,illu/ration3 ,9 ! gl[+ he>t ( ! fire %e
 saw h] home w>m ) holy love4  ,,_!     
,,ye/]days   ,by3 ,,h>old ,,bell        
,,wright   ,au?or ( ,! ,w9n+ ,( ,b>b>a  
,wor? etc41 etc4      ,) illu/rations by
 ,f4 ,,graham ,,cootes      ,to ,mrs4   
,elsb]y ,w4 ,reynolds  ,9 admiration ( !
 spl5did mo!rhood t1 9 h] sons1 has     
contribut$ su* weal? ( manhood to !     
race4 ,&1 9 h] daught]1 has giv5 to     
human-k9d su* ri*es ( womanhood4 ,)     
k9de/ reg>ds1 ,i inscribe ?is book4  ,h4
 ,b4 ,w4  ,relay ,heights ,june #h1     
#aiab       ,behold ! *ild1 by ,nature's
 k9dly law1 ,pleas$ ) a rattle1 tickl$ )
 a /raw2 ,"s liveli] play?+ gives 8 y\? 
delight1 ,a little l\d]1 b z empty q2   
,sc>fs1 g>t]s1 gold1 amuse 8 rip] /age1 
,& beads & pray]-books are ! toys ( age2
 ,pleas$ ) ?is bauble /ill1 z t be=e2   
,till tir$ he sleeps1 & life's poor play
 is o'er4  ,,an ,,essay ,,on            
,,man--,pope4      ,,proem  ,!re 0 a    
man4  ,& x happ5$--z su* ?+s (t5 s      
happ5--t ?is man w5t back into 8 days t 

7 gone4 ,aga9 & aga9 & aga9 he w5t back4
 ,ev5 z e man1 ev5 z y & ,i1 s ?is man  
w5t back into 8 ,ye/]days4  ,!n--:y !n  
!re 0 a woman4  ,& x happ5$--z su* ?+s  
sometimes s happ5--t ?is woman also w5t 
back into h] days t 7 gone4 ,aga9 & aga9
 & aga9 %e w5t back4 ,ev5 z e woman1 ev5
 z y & ,i1 s ?is woman w5t back into h] 
,ye/]days4  ,s x happ5$--z su* ?+s d    
happ5--t ! ,ye/]days ( ?is man & !      
,ye/]days ( ?is woman became ,_!        
,ye/]days1 & t !y w5t back1 !n1 no m    
alone b always toge!r4  ,ev5 z "o1 !y1  
=ev] aft]1 w5t back4      ,:at ,!y ,f\nd
 9 ,_! ,ye/]days  ,& ! man & ! woman :o 
w5t back into ,_! ,ye/]days f\nd !re !  
,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life4 ,j z
 !y f\nd ^! ?+s 9 _! gr[n up days1 ev5  
unto ! end1 s !y f\nd !m 9 ,_!          
,ye/]days4  ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s (
 ,life !re are4 ,no life c h less4 ,no  
life c h m4 ,all ( life is 9 !m4 ,no    
life is )\t !m all4  ,dreams1           
,occupation1 ,k1 ,ignorance1 ,religion1 
,tradition1 ,temptation1 ,life1 ,dea?1  

,failure1 ,success1 ,love1 ,memories3 ^!
 are ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s (     
,life--f\nd by ! man & ! woman 9 _! gr[n
 up days--f\nd by !m 9 ,_! ,ye/]days--& 
!y f\nd no o!rs4  ,x does n matt] :]e   
?is man & ?is woman liv$1 nor :o !y 71  
nor :at !y did4 ,x does n matt] :5 or h[
 _m times !y w5t back into ,_!          
,ye/]days4 ,^! ?+s are all t !y f\nd4 ,&
 !y f\nd ^! ?+s ev5 z e man & woman f9ds
 !m1 ev5 z y & ,i f9d !m1 9 our days t  
are & 9 our days t 7--9 our gr[n up days
 & 9 our ,ye/]days4  ,& x is s t 9 all (
 ^! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life  
!re is a man & !re is a woman4      ,,! 
,,?irte5 ,,truly ,,great ,,?+s ,,(      
,,life  ,,dreams  ,,occupation  ,,k     
,,ignorance  ,,religion  ,,tradition    
,,temptation  ,,life  ,,dea?  ,,failure 
,,success  ,,love  ,,memories      ,,_! 
,,ye/]days     ,,dreams  ,! man1 = !    
fir/ "t1 /ood face to face ) ,life &1 = 
! fir/ "t1 knew t he 0 a man4  ,= a long
 "t he _h kn[n t "s day he w\ld be a    
man4 ,b he _h always ?\ght ( 8 manhood z

 a matt] ( ye>s4 ,he _h said to himself3
 :5 ,i am tw5ty-"o1 ,i w be a man4 ,he  
did n "k1 !n1 t tw5ty-"o ye>s--t inde$  
?ree times tw5ty-"o ye>s--_c make a man4
 ,he did n "k1 !n1 t m5 are made ( o!r  
?+s ?an ye>s4  ,i _c tell y ! man's "n1 
nor ! names ( 8 p>5ts1 nor 8 exact age1 
nor j :]e he liv$1 nor any ( ^? ?+s4 ,= 
my /ory1 su* ?+s are ( no importance    
:atev]4 ,b ?is is ( ! greate/           
importance3 z ! man1 = ! fir/ "t1 /ood  
face to face ) ,life &1 = ! fir/ "t1    
realiz$ 8 manhood1 8 manhood life began 
9 ,dreams4  ,x is ! dreams ( life t1 at 
! beg9n+ ( life1 matt]4 ,( ! ,?irte5    
,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life1 ,dreams are 
fir/4  ,x 0 gre5 fruit "t4 ,f ! *]ry    
tree t grew 9 ! upp] corn] ( ! g>d5 next
 door1 close by ! h$ge t sep>at$ ! two  
places1 ! blossoms 7 gone & ! t9y *]ries
 7 already well =m$4 ,! ne/1 t a pair ( 
little br[n birds _h made t spr+ 9 !    
h$ge1 0 j empty1 &1 f ! gre5 lad5       
bran*es ( ! tree1 ! little br[n "m 0    
call+ anxi\s advice & sweet worri$      

c\nsel to h] sons & daught]s :o 7 try+  
_! new w+s4  ,9 ! cemet]y on ! hill1    
beside a grave ov] :i* ! sod _h =m$ ?ick
 & firm1 !re 0 n[ ano!r grave--ano!r    
grave s new t on x no blade ( grass _h  
/>t$--s new t ! yell[ e>? 9 ! long r\nd$
 m\nd 0 /ill moi/ & ! fl[]s t tri$ ) su*
 lov+1 t5d]1 c\rage1 to hide its        
nak$ness 7 n yet wilt$4 ,cut 9 ! block (
 :ite m>ble t m>k$ ! grass-gr[n grave 7 
! de>e/ words 9 any tongue--,wife & ,"m2
 :ile1 = ! new-made m\nd t lay s close  
beside1 ! workm5 7 c>v+ on a companion  
/one ! companion words4  ,!re 7 two o!r 
small] graves ne>by--"o ( !m q small--b 
!y did n seem to matt] s mu* to ! tall  
"y fell[ :o _h said to himself s _m     
times3 :5 ,i am tw5ty-"o1 ,i w be a man4
 ,x 0 ! two graves m>k$ by ! companion  
words t matt]$4 ,& c]ta9ly he did n1 at 
t "t1 feel himself a man4 ,z he left !  
cemet]y to g home ) an old neighbor &   
fri5d ( ! family1 he felt himself r a v 
small & lonely boy 9 a v big & empty _w4
  ,b !re _h be5 _m ?+s to d 9 ^? next   

few days1 ) no "o b himself to d !m4    
,!re _h be51 9 ! voices ( 8 fri5ds1 a   
note t 0 new4 ,9 ! mann] ( ! m5 :o _h   
come to talk ) him on matt]s ( bus9ess1 
he _h felt a some?+ t he _h nev] felt   
be=e4 ,& he _h se5 ! auctione]--a       
lifelong fri5d ( 8 fa!r--/&+ on ! front 
por* ( 8 boyhood home & _h he>d him cry 
! l[ spok5 bids & answ] ! nodd+ heads ( 
! buy]s 9 a voice t 0 ho>se ) some?+ m  
?an long speak+ 9 ! op5 air4 ,& !n--&   
!n--at la/ _h come ! %>p bl[ ( ! hamm]  
on ! por* rail+ & f ! trembl+ lips ( !  
old auctione] ! ^w3 ,sold4  ,x 0 z ?\gh 
t hamm] _h fall5 on ! nak$ he>t ( ! boy4
 ,x 0 z ?\gh ! auctione] _h %\t$3 ,dead4
  ,& s ! "t _h come1 a week lat]1 :5 he 
mu/ g = a la/ look at ! home t 0 8 no   
long]4 ,v sl[ly he _h walk$ ab\t ! y>d2 
paus+ a little be=e ea* tree & bu% &    
plant2 putt+ =? 8 h&1 at times1 to t\*  
!m s(tly z ?\gh he w\ld make sure t !y 7
 !re = he saw !m dimly ?r\gh a mi/4 ,!  
place 0 /rangely hu%$ & /ill4 ,! birds &
 bees & ev5 ! butt]flies seem$ to h gone

 some:]e f> away4 ,v sl[ly he _h gone up
 ! /eps to op5 ! front door4 ,v sl[ly he
 _h pass$ f room to room 9 ! empty1     
sil5t1 h\se4 ,on ! kit*5 por* he _h     
paus$ aga91 = a little1 because he c\ld 
n see ! /eps2 !n _h gone on to ! well1 !
 g>d51 ! woodh\se1 ! %op1 ! b>n1 & s out
 into ! or*>d t %ad$ ! g5tly ris+ slope 
( ! hill beyond ! h\se4 ,at ! f>!r side 
( ! or*>d1 on ! br[ ( ! hill1 he _h     
climb$ ! rail f5ce & _h seat$ himself on
 ! gr\nd :]e he c\ld look out & away ov]
 ! famili> mead[s & fields & pa/ures4   
,a bobo-l9k1 sw++ on a ne>by bu%1 p\r$  
=? a tumbl+ torr5t ( silv]y melody4     
,beh9d him1 on ! f5ce1 a mead[ l>k      
answ]$ ) liquid music4 ,ab\t him on e   
side1 9 ! s(t sunlight1 ! bluebirds 7   
flitt+ "h & !re1 twitt]+ *e]ily ! :ile  
ov] _! bluebird tasks4 ,& a woodpeck]1  
h>d at "w 9 ! or*>d %ade1 made himself  
kn[n by ! d9 ( 8 indu/ry4  ,b ! man1 :o 
did n yet q realize t he 0 a man1 gave  
no he$ to ^! busy companions ( 8        
boyhood4 ,to him1 x 0 z ?\gh ^? m5 ) _! 

%ovels _h heap$ t m\nd ( nak$1 yell[1   
e>? ^u 8 he>t4 ,! _w1 = him1 0 z empty z
 ! old h\se d[n !re "u ! or*>d hill4 ,= 
a long "t he sat v /ill--see+ no?+1 he>+
 no?+1 he$+ no?+--consci\s only ( t     
dull1 a*+1 lonel9ess--consci\s only ( t 
heavy weight ( pa94  ,a mile or m away1 
beyond ! fields1 a mov+ column ( smoke f
 a locomotive lift$ itself into ! sky   
above ! tree tops & /ream$ back a long1 
d>k1 bann]4 ,z ! column ( smoke mov$    
/eadily on t[>d ! di/ant horizon1 ! "y  
man on ! hilltop wat*$ x li/lessly4 ,!n1
 z 8 m9d outran ! tra9 to ! cities t lay
 beyond ! l9e ( ! sky1 8 eyes cle>$1 8  
c\nt5ance bright5$1 8 ?\ghts w5t outw>d 
t[>d ! great _w :]e great m5 toil       
mightily2 & ! long1 d>k1 bann] ( smoke t
 hung above ! mov+ tra9 became to him z 
a flag ( battle lead+ swiftly t[>d !    
front4 ,eag]ly n[ he wat*$--wat*$ until1
 f> away1 ! /ream+ column ( smoke pass$ 
f sight ar\nd a wood$ hill & fa9t & cle>
 ?r\gh ! /ill air--a bugle call to 8    
e>s--came ! long *all5g+ :i/le4  ,!n x 0

 t he realiz$ 8 manhood--knew t he 0 a  
man--& und]/ood t manhood is n a matt] (
 only tw5ty-"o ye>s4 ,& !n x 0--z he sat
 !re alone on ! br[ ( ! little hill ) 8 
boyhood ye>s dead beh9d him & ! ye>s ( 8
 manhood be=e--t 8 manhood life began1  
ev5 z ! manhood life ( e man really     
beg9s1 ) 8 ,dreams4  ,inde$ x is true t 
all life really beg9s 9 dreams4 ,surely 
! lov] dreams ( 8 mi/ress--! maid5 ( h] 
mate4 ,surely mo!rs dream ( ! little    
ones t sleep "u _! he>ts & fa!rs plan = 
_! *ildr5 be=e !y hold !m 9 _! arms4 ,e 
"w ( man is fir/ conceiv$ 9 ! work]'s   
s\l & wr\ght out fir/ 9 8 dreams4 ,& !  
wondr\s _w itself1 ) its myriad =ms (   
life1 ) its gr&eur1 its beauty & its    
lovel9ess2 ! />s & ! heav5ly bodies (   
light t cr[n ! univ]se2 ! m>*+ ( ! days 
f ! ,inf9ite to ! ,inf9ite2 ! procession
 ( ! ye>s f ,et]nity to ,et]nity2 all   
?is1 inde$1 is b ,god's good dream4 ,& !
 hope ( immortality--( t bett] life t   
lies beyond ! horizon ( our ye>s--:at a 
vision is t--:at a wondr\s dream--giv5 u

 by ,god to inspire1 to guide1 to com=t1
 to hold u true6  ,) wide eyes ! man    
look$ out ^u a wide _w some:at z a      
conqu]+ emp]or1 confid5t 9 8 arm$ /r5g?1
 might f a hilltop look out ov] ! sc5e (
 a com+ battle4 ,he did n see ! gr9d+   
h>d%ips1 ! desp]ate /ruggles1 ! disa/r\s
 losses1 ! pitiful suff]+4 ,! dreadful  
dang]s did n grip 8 he>t4 ,! horrid fe> 
( defeat did n /rike 8 s\l4 ,he did n "k
 ! dragg+ weight ( responsibility nor ! 
dead we>9ess ( a los+ fight4 ,he saw    
only ! de$s ( mighty valor1 ! glori\s   
exhibitions ( c\rage1 ( h]oism1 ( /r5g?4
 ,he felt only ! ?rill ( victories1 !   
pride ( honors & r5[n4 ,he knew only !  
inspiration ( a high purpose4 ,he he>d  
only ! call to greatness4 ,& x 0 well t 
9 8 ,dreams !re 7 only ^!4  ,! spl5did  
/r5g? ( "y manhood /irr$ mightily 9 8   
limbs4 ,! ri*1 r$1 blood ( y\? mov$     
swiftly 9 8 ve9s4 ,8 eag] _s %\t$ al\d 9
 exultation ( ! de$s t he w\ld d4 ,&1   
surely1 x 0 no %ame to him t at ?is     
mom5t1 :5 = ! fir/ "t he realiz$ 8      

manhood1 ?is man1 9 8 secret he>t1 felt 
himself to be a lead] ( m51 a conqu]or (
 m51 a savior ( m54 ,x 0 no %ame to him 
t he felt ! salvation ( ! _w dep5d+ ^u  
him4  ,& he 0 "r4 ,^u him & ^u su* z he 
! salvation ( ! _w does dep5d4 ,b x is  
well1 inde$1 t ^! unrecogniz$1 dream+1  
saviors ( ! _w d n "k1 z !y dream1 t _! 
crosses1 ev5 !n1 are be+ prep>$ = !m4 ,x
 is _! salvation t !y d n "k4 ,x is !   
salvation ( ! _w t !y d n "k4  ,& !n1 z 
"o f ! deck ( a %ip b\nd = a =eign l&   
looks back ^u 8 native %ore :5 ! vessel 
puts out f ! h>bor1 ?is man turn$ f 8   
ye>s t 7 to come to 8 ye>s t 7 pa/ & f  
dream+ ( 8 future slipp$ back into !    
dreams ( 8 ,ye/]days4 ,p]haps x 0 ! song
 ( ! bobo-l9k t did x2 or x may h be5 ! 
music ( ! mead[ l>k2 or p]haps x 0 !    
bluebird's *e]ful notes1 or !           
woodpeck]'s l\d tattoo--:atev] x 0 t    
br\ght x ab\t1 ! man dream$ aga9 !      
dreams ( 8 boyhood--dream$ !m ev5 z he  
dream$ ! dreams ( 8 manhood4  ,& !re 0  
no "o to tell him t1 9 dream+1 8 boyhood

 & 8 manhood 7 ! same4  ,once aga9 a    
boy1 on a dr[sy summ] aft]noon1 he lay 9
 ! %ade ( ! or*>d trees or1 9 ! big b>n1
 s\ght ! m[ ( new m[n hay1 &1 ) half    
clos$ eyes1 slipp$ away f ! _w t dron$ &
 humm$ & buzz$ s lazily ab\t him into   
ano!r & bett] _w ( /irr+ adv5ture &     
brave de$s4 ,once aga91 :5 ! sun 0 hidd5
 "u heavy skies & a /eady p\r+ ra9 %ut  
him 91 ?r\gh ! dusk ( ! attic he escap$ 
f ! n>r[ re/rictions ( ! h\se1 &1 f 8   
gloomy prison1 w5t out into a fairyl& ( 
romance1 ( knigh?ood1 & ( *ivalry4 ,aga9
 x 0 w9t] "t & ! _w 0 buri$ deep "u :ite
 drifts1 ) all its brightness & beauty (
 mead[ & =e/ hidd5 by ! cold mantle1 &  
all its music ( runn+ brooks & s++ birds
 hu%$ by an icy h&1 :51 snug & w>m "u   
blankets & com=t]s1 aft] an ev5+ (      
/ories1 he slipp$ away into ! wond]l& ( 
dreams--n ! irresponsible1 sleep+1      
dreams--^? d n c\nt--b ! dreams t come  
betwe5 wak+ & sleep+1 :]e9 a boy d>e d  
all ! great de$s he ev] read ab\t & c be
 all ! ?+s t ev] 7 put 9 books = boys to

 wi% !y 74  ,oh1 b ^? 7 brave dreams--^?
 dreams ( 8 ,ye/]days6 ,no cruel        
necessity ( life h$g$ !m 94 ,no wall ( !
 practical or possible set a limit ^u   
!m4 ,no "r or wrong decre$ ! way !y %\ld
 g4 ,9 8 ,ye/]days1 !re 7 fairy         
,godmo!rs to end[ him ) unlimit$ p[] &  
to grant all 8 wi%es1 ev5 unto m\nta9s (
 gold5 weal? & va/ cav]ns fill$ ) all   
mann] ( preci\s gems4 ,9 8 ,ye/]days1   
!re 7 wick$ giants & horrid dragons &   
evil bea/s to kill1 ) always a good     
,g5ii to see t !y did n h>m him ! :ile  
he bravely took _! baleful lives4 ,9 8  
,ye/]days1 he 0 a pr9ce 9 gorge\s       
raim5t2 an emp]or ) jewel$ scept] &     
gold5 cr[n2 a knight 9 armor1 ) a sword 
& pr\dly /epp+ horse ( w>2 he 0 a soldi]
 lead+ a =lorn hope2 or a g5]al1 ) 8    
plum$ /aff (fic]s ab\t him1 direct+ !   
battle f a m\nta9 top2 he 0 a sailor ca/
 away on a des]t isl&2 or a capta9      
comm&+ 8 %ip 9 a /orm or1 cl++ to !     
%r\ds 9 a smo!r ( battle flame & smoke1 
%\t+ 8 ord]s ?r\gh a trumpet to 8       

gallant crew2 he 0 a pirate2 a robb]    
*ief2 a r$ ,indian2 a hunt]2 a sc\t ( ! 
pla9s--he c\ld be any?+1 9 ^? dreams ( 8
 ,ye/]days1 any?+4  ,s1 ev5 z ! man1 !  
boy _h dream$4 ,b ! man did n ?9k ( x 9 
t way--! dreams ( 8 manhood 7 too real4 
,!n 9 8 ,ye/]days w\ld come1 also1 !    
putt+ ( 8 dreams into action1 = ! play (
 *ildr51 ev5 z ! works ( m51 are only   
dreams 9 action aft] all4 ,! quiet or*>d
 became a va/ & pa?less =e/ :]e9 lurk$  
wild bea/s & savage m5 ready to p\nce ^u
 ! d>+ hunt]2 or1 p]haps1 x 0 an en*ant$
 wood ) lords & ladies imprison$ 9 !    
trees :ile 9 ! c>riage h\se--:i* 0 n a  
c>riage h\se at all b a great ca/le--a  
cruel giant held captive _! beautiful   
pr9cess4 ,! haym[ 0 a robb]s' cave :]e9 
great weal? ( booty 0 /or$2 ! g>d51 a   
des]t isl& on :i* liv$ ! poor ca/away4  
,& _m a long summ] h\r ! bold capta9    
clung to ! rigg+ ( 8 favorite apple tree
 %ip & gaz$ out ov] ! wav+ mead[ sea1 or
 ! g5]al ( ! army1 on 8 rail f5ce w>    
horse1 direct$ ! battle f ! hilltop or  

l$ ! desp]ate *>ge4  ,b r>ely1 9 8      
,ye/]days1 c\ld ! boy put 8 dreams into 
successful action alone4 ,alone he c\ld 
dream b to realize 8 dreams1 he ne$s mu/
 h ! help ( ano!r4 ,& s %e came to take 
h] place 9 8 life1 to help him play out 
8 dreams--! little girl :o liv$ next    
door4  ,:o 0 %e8 ,:y1 %e 0 ! beautiful  
pr9cess held captive by ! giant 9 8     
c>riage h\se ca/le until rescu$ by !    
brave pr9ce :o came to h] ?r\gh !       
en*ant$ wood4 ,%e 0 ! crew ( ! apple    
tree %ip2 ! robb] b&2 ! army foll[+ h]  
g5]al 9 8 victori\s *>ge2 & ! relief    
exp$ition t f\nd ! ca/away on 8 des]t   
isl&4 ,sometimes %e 0 ev5 a cannibal    
*ief1 or a mon/] dragon1 or a cruel wild
 bea/4 ,& always--?\gh ! boy did n      
"k--%e 0 a good fairy weav+ _m spells = 
8 happ9ess4  ,! man rememb]$ well en\gh 
! fir/ "t t he met h]4 ,a new family 0  
mov+ into ! h\se t /ood j bel[ ! g>d5 &1
 f 8 seat on ! gate po/1 ! boy 0 wat*+ !
 big wagons1 load$ ) h\sehold goods1 z  
!y turn$ into ! neighbor+ y>d4 ,on !    

high seat ( "o ( ! wagons 0 ! little    
girl4 ,a big man lift$ h] d[n & ! boy1  
wat*+1 saw h] run gaily into ! h\se4 ,= 
"s "t he held 8 place1 sw++ 8 b>e legs  
impati5tly1 b he did n see ! little girl
 come out into ! y>d aga94 ,!n1 dropp+  
to ! gr\nd1 ! boy slipp$ along ! g>d5   
f5ce "u ! currant bu%es to a small op5+ 
9 ! h$ge t sep>at$ ! two places4 ,v     
cauti\sly1 at fir/1 he pe]$ ?r\gh !     
bran*es4 ,!n1 ^u f9d+ all quiet1 he grew
 bold]1 & on h&s & knees crept "p way   
?r\gh ! little gre5 tunnel to f9d       
himself1 all sudd5ly1 face to face ) h]4
  ,t 0 ! beg9n+4 ,! end _h come sev]al  
ye>s lat] :5 ! family _h mov$ aga94  ,! 
p>t+1 too1 he rememb]$ well en\gh4 ,a   
boy & girl p>t+ x 04 ,& ! promises--boy 
& girl promises !y 74 ,at fir/ _m poorly
 writt51 awkw>dly express$1 labori\sly  
compil$1 b w>mly int]e/+ lett]s 7       
ex*ang$4 ,!n ! lett]s became %ort] &    
%ort]2 ! int]vals betwe5 grew long] &   
long]2 until1 ev5 z *ildhood itself     
goes1 %e _h slipp$ out ( 8 life4 ,ev5 z 

