well ,i did s4 ,= t5 days !reaft]1 ,i 0 n able to re/ a p\nd ( weight ^u my injur$ foot4 ,) ! music & refre%+ coolness ( ! wat]fall less ?an a hundr$ feet f my t5t door1 & ! creek itself n m ?an a qu>t] ( t di/ance1 ,i 0 mo/ =tunately situat$ "u ! circum/ances4 ,! fir/ morn+ aft] my fall f\nd me almo/ helpless4 ,e move ,i made gave me excruciat+ pa94 ,my entire foot & ankle1 & my leg halfway to ! knee1 7 swoll5 to twice _! normal size4 ,?is fir/ day ,i dragg$ myself to a sapl+1 cut x z ,i lay on my side1 & made me a r\gh crut* ( x4 ,! second day1 my entire l[] limb 0 swoll5 until x _h lo/ all semblance to =m1 & 0 s badly discolor$ t a cold & t]rible dread began to gr[ 9 me4 ,i _h only ?irty c>tridges4 ,i fir$ t5 t fir/ day1 9 ! futile hope t "s w&]+ adv5tur] might h drift$ )9 ! s\nd ( my rifle4 ,occasionally ,i halloo$4 ,night ( ! second day f\nd me 9 ! beg9n+ ( a fev]1 &1 at a co/ ( physical agony1 ,i prep>$ myself = ! wor/--plac$ my possessions )9 ! rea* ( my h&s1 & dragg$ myself up f ! creek ) a small pail ( wat]4 ,i %all nev] =get ! dawn ( ! ?ird day4 ,rack$ ) pa91 ) ! fev] 9 my blood1 my leg n[ /iff z a bo>d to ! ?igh1 ,i 0 /ill n bl9d to ! beauty ( ! morn+4 ,! ris+ sun fir/ light$ up ! wat]fall1 !n x fell 9 a w>m & gold5 flood :]e ,i _h made my camp4 ,9 t sil5ce1 brok5 only by ! music ( ! wat]1 e s(t note t 0 made by ! wild ?+s came to me di/9ctly4 ,x 0 a morn+ to put *e] & hope into ! he>t ( a dy+ man4 ,!n my eyes turn$1 &1 a few feet beyond ! rea* ( my h&1 ,i f\nd some?+ look+ at me4 ,yes2 to me1 9 t mom5t1 x 0 a ?+ liv+ & vibrant ) life1 & yet x 0 no?+ m ?an a fl[]4 ,x grew on a /em a foot high1 & ! face ( x made me ?9k ( "o ( our home-g>d5 pansies2 only1 ! fl[] 0 all "o color1 ) long] petals--a s(t1 velvety blue4 ,x seem$ to h turn$ to face ! morn+ sun1 &1 9 fac+ ! sun1 x 0 squ>ely fac+ me--a piquant1 joy\s1 laugh+ little face1 ask+ me z cle>ly z 9 words1 8,:at c possibly be ! matt] ) y on ?is f9e morn+80 ,i am n go+ into ! psy*ology or s\l-language ( t fl[]4 ,i am n go+ to argue ab\t x at all1 b simply tell :at x did = me4 ,p]haps1 if y want to lay x all to some?+1 y may say x 0 because ,i 0 out ( my head a "p ( ! "t ) fev]4 ,b t fl[] 0 my doctor ?r\gh ! days ( torture & hopelessness t foll[$4 ,n[ & !n a bird sang ne> me2 occasionally a wild ?+ w\ld come & pe] at me curi\sly1 !n g its way4 ,b ! fl[] nev] left me1 & only turn$ its face p>tly away f me 9 ! h\rs ( its ev5+ wor%ip4 ,= its ,god 0 ! sun4 ,x fac$ ! sun 9 ! morn+1 wide-awake & op54 ,late 9 ! aft]noon1 x w\ld turn a little on its /em1 & ) ! sett+ ( ! sun1 its s(t petals w\ld beg9 to close1 & x w\ld g to sleep1 l a little *ild1 ) ! com+ ( dusk4 ,day aft] day1 x grew ne>] & m ( a belov$ comrade to me4 ,aft] ! f\r? day1 x did n1 = an in/ant1 all[ me to ?9k t ,i 0 go+ to die4 ,nev] = an in/ant did x lose its *e] & confid5ce4 ,x 0 !re to say 8,hello60 to me e morn+1 & !re to say 8,good-night0 to me :5 ! %ad[s grew deep--& all ?r\gh ! day x talk$ to me1 & bobb$ its little head 9 ! :isp]s ( ! breezes1 & ,i _h ! fooli% s5tim5t1 at times1 t x 0 actually flirt+ ) me4 ,i d n ?9k ,i realiz$ h[ preci\s x _h become to me until1 "o day1 !re came a t]rific ?und]-/orm4 ,i ?