! brave dreams ( 8 boyhood %e _h        
gone--ev5 z 8 ,ye/]days4  ,! bobo-l9k _h
 long ago left 8 sw++ bu%4 ,! mead[ l>k 
_h gone to f9d 8 mate 9 a di/ant field4 
,! twitt]+ bluebirds _h f9i%$ _! tasks4 
,! woodpeck] _h ceas$ f 8 labor4 ,!     
sun%9e 0 fail+ fa/4 ,fa9t & f> away1    
?r\gh ! /ill twilight air1 came ! long1 
cle>1 :i/le ( ano!r tra9 t 0 foll[+     
swiftly ! iron ways to ! _w ( m54  ,!   
man on ! hill came back f 8             
,ye/]days--came back to wond]3 :]e is ! 
little girl n[8 ,has %e *ang$ mu*8 ,h]  
eyes w\ld be ! same & h] hair--only a   
little d>k] p]haps4 ,& does %e ev] g    
back into ! ,ye/]days8 ,x is n likely1  
he ?\ght1 no d\bt %e is f> too busy c>+ 
= h] *ildr5 & att5d+ to h] h\sehold     
duties to ?9k ( h] *ildhood days & h]   
*ildhood playmate4 ,& :at w\ld h] husb& 
be l8 he wond]$4  ,!re 0 no woman 9 !   
dreams ( ! man :o t aft]noon1 = ! fir/  
"t1 realiz$ 8 manhood & began 8 manhood 
life4 ,he dream$ only ( ! de$s t he w\ld
 d2 ( ! "w he w\ld accompli%2 ( ! place 

he w\ld w92 & ( ! honors he w\ld        
receive4 ,! little girl liv$ = him only 
9 8 ,ye/]days4 ,%e did n belong to 8    
manhood ye>s4 ,%e _h no place 9 8       
manhood dreams4  ,sl[ly he climb$ ! rail
 f5ce aga9 &1 ?r\gh ! or*>d1 w5t d[n !  
hill t[>d ! h\se4 ,b he did n aga9 ent] 
! h\se4 ,he w5t on pa/ ! kit*5 por* to !
 g>d5 gate :]e he /ood1 = "s m9utes1    
look+ t[>d ! h$ge t sep>at$ ! two places
 & t[>d ! *]ry tree t grew 9 ! corn] ( !
 g>d5 next door4  ,at ! big front gate  
he paus$ aga9 & turn$ l+]+ly z "o       
reluctant to g4 ,! old home 9 ! twilight
 seem$ s lonely1 s des]t$ by all to :om 
x _h be5 mo/ k9d4  ,at la/1 ) a movem5t 
sugge/ive ( a det]m9ation t c\ld n h    
belong$ to 8 boyhood1 he set 8 face t[>d
 ! _w4 ,d[n ! little hill 9 ! dusk ( !  
ev5+ he w5t1 walk+ quickly2 pa/ ! h\se  
:]e ! little girl _h liv$2 across !     
creek at ! foot ( ! hill2 & on up ! easy
 rise beyond4 ,&1 z he w5t1 !re 0 on 8  
face ! look ( a man4 ,!re 0 9 8 eyes a  
new light--! light ( a man's dream4 ,nor

 did he once look back4  ,to-morr[ he   
w\ld leave ! fri5ds ( 8 boyhood2 he w\ld
 leave ! sc5es ( 8 ,ye/]days2 he w\ld g 
to "w out 8 dreams--ev5 z 9 8 ,ye/]days1
 he w\ld play !m out--= ! works ( m5 are
 z ! plays ( *ildr5 b dreams 9 action1  
aft] all4  ,w\ld he1 c\ld he1 play out 8
 manhood dreams alone8  ,& ! woman also1
 = ! fir/ "t1 0 face to face ) ,life &1 
= ! fir/ "t1 knew t %e 0 a woman4  ,= a 
long :ile %e _h se5 h] womanhood        
approa*+4 ,little by little1 z h] skirts
 _h be5 l5g!n$1 z h] dolls _h be5 put   
away1 z h] hair _h be5 put up1 %e _h se5
 h] womanhood draw+ ne>4 ,b %e _h always
 said to h]self3 :5 ,i d n play ) dolls1
 :5 ,i c dress l "m1 & fix my hair l "m1
 ,i w be a woman4 ,%e did n "k1 !n1 t   
womanhood is a matt] ( ?+s v diff]5t f  
^!4 ,until t night %e did n "k4 ,b t    
night %e knew4  ,i _c tell y ! woman's  
"n1 nor :]e %e liv$1 nor any ( ^? ?+s t 
are commonly told ab\t wom5 9 /ories4   
,b1 z my /ory is n t k9d ( a /ory1 x w n
 matt] t ,i _c tell4 ,:at really matt]s 

to my /ory is ?is3 ! woman1 t night1 :51
 = ! fir/ "t1 %e knew h]self to be a    
woman1 began h] woman life 9 dreams4    
,because ! dreams ( life are ( ! greate/
 importance--because ,dreams are ( !    
,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life--?is 
is my /ory3 t ! woman life ( ?is woman1 
:5 fir/ %e knew h]self to be a woman1   
began 9 dreams4  ,x 0 ! "t ( ! fir/     
roses4 ,= a week or m %e _h be5 v busy )
 a lov+1 t5d]1 joy\s1 occupation t left 
h] no "t to ?9k ( h]self4 ,h] de>e/     
fri5d--h] girlhood's mo/ intimate       
companion1 &1 save = h]self1 ! la/ ( _! 
little circle--0 to be m>ri$ & %e 0 to  
be bridesmaid4  ,!y _h be5 glad days--^?
 days ( prep>ation--= %e rejoic$ greatly
 9 ! happ9ess ( h] fri5d & _h %>$1 z    
fully z x 0 possible = ano!r to %>e1 !  
sweet sacr$ness1 ! holy my/]i\sness1 & !
 pr\d triumph ( x all4 ,b ) ! gladness (
 ^? days1 !re _h come into h] he>t a    
/range quietness l ! quietness ( an     
empty room t is furni%$ & ready b )\t a 
t5ant4  ,at ! w$d+ t ev5+ %e _h be5 all 

t a bridesmaid %\ld be1 ev5 to ! la/    
:ite ribbon & ! la/ h&ful ( rice1 = %e  
w\ld t no %ad[ ( a cl\d %\ld come ov] ! 
happ9ess ( h] fri5d4 ,b :5 ! new-made   
husb& & wife _h be5 put safely abo>d !  
,pullman1 &1 ) ! gr\p on ! depot plat=m 
frantically wav+ hats & h&k]*iefs & %\t+
 good lucks & f>ewells1 ! tra9 _h pull$ 
away1 ! lonel9ess 9 h] he>t _h become   
too great to hide4 ,h] escort _h made   
sm>t jokes ab\t h] te>s1 alleg+         
disappo9tm5t & envy4 ,he 0 a poor1      
%all[1 witless1 fool :o c\ld n und]/&2 &
 t he c\ld n und]/& matt]$1 to h]1 n at 
all4 ,%e _h comm&$ him to take h] home &
 at h] front door _h ?ank$ him & s5t him
 away4  ,& !n x 0--9 ! bless$ privacy ( 
h] own room1 ) ! door lock$ & ! %ades   
drawn close1 ) h] w$d+ f9]y ?r[n aside &
 ! ne$ ( self-repression no long]       
imp]ative--t1 z %e sat 9 a l[ *air be=e 
! fire1 %e look$1 = ! fir/ "t1 boldly at
 ,life &1 = ! fir/ "t1 knew t %e 0 a    
woman--knew t womanhood 0 n a matt] (   
long skirts1 ( hair dress+1 & ! putt+   

away ( dolls4  ,%e 0 tir$1 v tir$1 f !  
responsibilities & excitem5t ( ! day b  
%e did n feel t %e c\ld sleep4 ,f !     
fire1 %e look$ up to ! clock t tick$    
away s indu/ri\sly on ! mantle4 ,x 0 a  
little clock ) a fat1 gold51 cupid      
grasp+ ! dial 9 8 *ubby arms z ?\gh     
/riv+ to d away ) "t :5 he might bett] h
 be5 busy ) 8 b[ & arr[s4 ,! h&s ( !    
clock po9t$ ne>ly midnight4 ,! "y woman 
look$ into ! fire aga94  ,already h]    
girl fri5d _h be5 a wife sev]al h\rs--a 
wife4 ,already ! tra9 0 miles away be>+ 
! newly w$d$ ones to _! future home--_! 
home4 ,! h\rs w\ld g swiftly into days1 
! days into weeks & mon?s & ye>s1 & !re 
w\ld be boys & girls--_! *ildr54 ,& !   
ye>s w\ld g swiftly z ! days & !re w\ld 
be ! w$d+s ( _! sons & daught]s & !n--! 
*ildr5 ( _! *ildr54  ,& ! woman :o t    
night knew t %e 0 a woman--! woman ^:   
he>t1 z %e sat alone be=e ! fire1 0 ev5 
z an empty room--a room t is furni%$ &  
ready b )\t a t5ant--:at1 ?is woman ask$
 h]self1 w\ld ! ye>s br+ h]8 ,! ye>s (  

h] *ildhood & girlhood 7 pa/4 ,:at ( h] 
womanhood ye>s t 7 to come8  ,!re are _m
 doors 9 ! life ( ^! mod]n days at :i* a
 woman may knock ) hope ( be+ admitt$2 &
 ?is woman1 z %e sat alone be=e h] fire 
t night1 paus$ be=e !m all--all save    
two4 ,two doors %e saw b did n pause    
be=e2 & "o ( !m 0 idl5ess & pleasure4 ,&
 "o o!r door !re is t /&s op5 wide s t  
!re is no ne$ to knock = admittance4    
,be=e ?is wide op5 door ! woman paus$ a 
long "t4 ,x is old] ?an ! o!r doors4 ,x 
is v1 v1 old4 ,s9ce ! beg9n+ x has nev] 
be5 clos$4 ,b ?\gh x /ood op5 s wide &  
!re 0 no ne$ to knock = admittance1 /ill
 ! woman c\ld n ent] = %e 0 alone4 ,no  
woman may ent] t old1 old1 op5 door1    
alone4  ,?ree times be=e %e _h /ood be=e
 t anci5t door & _h be5 urg$ to cross ! 
?re%old2 b always %e _h hesitat$1 _h    
held back1 & turn$ away4 ,%e wond]$ if  
always %e w\ld hesitate1 if always %e   
w\ld turn away2 or w\ld "s "o come ) :om
 %e c\ld gladly1 joy\sly1 confid5tly1   
cross ! ?re%old4 ,%e c\ld n say4 ,%e    

c\ld only wait4 ,& :ile %e wait$ %e w\ld
 knock at "o ( ! o!r doors4 ,%e w\ld    
knock because %e mu/4 ,! cu/om ( ! age1 
necessity1 circum/ances1 =c$ h] to knock
 at "o ( ^? doors t1 9 ! life ( ^! mod]n
 days1 op5s to wom5 :o seek admittance  
alone4  ,i _c tell j :at ! circum/ances 
( ! woman's life 7 nor :y x 0 necess>y4 
,nor does x 9 ! lea/ matt] t ,i _c tell4
 ,! necessity1 ! circum/ances1 h no?+ to
 d ) my /ory save ?is3 t1 :atev] !y 71  
,i am q sure !y ought n to h be54 ,i am 
q sure t any circum/ance1 or necessity1 
or cu/om1 t =ces a woman :o kn[s h]self 
to be a woman to seek admittance at any 
"o ( ^? doors ?r\gh :i* %e mu/ ent]     
alone is n "r4 ,?is x is t belongs to my
 /ory3 ! woman did n wi% to ent] ! life 
t lies on ! o!r side ( ^? doors ?r\gh   
:i* %e mu/ g alone4  ,alone 9 h] room t 
night1 ) ! %ades drawn close & ! only   
light ! light ( ! danc+ fire1 ?is woman 
:o1 = ! fir/ "t1 knew h]self to be a    
woman1 did n dream ( a life on ! o!r    
side ( ^? doors at :i* %e mu/ ask       

admittance4 ,%e dream$ ( a future beyond
 ! old1 old1 door t has /ood op5 wide   
s9ce ! beg9n+4  ,& x 0 no %ame to h] t  
%e s dream$4 ,x 0 no %ame t %e call$    
be=e h]1 "o by "o1 ^? :o _h ask$ h] to  
cross ) !m ! ?re%old & ^? :o might /ill 
ask h]4 ,x 0 no %ame t1 :ile h] he>t    
said always1 no1 %e /ill wait$--wait$ = 
"o :om %e knew n b only knew t %e w\ld  
"k him :5 he came4 ,& x 0 no %ame to h] 
t1 ev5 :ile ?is 0 s1 %e saw h]self 9 !  
ye>s to come a wife & "m4 ,9 ! gl[+ he>t
 ( ! fire %e saw h] home w>m ) holy     
love1 bright ) sacr$ companion%ip4 ,9 ! 
danc+ flames %e saw h] *ildr5--happy1   
beautiful1 *ildr54 ,nor did %e 9 h]     
dreams fe> ! flick]+ %ad[s t came & w5t 
= 9 ! dusk ( ! room %e felt ! de>       
pres5ce ( t "o :o 0 to be h] o!r self2  
:o 0 to be to h] /r5g? 9 h] weakness1   
hope 9 h] sadness1 & com=t 9 h] m\rn+4  
,x is well inde$ t ! %ad[s ( life br+ no
 fe>s into our dreams else we w\ld n d>e
 to dream & life itself w\ld lose its   
purpose & its mean+4  ,s ! woman saw h] 

future1 n 9 ! %ad[s t came & w5t ^u !   
wall1 b 9 ! gl[+ he>t ( ! fire4 ,&1 z %e
 dream$ h] dreams ( womanhood1 h] face  
grew beautiful ) a t5d]1 ?\ghtful1      
beauty t is giv5 only to ^? wom5 :o     
dream su* dreams4 ,) ! realization ( h] 
womanhood & ! beg9n+ ( h] woman life1 h]
 lips curv$ 9 a smile t 0 diff]5t f !   
smile ( girlhood & !re came into h] eyes
 a light t 0 nev] !re be=e4 ,& !n1 z "o 
sett+ out on a long j\rney might turn   
back = a la/ f>ewell view ( lov$ famili>
 sc5es1 %e turn$ to g back = a little   
into h] ,ye/]days4  ,!re 0 a home 9 ^?  
,ye/]days & !re 0 a "m--a "m :o liv$ n[ 
9 a bett] home ?an any ( e>?'s build+4  
,a fa!r %e _h nev] kn[n b !re 0 a big1  
jolly1 uncle :o _h done & 0 do+ yet all 
t an uncle ( limit$ means c\ld d to take
 h] fa!r's place 9 ! life ( 8 si/]'s    
only *ild4 ,& !re 0 sun%9e 9 h]         
,ye/]days--bright sun%9e--uncl\d$ by    
city smoke2 & fl[]s un/a9$ by city      
grime2 & blue skies unm>r$ by city      
build+s2 & !re 7 beautiful trees & s++  

birds & broad fields 9 h] ,ye/]days4    
,also !re 7 dreams--su* dreams z only ^?
 :o are v "y or v wise d>e to dream4  ,x
 may h be5 ! firelight t did x2 x may h 
be5 ! vision ( h] *ildr5 :o liv$ only 9 
! life t %e saw beyond ! old1 old1 op5  
door3 or p]haps x 0 ! w$d+ f9]y t lay   
ov] a ne>by *air3 or ! famili> tick1    
tick1 tick1 ( ! clock 9 ! arms ( ! fat  
cupid :o neglect$ 8 b[ & arr[s 9 a va9  
attempt to d away ) "t--:atev] x 0 t    
br\ght x ab\t1 ! woman dream$ aga9 !    
dreams ( *ildhood--dream$ !m ev5 z %e   
dream$ ^? fir/ dreams ( h] womanhood4   
,& no "o 0 !re to tell h] t ! dreams (  
h] girlhood & ( h] womanhood 7 ! same4  
,aga91 on a long summ] aft]noon1 z %e   
kept h\se 9 a snug corn] ( ! v9e %ad$   
por*1 %e 0 really ! mi/ress ( a gr&     
mansion t 0 furni%$ ) beautiful c>pets &
 furniture1 *9a & silv]1 books &        
pictures4 ,& 9 t mansion %e receiv$ h]  
di/+ui%$ gue/s & ent]ta9$ h] fri5ds )   
*>m+ grace & dignity1 ev5 z %e set h]   
t9y play table ) di%es ( ?imble size &  

s]v$ tea & cakes to h] play lady fri5ds4
 ,aga91 z %e rock$ h] dollies to sleep  
beside ! ev5+ fire & tuck$ !m into _!   
b$s ) a little "m kiss = ea*1 !re 7     
dreams ( m]ry boys & girls :o %\ld "s   
day call h] "m4 ,& !re 7 dreams ( f9e   
dresses & jewels ! :ile %e /it*$ t9y    
g>m5ts = h] newe/ *ild :o _h come to h] 
) no clo?+ at all1 or fa%ion$ a m>vel\s 
hat = ano!r ^: features 7 b a smudge (  
pa9t & ^: hair _h be5 glu$ on s _m times
 t x 0 f> pa/ comb+ & a hat 0 a         
necessity to hide ! tangl$ mat4 ,&      
sometimes %e 0 a pr9cess %ut up 9 a     
ca/le t[] & a noble pr9ce1 :o wore gold5
 armor & rode a great w> horse1 w\ld    
come to woo h] & %e w\ld ride away ) him
 ?r\gh ! deep =e/ foll[$ by a long      
procession ( lords & ladies1 ( knights &
 squires & pages4 ,or1 p]haps1 %e w\ld  
be a homeless girl 9 pitiful rags :o1   
because ( h] great beauty1 w\ld be /ol5 
by gypsies & sold to a cruel k+ to be   
kept 9 a dungeon until rescu$ by a brave
 soldi] lov]4  ,&1 9 h] ,ye/]days1 !    

ma/] ( ! dream home ov] :i* %e 0        
mi/ress--! fa!r ( h] dream *ildr5--!    
pr9ce ) :om %e rode away ?r\gh ! =e/--! 
soldi] lov] :o rescu$ h] f ! dungeon--& 
! h]o ( _m o!r adv5tures ( :i* %e 0 !   
h]o9e--0 always ! same4 ,outside h]     
dreams he 0 a /urdy1 br[n *eek$1 b>e    
legg$1 little boy :o liv$ next door4 ,b 
:at a man is outside a woman's dreams   
c\nts = little aft] all--ev5 ?\gh t     
woman be a v small & da9ty little woman 
) a v l>ge family ( dolls4  ,! woman    
rememb]$ s well _! fir/ meet+4 ,x 0 at !
 upp] end ( ! g>d5 ne> ! /rawb]ry b$s & 
he 0 creep+ t[>d h] on h&s & knees ?r\gh
 a hole 9 ! h$ge t sep>at$ ! two places4
 ,h[ %e _h jump$ :5 %e fir/ caught sight
 ( him6 ,h[ he _h />t$ & turn$ z if to  
escape :5 he saw h] wat*+ him6 ,h[ %yly 
!y _h approa*$ ea* o!r ) ! fir/ timid   
(f]+s ( fri5d%ip6  ,_m1 _m1 times aft] t
 did he come to h] ?r\gh ! op5+ 9 !     
h$ge4 ,_m1 _m1 times did %e g to him4 ,&
 he came 9 _m disguises4 ,9 _m disguises
 %e help$ him put 8 dreams into action4 

,b always1 to h]1 he 0 a h]o to be      
wor%ip$1 a lead] to be foll[$1 a ma/] to
 be obey$4 ,always %e 0 v pr\d ( him--( 
8 /r5g? & c\rage--( ! gr& de$s he       
wr\ght--& ( ! great ?+s t he w\ld "s day
 d4 ,& sometimes--! mo/ delightful times
 ( all--at h] wi%1 he w\ld help h]1 9 8 
ma/]ful way1 to play out h] dreams4 ,&  
!n1 ?\gh he lik$ be+ an ,indian or a    
robb] or a soldi] be/1 he w\ld be a     
model husb& & help h] ) ! *ildr52 al?\gh
 he did1 at times1 insi/ ^u puni%+ !m r 
m ?an %e ?\ght necess>y4 ,b :5 ! little 
family 0 ill ) ! measles or sc>let fev] 
or :oop+ c\gh no dream husb& c\ld h be5 
m g5tle1 m ?\ghtful1 or m wise1 9 8     
att5tion4  ,& once !y _h play$ a w$d+4  
,! woman ^: he>t 0 z an empty room /irr$
 9 h] *air uneasily z "o :o feels ! gaze
 ( a hidd5 obs]v]4 ,b ! door 0 lock$1 ! 
%ades drawn close1 & ! only light 0 !   
flick]+ light ( ! fire4 ,! night )\t 0 v
 d>k & /ill4 ,!re 0 no s\nd 9 ! sleep+  
h\se--no s\nd save ! /eady tick1 tick1  
tick1 ( ! "t piece 9 ! *ubby arms ( !   

fat cupid on ! mantle4  ,& once !y _h   
play$ a w$d+4  ,x 0 :5 h] big1 jolly1   
uncle 0 m>ri$4 ,! boy & ! girl 7 pres5t 
at ! c]emony & %e wore a wond]ful new   
dress :ile ! boy1 scrubb$ & comb$ &     
bru%$1 0 array$ 9 8 be/ clo!s ) %oes &  
/ock+s4 ,!re 7 fl[]s & music & good ?+s 
to eat & no end ( laught] & gay         
excitem5t2 & ! jolly uncle look$ s big &
 f9e & solemn2 & ! bride1 9 h] :ite     
veil1 0 s l a pr9cess 9 "o ( ! dreams2 t
 ! little girl 0 half fright5$ & felt a 
que] lump 9 h] ?roat z %e clung to h]   
"m's h&4 ,& !re 0 a /range c]emony 9 :i*
 ! m9i/]1 9 8 g[n1 read out ( a book &  
said a pray] & ask$ que/ions2 & ! uncle 
& ! pr9cess answ]$ ! que/ions2 & ! uncle
 put a r+ on ! f+] ( ! pr9cess2 & !     
m9i/] said t !y 7 husb& & wife4 ,& !n   
!re 7 kisses :ile ev]ybody laugh$ & cri$
 & %ook h&s2 & "s "o told ! little girl 
t ! pr9cess 0 h] new auntie2 & h] uncle 
caught h] up 9 8 big arms & 0 8 own     
jolly self aga94 ,x 0 all v f9e & /range
 & impressive to _! *ildi% eyes2 & s1 ( 

c\rse1 ! v next day1 ! boy & ! girl     
play$ a w$d+4  ,x 0 up 9 t quiet corn] (
 ! g>d51 ne> ! h$ge1 & ! *]ry tree 0 9  
bloom & %[]$ its delicate blossoms d[n  
^u !m ) e puff ( air t /irr$ ! bran*es2 
:ile1 9 ! h$ge ne>by1 a little br[n bird
 0 putt+ ! f9i%+ t\* to a new ne/4 ,!   
boy's %eph]d dog1 :o sat up :5 y told   
him1 0 ! m9i/]2 & all ! dollies 7 !re1  
dress$ 9 _! f9e/ g[ns4 ,! little girl 0 
v s]i\s & aga91 half fright5$1 felt t   
que] lump 9 h] ?roat z %e promis$ to be 
8 wife4 ,& ! boy look$ v s]i\s1 too1 z  
he plac$ a little brass r+ ^u h] f+] &1 
speak+ = ! br[n ey$1 %aggy coat$1 m9i/]1
 said3 ,i pron\nce y husb& & wife &     
any?+ t ,god has done mu/ nev] be done  
any diff]5t by anybody =ev] & ev]1 ,am54
 ,& !n--because !re 0 no "o else pres5t 
& !y bo? felt t ! play w\ld n be        
complete )\t--!n1 he _h kiss$ h]1 & !y 7
 bo? v1 v1 happy4  ,s x 0 t1 9 ! quiet  
secrecy ( h] dimly light$ room1 ! woman 
:o t night knew h]self to be a woman1   
felt h] *eeks hot ) blu%es & ^u h] hot  

*eeks felt h] te>s4  ,s x 0 t %e came   
back f h] ,ye/]days to wond]3 :]e 0 !   
boy n[8 ,:at k9d ( a man _h he gr[n to  
be8 ,0 he mak+ 8 way to fame & weal? or 
labor+ 9 "s humble position8 ,_h he a   
home ) wife & *ildr58 ,did he ev] g back
 into ! ,ye/]days8 ,_h he =gott5 t w$d+ 
"u ! *]ry tree8 ,:5 ! "o ) :om %e w\ld g
 ?r\gh ! old1 old1 door into ! life ( h]
 womanhood dreams %\ld come1 w\ld x     
matt] if ! h]o ( h] *ildhood dreams w5t 
9 ) !m8 ,he c\ld be no rival to t "o :o 
0 to come = he liv$ only 9 ! ,ye/]days &
 ! ,ye/]days c\ld n come back4 ,! fat   
little cupid on ! mantle neglect$ 8 b[ &
 arr[s 9 va92 he c\ld n d away ) "t4  ,v
 sl[ly ! woman prep>$ = h] re/ &1 :5 %e 
0 ready1 knelt 9 ! s(t dusk ( h] room1 a
 virg9 9 :ite to pray4 ,& ,god1 ,i "k1  
und]/ood :y h] pray] 0 confus$ & unc]ta9
 ) long+s %e c\ld n express ev5 to him  
:o said3 ,except ye become z little     
*ildr54 ,god1 ,i "k1 und]/ood :y ?is    
woman1 :o t night1 = ! fir/ "t1 kn[+    
h]self to be a woman _h dream$ a true   

woman's dream--,god1 ,i "k1 und]/ood :y1
 z %e lay d[n to sleep 9 ! quiet        
d>kness1 %e /ret*$ =? h] empty arms &   
almo/ cri$ al\d4  ,9 to-morr['s light x 
w\ld all be gone1 b t night--t night--h]
 womanhood dreams ( ! future 7          
real--real ev5 z ! girlhood dreams ( h] 
,ye/]days4      ,,occupation  ,9 a      
small1 b>e1 room 9 a *eap city bo>d+    
h\se1 ! man c[]$ l a wild ?+1 w\nd$1    
neglect$1 afraid2 :ile ov] him1 gaunt & 
m5ac+1 cruel1 pitiless1 insi/5t1 /ood a 
dreadful ne$--! ne$ ( ,occupation--! ne$
 ( some?+ to d4  ,9 all ! _w !re is no  
dang] s m5ac+ z ! dang] ( idl5ess3 !re  
is no privation s cruel1 no suff]+ s    
pitiful1 z ! ne$ ( ,occupation3 !re is  
no dem& s imp]ative1 no necessity s     
dreadful1 z ! want ( some?+ to d4       
,occupation is ! v life ( ,life4 ,z     
nature abhors a vacuum s life abhors    
idl5ess4 ,to be is to be occupi$4 ,ev5  
?\gh "o sp5d 8 days 9 seek+ selfi%      
pleasures /ill mu/ he occupy himself to 
live1 = ! ne$ ( some?+ to d is mo/      

imp]ative ^u ^? :o /rive h>de/ to d     
no?+4 ,z life & ! de$s ( m5 are born 9  
dreams s life itself is ,occupation4 ,a 
man is ! ?+ he does4 ,:at ! body is to !
 _s2 :at ! ^w is to ! ?\ght2 :at !      
sun%9e is to ! sun2 ,occupation is to   
,dreams4 ,"o ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great  
,?+s ( ,life is ,occupation4  ,f ! *]ry 
tree 9 ! upp] corn] ( ! g>d5 ne> ! h$ge1
 ! *]ries _h long ago be5 ga!r$4 ,! pair
 ( br[n birds _h re>$ _! *ildr5 & 7     
beg9n+ to talk ) _! neighbors & k9folk  
ab\t _! w9t] home 9 ! s\?4 ,9 ! or*>d on
 ! hill back ( ! h\se1 ! late fruit 0   
hang+1 full ripe1 ^u ! b5d+ b\ghs4 ,f ! 
br[ ( ! hill1 :]e ! man _h sat t        
aft]noon :51 = ! fir/ "t1 he fac$ ,life 
& knew t he 0 a man1 ! fields f :i* !   
rip5$ gra9 _h be5 cut lay 9 ! di/ance1  
great b>s & blocks & pat*es ( gold5     
yell[1 among ! /ill gre5 pa/ures &      
mead[s & ! s(t br[n /rips ( ! fall pl[+4
 ,9 ! woods1 ! squirrels 7 beg9n+ to    
take /ock ( ! ye>'s nut crop & to make  
_! e/imates = ! w9t]'s ne$1 prep>+1 !   

:ile1 _! /oreh\ses to receive ! preci\s 
ho>d4 ,& ov] t new m\nd 9 ! cemet]y1 !  
grass fairies _h wov5 a cov]lid ?ick &  
firm & f9e z ?\gh1 9 sweet pity ( its   
yell[ nak$ness1 !y w\ld %ield x f ! w9ds
 t already _h 9 !m a h9t t summ]'s reign
 0 pa/4  ,b all ?is 0 f>1 v f>1 f :]e1 9
 8 small b>e room1 ! man cr\*$ fright5$ 
& dismay$4 ,! ru% & ro> ( ! cr[d$ tra9s 
on ! elevat$ road outside 8 w9d[ %ook ! 
casem5t ) impati5t fury4 ,! rumbl+ ?und]
 ( ! heavily load$ subway tra9s j>r$ !  
walls ( ! build+4 ,! rattle & :irr ( !  
ov]fl[+ surface c>s rose %>ply above !  
hum & d9 ( ! city /reets4 ,to ! man :o  
ask$ only a *ance1 only a place1 only   
room to /& & some?+--any?+--to d1 x 0   
madd5+4 ,a bl9d1 impot5t1 fury took     
possession ( him4 ,he cl5*$ 8 fi/s &    
curs$ al\d4  ,b ! great1 cr[d$1 _w he$$ 
8 curses z little z x notic$ him & he   
fell aga9 into ! sil5ce ( 8             
hopelessness4  ,out f ! %elt]$ place ( 8
 dreams ! man _h come into ! busy _w (  
de$s--into ! _w :]e ^? :o1 l himself1 _h

 dream$1 7 putt+ _! dreams into action4 
,out f ! ye>s ( 8 boyhood he _h come    
into ! ye>s ( 8 manhood--out f ! sc5es (
 8 ,ye/]days into ! sc5es ( 8 to-days4  
,= weeks1 ) 8 "y /r5g? /irr+ mightily )9
 him & 8 ri*1 r$1 blood hot 9 8 ve9s1 he
 _h be5 cry+ out to ! _w3 ,make way =   
me4 ,give me a place t ,i may "w out my 
dreams4 ,give me some?+ to d4 ,= weeks1 
he _h be5 try+ to conv9ce ! _w t x ne$$ 
him4 ,b ! busy1 happy1 _w--! idle1      
dream+1 _w--! discont5t$1 sull51 _w--0 n
 s easily conv9c$4 ,8 "y /r5g? & 8 r$   
blood did n seem to c\nt = z mu* z !y   
%\ld4 ,8 confid5ce & 8 c\rage did n seem
 to impress4 ,8 high rank 9 ! boyhood _w
 did n entitle him to a l position among
 m54 ,8 graduat+ address _h made no /ir 
9 ! _w ( ?\ght4 ,8 a?letic record _h    
caus$ no comm5t 9 ! _w ( indu/ry4 ,8    
com+ did n di/urb ! _w ( comm]ce4  ,a   
few he f\nd :o wr\ght ) all ! vigor &   
en?usiasm ( _! dream+4 ,^! said3 ,:at h 
y done t we %\ld make room = y8 ,prove  
y\rself fir/ !n come to u4 ,_m he saw :o

 _h we>i$ ( ! game & 7 dream+ new       
dreams4 ,^! said3 ,we ourselves are )\t 
,occupation4 ,!re are n places en\gh =  
all4 ,/& aside & give u room4 ,_m o!rs  
!re 7 :o1 ) dreams =gott51 labor$ z dull
 cattle1 goad$ by brute necessity1 ) no 
vision1 no purpose1 no hope1 to make (  
_! toil a bless+4 ,& ^! laugh$ at him ) 
vici\s laught]1 say+3 ,:y %\ld anyone   
want any?+ to d8  ,s ! man 9 ^? days saw
 8 dreams go+ f him--saw 8 bright       
visions gr[+ dim4 ,s he came to feel t 8
 "y /r5g? 0 ( no value2 t 8 r$ blood 0  
wor?less2 t 8 c\rage 0 va94 ,s 8        
confid5ce 0 %ak52 8 fai? 0 weak5$2 8    
hope grew fa9t4 ,he came to feel t ! ?+s
 t he _h dream$ 7 already all wr\ght    
out--t !re 7 no m great works to be     
done--t all t c\ld be done 0 be+        
accompli%$--t 9 all ! _w !re 0 no?+ m = 
a man to d4 ,disappo9t$1 disc\rag$1     
di%e>t5$1 we>y & alone1 he told himself 
t he _h come too late--t 9 all ! _w !re 
0 no?+ m = a man to d4  ,he did n look  
out ^u ! _w1 n[1 z a conqu]+ emp]or1    

confid5t 9 8 arm$ /r5g?1 might look ov] 
! field ( a com+ battle4 ,he did n      
dream1 n[1 ( victories1 ( honors1 &     
r5[n4 ,he did n1 n[1 see himself a      
savior ( ! _w4 ,! _w _h /ret*$ ?is man  
also ^u ! cross t x has always ready =  
su* z he4  ,x 0 n ! man's press+ ne$ t  
hurt him s--gladly he w\ld h suff]$ = 8 
dreams4 ,x 0 n = privation & h>d%ips t  
he c>$--pr\dly he w\ld h endur$ ^? = 8  
dreams4 ,nor 0 x lonel9ess & neglect t  
made him afraid--he 0 will+ to "w out 8 
dreams alone4 ,t :i* s5t him c[]+ l a   
w\nd$1 wild ?+ to 8 room 0 ?is3 he felt 
t 8 /r5g?1 8 c\rage1 8 will+ness1 8     
purpose1 7 z no?+ 9 ! _w4 ,t :i*        
fright5$ him ) dreadful fe> 0 ?is3 he   
felt t 8 dreams 7 go+ f him4 ,t = :i* he
 c>$ 0 ?is3 he felt t he 0 too late4    
,?is 0 ! cross ^u :i* ! _w /ret*$ him--!
 cross ( en=c$ idl5ess--! cross ( no?+  
to d4  ,x is n /range t 9 8 lonely      
suff]+ ! man s\ght to escape by ! only  
way op5 to him--! way t l$ to 8         
,ye/]days4 ,!re 0 a welcome = him !re4  

,!re 0 a place = him4 ,he 0 want$ !re4  
,!re 8 life 0 held ( value4 ,x is n at  
all /range t he w5t back4 ,z "o flees f 
a desolate1 burn+1 des]t wa/e1 to a l& (
 %ady groves & fruitful g>d5s1 ( cool   
wat]s & companionable fri5ds1 s ?is man 
fl$ f 8 days t 7 into 8 days t 7 gone--s
 he w5t back into 8 ,ye/]days4  ,x may h
 be5 ! s(t dusk ( ! twilight h\r t did  
x3 or x may h be5 ! lonel9ess ( 8 he>t3 
or1 p]haps1 x 0 ! picture he f\nd 9 8   
trunk z he se>*$ among 8 few ?+s try+ to
 decide :at next he %\ld take to ! pawn 
%op4 ,:atev] x 0 t br\ght x ab\t1 ! man 
0 a boy aga9 9 ! boyhood _w ( 8         
,ye/]days4  ,& x happ5$ t ! day 9 8     
,ye/]days to :i* ! man w5t back 0 "o (  
^? days :5 ! boy c\ld f9d no?+ to d4 ,e 
game t he _h ev] play$ 0 play$ out4 ,e  
s\rce ( amusem5t he _h exhau/$4 ,!re 0 9
 all 8 boyhood _w no?+1 no?+1 = him to  
d4  ,! or*>d 0 n a trackless =e/        
inhabit$ by fi]ce1 wild bea/s2 nor an   
en*ant$ wood ) lords & ladies imprison$ 
9 ! trees2 x 0 only an or*>d--a         

commonplace old or*>d--no?+ m4 ,indians 
& robb]s 7 /upid creatures ( no         
importance :atev]4 ,!re 7 no fairies1 no
 giants1 no soldi]s left 9 ! boyhood _w4
 ,! rail f5ce w> horse refus$ to *>ge4  
,! apple tree %ip 0 a wreck on ! rocks (
 discont5t4 ,! hay _h all be5 cut & /or$
 away 9 ! b>n4 ,! excitem5t & fun ( !   
gra9 h>ve/+ 0 ov] & ! big /acks 7 wait+ 
! ?re%]s4 ,x 0 n "t = fall apple pick+ &
 ! cid] mill1 nor to ga!r ! corn1 nor to
 g nutt+4 ,!re 0 no?+1 no?+1 to d4  ,!  
boy's fa!r 0 busy ) "s sort ( "w 9 ! %op
 & told 8 little son n to bo!r4 ,! hir$ 
man 0 do+ some?+ to ! b>ny>d f5ce & told
 ! boy to get out ( ! way4 ,a c>p5t] 0  
repair+ ! ro( ( ! h\se & ! long ladd]   
look$ invit+ en\gh1 b1 ! in/ant ! boy's 
head appe>$ above ! eaves1 ! man %\t$ = 
him to get d[n & to run & play4 ,ev5 !  
new r$ calf refus$ to notice him b      
cont9u$ its selfi%1 absorb+1 occupation 
) wobbly legs brac$ wide & tail wagg+   
supreme indiff]5ce4 ,8 v dog _h des]t$  
him & _h gone away some:]e on bus9ess ( 

8 own1 app>5tly =gett+ ! ne$s ( 8 ma/]4 
,& "m--"m too 0 busy1 z busy z c\ld be )
 sweep+ & du/+ & bak+ & m5d+ & no end ( 
?+s t mu/ be done4  ,b someh[ "m's "w   
c\ld always wait4 ,at lea/ x c\ld wait  
long en\gh = h] to look lov+ly d[n into 
! tr\bl$1 discont5t$1 little face :ile  
%e li/5$ to ! pla9tive :9e3 ,!re's no?9'
 at all to d4 ,mamma1 tell me--tell me  
some?+ to d4  ,poor little boy 9 !      
,ye/]days6 ,quickly "m's arm w5t ar\nd  
him4 ,lov+ly %e drew him close4 ,& "m's 
"w wait$ /ill z %e consid]$ ! s]i\s     
problem4 ,!re 0 no feel+ ( n be+ want$ 9
 ! boy's he>t !n4 ,z he look$ up at h]  
he felt already r5ew$ hope & quick5+    
int]e/4  ,!n "m's face bright5$1 9 a way
 t "m faces d1 & ! boy's eyes began to  
%9e 9 eag] anticipation4 ,:at %\ld he d8
 ,:y "m knew ! v ?+ ( c\rse4 ,x 0 !     
be/--! v be/--! mo/ int]e/+ ?+ 9 all !  
_w = a boy to d4 ,he %\ld build a h\se =
 ! little girl :o liv$ next door4  ,out 
"u ! lilac bu%es he %\ld build x1 9 a   
pretty corn] ( ! y>d1 :]e "m1 f h] w9d[1

 e n[ & !n1 c\ld look out to see h[ well
 he 0 do+ & help1 p]haps1 ) c>eful      
sugge/ions4 ,"m h]self w\ld ask ! c>p5t]
 man = "s clean1 new bo>ds1 "s %+les &  
"s nails4 ,& x w\ld all be a secret1    
betwe5 j "m & ! boy1 until ! h\se 0     
f9i%$ & ready & !n he %\ld g & br+ !    
little girl & !y w\ld see h[ surpris$ & 
glad %e w\ld be4  ,x 0 wondr\s magic ^? 
mo!rs work$ 9 ! ,ye/]days4 ,9 a tw9kle1 
= ! boy :o c\ld f9d no?+ to d1 ! _w 0   
*ang$4 ,9 a tw9kle1 !re 0 no?+ 9 all !  
_w wor? do+ save ?is "o ?+--to build a  
h\se = ! little girl next door4  ,)     
might & ma9 he plann$ & toil$ & toil$ & 
plann$2 build+ & rebuild+ & rebuild+ yet
 aga94 ,he cut 8 f+]s & p\nd$ 8 ?umb &  
/uck 8 h&s full ( sliv]s & m9d$ x n at  
all s absorb$ 0 he 9 ?is be/ ( all      
,occupations4  ,b keep x secret6 ,fir/  
!re 0 fa!r's smil+ face close beside    
"m's at ! w9d[4 ,!n ! hir$ man *anc$ to 
pass & paus$ a mom5t to make admir+     
comm5t4 ,&1 lat]1 ! c>p5t] man came     
ar\nd ! corn] ( ! h\se &1 :5 he saw1    

(f]$ a bit ( pr(essional advice &       
volunt>ily contribut$ ano!r bo>d4 ,ev5 !
 boy's dog1 z ?\gh he _h he>d ! news t !
 v birds 7 discuss+ s freely 9 ! tree   
tops1 came hurry+ home to manife/ 8     
int]e/4 ,keep x secret6 ,h[ c\ld ! boy  
keep x secret6 ,b ! little girl did n   
"k4 ,until he 0 almo/ ready to tell h]1 
! little girl did n "k4 ,almo/ he 0     
ready to tell h]1 :5--,b t belongs to ! 
o!r "p ( my /ory4  ,ab\t ! man 9 8 b>e1 
lonely1 room 9 ! great city1 ! _w 9 its 
madness rag$--/ruggl+1 pu%+1 cr[d+1     
jo/l+1 scrambl+--a swirl+1 wri?+1 mass (
 life--b ! man did n he$4 ,on e side1   
?is life w5t ru%+1 ro>+1 rumbl+1 ?und]+1
 :irr+1 %riek+1 clatt]+ by4 ,b ! man    
notic$ ! _w n[ no m ?an x notic$ him4 ,9
 8 ,ye/]days he _h f\nd some?+ to d4 ,he
 _h f\nd ! only ?+ t a man1 :o kn[s     
himself to be a man1 c d 9 tru? to 8    
manhood4 ,aga91 9 8 ,ye/]days1 he 0     
build+ a h\se = ! little girl :o liv$   
next door--! little girl :o did n "k4   
,som$ay ?is *ildi% old _w w gr[ we>y (  

its games ( w> & weal?4 ,som$ay x w lose
 int]e/ 9 its play?+s--banks1 & /ocks1 &
 m>kets4 ,som$ay x w lose fai? 9 its    
fairies ( fame1 its giants ( position & 
p[]4 ,!n w ! disconsolate1 =lorn1 old _w
 turn to ,"m ,nature to le>n f h] t !   
only ,occupation t is ( real & la/+ wor?
 is ! "o ,occupation 9 :i* all ( ,"m    
,nature's *ildr5 h fell[%ip--!          
,occupation ( home build+4  ,9 mead[ &  
=e/ & field2 9 g>d5 & grove & h$ge &    
bu%2 9 m\nta9 & pla9 & des]t & sea2 9   
holl[ logs2 amid sway+ bran*es2 9 rocky 
d5s & e>?y burr[s2 high among t[]+      
cliffs & mighty crags2 l[ 9 ! m>% grass 
& among re$s & ru%es2 9 /one walls2 9   
f5ce corn]s2 9 tufts ( grass & t9y      
%rubs2 among ! fl[]s & sw++ v9es2       
ev]y:]e--ev]y:]e--9 all ?is great1 r\nd1
 _w1 ,"m's *ildr5 all are occupi$ 9 home
 build+--occupi$ 9 ?is & no?+ m4 ,?is is
 ! "o ?+ t ,"m's *ildr51 9 all ! ages   
s9ce ! beg9n+1 h f\nd wor? do+4 ,"o     
wayw>d *ild alone is occupi$ j n[1      
seem+ly1 ) ev]y?+ b home build+4 ,man   

seems to be do+ ev]y?+ ^! days b ! "o ?+
 t mu/ be ! f\ndation "w ( all4 ,b nev] 
m9d--homebuild+ w be ! _w's "w at ! la/4
 ,:5 all ! play?+s ( *ildhood & all !   
*ildi% games ( m5 h fail$1 homebuild+ w 
endure4 ,occupation mu/ 9 ! end mean    
home build+ or x is mean+less4  ,& ! d91
 ! confusion1 ! /ruggle1 ! turmoil (    
life--:5 x all means to m5 ! build+ (   
homes & no?+ m2 :5 ! ef=ts ( m51 !      
ambitions ( m51 ! labor & toil ( m5 are 
all to make homes = ! little girls next 
door2 !n1 w ,"m ,nature smile ^u h] boys
 & ,god1 ,i am sure1 w smile ^u !m1 too4
  ,! man came back f 8 ,ye/]days ) a new
 he>t1 ) new c\rage & det]m9ation1 & !  
next day he f\nd some?+ to d4  ,i d n "k
 :at x 0 t ! man f\nd to d--t is n my   
/ory4  99    99    99    99    99  ,x 0 
ne>ly ! "t ( fall+ leaves :5 ! woman1 :o
 knew h]self to be a woman1 knock$ at "o
 ( ^? doors1 at :i* %e did n wi% to     
knock1 & 0 admitt$4  ,x does n matt] :i*
 ( ! doors x 04 ,i _c tell y :at "w x 0 
t ! woman f\nd to d4 ,:at matt]$ to     

h]--& to ! _w if only ! _w w\ld         
und]/&--0 ?is3 t %e 0 =c$ by ! cu/oms ( 
! age & by necessity to ent] a life t h]
 woman he>t did n desire4 ,:ile h]      
dreams 7 ( ! life t lies beyond ! old1  
old1 door t has /ood op5 s9ce ! beg9n+2 
:ile %e wait$ on ! ?re%old & long$ to g 
92 %e 0 =c$ to turn aside1 to seek      
admittance at "o ( ^? o!r doors4 ,?is x 
is t matt]s--matt]s greatly4 ,p]haps    
only ,god :o made ! woman he>t & :o     
,himself set t door op5 wide--p]haps    
only ,god kn[s h[ greatly x matt]s4  ,( 
c\rse1 if ! woman _h n kn[n h]self to be
 a woman1 x w\ld h made little diff]5ce 
ei!r to h] or to ! _w4  ,& ! woman :5 %e
 _h jo9$ t great company ( wom51 :o1 9  
^! mod]n days labor beh9d ! doors ?r\gh 
:i* !y mu/ g alone1 f\nd !m to be good  
wom5--good & brave & true4 ,& mo/ ( !m1 
%e f\nd1 7 9 t great company ( work]s j 
z %e 0 !re--j z e woman :o kn[s h]      
womanhood is !re--?r\gh circum/ances1 ! 
cu/om ( ! age1 necessity4 ,! only sav+  
?+ ab\t x all is ?is3 _! woman he>ts are

 some:]e else4  ,& ! woman f\nd also t1 
:ile ! door op5$ readily en\gh to h]    
knock1 %e 0 receiv$ )\t a welcome4      
,?r\gh t o!r door1 ! door t ,god himself
 has op5$1 %e w\ld h ent]$ into a joy\s 
welcome--%e w\ld h be5 receiv$ )        
gladness1 ) rejoic+1 ) holie/ love1 &   
highe/ honor4 ,to h]1 9 ! _w t lies     
beyond ! old1 old1 door1 w\ld h be5     
r5d]$ homage & rev]5ce second only to t 
giv5 to ,god ,himself4 ,!re1 %e w\ld h  
be5 receiv$ z a woman = h] womanhood2 %e
 w\ld h be5 giv5 fir/ place among all   
creat$ ?+s4 ,b ! _w into :i* %e ent]$   
alone did n s receive h]4 ,x receiv$ h] 
coldly4 ,its mann] said q pla9ly3 ,:y   
are y "h8 ,:at d y want8 ,x said3 ,!re  
is no s5tim5t "h1 no love1 no rev]5ce1  
no homage2 !re is only bus9ess "h1 only 
law1 only figures & facts4  ,?is _w 0 n 
unk9d to h]1 b x did n receive h] z a   
woman4 ,x c\ld n4 ,x did n value h]     
womanhood4 ,womanhood has no value !re4 
,x valu$ h] cle> bra91 h] physical      
/r5g?1 h] skillful h&s1 h] will+ feet1  