\ght ! fir/ bla/ ( ! w9d & beat ( ra9 7 go+ to de/roy my comrade1 &1 almo/ 9 a panic1 ,i dragg$ myself "r & left1 =getful ( pa91 until ,i _h built a protection ab\t my fl[]4 ,t 0 ! six? day1 &1 f t day1 ! swell+ & ! pa9 began to leave my limb4 ,on ! t5?1 ,i c\ld move ab\t a little on my feet4 ,on ! fifte5?1 ,i 0 prep>$ to und]take my j\rney aga94 ,i felt a real grief 9 leav+ t solit>y fl[]4 ,x _h become a "p ( me1 _h enc\rag$ me 9 my blacke/ h\rs1 _h *e]$ & com=t$ me ev5 9 ! d>kness ( nights1 because ,i knew x 0 !re--my little comrade--wait+ = ! sun4 ,= me1 x _h individualiz$ itself f among all ! o!r fl[]s 9 ! =e/4 ,& n[1 :5 ,i 0 ab\t to g1 ,i saw t ! fl[] itself _h ab\t liv$ ! span ( its life2 9 a v %ort "t x w\ld fade & die4 ,on ! morn+ ,i left1 ! petals 7 droop+1 & its t9y face did n look up at ! sun & at me z brightly z be=e1 & ,i fanci$ t ,i c\ld he> its little voice say+1 8,please take me ) y40 ,& ,i did4 ,call x fooli% & trivial s5tim5t if y w1 b ! fl[] & ,i w5t toge!r1 & aft]w>d ,i wrote a novel & call$ x 8,fl[] ( ! ,nor?40 ,i h (t5 he>d /rong m5 say1 8,oh1 t is m]ely a matt] ( s5tim5t4 ,life is too h>d & real = a ?+ l t40 ,i agree ) !m to an ext5t4 ,s5tim5t does n play a l>ge "p 9 ! _w to-day4 ,= s5tim5t1 z t ^w is und]/ood by ! millions1 is ! he>t & s\l ( all t is good & great4 ,)\t s5tim5t 9 ! he>ts ( a man & a woman1 !re _c be ! fullness ( real love betwe5 !m1 ev5 ?\gh ! law has made !m man & wife4 ,)\t s5tim5t1 no good act is ev] done f ! he>t out4 ,)\t s5tim5t--a s5tim5t t w>ms ! s\l z a fire w>ms a cold room--!re w nev] be a deep & com=t+ fai?4 ,i h se5 ?is 8co-op]ation ( rational p[] & moral feel+0 make pla9 faces beautiful1 & ,i h se5 ! lack ( x make o!rs h>d z rock4 ,selfi%ness1 egoism1 ! desire to get ev]y?+ possible out ( life1 no matt] at :at exp5se to o!rs1 is its anti!sis4 ,z ,i write ^! la/ pages1 ,i h at h& facts :i* seem to %[ t s5tim5t1 & !re=e fai?1 is z ne>ly dead z x has ev] be54 ,= sci5ce 9 all ! great nations ( ! e>? is plann+ & plott+ frantically = ! ext]m9ation ( _! fell[ m51 & ?is1 9 ! h\r :5 all ! _w is cry+ out = a fai?1 is :at is be+ a*iev$3 ,deadly gases t w make gunp[d] & ! rifles ana*ronisms1 t 9 ! next w> w depopulate :ole regions1 m51 wom51 & little *ildr5 alike4 ,p]fection ( ! le?al ray1 :i* w %rivel up & p>alyze human be+s ov] va/ areas1 irrespective ( :e!r !y are combatants or n4 ,developm5t ( plans = 8g]m-w>f>e10 :]eby :ole nations w be infect$ by plagues4 ,& !n consid] ! words ( "o great milit>y sci5ti/ ( ! ,engli%-speak+ race3 8,g]m-w>f>e 0 tri$ on a small scale 9 ! late w>1 & its results h be5 promis+4 ,! me?od ( its use 0 9 ! poison+ ( wat] supplies ) *ol]a & typhus g]ms1 & ! loos+ ( dogs inoculat$ ) rabies & ( wom5 inoculat$ ) syphilis into ! enemy c\ntry4 ,"h app>5tly is a promis+ beg9n+ f :i* va/ developm5ts are to be hop$ =40 ,a promis+ beg9n+--va/ developm5ts expect$ = ! future--typhus--rabies--! comm]cial bre$+ ( diseas$ wom54 ,yes2 ! _w is cry+ al\d = a great fai?1 ev5 z x sma%es itself into moral fragm5ts on ! rocks ( its own egoism & its own selfi%ness4 ,b !re has come a r5t 9 its armor1 & z x commits crimes & plans = /ill great] crimes1 x also beg9s to realize its colossal wick$ness4 ,& 9 its t]ror x %rieks al\d = a manife/ation ( ! ,div9e ,p[]4 ,x dem&s pro(4 ,& aga9 ,i say t ! pro( is s ne> t ! _w looks ov] its head--& does n see x4 ,n until man's egoism crumbles w he und]/&4 ,= gho/s w n come back f ! dead to quiet 8 fr5zies1 nor w angels desc5d f out ( ! heav5s4 ,! ,div9e ,p[] is too great & all-encompass+ = t4 ,god1 speak+ ( t ,p[] z ,god1 is n a trick/]4 ,he is n a m\ntebank4 ,he is n a lawy] argu+ 8 case4 ,he is ,life4 ,& ?is ,life ,t ,nev] ,dies has no favorites4 ,su* is my humble fai?4 99 99 99 99 99 ,a long "t has pass$ s9ce ,i wrote ^! pages4 ,all day ! c\ntryside has la9 9 t sleepy1 gold5 %imm] t is ! pulse ( ,indian summ]4 ,! nights are t\*$ ) fro/4 ,!re is glory 9 ! w>m? ( ! sun4 ,i am 9 a little valley t ,i love--,sleepy ,holl[1 ,i call x4 ,! f>mh\se is old & unpa9t$1 & x has /ood on its /one f\ndation = almo/ a c5tury4 ,! b>n is sagg+ 9 ! middle1 & betwe5 ! b>n & ! h\se is an old well t a long-dead gr&fa!r rigg$ :5 ! timb] 9 ! holl[ knew ! h[l ( wolves & ! scree* ( bobcats4 ,cr[d+ close up to ! back ( ! old h\se is an or*>d ( apple & *]ry trees1 s old !y c\ld tell _m an int]e/+ /ory if !y c\ld talk4 ,& all ab\t ! sides & ! front ( ! h\se are great trees--a huge cottonwood1 & anci5t oaks f :i* ! ,indians may h %ot squirrels ) _! b[s & arr[s two hundr$ ye>s ago4 ,! 8woman ( ! h\se0 has be5 9 an invalid's *air = ye>s1 & ! husb& does little b c>e = h]4 ,!re=e ,life has crept up & almo/ inundat$ ! place4 ,! grass gr[s high & uncut4 ,wild fl[]s bloom 9 ! y>d4 ,quail come to fe$ ) ! *ick5s4 ,& beyond ?is1 all ab\t1 is ! :isp] ( corn fields 9 gr[+-"t1 ! ripples ( fields ( :eat & oats & rye1 ! music ( ! m[+-ma*9e & ! l[+ ( cattle4 ,9 ?is little old h\se ( ,sleepy ,holl[1 !re is a woman :o has n walk$ = ye>s1 & :o w nev] walk aga92 & !re is a little man ) a great fi]ce mu/a*e :o wat*es h] t5d]ly1 & :o kn[s t he mu/ g on wat*+ h] until ! end ( h] "t--& yet 9 ?is h\se !re is happ9ess1 & also a great fai?4 ,& nature seems to rejoice 9 t fai?4 ,birds build _! ne/s "u ! por*es4 ,!re is melody 9 ! trees4 ,at night1 crickets s+ 9 ! long grass "u ! op5 w9d[s1 & ! :ippoorwills come & p]* on ! ro( "u ! old sycamore4 ,"h are suff]+--& peace2 few ( ! ri*es ( man1 b an unlimit$ weal? ( cont5tm5t & fai?4 ,^! two1 prison$ to ! end ( _! days1 h f\nd :at all ! _w is seek+4 ,! little old h\se ( ! holl[1 ev5 ) its trag$y1 is glad4 ,& life has made x s1 ! und]/&+ ( life1 ! voice & liv+ pres5ce ( life z x :isp]s ab\t me n[ 9 ! gold5 %e5 ( ,indian summ]4 ,& its :isp] seems to be1 8,m5 are seek+ me1 rea*+ out = me1 cry+ = me--yet !y d n f9d me4 ,!y are look+ f>1 & ,i am v ne>--s f> t !y look ov] & beyond me :5 ,i am wait+ at _! feet4 ,:5 at la/ !y see me1 & und]/&1 !n w !y h discov]$ ! greate/ ( all treasures--,fai?60 99 99 99 99 99 ,transcrib]'s ,notes3 ,punctuation has be5 made consi/5t4 ,v>iations 9 spell+ & hyph5ation 7 reta9$ z !y appe> 9 ! orig9al publication4