h] ready wit3 b h] womanhood x ignor$4  
,! mo/ priceless gift ( ! ,creator to 8 
creatures--! "o ?+ )\t :i* all human    
ef=t w\ld be 9 va91 no ,*ri/ian pray]   
w\ld be possible2 ! "o ?+ )\t :i* mank9d
 w\ld p]i% f ! e>?--?is _w1 into :i* !  
woman w5t1 reject$4 ,b ! ?+s t belong$  
to h] womanhood--! *>m ( h] mann]2 !    
beauty ( h] face & =m2 ! appeal ( h]    
sex2 ! quick intuitions ( h] s\l--all ^!
 ?is _w receiv$ & ^u !m put a price4 ,!y
 became n =ces to be us$ by h] 9        
wifehood & mo!rhood b comm]cial assets1 
valu$ 9 doll>s1 wor? a c]ta9 price ^u ! 
woman labor m>ket 9 ! bus9ess _w4  ,& ! 
woman's he>t1 because %e knew h]self to 
be a woman1 rebell$ at ?is buy+ & sell+ 
! ?+s ( h] womanhood4 ,^! ?+s %e rightly
 felt to be above price--f>1 f>1 above  
price4 ,!y 7 ! ?+s ( h] wifehood &      
mo!rhood4 ,!y 7 giv5 h] to be us$ by h] 
9 love1 9 mat+1 9 be>+ & re>+ *ildr51 9 
! giv+ ( life to ! _w4  ,! ?+s ( a      
woman's womanhood are z f> above price z
 life itself to :i* !y belong4 ,ev5 z   

color & p]fume belong to ! fl[]s2 ev5 z 
! music ( ! birds belongs to ! fea!ry   
song/]s2 ev5 z ! blue belongs to ! sky1 
& ! light to ! />s2 s ^! graces ( a     
woman belong to h] & to ! mission ( h]  
womanhood are sacr$4 ,!y are h]s to be  
us$ 9 h] holy (fice ( womanhood2 by h]  
alone1 )\t price1 = ! glory & honor (   
life & ! future ( ! race4 ,s ! woman's  
he>t rebell$1 b secretly1 in/9ctively1  
almo/ unconsci\sly4 ,op5 rebellion w\ld 
h made x impossible = h] to rema9 9 ! _w
 into :i* %e ent]$ because ( h]         
necessity & ! cu/om ( ! age4  ,%e f\nd1 
too1 t ?is _w into :i* %e _h ent]$ 0 v  
c\rte\s1 t x 0 ev5 consid]ate & k9d--z  
consid]ate & k9d z x 0 possible to be--=
 x seem$ to und]/& h] position q z well 
z %e h]self und]/ood x4 ,& ?is _w paid  
h] v well = ! s]vices %e 0 ask$ to r5d]4
 ,b x ask$ ( h] no favors4 ,x accord$ h]
 no honors4 ,x s\ght h] ) no (f]+4 ,&1  
because ( ?is1 ! woman1 9 ! he>t ( h]   
womanhood1 felt a%am$ & humiliat$4  ,x  
is ! "r ( womanhood to be/[ favors4 ,x  

is a woman's "r to be honor$ above all  
creatures ( e>?4 ,s9ce ! beg9n+ ( life  
itself h] sex has be5 s honor$--has     
receiv$ ! (f]+s f life4 ,mank9d1 alone1 
has at times attempt$ to *ange ?is law b
 has nev] q succe$$4 ,mank9d nev] c     
fully succe$ 9 ?is because woman holds  
life itself 9 h] keep+4 ,s ! woman felt 
t h] womanhood 0 humiliat$ & %am$4 ,b %e
 hid ?is feel+ also1 hid x c>efully1    
buri$ x deeply1 because %e knew t if %e 
did n x w\ld betray h] & %e w\ld n be   
p]mitt$ to rema9 9 ! _w into :i*        
necessity =c$ h]4 ,to ! woman1 x seem$ t
 ! _w into :i* %e _h gone1 itself1 felt 
h] %ame & humiliation4 ,t1 9 secret1 x  
desir$ to ask ( h]2 to accord to h]     
honors2 to seek h] ) (f]+s4 ,b ?is _w   
c\ld n d ^! ?+s because x d>$ n         
recognize h] womanhood4 ,:5 a woman goes
 into t _w into :i* %e mu/ g alone1 %e  
leaves h] womanhood beh9d4 ,h] womanhood
 is n receiv$ !re4  ,b mo/ ( all1 ! ?+ t
 tr\bl$ ! woman 0 ?is3 ! risk %e ran 9  
ent]+ into t life beh9d ! door at :i* %e

 _h s\ght admittance4 ,%e saw t !re 0   
dang] !re--grave dang]--to h] womanhood4
 ,9 ! busy1 ceaseless1 activity ( t life
 !re w\ld be little "t = h] wait+ beside
 ! old1 old1 door4 ,! exact+ dem&s ( h] 
"w1 or pr(ession1 or call+1 or bus9ess1 
w\ld leave little leisure = ! m$itation 
& reflection t is s l>ge a "p ( !       
prep>ation necess>y = entrance into t   
o!r _w ( :i* %e _h dream$4 ,con/ant     
contact ) ! unemotional facts & figures 
( t life :i* sets a m>ket value ^u !    
sacr$ ?+s ( womanhood w\ld make x ev] m 
difficult = h] to dream ( love4 ,!re 0  
grave dang] t int]e/ & en?usiasm 9 o!r  
?+s w\ld supplant h] long+ = wifehood & 
mo!rhood4 ,%e fe>$ t 9 h] ,occupation %e
 might n "k1 :5 he came1 t "o :o 0 to   
cross ! ?re%old ) h] into ! life ( h]   
dreams--t1 inde$1 he might come & g aga9
 :ile %e 0 busy ) o!r ?+s4 ,%e fe>$ t %e
 w\ld come to accept ! comm]cial        
valuation ( ! ?+s t belong$ to h]       
womanhood & ?us =get _! high]1 holi]1   
use & t ! cont9u$ rejection ( h]        

womanhood w\ld1 9 "t1 lead h] to ?9k ( x
 lightly1 z incid5tal r ?an supreme4    
,!re 0 real dang] t %e w\ld lose h]     
desire to be s\ght1 to give1 to receive 
(f]+s2 t %e w\ld cease to rebel         
secretly2 t %e w\ld no long] feel       
humiliat$ at h] position4 ,%e fe>$ 9    
%ort ?is dang]--! grave/ dang] to h]    
womanhood & ?us to all t womank9d holds 
9 h] keep+--t %e w\ld come to feel      
cont5t$1 satisfi$1 & happy1 9 be+ a "p (
 ! _w into :i* %e 0 =c$ to g by ! cu/om 
( ! age & by necessity4 ,because ?is    
woman knew h]self to be a woman %e fe>$ 
?is4 ,if %e _h n come to "k h] womanhood
 %e w\ld n h fe>$ x4 ,nei!r w\ld x h    
matt]$4  ,! woman 0 ?9k+ ( ^! ?+s t     
,saturday aft]noon z %e walk$ homew>d f 
h] "w4 ,%e (t5 walk$ to h] home on      
,saturday aft]noons1 :5 !re 0 "t1 = %e 0
 /rong & vigor\s1 ) an abundance ( good 
r$ woman blood 9 h] ve9s1 & lov$ ! free 
movem5t 9 ! op5 air4  ,p]haps1 ?\gh1 x  
is n exact to say t %e 0 ?9k+ ( ^! ?+s4 
,! bett] ^w w\ld be feel+4 ,%e 0 n ?9k+ 

( !m z ,i h set !m d[n3 b %e 0 feel+ !m 
all4 ,%e 0 consci\s ( !m1 j z %e 0      
consci\s ( ! dead br[n leaves t drift$  
across h] pa?1 ?\gh %e 0 n ?9k+ ( !     
leaves4 ,%e felt !m z %e felt ! brea? ( 
fall 9 ! puff ( air t drift$ ! leaves3 b
 %e did n put :at %e felt into words4 ,s
 seldom d ! ?+s t wom5 feel get !mselves
 put into words4  ,! "y woman _h *os5 a 
/reet t l$ 9 ! direction ( h] home ?r\gh
 "o ( ! city's small] p>ks1 &1 z %e w5t1
 ! p %e met turn$ (t5 to look aft] h] = 
%e 0 good to look at4 ,%e walk$ /rongly 
b ) a /ep z light z x 0 firm & free2 &1 
brea?+ deeply ) ! heal?ful ex]cise1 h]  
*eeks 7 flu%$ ) rosy color1 h] eyes     
%one1 h] c\nt5ance--h] e glance &       
movem5t--betray$ a /rong & p]fect       
womanhood--a womanhood t1 rightly       
und]/ood1 is weal? t ! race & age c ill 
af=d to squ&]4  ,com+ to ! p>k1 %e walk$
 m sl[ly &1 aft] a little1 seat$ h]self 
on a b5* to wat* ! squirrels t 7 play+  
ne>by4 ,! foliage _h already lo/ its    
summ] fre%ness ?\gh "h & !re a tree or  

bu% made brave attempt to reta9 its g>b 
( gre54 ,n a few br[n leaves :irl$      
helplessly ab\t--! fir/ ( unnumb]$      
myriads t soon w\ld be (f]$ by ! dy+    
summ] 9 tribute to w9t]'s conqu]+ p[]4  
,! sun 0 /ill w>m b ! air _h 9 x a      
subtle flavor t seem$ a bl5d+ ( ! com+  
season ) ! season t 0 almo/ gone4  ,ne> 
! f>!r entrance to ! little p>k1 a      
c>p5t] 0 repair+ ! ro( ( a h\se &1 f :]e
 %e sat1 ! woman c\ld see ! long ladd]  
re/+ aga9/ ! eaves4 ,a boy ) 8 %eph]d   
dog came romp+ along ! walk "u ! trees z
 irresponsible z ! drift+ leaves4 ,!    
squirrels scamp]$ away2 ! boy & dog     
:irl$ on2 & ! woman1 f ! _w into :i* %e 
_h ent]$ because %e mu/1 w5t f> away    
into ! _w ( *ildhood4 ,f h] day ( toil 9
 a _w t d5i$ h] womanhood %e w5t back   
into h] ,ye/]days :]e                   
womanhood--mo!rhood--0 supreme4 ,p]haps 
x 0 t subtle flavor 9 ! air t did x2 or 
x may h be5 ! boy & 8 dog z !y :irl$    
pa/--c>e free z ! drift+ br[n leaves2 or
 p]haps x 0 ! sight ( ! man repair+ !   

ro( ( ! h\se ) 8 long ladd] re/+ aga9/ !
 eaves3 ! woman h]self c\ld n h told :at
 x 01 b1 :atev] x 01 %e slipp$ away to  
"o ( ! brighte/1 happie/1 days 9 all h] 
,ye/]days4  ,b1 = a little :ile1 t day 0
 n at all bright & happy4 ,x />t$ out   
all "r !n1 little by little1 ev]y?+ w5t 
wrong2 & !n x *ang$ aga9 & became "o ( !
 be/ ( all h] ,ye/]days4 ,! day w5t     
wrong = a little :ile at fir/ because   
ev]y?+ 9 ! h\se 0 be+ tak5 up1 or tak5  
d[n1 beat51 %ak51 scrubb$ or du/$2      
ev]y?+ 0 be+ arrang$ or dis>rang$ &     
re>rang$ aga94 ,surely !re 0 nev] su*   
confusion1 s x seem$ to ! little girl1 9
 any home 9 all ! _w4 ,e "t t %e w\ld   
get h]self nicely settl$ ) h] dolls %e  
w\ld be =c$ to move aga92 until !re 0 9 
! :ole1 busy1 bu/l+ place no corn] at   
all :]e %e 0 n 9 somebody's way4 ,:5 %e 
w\ld h ent]$ into ! confusion & help$ to
 /raight5 ?+s out1 ! woman told h]1 r   
%>ply1 to g away1 & decl>$ t h] ef=ts to
 help only made ?+s worse4  ,out 9 !    
g>d51 at ! op5+ 9 ! h$ge1 %e call$ &    

call$ & wait$ & wait$ = ! boy4 ,b ! boy 
did n answ]4 ,he 0 too busy1 %e ?\ght1  
to c>e ab\t h]4 ,%e felt q sure t he did
 n ev5 want h] to help 9 :atev] x 0 t he
 0 do+4 ,p]haps1 %e ?\ght wi/fully1 pe]+
 ?r\gh ! little gre5 tunnel1 p]haps if  
%e c\ld g & f9d him he might--:5 he saw 
h[ mis]able & lonely %e 0--he might be  
k9d4 ,b to g ?r\gh ! h$ge 0 =bidd51     
except :5 "m said %e might4  ,sorr[fully
 %e turn$ away to seek ! kit*5 :]e !    
cook 0 busy ) ! week's bak+4 ,b ! cook1 
:5 ! little girl (f]$ to roll ! pie cru/
 or /ir ! fro/+ = ! cake1 0 hurri$ &    
cross & decl>$ t ! little girl c\ld n   
help b only h9d] & t x w\ld be bett] =  
h] n to get 9 ! way4  ,once m1 9 a      
favorite corn] ( ! big front por*1 %e 0 
j beg9n+ to f9d "s com=t ) h] doll :5 ! 
woman ) ! broom =c$ h] to move aga94    
,poor little girl6 ,:at c\ld %e d "u su*
 try+ circum/ances--:at inde$ b g to "m4
 ,all ! way up ! long /airs %e w5t to   
:]e "m 0 z busy z ev] a "m c\ld be do+  
some?+ ) a lot ( ?+s t 7 pil$ all ov] ! 

room4 ,b "m1 :5 %e saw ! te> /a9$ little
 face1 und]/ood 9 a fla% & put aside    
:atev] x 0 t %e 0 do+1 quickly1 & held !
 little girl1 dolly & all1 close 9 h] "m
 arms until ! feel+ ( be+ 9 ! way & ( n 
be+ want$ 0 all gone4 ,&1 :5 ! te>s 7 q 
dry1 "m said1 s g5tly t x did n hurt1   
,no de>ie1 ,i'm afraid y c't help "m n[ 
because "m's girl is too little to      
und]/& :at x is t "m is do+4 ,b ,i'll   
tell y some?+ t y c d4 ,"m w give y "s  
?+s f ! pantry & y may g ov] to see !   
little boy4 ,& ,i am z sure1 z sure c   
be1 t1 :5 he sees all ! nice ?+s y h1 he
 w play keep+ h\se ) y4  ,s ! little    
girl 9 ! ,ye/]days1 ) h] treasures f    
"m's pantry1 w5t out across ! g>d5 &    
?r\gh ! h$ge to f9d ! boy4 ,v c>efully  
%e w5t ?r\gh ! op5+ 9 ! h$ge s t %e w\ld
 lose none ( h] treasures4 ,& oh1 ! joy 
( x6 ,! spl5did wond] ( x6 ,%e f\nd t ! 
boy _h built a h\se--all by himself he  
_h built x--) real bo>ds1 & _h furni%$ x
 ) t9y *airs & tables made f boxes4     
,complete x 01 ev5 to a beautiful /rip (

 c>pet on ! floor & a %elf on :i* to put
 ! di%es4 ,!n1 inde$1 :5 ! boy told h]  
h[ he _h made ! h\se = h]--j = h]--& h[ 
x 0 to h be5 a surprise2 & t %e _h come 
j 9 "t because if %e tad come soon] x   
w\ld h spoil$ ! fun--! he>t ( ! little  
girl ov]fl[$ ) gladness4 ,& to ?9k t all
 ! "t %e 0 feel+ s n want$ & 9 ! way !  
boy 0 do+ ?is & all = h]6 ,did h] "m "k8
 ,%e r guess$ t %e did2 mo!rs h su* a   
m>vel\s way ( kn[+ ev]y?+1 p>ticul>ly ! 
nice/ ?+s4  ,s ! little girl gave ! boy 
all ! treasures t %e _h br\ght s        
c>efully & !y _h great fun eat+ !m      
toge!r2 & all ! re/ ( t day !y play$    
keeph\se4 ,& ?is is :y t day 0 among !  
be/ ( all ! woman's ,ye/]days4  ,sev]al 
m5 go+ home f "w pass$ ! spot :]e ! "y  
woman sat4 ,!n a gr\p ( %op girls       
foll[$2 !n ano!r gr\p &1 9 turn1 two    
wom5 f an (fice t did n close e>ly on   
,saturdays4 ,aft] !m a "y girl :o look$ 
v tir$ came walk+ alone1 & !n !re 7 m m5
 & wom5 9 a seem+ly endless procession4 
,& s _m girls & wom5 !re 7 9 !          

procession t ! woman1 z %e came back f  
h] ,ye/]days1 wond]$ :o 0 left to make  
homes = ! _w4  ,! sun 0 fall+ n[ 9 long 
b>s & %afts ( light betwe5 ! build+s & !
 trees1 & ! w9d[s ( ! h\se :]e ! man _h 
be5 fix+ ! ro( 7 blaz+ z if 9 flames4 ,!
 man _h tak5 d[n 8 ladd] & gone away4 ,x
 0 "t ! "y woman 0 go+ home4 ,& z %e    
w5t1 jo9+ ! procession ( labor]s1 h]    
he>t 0 fill$ ) long+--) long+ & ) hope4 
,! boy ( h] ,ye/]days liv$ only 9 ^?    
days t 7 gone4 ,he _h no place 9 !      
dreams ( h] womanhood4 ,he 0 only !     
playmate ( ! little girl4 ,ev5 z ^? ye>s
 7 gone ! boy _h gone out ( h] life4 ,b 
some:]e1 p]haps1 t "o :o 0 to g ) h]    
?r\gh ! old1 old1 op5 door 0 ev5 !n     
build+ = h] a home--_! home4 ,p]haps1 "s
 day1 an all wise ,"m ,nature w\ld tell 
h] to leave ! _w t gave h] no welcome--t
 c\ld n recognize h] womanhood--t made  
h] he>t rebel 9 humiliation & %ame--& g 
to d h] woman's "w4  ,v c>efully w\ld %e
 g :5 ! "t came1 tak+ all ! treasures ( 
h] womanhood4 ,%e w\ld g v c>efully t   

none ( h] treasures be lo/4      ,,k  ,!
 gre5 ( ! pa/ures & ! gold ( ! fields 0 
buri$ s deeply "u banks ( sn[ t no "o   
c\ld say3 ,"h ! cattle f$ & ! butt]cups 
grew2 !re ! gra9 0 h>ve/$2 "h ! corn    
/ood 9 %ocks2 !re ! daisies & mead[     
grass %elt]$ ! ne/ ( ! bobo-l9k4 ,z dea?
 calls alike ! lea/ & ! greate/ back to 
! du/ f :i* !y came1 s w9t] laid ov] !  
v>i$ & *ang+ sc5es ( summ] a cold1 :ite1
 %r\d ( we>isome sam5ess4 ,! birds 7    
hundr$s ( miles away 9 _! sunny s\?l&   
haunts4 ,! bees1 ! butt]flies1 & _m ( ! 
t9y wood folk1 7 all snugly tuck$ 9 _!  
w9t] b$s1 dream+1 p]haps1 z !y slept1 ( 
! sun%9y summ] days4 ,9 ! g>d5 ! w9d _h 
heap$ a great drift high aga9/ ! h$ge on
 ! boy's side1 &1 on ! little girl's    
side1 ! *]ry tree 9 ! corn] /ood %iv]+ 9
 its nak$ness ) b>e arms uplift$ z ?\gh 
pray+ = m]cy to ! /++ cold w9d4  ,9 !   
city ! sn[1 z fa/ z x fell1 0 /a9$ by   
soot & grime & lay 9 ! /reets a mass (  
fil?4 ,! brea? ( ! labor+ truck horses  
arose f _! wide no/rils l cl\ds ( /eam  

&1 9 ! icy air1 cov]$ _! brea/s & %\ld]s
 & sides ) a coat ( :ite fro/4 ,!       
newsboys & v5dors ( p5cils & %oe/r+s    
%iv]$ 9 nooks & corn]s & doorways &1 z !
 p w5t ) heads b5t l[ be=e ! freez+ bla/
 t swirl$ ?r\gh ! n>r[ canyons betwe5 ! 
tall build+s1 ! sn[y pavem5t squeak$    
l\dly "u _! feet4  ,& ! man :o _h f\nd  
some?+ to d1 f 8 ,occupation1 began to  
acquire ,k4 ,9 do+ ?+s1 he began to "k  
?+s4  ,b ! man _h to ga9 fir/ a k ( ,k4 
,he fir/ _h to le>n ?is3 t a man might  
"k all ab\t a ?+ )\t ev] kn[+ ! ?+      
itself4 ,he _h to und]/& t ,k is n kn[+ 
ab\t a ?+ b kn[+ ! ?+4 ,:5 fir/ he _h   
dream$ 8 manhood dreams1 be=e he _h f\nd
 some?+ to d1 ! man1 q mode/ly1 ?\ght t 
he knew a great deal4 ,9 8 s*ool days1  
he _h exhau/$ _m text books & _h pass$  
_m cr$itable exam9ations ^u _m subjects 
& s he _h ?\ght t he knew a great deal4 
,& he did4 ,he knew a great deal ab\t   
?+s4 ,b :5 he _h f\nd some?+ to d1 & _h 
tri$ to d x1 he f\nd also v quickly t1  
al?\gh he knew s mu* ab\t ! ?+ he _h to 

d1 he knew v1 v1 little ( ! ?+ itself & 
t only k ( ! ?+ itself c\ld ev] help him
 to realize 8 dreams4  ,f 8 ,occupation1
 he le>n$ ?is also3 t ,k is n :at "s o!r
 man kn[s & tells y b :at ! ?+ t y h    
f\nd to d makes kn[n to y4 ,k is n told1
 _c be told1 to "o by ano!r1 ev5 ?\gh t 
o!r has x abundantly =1 to ! "o to :om x
 is told1 x rema9s ev] :at someone else 
kn[s4 ,:at ! ?+ t a man f9ds to d makes 
kn[n to him1 t is ,k4 ,s ,k is to be _h 
n f books alone b r f ,life4 ,s idl5ess 
is a vici\s ignorance & ^? :o d ! mo/   
are wise/4  ,be=e he _h f\nd some?+ to d
 ! man _h call$ himself a ?9k]4 ,b :5 he
 tri$ to d ! ?+ t he _h f\nd to d1 he   
quickly realiz$ t he _h only ?\ght t he 
?\ght4 ,he f\nd t he 0 n at all a ?9k] b
 a li/5]--a receiv]--a rememb]]4 ,9 8   
s*ool days1 ! ?\ghts ( o!rs 7 (f]$ him &
 he1 because he _h accept$ !m1 call$ !m 
8 own4 ,he came1 n[1 to und]/& t ?9k+ is
 n accept+ ! ?\ghts ( o!rs b f9d+ ?\ghts
 ( y\r own 9 :atev] x is t y h f\nd to  
d4  ,?9k+ ! ?\ghts ( o!rs is a          

delightful pa/ime & pr(itable b x is n  
really ?9k+4 ,also1 if "o be bless$ ) a 
good memory1 he may ?us *eaply acquire a
 reputation = great wisdom2 j z "o1 if  
he happ5s to be born ) a nose ( uncommon
 l5g? or bigness1 may attract ! att5tion
 ( ! _w4 ,b no "o %\ld deceive himself4 
,a man because he is able1 bett] ?an !  
multitude1 to repeat ! ?\ghts ( o!r m5  
mu/ n !re=e ?9k himself a bett] ?9k] ?an
 ! cr[d4 ,no m %\ld ! "o ) ! uncommon   
nose flatt] himself t he is necess>ily  
h&some or di/+ui%$ 9 appe>ance because !
 p notice him4 ,he :o attracts !        
att5tion ( ! _w %\ld inquire mo/        
c>efully into ! reason = ! ga!r+ ( !    
cr[d2 = a cr[d w ga!r z readily to li/5 
to a m\ntebank z to he> an angel f      
heav54  ,to repeat :at o!rs h ?\ght is n
 at all evid5ce t he :o rememb]s is     
?9k+4 ,great ?\ghts are (t5 repeat$     
?\ghtlessly4 ,a man's ,occupation       
betrays him or e/abli%es 8 claim to ,k4 
,t :i* a man does proclaims t :i* he    
?9ks or 9 8 ?\ghtlessness f9ds him out4 

,( c\rse1 :5 ! man _h le>n$ ?is1 he said
 at fir/1 q wrongly1 t 8 s*ool days 7   
wa/$4 ,he said t :at he _h call$ 8      
education 0 all a mi/ake--t x 0 vanity  
only & :olly wor?less4 ,b1 z he w5t on  
ga9+ ev] m & m ,k f ! ?+ t he 0 do+1 &1 
?r\gh t ?+1 ( _m o!r ?+s1 he came to    
und]/& t 8 s*ool days 7 n wa/$ b v well 
sp5t inde$4 ,he came to see t :at he _h 
call$ education 0 n a mi/ake4 ,he came  
to und]/& t :at 0 wrong 0 ?is3 he _h    
consid]$ 8 education complete1 f9i%$1 :5
 he _h only be5 prep>$ to beg94 ,he _h  
consid]$ 8 s*ool+ z an end to be ga9$ :5
 x 0 only a means to ! end4 ,he _h      
consid]$ 8 le>n+ z weal? to hold :5 x 0 
capital to inve/4 ,he _h mi/ak5 ! ?\ghts
 t he receiv$ f o!rs = ,k :5 !y 7 giv5  
him only to inspire & to help him 9     
acquir+ ,k4  ,& !n1 ( ?is k ( ,k ga9$ by
 ! man f 8 ,occupation1 !re 0 born 9 him
 a mighty passion1 a burn+ desire4 ,x 0 
! passion = ,k4 ,x 0 ! desire to "k4 ,to
 "k ! ?+ t he _h f\nd to d 0 n en\gh4   
,he det]m9$ to use t k to ga9 ,k ( _m   

o!r ?+s4 ,he felt )9 himself a new /r5g?
 /irr+--! /r5g? ( ?\ght4 ,he saw t k (  
?+s l$ ev] to m k1 ev5 z l9k to l9k 9 a 
gold5 *a94 ,"o end ( ! *a9 he held 9 8  
,occupation2 ! o!r 0 some:]e1 f> beyond 
8 sight1 hidd5 9 ! mi/s t %r\d !        
,inf9ite ,fact1 fa/ to ! mighty secret (
 ,life itself4 ,l9k by l9k1 he det]m9$  
to foll[ ! *a94 ,f kn[+ ?+s to k ( o!r  
?+s he w\ld g ev5 until he held 9 8 grip
 ! la/ l9k--until he held ! key to !    
riddle--until he knew ! answ] to ! sum (
 ,life4  ,& facts--cold1 uncompromis+1  
all p[]ful1 unansw]able facts--%\ld give
 him ?is ma/]+ k ( ,life4 ,= him !re    
%\ld be no s5tim5t to deceive1 no       
illusion to beguile1 no fancy to lead   
a/ray4 ,z resi/lessly z ! w9t]1 )       
sn[flake ^u sn[flake1 _h buri$ all !    
delightful vag>ies ( summ]1 s ?is man1 9
 8 passion = ,k1 w\ld h buri$ all ! *>m+
 inconsi/5cies1 ! beautiful             
inaccuracies1 ! lovely pret5ses ( ,life4
 ,! illusions1 ! s5tim5t1 ! fancies1 !  
poetry ( ,life1 he w\ld h buri$ "u ! icy

 sam5ess ( 8 facts1 ev5 z ! fl[]s &     
grasses 7 hidd5 "u w9t]'s %r\d ( sn[4 ,b
 he c\ld n4 ,"u ! sn[1 summ] /ill liv$4 
,"u ! cold facts ( ,life1 ! t5d]        
s5tim5ts1 ! fond fancies1 ! de>         
illusions h /r5g? ev5 z ! fl[]s &       
grasses4  ,i d n "k :at x 0 t br\ght x  
ab\t4 ,x does n matt] :at x 04 ,p]haps x
 0 ! sight ( "s boys coa/+ d[n a little 
hill1 on a side /reet1 ne> :]e ! man    
liv$ at ?is "t3 p]haps x 0 a gr\p (     
*ildr5 :o1 on _! way home f s*ool1 7    
wag+ a m]ry sn[ fight3 or1 p]haps1 x 0 !
 man's own ef=t to acquire ,k3 or1 x may
 be1 t 8 bra9 0 we>y1 t ! way ( ,k seem$
 ov] long1 t ! l9ks 9 ! gold5 *a9 7 _m &
 pass$ all too sl[ly ?r\gh 8 h&--,i d n 
"k--b1 :atev] x 0 t did x1 ! man1 z he  
sat be=e 8 fire t w9t] ev5+ ) a too     
solid & sub/antial book1 slipp$ away f 8
 gr[n up _w ( facts back into ! no less 
real _w ( *ildhood1 back into 8         
,ye/]days--to a s*ool day 9 8 ,ye/]days4
  ,once aga9 he made 8 way 9 ! morn+ to 
! little s*oolh\se t /ood half way up a 

long hill1 9 ! edge ( a bit ( timb]1    
ne>ly two miles f 8 home4 ,! y>d1 beat5 
smoo? & h>d by _m b>e & *ildi% feet1 0  
sep>at$ f ! timb] by a rail f5ce b 0    
left op5 9 front to any /ray horses or  
cattle t1 w&]+ d[n ! road1 might be     
tempt$ to re/ a :ile 9 ! %ade ( a great 
tree t /ood ne> ! c5t] ( ! little cle>+4
 ,! /umps ( ! o!r =e/ beauties t _h     
once1 l ?is tree1 toss$ _! bran*es 9 !  
sunlight 7 /ill hold+ ! places t ,god _h
 giv5 !m & made f9e seats = ! girls or  
bases = ! boys :5 !y play$ ball at      
recess or noon4 ,& (t51 :5 ! %\t+       
y\ng/]s _h be5 call$ f _! sports by !   
rapp+ ( ! tea*]'s rul] at ! door & only 
! busy hum ( _! *ildi% voices came      
float+ ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[s1 a v5turesome  
squirrel or a saucy *ipmunk w\ld creep  
/eal?ily along ! f5ce1 /opp+ n[ & !n to 
sit bolt upright ) tail 9 air to look & 
li/54 ,!n sudd5ly1 at sight ( a laugh+  
face at ! w9d[ or ! appe>ance ( "s boy  
:o _h ga9$ ! covet$ p]mission to get a  
bucket ( wat]1 ! little visitor w\ld    

:isk away aga9 l a fla% &1 ) a w>n+     
*att] to 8 mate1 w\ld seek safety among 
! leaves & bran*es ( ! =e/ only to      
reappe> once m :5 all 0 quiet until1 at 
la/1 made bold by _m trials1 he w\ld    
leap f ! f5ce & scamp] across ! y>d to  
take possession ( ! talle/ /ump z ?\gh  
he himself 7 a s*oolboy4 ,sometimes a   
cr[1 aft] c>efully wat*+ ! place = a    
little :ile f a safe position on ! f5ce 
across ! road1 w\ld fly quietly d[n to  
look = *oice bits dropp$ f ! d9n]       
baskets ( ! *ildr54 ,or aga91 a long1   
lazy1 black snake w\ld crawl across !   
y>d to se>* = ! little mice t liv$ 9 !  
f\ndation ( ! h\se & 9 ! corn]s ( !     
f5ce4 ,or1 p]haps1 a *ick5 hawk1 t _h   
be5 sail+ on out/ret*$ w+s 9 ev] n>r[+  
circles1 w\ld drop f ! blue sky to claim
 8 %>e ( ! plund] only to be fright5$   
away aga9 by ! s\nd ( ! tea*]'s voice   
rais$ 9 %>p rebuke ( "s mis*iev\s ur*94 
,! s*oolh\se 0 n a l>ge build+ nor 0 x1 
9 ! lea/1 impos+4 ,x 0 built ( wood ) a 
f\ndation ( r\gh /one & !re 7 heavy     

%utt]s :i* 7 always c>efully clos$ at   
night to keep out ! tramps :o might seek
 a lodg+ place )94 ,& !re 0 a wood%$1   
too1 :]e ! boys romp$ ^u ra9y days & :]e
 0 f\ght _m a s*oolboy battle = y\?ful  
love & honor4 ,! build+ _h once be5     
pa9t$ :ite b ! /orm & sun%9e ( _m mon?s 
_h worn away ! pa9t1 & !re rema9$ only !
 d>k1 wea!r /a9$1 bo>ds save b5ea? !    
cornice & ! w9d[ l$ge :]e "o might /ill 
f9d traces ( its =m] glory4 ,! *imney1  
too1 0 old & "s ( ! bricks _h crumbl$ & 
fall5 f ! top :i* made x look ragg$     
aga9/ ! sky4 ,& ! /eps & ?re%old 7 worn 
v ?9--v1 v1 ?94  ,we>i$ ) 8 passion =   
,k2 tir$ ( 8 cold facts2 hung]+ 9 8 he>t
 = a bit ( :olesome s5tim5t z "o 9 w9t] 
hung]s = ! summ] fl[]s2 ! man :o sat    
be=e 8 fire t night1 ) a too heavy &    
sub/antial book1 cross$ once m ) *ildi% 
feet ! worn ?re%old ( ! old s*oolh\se & 
/ood )9 ! entry :]e hung ! hats & d9n]  
baskets ( 8 mates4 ,!y look$ v famili>  
to him--^? hats--&1 z he saw !m 9 8     
memory1 ea* (f]$ mute te/imony to its   

own]'s disposition & rank 9 *ildhood's  
_w4 ,!re 7 broad brimm$ /raws t belong$ 
to ! pati5t1 plodd+1 boys & caps t seem$
 made to set f> back on ! heads ( !     
boi/]\s lads4 ,!re 0 ! old sl\* felt ( !
 poor boy :o did *ores = 8 bo>d & !     
brimless hat ( ! bully ( ! s*ool4 ,!re 7
 ! trim sailors ( ! good little boys & !
 head ge> ( 8 own p>ticul> *um4 ,&      
!re--! man :o s\ght ,k only 9 facts     
smil$ at ! fire & a fond light came into
 8 eyes :ile 8 too solid & sub/antial   
hook slipp$ unhe$$ to ! floor--!re 0 a  
sunbonnet ( blue *eck]$ g+ham hang+ by  
its long /r+s f a hook ne> ! w9d[4  ,)  
fa/ beat+ he>t1 ! boy saw t ! next hook 
0 vacant & plac+ 8 own well worn /raw   
beside ! bonnet he wond]$ if %e w\ld "k 
^: hat x 04 ,& !n once m1 ) reluctant   
h&1 ! seek] ( ,k1 9 8 ,ye/]days1 pu%$   
op5 ! door lead+ to ! "o room 9 ! build+
 &1 ) a sigh ( regret1 pass$ f ! bright 
sunlight ( boyi% fre$om to ! %ad[ ( 8   
*ildi% task4  ,!re 7 nei!r t9t$ walls   
nor poli%$ woodwork 9 t hall ( le>n+4   

,b1 ?ank ,god1 le>n+ does n dep5d ^u    
t9t$ walls or poli%$ woodwork4 ,inde$ x 
seems t rude raft]s & unpla/]$ ceil+s   
mo/ (t5 cov]s ! head ( le>n+4 ,! humble 
cottage ( ! f>m] %elt]s _m a true s*ol> 
& /atesm5 are br$ 9 log cab9s4 ,nei!r 0 
!re a furnace ) my/]i\s cranks & *a9s   
nor /eam pipes nor radiators4 ,b1 :5 !  
cold wea!r came1 ! room 0 w>m$ by an old
 %eet iron /ove t /ood ne> ! c5t] ( !   
build+ ) an armful ( wood 9 a box ne>by 
& ! k9dl+s = to-morr['s fire dry+ on !  
floor b5ea?4 ,! desks 7 ( s(t p9e1 )\t  
pa9t or v>ni%1 b c>v$ ) _m a qua9t &    
curi\s figure by jack knives 9 ! h&s (  
ambiti\s y\ng/]s4 ,! seats 7 rude b5*es 
worn smoo? & %9y4 ,a wat] bucket _h its 
place ne> ! door & a ru/y t9 dipp] t    
leak$ q badly hung f a nail 9 ! cas+4   
,& hang+ ^u ! d+y wall 7 ! old maps &   
*>ts t1 torn & soil$ by long usage1 _h  
pati5tly guid$ g5]ations ( boys & girls 
?r\gh ! my/]ies ( l&s & seas1 iceb]gs1  
trade w9ds1 des]ts1 & pla9s4 ,/ill      
pati5tly !y m>k$ = ! boy's bewild]$ bra9

 latitude & longitude1 ! tropic ( canc]1
 ! arctic circle1 & ! poles4 ,7 !y hang+
 !re /ill8 ! man wond]$4 ,7 !y /ill     
pati5tly lead+ ! way ?r\gh a wild]ness (
 isl&s & p59sulas1 capes & cont95ts1    
riv]s1 lakes1 & s\nds8 ,or _h !y1 9 !   
ye>s t _h gone s9ce he look$ ^u _! le>n$
 faces1 be5 sunk to oblivion 9 ! dep?s (
 _! own oceans by ! weight ( _! own     
m\nta9 ranges8 ,&1 sudd5ly1 ! man :o    
s\ght ,k 9 facts f\nd himself wi%+ 9 8  
he>t t "s graci\s be+ w\ld make = old]  
*ildr5 maps & *>ts t !y might "k :]e fl[
 ! riv]s ( prosp]ity1 :]e rise ! m\nta9s
 ( fame1 :]e ripple ! lakes ( love1 :]e 
sleep ! valleys ( re/1 or :]e ?und]s !  
ocean ( tru?4  ,at "o end ( ! old       
s*oolroom1 beh9d ! tea*]'s desk1 0 a    
blackbo>d ) its accompany+ *alk1 eras]s1
 rul]s1 & bits ( /r+4 ,to ! boy1 t      
blackbo>d 0 a trial1 a temptation1 a    
v9dication1 or a betrayal4 ,(t51 z he   
sat ) 8 class on ! long recitation seat 
t fac$ ! tea*]'s desk1 ) half /udi$     
lesson1 b ) bright hopes ( pass+ ! tw5ty

 m9utes safely1 be=e ! sl[ h& ( ! old   
clock _h m>k$ b half ! "t1 8 hopes w\ld 
be bla/$ by a call to ! bo>d :]e he w\ld
 br+ ^u himself ! ridicule ( 8          
s*oolmates1 ! condemnation ( ! tea*]1 & 
w\ld take 8 seat to he>1 ) burn+ *eeks1 
! awful s5t5ce3 ,y may /udy y\r lesson  
aft] s*ool4  ,aft] s*ool--sorr[fully !  
boy saw ! o!rs pass+ f ! room1 leav+ him
 beh9d4 ,& ! la/ to g1 glanc+ back ) te>
 dimm$ eyes1 0 ! little girl4 ,sadly he 
li/5$ to ! voices 9 ! entry & he>d _!   
%\ts z !y bur/ out doors2 &--sudd5ly1 8 
he>t beat quick] & 8 *eeks burn$--t 0 h]
 voice6  ,cle> & sweet ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[ 
( ! man's memory x came--! voice ( 8    
little girl mate ( ! ,ye/]days4  ,%e 0  
/&+ on ! worn ?re%old ( ! old s*oolh\se1
 call+ to h] fri5ds to wait2 & ! boy    
knew t %e 0 l+]+ !re = him & t %e call$ 
to h] companions l\dly s t he w\ld      
und]/&4  ,b ! tea*] knew x too & bade ! 
little girl g home4  ,!n1 :ile ! boy    
li/5$ to t sweet voice gr[+ fa9t] &     
fa9t] 9 ! di/ance2 :ile he saw h]1 9 8  

fancy1 walk+ sl[ly1 lagg+ beh9d h]      
companions1 look+ back = him2 ! tea*]   
talk$ to him v s]i\sly ab\t ! value ( 8 
opportunities2 told him t to acquire an 
education 0 8 duty2 s\ght to impress ^u 
him t ! mo/ important ?+ 9 life 0 ,k4   
,( c\rse1 ?\ght ! boy1 tea*] mu/ "k4 ,&1
 ?9k+ ?is1 he felt himself to be a v bad
 boy1 inde$2 because1 9 8 he>t1 he knew 
t he w\ld h1 t mom5t1 giv5 up e *ance ( 
an education2 he w\ld h sacrific$ e hope
 ( wisdom2 he w\ld h ?r[n away all ,k & 
heav5 itself j to be walk+ d[n ! road ) 
! little girl4 ,& he mu/ h be5 a little 
_h--t boy--because also1 mo/ ard5tly1   
did he wi% t he 0 big en\gh to ?ra% !   
tea*] or :oev] x 0 t inv5t$ blackbo>ds4 
,z ! man /oop$ to take up aga9 8 too    
solid & sub/antial book1 he felt t he 0 
b a s*oolboy /ill4 ,to him1 ! _w _h     
become b a great blackbo>d4 ,9 8 private
 life or 9 conv]sation ) a fri5d1 he    
might hide 8 poorly prep>$ lesson beh9d 
a %[ ( f9e talk1 a pet quotation1 or an 
air ( le>n+2 b :5 he 0 =c$ to put :at he

 knew :]e all m5 might see--:5 he 0 made
 to write 8 s5t5ces 9 books or pap]s or 
compell$ to d 8 problems 9 ! bus9ess    
_w--!n x 0 t 8 lack ( prep>ation 0      
discov]$1 & t he br\ght ^u himself !    
ridicule or condemnation ( 8 fell[s4    
,unconsci\sly he li/5$1 half expect+ to 
he> aga9 ! old famili> s5t5ce3 ,y may   
/udy y\r lesson aft] s*ool4 ,aft]       
s*ool--w\ld !re be any aft] s*ool1 he   
wond]$4  ,&1 aft] all1 0 t tea*] 9 8    
,ye/]days "r8 ! man ask$ himself4 ,0 ,k 
! mo/ important ?+ 9 life8 ,aft] all1 0 
t s*oolboy ( ! ,ye/]days su* a bad      
s*oolboy because1 9 8 boyi% he>t1 he    
rebell$ aga9/ ! tasks t kept him f 8    
s*oolmates & f ! companion%ip ( ! little
 girl8 ,0 t boy s bad because he wi%$ t 
he 0 big en\gh to ?ra% :oev] x 0 t      
inv5t$ blackbo>ds1 to rob s*oolboys ( _!
 s*oolgirl mates8  ,suppose--! man ask$ 
himself1 z he laid aside ! too heavy &  
sub/antial book & look$ into ! fire     
aga9--suppose1 t1 aft] a lifetime devot$
 to ! pursuit ( ,k1 !re %\ld be no "o1  

:5 s*ool "t 0 ov]1 to l+] on ! worn old 
?re%old = him8 ,suppose he %\ld be =c$1 
9 ! late aft]noon1 to g d[n ! homew>d   
road alone8 ,c\ld x be truly said t 8   
manhood ye>s _h be5 well sp5t8 ,c\ld any
 numb] ( accumulat$ facts satisfy him if
 ! h\r 0 a lonely h\r :5 s*ool clos$ = !
 day8 ,might x n be t !re is a ,k to be 
ga9$ f ,life t is ( m value ?an ! w9try 
,k ( facts8  ,z ! man look$ back into 8 
,ye/]days1 ! blackbo>d & its            
condemnation matt]$ little to him4 ,x 0 
! go+ home alone t matt]$4 ,:at1 he     
wond]$1 w\ld matt] mo/ :51 at la/1 he   
c\ld look back ^u 8 gr[n up s*ool       
days--! _w blackbo>d ) its approval or  
its condemnation1 or ! go+ home alone8  
99    99    99    99    99  ,x 0 ! "t ( 
melt+ sn[4 ,! top ( ! or*>d hill 0 a    
fad$ br[n pat* z ?\gh1 on a %\ld] (     
w9t]'s coat1 ! season _h worn a hole q  
?r\gh2 :ile ! fields ( ! fall pl[+ made 
spots t look$ pitifully ?9 & ?readb>e2 &
 ! creek1 bel[ ! h\se :]e ! little girl 
liv$1 0 a long d>k l9e look+ = all ! _w 

l a rip :]e ! icy /it*+ ( a seam 9 !    
once pr\d g>m5t _h1 at la/1 giv5 way4 ,b
 ! drift 9 ! g>d5 on ! boy's side ( !   
h$ge 0 /ill pil$ high aga9/ ! b>ri] (   
?ickly int]wov5 bran*es & twigs & ! *]ry
 tree1 9 its %iv]+ nak$ness1 seem$ to be
 plead+1 n[1 = spr+ to come quickly4  ,!
 woman :o knew h]self to be a woman did 
n attempt to walk home f h] "w t        
,saturday aft]noon4 ,! /reets 7 too     
muddy & %e 0 lat] ?an usual because ( "s
 extra "w4  ,( h] ,occupation--( ! _w   
into :i* %e _h gone--! woman also 0 ga9+
 ,k4 ,?\gh1 %e did n le>n f *oice b     
because %e mu/4 ,& %e le>n$ ( h] "w only
 :at 0 ne$ful = h] to "k t %e might hold
 h] place4 ,%e _h no desire to "k m4    
,because ! woman already knew ! supreme 
?+1 %e _h no desire to le>n m ( h]      
,occupation ?an %e mu/4 ,already %e knew
 h] womanhood1 & t1 to a woman :o kn[s1 
is ! supreme ?+4 ,= a woman ) und]/&+   
!re is no ,k great] ?an ?is3 ! k ( h]   
womanhood4 ,!re 0 born 9 h] no passion =
 k ( ?+s4 ,%e burn$ ) no desire to foll[

 ! gold5 *a91 l9k by l9k1 to its hidd5  
end4 ,9 h] womanhood %e held already !  
answ] to ! sum ( ,life4  ,! passion ( h]
 womanhood 0 n to "k b to tru/--n facts 
b fai?--n evid5ce b belief--n reason b  
emotion4 ,h] desire 0 n to take f ! _w  
by ! p[] ( ,k b to receive f ! _w by "r 
( h] sex & love4 ,%e did n crave !      
indep5d5ce ( great le>n+ b long$1 r1 = !
 pr\d] dep5d5ce ( a true womanhood4 ,out
 ( h] woman he>t's fullness %e piti$ &  
f$ ! poor m5dicant )\t inquir+ into !   
economic condition t made him a begg>4  
,h] situation1 %e accept$ ) secret      
rebellion1 ) hidd5 %ame & humiliation 9 
h] he>t1 b nev] ask$ :y ! age =c$ h]    
into su* a position4 ,= affection1 =    
sympa?y1 = confid5ce1 & und]/&+1 %e     
hung]$ ) a woman hung]2 &1 ?r\gh h]     
hung] = ^!1 f ! m5 & wom5 ) :om %e      
labor$ %e ga9$ ,k ( ,life4 ,( ! lives ( 
h] fell[ work]s--( ! wom5 :o _h ent]$ t 
_w1 ev5 z %e _h ent]$ x1 because !y     
mu/--( ! m5 :om %e came to "k "u        
circum/ances t =bade recognition ( h]   

womanhood--%e ga9$ ,k2 & ! ,k %e ga9$ 0 
?is3 t ! _w is a _w ( hungry he>ts4  ,i 
d n "k j :at ! circum/ances 7 "u :i* !  
woman le>n$ ?is4 ,i d n "k :at h]       
,occupation 0 nor :o h] fri5ds 72 nor c 
,i tell 9 detail ( ! peculi> incid5ts t 
l$ to ?is ,k4 ,su* ?+s are n ( my /ory4 
,?is1 only1 belongs to my /ory3 ! woman 
le>n$ t ! _w is a _w ( hungry he>ts4    
,cold & cruel & calculat+ & bold1 fight+
 desp]ately1 m]ciless1 & m5ac+1 ! _w is 
b a hungry he>t$ _w ) x all4 ,?is1 :5 a 
woman kn[s x1 is1 = h]1 a sav+ ,k4 ,j to
 ! degree t a woman kn[s ?is1 %e is wise
 above all m5--wise ) a wisdom t m5 _c  
atta94 ,j to ! degree t a woman is      
ignorant ( ?is1 %e is unle>n$ 9 ! _w's  
be/ wisdom4  ,long be=e %e knock$ at !  
door ( ! _w into :i* %e _h be5 admitt$1 
^u condition t %e left h] womanhood )\t1
 ! woman _h ?\ght h]self wise 9 k (     
mank9d4 ,9 h] s*ool days1 text books &  
lessons _h meant little to h] beside !  
fri5d%ip ( h] s*oolmates4 ,at h]        
graduation %e _h consid]$ h] life       

education complete4 ,%e ?\ght1 mode/ly1 
t %e 0 fitt$ = a woman's place 9 life4  
,& t :i* %e le>n$ fir/ f ! _w into :i*  
%e _h gone 0 ?is3 t h] k ( life 0 v1 v1 
meag]2 t !re 7 _m1 _m1 ?+s ab\t m5 &    
wom5 t %e did n "k4  ,s*ool c\ld fit h] 
only = ! fancy "w ( ,life3 pla9 sew+ %e 
mu/ le>n ( ,life itself4 ,s*ool _h made 
h] highly ornam5tal3 ,life mu/ make h]  
useful4 ,s*ool _h develop$ h] capacity =
 pleasure & enjoym5t3 n until ,life _h  
develop$ h] capacity = sorr[ & pa9 w\ld 
h] education be complete4 ,s*ool _h     
taught h] to speak1 to dress1 & to act  
correctly3 ,life mu/ tea* h] to feel4   
,s*ool _h tra9$ h] m9d to appreciate3   
,life mu/ tea* h] to sympa?ize4 ,s*ool  
_h made h] a lady3 ,life mu/ make ! lady
 a woman4  ,! woman _h kn[n h] life     
s*oolmates only 9 pleasure--9 ^? h\rs :5
 !y came to h] seek+ to please or desir+
 to be pleas$4 ,9 h] ,occupation %e 0   
com+ to "k !m 9 _! h\rs ( toil1 :5 !re 0
 no ?\ght ( ga9+ or giv+ pleasure1 b    
only ( ! dem&s ( _! exi/5ce2 :5 duty1   

pitiless1 /]n1 uncompromis+1 duty held  
!m 9 its grip2 :5 ne$1 unrel5t+1 ev]    
pres5t1 dom9at+ ne$1 drove !m "u its    
la%4 ,%e _h kn[n !m only 9 _! h\rs (    
leisure--:5 _! m9ds 7 free = ! m]ry je/1
 ! ready laugh1 ! quick sympa?y3 n[ %e 0
 com+ to "k !m 9 ^? o!r h\rs :5 _! m9ds 
7 int5t ^u ! battle !y wag$--:5 _!      
?\ghts 7 all ( ! attack1 ! def5se1 !    
advance1 ! retreat1 ! victory or defeat4
 ,%e _h kn[n !m only 9 _! h\rs ( re/--:5
 _! h&s 7 empty1 _! n]ves & muscles     
relax$1 _! he>ts calm & _! bra9s cool2  
n[ %e saw !m :5 _! h&s held ! weapons ( 
_! w>f>e--! tools ( _! craft--:5 _!     
n]ves & muscles 7 brac$ = ! /ra9 ( !    
conflict or t5se ) ! ef=t ( toil2 :5 _! 
he>ts beat high ) ! zeal ( _! purpose & 
_! bra9s 7 fir$ ) ! excitem5t ( _!      
ef=ts4 ,%e _h kn[n !m only 9 ! h\rs ( _!
 dream+--:51 z !y look$ out ^u life1 !y 
talk$ confid5tly ( ! future3 %e 0 le>n+ 
n[ to "k !m :5 !y 7 work+ out _! dreams2
 at times ) hopes high & c\rage /rong2  
at o!r times disc\rag$1 fright5$1 &     

dismay$4 ,%e _h kn[n !m only z !y dream$
 ( ! pa/--:5 !y talk$ 9 l[ tones ( !    
days t 7 gone3 n[ %e saw !m z !y ?\ght  
only ( ! pres5t & ! days t 7 to come4 ,s
 ?is woman1 f ! _w into :i* %e _h gone1 
ga9$ k ( mank9d4  ,& ?is is ! pity & !  
dang] ( x3 t ! woman ga9$ ?is k f a _w1 
t1 ev5 z x taught h]1 d5i$ h] womanhood4
 ,! sadness ( x all is ?is3 to ! _w t   
refus$ to recognize h] womanhood1 x 0   
giv5 to tea* h] t :i* w\ld make h]      
womanhood complete4 ,! k t %e mu/ h to  
complete h] womanhood ! woman %\ld h    
ga9$ only f ! life ( h] dreams--! life t
 is beyond t old1 old1 op5 door ?r\gh   
:i* %e c\ld n pass alone4 ,9 !          
companion%ip1 sympa?y1 /r5g?1           
protection1 & love1 ( t "o :o 0 to cross
 ) h] ! ?re%old ( ! door t ,god set op5 
9 ! beg9n+1 %e %\ld h ga9$ ! k ( life t 
w\ld rip5 h] girlhood into womanhood4 ,=
 :at else1 inde$1 has ,god giv5 love to 
m5 & wom58 ,9 ! /r5g? t w\ld come to h] 
) h] *ildr51 ! woman %\ld h be5         
privileg$ to le>n sorr[ & pa94 ,9 ! _w t

 w\ld h honor$1 above all else1 h]      
womanhood1 %e %\ld h be5 p]mitt$ to f9d 
! k ( life t w\ld p]fect & complete h]  
womanhood4  ,fruit1 ,i "k1 may be pick$ 
gre5 f ! tree & artificially =c$ to a   
k9d ( rip5ess4 ,b ! fruit t matures "u  
,nature's c>eful h&2 t kn[s 9 its rip5+ 
! w>m sun%9e & ! cleans+ %[]s1 ! cool ( 
! quiet ev5+ & ! fre%ness ( ! dewy morn1
 ! /r5g? ( ! ro>+ /orms & ! s(tness ( ! 
c>ess+ breeze--?is fruit alone1 ,i say1 
has ! flavor t is f heav54  ,x is a     
trite say+ t _m a girl ( sixte51 ^!     
days1 kn[s m ( life ?an h] gr&mo!r knew 
at sixty4 ,x rema9s to be prov5 t1      
because ( ?is k1 ! "y woman ( to-day is 
a bett] woman ?an h] gr&mo!r 04 ,b1 z ! 
only positive pro( w\ld be h] *ildr51 ! 
case is v likely to be ?r[n out ( c\rt =
 lack ( evid5ce = x seems1 someh[1 t1 :5
 wom5 ga9 ,k f t _w into :i* !y g alone1
 leav+ _! womanhood beh9d1 !y acquire   
also a /range pride 9 be+ too wise to   
mate = love or to be> *ildr54 ,& yet1 x 
is true1 t ! k t enables a woman to live

 happy & cont5t$ )\t *ildr5 is a        
damnable k & a m5ace to ! race4  ,poor  
old _w1 y are s gr[n up ^! days & y\r   
palate is s educat$ to ! artificial     
flavor t y h =gott51 seem+ly1 h[ pea*es 
ta/e :5 rip5$ on ! trees4 ,god pity y1  
old _w1 if y d n soon get back into !   
or*>d be=e y lose y\r ta/e = fruit      
altoge!r4  ,! k t ! woman ga9$ f h]     
,occupation made h] "q1 m & m1 if t "o )
 :om %e c\ld cross ! ?re%old ( ! door t 
l$ to ! life ( h] dreams1 w\ld ev] come4
 ,! k %e ga9$ made h] d\bt h] c\rage to 
ent] t door ) him if he %\ld come4 ,9 ! 
k %e ga9$ ( ! _w into :i* %e _h gone    
alone1 h] womanhood's only salvation 0  
?is3 t %e ga9$ also ! k t ! _w ( m51 ev5
 z ! _w ( wom51 is a _w ( hungry he>ts4 
,x 0 ?is t kept h]--t made h] /rong--t  
sav$ h]4 ,x 0 ?is k t sav$ h] womanhood 
= h]self & = ! race4  ,! week1 = !      
woman1 _h be5 a h>d week4 ,! day1 = h]1 
_h be5 a h>d day4 ,:5 %e bo>d$ ! c> to g
 to h] home %e 0 v tir$ & %e 0 n q !    
picture ( p]fect woman heal? t %e _h be5

 t o!r ,saturday--! "t ( fall+ leaves4  
,= "s unacc\ntable reason !re 0 "o      
vacant seat left 9 ! c> & %e dropp$ into
 x ) a little inw>d sigh ( relief4 ,)   
we>y1 unsee+1 eyes %e />$ out ( ! w9d[  
at ! ?rong ( p hurry+ along ?r\gh ! mud 
& slu% ( ! /reets4 ,h] tir$ bra9 refus$ 
to ?9k4 ,h] v s\l 0 fa9t ) lonel9ess & !
 k t %e 0 ga9+ ( life4  ,! c> /opp$ aga9
 & a p>ty ( girls ( ! high s*ool age1   
evid5tly j f ! ,saturday mat9ee1 cr[d$  
94 ,cl++ to ! /raps & ! backs ( seats1  
clut*+ ea* o!r ) little gu/s & ripples (
 laught]1 !y fill$ ! aisle ( ! cr[d$ c> 
) a fre% & joy\s life t t\*$ ! tir$     
woman l a brea? ( spr+4 ,9 all ?is "w   
/ale1 /upidly we>y1 _w !re is no?+ s    
refre%+ z ! :olesome laugh ( a happy1   
c>e free1 "y girl4 ,! woman ^: he>t 0   
heavy ) k ( life w\ld h lik$ to take !m 
9 h] arms4 ,%e felt a s5se ( gratitude z
 ?\gh %e 7 indebt$ to !m j = _! be+4 ,& 
w\ld ^!1 too--! woman ?\ght--w\ld ^!1   
too1 be =c$ by ! cu/om ( ! age--by      
necessity--to g into ! _w t w\ld n      

recognize _! womanhood--t w\ld put a    
price ^u ! priceless ?+s ( _!           
womanhood--t w\ld tea* !m h>d lessons ( 
life &1 ) a too e>ly k1 cru% out ! sweet
 girli% naturalness1 ev5 z a ?\ghtless  
foot cru%es a t5d] fl[] :ile /ill x is 9
 ! bud8  ,& ?9k+ ?us1 p]haps because (  
h] we>9ess1 p]haps because ( "s *ance ^w
 dropp$ by ! girls z !y talk$ ( _! s*ool
 & s*oolmates1 ! woman w5t back aga9    
into h] ,ye/]days--to ! s*oolmates ( h] 
,ye/]days4 ,! _w 9 :i* %e n[ liv$ &     
labor$ 0 =gott54 ,=gott5 7 ! worries &  
tr\bles ( h] gr[n up life--=gott5 !     
trials & disappo9tm5ts--=gott5 ! new    
fri5ds1 ! uncong5ial acqua9tances1 !    
cruel k1 ! he>tless bus9ess--=gott5     
ev]y?+ ( ! pres5t--all1 all1 0 lo/ 9 a  
gold5 mi/ ( ! long ago4  ,! tall1       
graceful1 girl hold+ to a /rap at ! =w>d
 end ( ! c>1 9 ! woman's ,ye/]days1 liv$
 j beyond ! :ite *ur* at ! corn]4 ,! d>k
 hair$1 d>k ey$1 r\nd fac$ "o1 %e knew z
 ! m9i/]'s daught]4 ,:ile ! da9ty1 doll 
l1 miss cl++ to h] /urdi] si/]1 9 ^?    

days ( long ago1 0 ! woman's own        
p>ticul> *um4 ,& ! girl ) ! yell[       
curls--! "o ) ! gold5 hair--! blue ey$1 
& ! br[n--! sl5d] & ! /\t--e "o--belong$
 to ! tir$ woman's ,ye/]days--e "o %e _h
 kn[n 9 ! pa/ & to ea* %e gave a "n4  ,&
 !n--z ! woman1 wat*+ ! "y s*oolgirls 9 
! cr[d$ c>1 liv$ once aga9 ^? days ( !  
old s*oolh\se on ! hill :]e1 ) h] girl  
companions ( ! long ago1 %e s\ght !     
beg9n+s ( ,k--! boys came1 too4 ,j z 9 !
 ,ye/]days !y _h come to take _! places 
9 ! old s*oolroom1 !y came1 n[1 to take 
_! places 9 ! woman's memory4  ,!re 0 ! 
tall1 ?91 lad ^: %\ld]s seem$1 ev5 9 8  
s*ool days1 to f9d ! burd5 ( life too   
heavy2 & :o wore always on 8 face su* a 
sad & solemn air t "o 0 almo/ />tl$ :5  
he laugh$ z ?\gh ! p>son _h crack$ a    
joke at a fun]al4 ,! woman smil$ z %e   
rememb]$ h[ 8 clo!s 7 nev] kn[n to fit  
him4 ,:5 8 tr\s]s 7 s %ort t !y b>ely   
rea*$ bel[ 8 knees 8 coat sleeves cov]$ 
8 h&s & ! skirts ( t g>m5t almo/ swept !
 gr\nd2 b1 :5 ! tr\s]s 7 roll$ up at !  

bottom & hung ov] 8 feet l huge bags1 8 
long1 ?91 arms %[$1 half way to 8 elb[s1
 9 a coat t 0 too small to button ab\t  
ev5 8 n>r[ *e/4 ,t boy nev] miss$ 8     
lessons1 ?\gh1 b :5 he le>n$ !m no "o   
ev] knew = he seem$ to be always draw+  
grotesque figures & funny faces on 8    
slate or :ittl+ slyly on "s curi\s toy  
:5 ! tea*]'s back 0 turn$4 ,he _h no    
p>ticul> *um or crony4 ,he 0 nev] a     
lead] b d>$ to foll[ ! bolde/4 ,to !    
little boys & girls he 0 a h]o2 to !    
old] ones he 0--,slim4  ,! woman1 by    
*ance1 _h met ?is old s*oolmate1 "o day1
 9 h] gr[n up _w4 ,9 ! editorial rooms (
 a l>ge city daily he 0 ! *ief1 & %e    
notic$ t 8 clo?+ fitt$ him a little     
bett]2 t he 0 a little broad] 9 !       
%\ld]s2 a little l>g] ar\nd ! wai/2 8   
face 0 n q s solemn & 8 eyes _h a m kn[+
 look p]haps4 ,b /ill--/ill--! woman    
c\ld see t he 01 aft] all1 ! same old   
,slim & %e fanci$1 ) ano!r smile1 t he  
(t51 /ill1 :ittl$ toys :5 ! tea*]'s back
 0 turn$4  ,!n came ! fat boy--,/uffy4  

,he1 too1 _h ano!r "n :i* does n matt]4 
,always 9 ! ,ye/]days1 z 9 ! to-days1   
!re is a ,/uffy4 ,/uffy 0 evid5tly built
 to roll ?r\gh life1 pu%$ g5tly by t    
special provid5ce t seems to look aft] !
 affairs ( fat p4 ,8 tee? 7 :ite & ev51 
8 eyes ( ! deepe/ blue1 & 8 nose--:at   
!re 0 ( x--0 almo/ hidd5 by *eeks t 7 z 
r$ & %9y z ! apples he always c>ri$ 9 8 
pocket4 ,he 0 v g5]\s ) ^? same         
apples--0 ,/uffy--?\gh "o 0 tempt$ to   
?9k t he %>$ 8 fruit n s mu* f *oice b r
 because he dislik$ ! h>d "w t 0 sure to
 foll[ a refusal ( ! press+ invitation  
to g halv]s4 ,! woman fanci$ t %e c\ld  
see aga9 ! look ( m+l$ fun & fe>1       
g5]osity & gre$1 t w5t ov] h]           
s*oolmate's face z he saw ! half ( 8    
eatable possessions pass into ! keep+ ( 
8 companions4 ,& !n1 z he wat*$ ! tempt+
 morsels disappe>1 ! expression on 8    
face w\ld seem to %[ a battle royal     
betwe5 8 /oma* & 8 he>t1 9 t he rejoic$ 
to see ! happ9ess ( 8 fri5ds1 ev5 :ile  
he covet$ t :i* gave !m pleasure4 ,%e   

wond]$ :]e 0 ,/uffy n[8 ,%e felt sure t 
he mu/ live 9 a big h\se1 & drive to & f
 8 place ( bus9ess 9 a f9e c>riage1 )   
f9e horses & a coa*man 9 liv]y1 & d9e & 
w9e 8 fri5ds z (t5 z he *ose ) nev] a   
fe> t he w\ld run %ort ( good ?+s =     
himself4 ,%e 0 q sure1 too1 t he w\ld   
suff] ) sev]e attacks ( g\t at times &  
w\ld h f\r or five half gr[n daught]s & 
a wife ( great ambition4 ,does he1 %e   
wond]$1 does he ev]--9 ! :irl & ru% (   
bus9ess or 9 ! excitem5t & pleasure ( 8 
social life--does he ev] g back to ^?   
o!r days8 ,does ! gr[n up ,/uffy rememb]
 h[ once he trad$ m>bles = c&y or b\ght 
sweet cakes ) toys8  ,& !n1 !re 0 ! boy 
) ! freckl$ face & tangl$ hair1 ^: nose 
seem$ always try+ to peep into 8 own    
mis*ief light$ eyes z ?\gh wi%+ to see  
:at new deviltry 0 bre$+ !re3 & 8 crony1
 :o nev] c\ld le>n ! multiplication     
table1 :o 0 =ev] swe>+ v5geance on !    
tea*]1 ^: clo!s 7 always torn1 & :o     
c>ri$ frogs & little snakes 9 8 pockets3
 & ! timid boys :o always play$ 9 "o    

corn] ( ! y>d by !mselves or ) ! girls  
or /ood by & wat*$1 ) m+l$ admiration & 
envy1 ! games & pranks ( ! bold] lads3 &
 ,dummy--poor ,dummy--! %9+ m>k = e     
s*oolboy trick & joke2 ) 8 %ock ( yell[ 
hair1 8 weak cross eyes1 8 %>p nose1 ?9 
lips1 & %ambl+1 %uffl+1 %ift+           
mann]--poor ,dummy4  ,& ( c\rse !re 0 a 
bully1 ! ,i%mael ( ! s*ool1 :om ev]ybody
 %unn$ & nobody lik$2 :o f\ght ! tea*] &
 fright5$ ! little *ildr52 :o *ew$1 &   
smok$1 & swore1 & li$1 & did ev]y?+ bad 
t a boy c\ld d4 ,he _h a few foll[]s1 a 
v few1 :o jo9$ him r ?r\gh fe> ?an      
admiration & n "o ( :om c>$ = or tru/$  
him4 ,! woman rememb]$ h[ ?is s*oolboy  
face 0 sadly h>d & cold & cruel1 z ?\gh1
 because he _h gott5 s little sun%9e f  
life1 8 he>t 0 froz5 ov]4 ,%e _h read ( 
him1 9 ! gr[n up _w1 receiv+ s5t5ce = a 
dreadful crime1 &1 rememb]+ 8 fa!r & "m1
 _h wond]$ if 8 gr&p>5ts 7 l !m & h[ _m 
g5]ations be=e 8 bir? 8 c>e] ( crime    
began4  ,aga9 & aga91 ! c> _h /opp$ to  
let p (f b ! woman _h n notic$4 ,!      

s*oolgirls1 all b ! tall "o :o _h f\nd a
 seat1 7 gone4 ,b ! woman _h n se5 !m g4
  ,& !n1 z %e sat dream+ ( ! days long  
gone--z %e saw aga9 ! faces ( h] s*ool  
day fri5ds1 "o !re 0 t /ood out f among 
!m all4 ,x 0 ! face ( ! boy :o liv$ next
 door--! boy :o _h /ood ) h] "u ! *]ry  
tree2 :o _h put a t9y play r+ ( brass ^u
 h] f+]2 & :o _h kiss$ h] ) a kiss t 0  
someh[ diff]5t4 ,he 0 ! h]o ( h]        
,ye/]days z he 0 ! ackn[l$g$ *iefta9 ( !
 s*ool4 ,no "o c\ld run s fa/1 swim s   
f>1 dive s deep1 or climb s high z he4  
,no "o c\ld ?r[ him 9 wre/l+ or defeat  
him 9 box+4 ,he 0 _! "l1 _! lead]1 _!   
boyi% ma/] & royally he rul$ !m all--8  
will+ subjects4 ,he x 0 :o /opp$ !      
runaway horse2 :o kill$ ! big snake2 &  
:o pull$ ! m9i/]'s little daught] f !   
pond4 ,x 0 he :o plann$ ! p>ties & !    
picnics2 ! sleigh rides 9 w9t] & ! b]ry+
 trips 9 summ]4 ,x 0 he :om ! girls all 
lov$ & ! boys all wor%ip$--bold1 h&some1
 d>+1 da%+1 c>eless1 g5]\s1 lead] ( !   
,ye/]days4  ,aga9 %e saw 8 face lift$   

slyly f a spell+ book to smile at h]    
across ! aisle4 ,aga9 %e felt ! ri*1    
w>m1 color ru% to h] *eeks z he took 8  
seat1 beside h] on ! recitation b5*4    
,aga9 h] eyes 7 dimm$ ) te>s :5 he 0    
puni%$ = "s brok5 rule or %one )        
gladness :5 %e he>d 8 cle> voice laugh+ 
) 8 fri5ds or call+ to 8 mates & h]4  ,&
 once aga91 9 ! late aft]noon1 ) him & )
 ! o!r boys & girls1 %e w5t d[n ! road f
 ! little s*oolh\se 9 ! edge ( ! timb]  
on ! hill2 h] sunbonnet hang+ by its    
/r+s & h] d9n] basket on h] arm4 ,onw>d1
 ?r\gh ! long %ad[s t lay across _! way1
 !y w5t toge!r1 to pause at la/ be=e !  
gate ( h] home1 !re to l+] = a little1  
:ile ! o!rs /ill w5t on4 ,f>!r & f>!r 9 
! ev5+ !y wat*$ _! s*oolmates g--up !   
road pa/ ! h\se :]e he liv$--pa/ ! or*>d
 & ov] ! hill--until1 9 ! di/ance1 !y   
seem$ to vani% into ! sunset sky & %e 0 
left ) him alone4  ,! conductor call$ ! 
woman's /reet b %e did n he$4 ,! man 9  
uni=m pull$ ! bell cord &1 z ! c> /opp$1
 call$ aga91 look+ t[>d h] expectantly4 

,b %e did n notice4 ,) a smile1 ! man1  
:o knew h]1 approa*$1 &3 ,beg y\r p>don 
,miss1 b "h's y\r /reet4  ,) blu%+ *eeks
 & confus$ mann]1 %e /amm]$ h] ?anks1 & 
hurri$ f ! c> amid ! smiles ( !         
pass5g]s4 ,& ! woman did n "k h[        
beautiful %e 0 at t mom5t4 ,%e 0 wond]+3
 9 ! hungry he>t$ _w--"u all 8 ambition1
 plans1 & labor1 ) ! k t mu/ h come to  
him also f life--0 8 he>t ev] hungry    
too8      ,,ignorance  ,:5 ! man _h ga9$
 a little k f ! ?+ t he _h f\nd to d &  
_h we>i$ himself greatly try+ to foll[ !
 gold5 *a91 l9k by l9k1 to ! v end1 he  
came1 !n1 to und]/& ! value (           
,ignorance4 ,he came to see t success 9 
work+ out 8 dreams dep5d$ q z mu* ^u    
,ignorance z ^u ,k--t1 inde$1 to "k !   
value ( ,ignorance is ! highe/ ord] (   
,k4  ,!re are a great _m ?+s ab\t ?is   
man's life t ,i d n "k4 ,b t does n     
matt] because mo/ ( ! ?+s ab\t any man's
 life are ( little or no importance4 ,t 
! man came to "k ! value ( ,ignorance 0 
a ?+ ( va/ importance to ! man &1 !re=e1

 is ( importance to my /ory4 ,ignorance 
also is "o ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great    
,?+s ( ,life b only ^? :o h mu* k "k its
 value4  ,a wise ,ignorance is ri* soil 
f :i* ! se$s ( ,k w br+ =? fruit1 a     
hundr$ fold4 ,i d n "k3 ?is is ! beg9n+ 
& ! end ( wisdom4 ,"o :o has nev] le>n$ 
to say3 ,i d n "k1 has n ! ,a ,b ,c (   
education4 ,he :o pr(esses to be educat$
 b w n confess ,ignorance is            
intellectually condemn$4  ,a man :o     
pret5ds to a k :i* he has n is l a pygmy
 we>+ giant's clo?+1 ridicul\s3 b he :o 
admits ,ignorance is l a /rong knight1  
clo!d 9 a well fitt+ suit ( mail1 ready 
to a*ieve tru?4  ,:5 a man decl>es op5ly
 8 ignorance conc]n+ ?+s ( :i* he kn[s b
 little1 ! _w li/5s ) increas$ respect  
:5 he speaks ( ! ?+ he kn[s3 b :5 a man 
claims k ( all ?+s1 ! _w d\bts mightily 
t he kn[s mu* ( any?+1 & accepts        
que/ion+ly :atev] he says ( ev]y?+4  ,t 
:i* a man does n "k h>ms him n at all1  
nei!r does x h>m ! _w2 b t :i*1 ?r\gh a 
%all[1 fooli%1 self-conceit1 he pr(esses

 to "k1 :5 he has at be/ only a half k1 
or1 9 a self de/ructive vanity1 deceives
 himself into ?9k+ t he kn[s1 betrays   
him always to ! injury ( bo? himself &  
o!rs4 ,an hone/ ,ignorance is a gold5   
vessel1 empty1 ready to be fill$ ) weal?
 b a pret5ti\s or arrogant k is a vessel
 s fill$ ) wor?less tra% t !re is no    
room = t :i* is ( value4  ,! _w is z    
full ( ?+s to "k z x is full ( hooks1   
,no man c hope to read all ! books 9 !  
_w4 ,selection is en=c$ by necessity4 ,s
 x is 9 ,k4 ,"o %\ld n ?9k t1 because a 
man is ignorant ( "s ?+s1 he is !re=e a 
fool2 8 ignorance may be ! manife/ation 
( a *oice wis] ?an t ( ! "o :o elects to
 sit 9 judgm5t ^u him4  ,) ! passion to 
"k fully ar\s$2 ) 8 m9d frett+ to       
grapple ) ! problem ( ,life2 & 8 purpose
 fir$ to solve ! riddle ( "t2 ! man     
succe$$ 9 acquir+ ?is3 t he mu/ d>e to  
"k little4 ,he came to und]/& t1 :ile   
all kn[able ?+s are = all mank9d to "k1 
no man c "k !m all2 & t ! wise/ m5 to   
:om ! _w pays highe/ tribute1 are !     

wise/ because !y h n attempt$ to "k all1
 b1 recogniz+ ! value ( ,ignorance1 h   
d>$ to rema9 ignorant ( mu*4            
,intellectual giants !y are2            
intellectual babes !y are1 also4 ,! man 
_h ?\ght t !re 0 no?+ t ^! m5--^! wise  
ones--did n "k4 ,he came to und]/& t ev5
 he knew "s ?+s ( :i* !y 7 ignorant4 ,s 
8 det]m9ation to "k all ?+s pass$ to a  
det]m9ation to "k no?+ ( _m ?+s t he    
might "k m ( ! ?+s t 7 mo/ closely      
associat$ ) 8 life & "w4 ,he det]m9$ to 
"k ! mo/ ( ! ?+s t1 to him1 7 mo/ vital4
  ,he saw also t he mu/ "w out 8 dreams 
)9 ! circle ( 8 own limitations2 & t 8  
limitations 7 n ! limitations ( 8 fell[ 
work]s2 nei!r 7 _! limitations 84 ,he   
did n "k yet j :]e ! outmo/ circle ( 8  
limitations lay b he knew t x 0 !re & t 
he mu/ make no mi/ake :5 he came to x4  
,& ?is1 too1 is true3 j to ! degree t ! 
man recogniz$ 8 limitations1 ! circle   
wid5$4  ,also ! man came to und]/& t !re
 are ?+s kn[able & ?+s unkn[able4 ,he   
came to see t true/ wisdom is 9 ?is3 =  

"o to sp5d well 8 /r5g? on ! kn[able ?+s
 & refuse to dissipate 8 intellectual   
vigor ^u ! unkn[able4 ,n until he began 
really to "k ?+s 0 he consci\s 9 any    
sav+ degree ( ! unkn[able4 ,he saw t ^? 
:o /rive always ) ! unkn[able beat ! air
 9 va9 & exhau/ !mselves 9 _! s5seless  
folly4 ,he saw t to conc]n oneself :olly
 ) ! unkn[able is to rob ! _w ( ! ?+s 9 
:i* are its life4 ,to m$itate mu* ^u !  
unkn[able is an intellectual dissipation
 t produces spiritual intoxication & (t5
 results 9 spiritual delirium trem5s4 ,a
 habitual spiritual drunk>d is a        
nuisance 9 ! _w4 ,! wisdom ( ,ignorance 
is 9 no?+ m app>5t ?an 9 a cle>         
recognition ( ! unkn[able4  ,& !n ! man 
came to regret kn[+ "s ( ! ?+s t he     
knew4 ,he came1 9 "s ?+s1 to wi% ) all 8
 he>t t he _h ,ignorance :]e he _h ,k4  
,he f\nd t mu* ( ! "t & /r5g? t he      
desir$ to sp5d 9 acquir+ ! k t w\ld help
 him to "w out 8 dreams1 he mu/ sp5d1   
in/ead1 9 ridd+ himself ( k t he _h     
already acquir$4 ,he le>n$ t to =get is 

q z necess>y z to rememb] & v (t5 mu* m 
difficult4 ,"y he 01 & /rong he 01 b1   
already1 he felt ! dragg+ p[] ( ! ?+s he
 w\ld h be5 bett] = n kn[+--! ?+s he    
desir$ to =get4 ,!y 7 v little ?+s 9    
comp>ison to ! ?+s t 9 ! future he w\ld 
wi% to =get2 b to him1 at ?is "t1 !y did
 n seem small4 ,s x 0 t1 9 8 ef=t to    
acquire ,k1 ! man began to /rive also = 
,ignorance4  ,i d n "k :at x 0 t ! man  
_h le>n$ t he desir$ to =get4 ,my /ory  
is n ! k9d ( a /ory t tells ^? ?+s4 ,i  
"k1 only1 t = him to =get 0 imp]ative4  
,i "k1 only1 t _h he held fa/ to        
,ignorance 9 "s ?+s ( :i* he _h ga9$ k1 
x w\ld h be5 bett]4 ,= him 9 "s ?+s     
,ignorance w\ld h be5 ! true/ wisdom4   
,ignorance w\ld h help$ him to "w out 8 
dreams :5 ,k only h9d]$ by =c+ him to   
sp5d mu* "t /riv+ to =get4 ,^? :o "k too
 mu* ( evil f9d x extremely difficult to
 ga9 k ( ! good4 ,^? :o "k too mu* ( !  
false f9d x v h>d to recognize ! true4  
,a too great k ( ?+s t are wrong makes x
 almo/ impossible = "o to believe 9 t   

:i* is "r4 ,ignorance1 rightly und]/ood1
 is1 inde$1 "o ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great
 ,?+s ( ,life4  ,& !n ?is man1 9 le>n+ !
 value ( ,ignorance1 came p]il\sly ne>  
believ+ t no man c\ld "k any?+4 ,he came
 dang]\sly ne> ! belief t ,k is all a   
mirage t[>d :i* m5 j\rney hopelessly2 a 
phantom to be grasp$ by no h&2 a        
w-o'-!-wisp to be foll[$ "h & !re b     
lead+ n[h]e4 ,he1 = a little1 said t    
,ignorance is ! true/ wisdom4 ,he       
believ$1 = a "t1 t to say always3 ,i d n
 "k1 is ! height ( all intellig5ce4 ,"o 
by "o1 he saw 8 intellectual idols fall 
9 ! du/ ( ! commonplace4 ,little by     
little1 he discov]$ t ! intellectual    
ma/]s he _h s]v$ 7 !mselves only        
s]vants4 ,8 intellectual ,gods1 he f\nd 
to be m5 l himself4 ,& s1 = a :ile1 he  
said3 ,we c "k no?+4 ,we c only ?9k t we
 "k4 ,we c only pret5d to "k4 ,!re is no
 real ,k b only ,ignorance4 ,ignorance  
%\ld be exalt$4 ,9 ,ignorance lies      
peace1 cont5tm5t1 happ9ess1 & safety4   
,ev5 ( 8 "w--( 8 dreams he said ?is4 ,he

 said3 ,x is no use4 ,to ! v edge ( ?is 
pit he came b he did n fall 94  ,to     
accept ! fact ( ! unkn[able )\t los+ 8  
fai? 9 ! kn[able3 to recognize ! unkn[n 
)\t los+ 9 ! lea/ 8 grip ^u ! kn[n3 to  
f9d ! ,k ( ,ye/]day becom+ ! ,ignorance 
( to-day & /ill hold fa/ to ! ,k ( !    
pres5t2 to wat* 8 intellectual lead]s   
dropp+ to ! re> & to foll[ z bravely ^? 
:o 7 /ill 9 ! front3 to see 8           
intellectual h]oes fall & 8 intellectual
 idols crumbl+ 9 ! du/ & /ill to keep   
burn+ ! fire ( 8 en?usiasm3 to f9d ,k s 
(t5 a curse & ,ignorance a bless+ & /ill
 to desire ,k3 all ?is1 ! man le>n$ t he
 mu/ d if he w\ld "w out 8 dreams4 ,t   
:i* sav$ ! man f ! pit ( hopeless       
disbelief 9 ev]y?+ & help$ him to a cle>
 und]/&+ ( ,ignorance1 0 ?is3 he w5t    
back aga9 into 8 ,ye/]days4  ,f %elt]$  
f5ce corn]s & hidd5 woodl& holl[s1 f !  
lee ( high banks1 & along ! h$ge 9 !    
g>d51 ! la/ worn & ragg$ remnant (      
w9t]'s g>m5t 0 gone4 ,! brook 9 !       
valley1 bel[ ! little girl's h\se1 _h   

brok5 ! la/ ( its fett]s & 0 rejoic+    
boi/]\sly 9 its fre$om4 ,! mead[ &      
pa/ure l&s %[$ ! t5d] gre5 ( ! fir/     
grass life4 ,pussy will[ buds 7 swell+ &
 ov] ! or*>d & ! wood a filmy veil (    
summ] color 0 dropp$ z ?\gh by fairy    
h&s4 ,9 ! *]ry tree1 a pair ( br[n      
birds1 j return+ f _! s\!rn home1 7     
discuss+ ! m]its ( ! ne>by h$ge z a     
build+ site3 ! madam bird insi/+1 z wom5
 w1 t ! beautiful traditions ( ! spot   
made x1 = home build+1 peculi>ly        
desirable4 ,x 0 a well kn[n fact1 said  
%e1 t br[n birds _h build$ !re = no "o  
kn[s h[ _m ages4 ,ev5 9 ! f> away city1 
! man felt ! season 9 ! air4 ,! reek (  
city odors c\ld n altoge!r dr[n ! subtle
 p]fume t betray$ ! ne> pres5ce ( !     
spr+4 ,z ?\gh ! magic ( ! budd+1 spr\t+1
 />t+1 "t ( ! ye> plac$ him "u its      
spell1 ! man w5t back to ! spr+time ( 8 
life--back into 8 ,ye/]days4  ,once     
aga91 he walk$ "u ! cle> skies (        
*ildhood4 ,once aga91 he liv$ 9 !       
bless$1 bless$1 days :5 he _h no?+ to   

=get--:5 8 m9d & life 7 z a m\nta9 brook
 t1 cle> & pure1 f ! spr+ ( its bir?    
runs ev] onw>d1 outw>d1 turn+ nev] back1
 paus+ nev] to =m /agnant1 poison\s1    
pools4 ,& !re x 0--9 8 ,ye/]days--9 !   
pure sunlight ( *ildhood--t he f\nd new 
intellectual fai?--t he came to a "r    
und]/&+ ( ! real wisdom ( ,ignorance4   
,! intellectual giants ( 8 ,ye/]days--^?
 wise ones ^u ^: le>n+ he look$ ) *ildi%
 awe--:o 7 !y8 ,fam\s s*ol>s :o lectur$ 
9 caps & g[ns & words ( _m syllables ^u 
!mes ( mighty int]e/ to !mselves8       
,/ud5ts :o1 9 _! laboratory worlds1     
discov]$ _m wond]ful ?+s t 7 n s & solv$
 _m puzzl+ problems ) solutions t 7 "r &
 entirely satisfactory until ! next     
graduat+ class discov]$ !m to be all    
wrong & no solution at all8 ,great      
religi\s lead]s :o 7 sup]naturally      
call$1 div9ely commission$1 & arm$ )    
holy au?ority to po9t out ! true & only 
way ( life until "s o!r ) ! same call1  
commission1 & au?ority1 po9t$ out a     
:olly diff]5t true & only way8 ,great   

/atesm5 ^u ^: k & lead]%ip ! salvation (
 ! nation dep5d$1 until ! next election 
discov]$ !m to be fooli% puppets ( a    
di%one/ & corrupt p>ty & put new lead]s 
9 _! places to save ! nation ) a new br&
 ( political salvation1 ! *ief value (  
:i* 0 its newness8 ,no inde$6 ,su* z ^! 
7 n ! intellectual giants ( ! man's     
,ye/]days4 ,! heights ( k 9 ^? days 7   
held by o!rs ?an ^!4  ,"o ( ! v highe/  
peaks 9 ! :ole m\nta9 range ( le>n+1 9 !
 ,ye/]days1 0 held by ! hir$ man4 ,aga91
 at *ore "t1 ! boy foll[$ ?is wise "o   
ab\t ! /ables & ! b>n1 wat*+1 f a safe  
position ne> ! door1 :ile ! horses 7    
groom$ & b$d$ d[n = ! night4 ,aga9 !    
pung5t odors f ! /alls1 ! sc5t ( ! /raw 
& ! hay 9 ! l(t1 ! smell ( h>ness lea!r 
damp ) sweat 0 9 8 no/rils & 9 8 e>s1 ! 
s(t swi% ( swit*+ tails1 ! ?ud ( /amp+  
ho(s1 ! cont5t$ mun*+ ( gra91 ! ru/le ( 
hay1 ) n[ & !n a l[ :9ny or an angry    
squeal4 ,& fe>lessly to & fro 9 ?is     
/range _w mov$ ! hir$ man4 ,9 & out     
among ! horses he pass$1 p]fectly at    

home 9 ! /alls1 seem+ to %>e ! mo/      
intimate secrets ( ! horse life4        
,ev]y?+ t !re 0 to "k ab\t a horse1     
confid5tly ?\ght ! little boy1 ?is      
wond]ful man knew4 ,! v language t he   
us$ :5 talk+ ab\t horses 0 a language   
full ( /range1 h>d1 words1 ! mean+ ( :i*
 0 hidd5 f ! *ildi% wor%ip] ( wisdom4   
,su* words z r+bone & spav9 & heaves &  
/r+halt & pa/]n & /ifle & we!rs & gir? &
 hock1 to ! boy1 seem$ to e/abli%1      
beyond all "q1 ! intellectual greatness 
( ! "o :o us$ !m j z words ( _m         
syllables sometimes fix = old] *ildr5 ! 
position on ! intellectual heights ( ^? 
:o use !m4 ,*i>oscuro1 *eiropt]\s1      
es*atology1 & ! une>n$ increm5t--:o1 9 !
 common1 e day1 gr[n up1 _w1 w\ld d>e "q
 ! arti/ic1 sci5tific1 religi\s1 or     
political1 k ( "o :o c\ld talk l t8     
,nor did ! intellectual /r5g? ( ?is wise
 "o ( ! ,ye/]days exhau/ itself ) !     
sci5tific k ( horses4 ,he 0 equally at  
home 9 ! co-ord9ate sci5ces ( c[s & pigs
 & *ick5s4 ,aga9 ! boy /ood 9 ! c[ %$   

laboratory & wat*$1 ) *ildi% wond]1 !   
demon/ration ( ! ma/]'s sup]ior wisdom z
 ! :ite /reams p\r$ into ! t9kl+ milk   
pail4 ,h[ did he d x--wond]$ ! boy--:]e 
did ?is wiz>d 9 ov]alls & hickory %irt &
 tatt]$ /raw hat acquire 8 m>vel\s      
sci5tific skill8  ,9 ! g>d51 ! or*>d1 or
 ! field1 x 0 ! same4 ,no secret (      
nature 0 hidd5 f ?is le>n$ "o4 ,he knew 
:e!r potatoes %\ld be plant$ 9 ! d>k or 
light ( ! moon3 :e!r next w9t] w\ld be  
close or op53 :e!r ! com+ season w\ld be
 e>ly or late3 :e!r next summ] w\ld be  
wet or dry4 ,always he c\ld tell1 days  
ahead1 :e!r x w\ld ra9 or if ! wea!r    
w\ld be fair4 ,) a pea* tree twig he    
c\ld tell :]e to dig = wat]4 ,by _m     
signs he c\ld say :e!r luck w\ld be good
 or bad4 ,small wond] t ! boy felt v    
ignorant1 v humble1 9 ! pres5ce ( ?is   
wise "o6  ,!n1 "o day1 ! boy1 to 8      
amazem5t1 le>n$ t ?is wiz>d ( ! b>ny>d  
knew no?+ at all ab\t fairies4 ,common1 
e day1 k 0 ?is k ( fairies to ! boy3 b !
 wise "o knew no?+ ab\t !m4 ,s d5se 0 8 

ignorance t he ev5 seem$ to d\bt & smil$
 an incr$ul\s smile :5 ! boy tri$ to    
enlight5 him4  ,x 0 a great day 9 8     
,ye/]days :5 ! boy discov]$ t ! hir$ man
 did n "k ab\t fairies4  ,z ! ye>s pass$
 & ! "t approa*$ :5 ! boy 0 to become a 
man1 he le>n$ ! mean+ ( _m words t 7 z  
/range to ! intellectual h]o ( 8        
*ildhood z ! language ( t companion (   
horses _h once be5 /range to him4 ,9 "t1
 mu* ( ! k ( t b>ny>d sage became1 to ! 
boy1 ev5 z ! boy's k ( fairies _h be5 to
 ! man4 ,/ill--/ill--x 0 a great day 9 8
 ,ye/]days :5 ! boy discov]$ t ! hir$   
man did n "k ab\t fairies4 ,p]haps1     
?\gh1 x 0 j z well t ! hir$ man did n   
"k4 ,if he _h become too famili> ) !    
fairies1 8 potatoes might n h be5 plant$
 ei!r 9 ! light or ! d>k ( ! moon & !   
_w's potatoes mu/ be plant$ someh[4     
,equally great 9 8 special field ( k 0 !
 old1 :ite hair$1 negro :o liv$ 9 a t9y 
cab9 j a little way ov] ! hill4 ,/range 
& awful 7 ! ?+s t he knew ab\t !        
fe>some1 sup]natural1 creatures1 t liv$ 

& mov$ 9 ! unse5 _w4 ,( hants & spirits 
& wit*es & hoodoos he told ! boy ) su*  
e>ne/ confid5ce & s conv9c+ a mann] t to
 d\bt 0 impossible4 ,9 ! unkn[able _w1 !
 old negro mov$ ) au?ority unque/ion$1 )
 piety above criticism1 ) a religi\s    
zeal ( su* w>m? t ! boy 0 (t5 mov$ by ! 
old man's wisdom & goodness to g to him 
) (f]+s f "m's pantry4  ,& !n1 "o day1 !
 boy discov]$ t ?is wond]fully wise "o  
c\ld nei!r read nor write4 ,ev]ybody t !
 boy knew1 9 ! gr[n up _w1 c\ld read &  
write4 ,! boy himself c\ld ev5 read cat 
& rat & dog4 ,vaguely ! boy wond]$1 ev5 
!n1 if ! old black sa9t's lack ( ^?     
commonplace accompli%m5ts acc\nt$1 9 any
 way1 = 8 m>vel\s k ( ! unse5 _w4  ,&   
fa!r--fa!r--0 ! greate/1 ! wise/1 & !   
be/ man t ev] liv$4 ,! boy wond]$1      
sometimes1 :y ! ,bible did n tell ab\t 8
 fa!r4 ,surely1 9 all ! _w1 !re 0 no o!r
 man s good z he4 ,&1 z = wisdom6 ,!re 0
 no?+--no?+--t fa!r did n "k6 ,always1  
:5 o!r m5 came to see !m1 !re 0 talk (  
su* /range ?+s z gov]nm5t & p>ty &      

campaigns & s5ators & congressm5--?+s t 
! boy did n 9 ! lea/ "k ab\t--b he knew 
t 8 fa!r knew1 :i* 0 q en\gh1 inde$1 = a
 boy ( 8 age to "k4  ,! boy1 9 8        
,ye/]days1 wond]$ greatly :5 he he>d 8  
fa!r sometimes wi% t he c\ld be a boy   
aga94 ,to him1 9 ! ignorance ( 8        
*ildhood1 su* a wi% 0 v /range4 ,n until
 ! boy _h himself become a man & _h     
le>n$ to rightly value ,ignorance did he
 und]/& 8 fa!r's wi% & 9 8 he>t repeat  
x4  ,b !re 0 "o 9 ^? ,ye/]days1 ^u ^: k 
! boy look$ 9 admir+ awe1 :o taught him 
t :i* he c\ld nev] outgr[4 ,v diff]5t f 
! wisdom ( ! hir$ man 0 ! wisdom ( ?is  
"o4 ,v diff]5t 0 8 k f ! k ( ! old      
negro4 ,nor 0 8 le>n+ l1 9 any way1 to !
 le>n+ t made ! boy's fa!r s good & s   
wise among m54  ,b ?is lead] did n (t5  
come op5ly to ! boy's home4 ,always1 :5 
8 "m saw ! boy 9 ! company ( ?is "o1 %e 
call$ him into ! h\se1 & (t5 %e expla9$ 
to him t ! "o :om he s admir$ 0 a bad   
boy & t %e did n wi% h] little son to   
play ) him4 ,s ?is intellectual lead] ( 

! ,ye/]days 0 =c$ to come1 /eal?ily1    
?r\gh ! or*>d1 dodg+ f tree to tree1    
until1 f beh9d ! wood%$1 he c\ld1 ) a l[
 :i/le1 attract ! att5tion ( 8 admir+   
disciple & beckon him to 8 side4 ,!n !  
two w\ld slip away ov] ! br[ ( ! hill or
 d[n beh9d ! b>n :]e1 safe f "m's       
wat*ful eye1 ! boy c\ld enjoy !         
companion%ip ( ?is "o :om ,k _h s       
di/+ui%$4  ,& (t5 ! old] boy laugh$ at !
 ,ignorance ( 8 y\ng] companion--laugh$ 
& sne]$ at him 9 ! pride ( sup]ior      
le>n+--:ile ! little boy felt a%am$ &1  
fill$ ) admiration = 8 =bidd5 fri5d1    
wond]$ if he w\ld ev] gr[ to be z wise4 
,sc>cely c\ld he hope1 = in/ance1 to be 
able1 ev]1 to smoke & *ew & swe> 9 s    
ma/]ful a way4 ,& ! little le>n]'s face 
w\ld beam ) timid adoration & envy z he 
li/5$ to ! tales ( wick$ adv5tures s    
boa/fully relat$ by 8 tea*]4 ,w\ld he1  
c\ld he1 ev] be s bold1 s wise 9 k ( !  
_w8  ,poor little boy 9 ! ,ye/]days :o  
knew no?+ ( ! value ( ,ignorance6 ,poor 
boys 9 ! gr[n up _w--admir+ & envy+ ^?  

:o "k m ( evil ?an !mselves6  ,s1       
always1 secretly1 ! boy1 z ! ye>s pass$1
 ga9$ ! k t makes m5 wi% t !y c\ld be   
boys aga94 ,s1 always1 d m5 le>n ! value
 ( ,ignorance too late4  ,& !n1 z ! man 
liv$ aga9 9 8 ,ye/]days1 &1 realiz+ 9 8 
manhood ! value ( ,ignorance1 wi%$ t he 
c\ld be a boy aga91 ! little girl came  
to take h] place 9 8 intellectual life  
ev5 z %e took h] place 9 all ! life ( 8 
boyhood4 ,aga9 he saw h] wond]+ eyes z  
%e /ood ) him 9 ! /able door to wat* !  
hir$ man among ! horses4 ,aga9 he felt  
h] timid h& 9 8 z he l$ h] to a place   
:]e1 safe f horns & heels1 !y c\ld      
obs]ve1 toge!r1 ! fasc9at+ op]ation (   
milk+4 ,toge!r !y li/5$ to ! words (    
/range wisdom & m>vel$ at ! k ( ! b>ny>d
 sci5ti/4  ,all t ! boy le>n$ f ! old   
negro1 ( ! fe>some creatures t inhabit !
 unse5 _w1 he1 9 turn1 gave to ! little 
girl4 ,& sometimes %e ev5 w5t ) him on a
 pilgrimage to ! cab9 ov] ! hill2 !re to
 gaze1 half fright5$1 at ! black-fac$   
se] :o _h su* /ore ( awful wisdom4  ,!  

boy's pride 9 8 fa!r's sup]ior goodness 
& wisdom %e %>$ fully--because he 0 !   
fa!r ( ! boy4  ,all ! sweet lore (      
*ildhood 0 !irs 9 common4 ,all ! wise   
,ignorance ( 8 ,ye/]days %e %>$4  ,only 
9 ! boy's =bidd5 fri5d%ip ) t "o :o _h  
su* k ( evil ! little girl did n %>e4   
,?is k--! k t 0 to g ) him1 ev5 9 8     
manhood ye>s1 & :i*1 at la/1 w\ld tea*  
him ! real value ( ,ignorance--! boy    
ga9$ alone4 ,sadly1 ! man rememb]$ h[1  
sometimes1 :5 ! boy _h /ol5 away to dr9k
 at t fir/ muddy f\nta9 ( evil1 he w\ld 
he> h] call+ & w\ld be held f answ]+ by 
! je]s ( 8 wick$ tea*]4 ,b nev] :5 he 0 
play+ ) ! little girl did ! boy answ] ! 
signal :i/le ( t "o ^: k he envi$ b ( ^:
 fri5d%ip he 0 a%am$4  ,9 8 ,ye/]days1 !
 ignorance ( 8 little girl mate 0 an    
an*or t held ! boy f drift+ too f> 9 !  
curr5t ( evil4 ,9 8 ,ye/]days1 !        
goodness & wisdom ( 8 fa!r 0 n a        
w-o'-!-wisp b1 to ! boy1 a /eady guid+  
light4 ,:at matt]$1 !n1 if ! k ( ! old  
negro 0 b a fooli% mirage8 ,:at matt]$  

if ! hir$ man did n "k ab\t fairies or  
if he did "k s _m ?+s t 7 n s8 ,s x 0 t 
! man came to "k ! value ( ,ignorance4  
,s x 0 t ! man did n fall into ! pit (  
say+3 ,!re is only ,ignorance4  ,& s x  
01 z he return$ aga9 f 8 ,ye/]days1 t   
day :5 ev5 ! reek+ atmosph]e ( ! city   
c\ld n hide1 altoge!r1 ! sweetness ( !  
spr+1 t ! memory ( ! little girl 0 ) him
 ev5 z ! p]fume ( ! season 0 9 ! air4   
99    99    99    99    99  ,x 0 ! "t ( 
! fir/ fl[]s4  ,! woman _h be5 out1     
some:]e1 on a bus9ess err& & 0 return+  
to ! place :]e %e work$4 ,a cr[d _h     
ga!r$1 block+ ! sidewalk1 & %e 0 =c$ to 
/op4 ,quickly1 z if by magic1 ! p came  
runn+ f all directions4 ,! woman 0      
annoy$4 ,h] de/9ation 0 only a few doors
 away & %e _h mu* "w1 /ill1 to d be=e ! 
rema9+ h\rs ( ! aft]noon %\ld be gone4  
,%e c\ld n cross ! /reet )\t go+ back = 
! traffic 0 v heavy4 ,%e fac$ ab\t z if 
to retrace h] /eps1 !n1 paus$ & turn$   
aga94 ,! /reet w\ld be op5 9 a mom5t4 ,x
 w\ld be bett] to wait4 ,above ! heads (

 ! p %e c\ld see1 already1 ! helmets ( !
 police cle>+ ! sidewalk4 ,pu%+ into !  
jam1 %e work$ sl[ly =w>d4  ,clang1      
clang1 clang1 ) a rattle & clatt] &     
cra%1 a patrol wagon swung up to !      
curb--s close t a spatt] ( mud f ! gutt]
 fell on ! woman's skirt4 ,! wagon :eel$
 & back$4 ,! police =m$ a quick lane    
across ! sidewalk4 ,! cr[d surg$ =w>d & 
c>ri$ ! woman close aga9/ ! blue coat$  
b>ri]4 ,d[n ! lane held by ! (fic]s ( ! 
law1 s close to ! woman t %e c\ld h t\*$
 !m1 came two poor creatures :o 7 n     
ignorant ( :at is commonly call$ ! _w4  
,!y _h se5 life--s ! _w w\ld h said4 ,!y
 7 wise4 ,!y _h k ( _m ?+s ( :i* !      
woman1 :o %rank back f !m 9 horror1 knew
 no?+4 ,_! hagg>d1 pa9t$1 faces1 _!     
di%evel$ hair1 _! tawdry clo?+1 false   
jewels1 & drunk5 blasphemies1 drew a    
laugh f ! cr[d4  ,^u ! s\l ( ! woman !  
laught] ( ! cr[d fell l a demon laugh f 
! dep?s ( hell4 ,almo/ %e %riek$ al\d h]
 prote/4 ,because %e knew h]self to be a
 woman1 %e almo/ %riek$ al\d4  ,x 0 ov] 

9 an in/ant4 ,! patrol wagon rumbl$ away
 ) its burd5 ( woe4 ,! cr[d melt$ z     
magically z x _h ga!r$4 ,at ! entrance (
 ! build+ :]e %e work$1 ! woman turn$ to
 look back1 z ?\gh fasc9at$ by ! horror 
( t :i* %e _h se54 ,b1 ^u ! surface ( t 
sea ( life1 !re 0 n ! fa9te/ ripple to  
m>k ! spot ( ! trag$y4  ,& ! cr[d _h    
laugh$4  ,! woman knew ! "* ( t place s 
ne> ! build+ 9 :i* %e work$4 ,sev]al    
times1 ea* day1 %e pass$ ! sw++ doors ( 
! saloon bel[ &1 always1 %e saw m5 go+ 9
 & out4 ,_m times %e _h caught glimpses 
( ! faces ( ^? :o occupi$ ! rooms above 
z !y wat*$ at ! w9d[s4 ,:5 fir/ %e w5t  
to "w %e _h kn[n little ( su* ?+s1 b %e 
0 le>n+4 ,n because %e wi%$ to le>n b   
because %e c\ld n help x4 ,b ! k ( su*  
?+s _h come to h] s gradually t %e _h   
gr[n accu/om$ to kn[+ ev5 z %e came to  
"k4 ,%e _h become famili> ) ! fact )\t  
be+ =c$ to feel4  ,p]haps1 if ! incid5t 
_h occurr$ a few ye>s lat]1 :5 ! woman's
 k 0 m complete1 %e1 h]self1 might h be5
 able to laugh ) ! cr[d4 ,?is k t       

enables "o s to laugh is1 seem+ly1 mu*  
priz$ ^! days among ^? :o h n ! wisdom  
to value ,ignorance4  ,! aft]noon pass$1
 z su* aft]noons mu/1 & ! woman did h]  
"w4 ,:at matt]$ ! "w t 0 be+ wr\ght 9 ! 
s\l ( h] womanhood--! "w committ$ to h] 
h&s--! "w t refus$ to recognize h]      
womanhood--t "w 0 done--& t is all t    
seems to matt]4 ,&1 :5 h] day's "w 0    
done1 ! woman bo>d$ a c> = h] home4  ,x 
0 an h\r :5 _m hundr$s ( toil]s 7 go+ f 
_! labor4 ,s _m hundr$s !re 7 t ! c>s   
c\ld sc>cely hold !m & !re 7 seats =    
only a few4 ,among ^? hundr$s !re 7 _m  
:o 7 pr\d ( _! k ( life4 ,!re 7 n _m :o 
knew ! value ( ,ignorance4 ,! woman :o  
knew t %e 0 a woman 0 cr[d$ 9 a c> :]e  
!re 0 sc>cely room = h] to /&4 ,%e felt 
! rude t\* ( /rang]s--felt ! bodies (   
/range m5 =c$ aga9/ h] body--felt _!    
limbs cru%$ aga9/ h] limbs--felt _!     
brea? 9 h] face--felt & trembl$ 9       
fright5$ %ame4 ,9 t c>1 cr[d$ close     
aga9/ ! woman1 !re 7 m5 ^: k ( life 0 v 
great4 ,by go+ to ! l[e/ dep?s ( !      

city's %ame1 :]e ! f\le/ dregs (        
humanity settle1 !y _h acquir$ t k4  ,at
 fir/ ! woman _h dread$ ^? ev5+ trips f 
"w 9 ! cr[d$ c>s4 ,b x 0 an ev]yday     
exp]i5ce & %e 0 becom+ accu/om$ to x4   
,%e 0 le>n+ n to m9d4 ,t is ! horror (  
x--%e 0 le>n+ n to m9d4  ,b ?is night x 
0 diff]5t4 ,! he>t ( h] womanhood %rank 
)9 h] trembl+ & afraid--cri$ out )9 h] 9
 prote/ at ! outrage4 ,9 ! fetid        
atmosph]e ( ! cr[d$ c>2 9 ! r\gh t\* ( !
 cru%+ bodies ( sweat+ humanity2 9 !    
co>se1 l[1 je/2 %e felt aga9 ! demon t  
%e _h he>d 9 ! laught] ( ! cr[d4 ,%e saw
 aga9 ! horror ( t :i* _h le]$ at h] f  
out ! disfigur$1 drunk51 faces ( ! poor 
creatures tak5 by ! police4  ,mu/       
%e--mu/ %e le>n to laugh t laugh ) !    
cr[d8 ,mu/ %e ga9 k ( ! unclean1 !      
vici\s1 ! degrad+ ?+s ( life by actual  
contact8 ,0 x n en\gh = h] to "k t ^?   
?+s 7 9 ! _w z %e knew t !re 0 fev] 9 ! 
m>% l&s2 or mu/ %e g 9 p]son into ! muck
 & mire ( ! swamps8  ,s x 0 t ?is woman1
 :o knew h]self to be a woman1 did n    

crave ,k1 b ,ignorance4 ,%e pray$ to be 
kept f kn[+ too mu*4 ,& x 0 well = h] s 
to pray4 ,x 0 ! highe/ wisdom4 ,because 
%e knew h] womanhood1 %e 0 afraid4 ,%e  
fe>$ = h] dream life t 0 to be beyond ! 
old1 old1 door4 ,%e fe>$ = t "o :o1     
p]haps1 w\ld come to cross ) h] !       
?re%old = x 0 giv5 ?is woman to "k t    
only ) "o 9 ^: purity ( life %e believ$ 
c\ld %e ev] ent] into ! life ( h]       
dreams4 ,! ,ma/] ( ,life1 9 ,8 inf9ite  
wisdom1 made ! he>t ( womanhood div9ely 
selfi%4 ,?is woman knew t h] dreams c\ld
 nev] be = h] save ?r\gh h] belief 9 !  
"o :o %\ld ask h] to g ) him ?r\gh t    
old1 old1 door4 ,& ! ?+s t ! woman f\nd 
h]self le>n+ made x h>d = h] to believe 
9 any man4 ,! k t 0 =c$ ^u h] 0 bre$+   
d\bt & di/ru/ & d5ial ( good4 ,!        
realization ( h] womanhood's beautiful  
dream 0 possible only ?r\gh wise        
,ignorance4 ,%e mu/ fight to keep f     
le>n+ too mu*4  ,& 9 ! woman's fight !re
 0 ?is to help h]3 9 ! cr[d t _h laugh$1
 h] />tl$ eyes _h se5 "o or two :o did n

 laugh--"o or two !re 7 ^: faces 7 fill$
 ) pity & ) %ame4 ,always1 9 ! cr[d$    
c>s1 !re 0 "s "o :o tri$ quietly to     
%ield h] f ! press--"s "o :o seem$ to   
und]/&4 ,x 0 ?is t help$4 ,^! m5 :o knew
 ! value ( ,ignorance kept ! sp>k ( h]  
fai? 9 m5 alive4 ,! fai?1 )\t :i* h]    
dreams w\ld be idle dreams1 impossible (
 fulfillm5t1 0 kept = h] by ^? m5 :o    
knew ! value ( ,ignorance4  ,! woman w5t
 to h] "w ! next morn+ ) a he>t t 0     
heavy ) dread & n]ves t 7 quiv]+ ) fe>4 
,! brightness1 ! beauty1 & ! joy1 ( h]  
womanhood1 %e felt to be go+ f h] z !   
sun%9e goes "u ?reat5+ cl\ds4 ,!        
blackness1 ! ugl9ess1 & ! sorr[1 ( life1
 %e felt com+ ov] h] z fog rolls 9 f !  
sea4 ,! fai?1 tru/1 & hope1 t is ! s\l (
 womanhood 0 ?reat5$ by d\bt1 di/ru/1 & 
despair4 ,! g5tl5ess1 s5sitiv5ess1 &    
delicacy1 t is ! he>t ( womanhood 0     
beset by co>s5ess1 vulg>ity1 & rud5ess4 
,c\ld %e h>d5 h] woman he>t1 /eel h]    
woman n]ves1 & make co>se h] woman s\l  
to )/& ! ?+s t %e 0 =c$ to meet & "k8 ,&

 if %e c\ld--:at !n--w\ld %e ga9 or lose
 !reby8 ,= ! life ( :i* %e _h dream$1   
w\ld %e ga9 or lose8  ,x 0 ne>ly noon :5
 a voice at h] side said3 ,y are ill6   
,x 0 a voice ( au?ority b x 0 n at all  
unk9d4  ,turn+1 %e look$ up into 8 face 
& /amm]$ a feeble d5ial4 ,no1 %e 0 n    
ill4  ,b ! k9d eyes look$ d[n at h] s   
se>*+ly1 s gravely1 t h] own eyes fill$ 
) te>s4  ,come1 come1 said ! voice1 ?is 
won't d at all4 ,y mu/ n lose y\r grip1 
y "k4 ,x w be all "r to-morr[4 ,take !  
aft]noon (f & get out into ! fre% air4  
,& some?+ 9 8 voice--some?+ 9 8 grave1  
/eady1 eyes--told h]--made h] feel t he 
und]/ood4 ,x help$ h] to "k t ?is man ( 
l>ge affairs1 ( p[] & au?ority1         
und]/ood4  ,s1 = t aft]noon1 %e w5t to a
 p>k 9 a di/ant "p ( ! city to escape1 =
 a few h\rs1 ! ?+s t 7 cr[d+ h] too     
closely4 ,ne> ! entrance ( ! p>k1 %e met
 a gray hair$ policeman :o1 look+ at h] 
ke5ly1 smil$ k9dly & t\*$ 8 hat2 !n1    
be=e %e _h pass$ f sight1 he turn$ to   
foll[ leisurely ! pa? t %e _h tak54     

,f9d+ a quiet nook on ! bank ( a little 
/ream t 0 p]mitt$ to run undi/urb$ by ! 
wise mak]s ( ! p>k1 ! woman seat$       
h]self1 :ile ! policeman1 unobs]v$ by   
h]1 paus$ n f> away to wat* a gr\p (    
*ildr5 at play4  ,illu/ration3 ,! life t
 cr[d$ h] s closely drift$ f>1 f> away4 
,p]haps x 0 ! blue sky1 un/a9$ by ! city
 smoke3 p]haps x 0 ! sunbeams t filt]$  
?r\gh ! leafy net-"w ( ! trees to fall 9
 gold5 flakes & pat*es on ! s(t gre53   
p]haps x 0 ! song t ! little brook 0 s++
 z x w5t its m]ry way3 p]haps x 0 !     
twitt]+1 *irp+1 pres5ce ( ! fea!ry folk 
:o hopp$ & flitt$ s *e]ily 9 & out among
 ! %rubs & fl[]s--:atev] x 0 t br\ght x 
ab\t1 ! life t cr[d$ h] s closely drift$
 f>1 f>1 away4 ,! city ) its noisy      
clamor1 ) its mad ru% & unceas+ turmoil1
 0 gone4 ,! _w ( dang]1 & d\bt1 & fe>1 0
 =gott54 ,! woman liv$ aga9 ! days t 7  
gone4 ,! sky s blue above h] head 0 !   
sky t ar*$ h] days ( long ago4 ,! sun%9e
 t filt]$ ?r\gh ! trees 0 ! same gold5  
weal? t enri*$ ! days ( h] *ildhood4 ,! 

twitt]+1 *irp+1 fea!ry1 folk 7 tell+ !  
same old /ories4 ,! little brook t w5t s
 m]rily on its way 0 s++ a song ( !     
,ye/]days4  ,!y 7 free days--^?         
,ye/]days--free z ! days ( ! fea!ry folk
 :o liv$ among ! %rubs & fl[]s4 ,!re 0  
none ( ! k t1 ) di/ru/ & d\bt & despair1
 %uts 9 ! s\l4 ,!y 7 bright days--^?    
,ye/]days--z bright z ! sunlight t out (
 a cle> sky comes to glorify ! _w4 ,!re 
0 none ( t d>k & dreadful k t %r\ds !   
s\l 9 gloom4 ,& !y 7 glad days--^?      
,ye/]days--glad ) ! gladness ( ! s++    
brook4 ,!re 0 none ( t k t /a9s & sadd5s
 ! he>t4  ,! woman1 sitt+ !re s /ill by 
! little brook1 did n notice a well     
dress$ man :o 0 /roll+ sl[ly ?r\gh !    
p>k4 ,a little way d[n ! walk1 ! man    
turn$1 & aga9 w5t sl[ly pa/ ! place :]e 
! woman sat4 ,once m he turn$ & ?is "t  
seat$ himself :]e he c\ld wat* h]4 ,!   
man's face 0 n a good face4 ,= a little 
:ile he wat*$ ! woman1 !n ris+1 0 />t+  
leisurely t[>d h] :5 ! gray hair$       
policeman came sudd5ly into view ar\nd a

 turn 9 ! pa?4 ,! (fic] did n hesitate2 
nor 0 he smil+1 n[1 z he /epp$ 9 front (
 ! man4 ,a few crisp words he spoke1 9 a
 l[ tone1 & po9t$ ) 8 /ick4 ,!re 0 no   
reply4 ,! fell[ turn$ & slunk away :ile 
! gu>dian ( ! law1 ) angry eyes1 wat*$  
him out ( sight1 !n turn$ to look t[>d !
 woman4 ,%e _h n notic$4 ,! (fic] smil$ 
& quietly /roll$ on d[n ! pa?4  ,! woman
 _h notic$ nei!r ! man nor h] protector 
because %e 0 f>1 f>1 away 9 h]          
,ye/]days4 ,%e did n he$ ! incid5t      
because %e 0 a little girl aga91 play+  
beside ! brook t came across ! road &   
made its w9d+ way ?r\gh ! field j bel[ !
 h\se4 ,x 0 only a little brook1 b      
beautifully cle> & fre%1 = x _h come    
only a %ort di/ance f its bir? place 9 a
 gl5 "u ! hill t %e c\ld see f h] w9d[4 
,9 "s places1 ! long mead[ grass1 gr[+  
close d[n to ! edge1 almo/ t\*$ above1  
mak+ a cool1 gre51 cradle ar* ?r\gh :i* 
! pure wat]s fl[$ ) s(t :isp]s z ?\gh ! 
baby /ream 7 croon+ to itself a lullaby4
 ,9 o!r /ret*es1 ! gre5 will[s b5t f>   

ov] to dip _! long1 slim1 f+]s 9 ! sl[  
curr5t t crept s lazily ?r\gh ! flick]+ 
light & %ade t x seem$ sc>ce to move at 
all4 ,& o!r places !re 71 :]e ! /reamlet
 *uckl$ & laugh$ ov] t9y pebbly b>s 9 ! 
sunlight or gurgl$ pa/ :]e flags & ru%es
 grew4  ,aga91 ) h] dolls1 ! little girl
 play$ on ! grassy bank2 wa%+ _! t9y    
g>m5ts 9 ! cle> wat] & hang+ !m on !    
flags or will[s to dry2 re/+ (t5 to li/5
 to ! fairy song ! wat] sang2 or to     
:isp] to ! brook ! secrets ( h] *ildhood
 dreams4 ,! dr[sy air 0 full ( ! sweet1 
grassy1 smell m+l$ ) ! odor ( m9t & !   
p]fume ( ! will[s & flags & w>m moi/    
e>?4 ,gorge\s w+$ butt]flies zigzagg$ "h
 & !re f fl[] to fl[]--n[ ne> = a       
little--!n f> away4 ,honeybees dron$ _! 
hymns ( indu/ry ! :ile !y se>*$ = sweet 
treasures4 ,& n[ & !n a t9y gre5 frog   
w\ld come out ( a %ad[y nook 9 ! bank ( 
! /ream to see :at ! little girl 0 do+2 
or a bird w\ld drop f out ! blue sky = a
 dr9k or a ba? 9 ! pebbly %all[s4 ,& n  
f> away--easily )9 call--"m sat on !    

%ady por*1 ) h] sew+1 :]e %e c\ld wat*  
ov] h] little girl4  ,de>1 innoc5t1     
%elt]$1 protect$1 ,ye/]days--:5 "m told 
h] *ild all t 0 ne$ful = h] to "k1 &    
told h] 9 a mo/ t5d]1 beautiful1 way4   
,de>1 bless$1 ,ye/]days--:5 love did n  
leave vice to tea* ! sacr$ tru?s (      
love--days t 7 days ( blissful          
,ignorance--n vici\s ,ignorance b       
ignorance ( ! vici\s4 ,!re 0 a weal? (  
,ignorance 9 ^? ,ye/]days t is ( m wor? 
to womanhood1 by f>1 ?an mu* k ( ! _w4  
,& (t5 ! boy w\ld come1 too1 &1 toge!r1 
!y w\ld wade h& 9 h& 9 ! cle> flood1    
m+l+ _! %\ts & laught] ) ! music ( _!   
playmate brook1 :ile ! m9n[s d>t$ to &  
fro ab\t _! b>e legs2 or1 !y w\ld build 
brave dams & bridges & h>bors ) ! bright
 /ones2 or1 be/ ( all1 fa%ion & laun* ! 
%ips ( *ildhood4  ,oh1 *ildi% %ips ( !  
,ye/]days6 ,:at preci\s c>goes !y c>ri$6
 ,:at priceless treasures !y bore to !  
f> away port ( dreams6  ,! little brook 
0 a safe /ream = ! boy & ! girl to play 
beside4 ,nor did !y "k1 !n1 t _!        

/reamlet fl[$ on & on until x jo9$ !    
riv]2 & t ! riv]1 9 its c\rse1 l$ x pa/ 
great cities t p\r$ into x ! poisons & !
 fil? ( _! sew]s1 f\l+ its bright wat]s1
 until x 0 unfit = *ildr5 to play       
beside4  ,!y did n "k1 !n--b ! woman    
knew1 n[4  ,& :at--%e ?\ght z %e came   
back f h] ,ye/]days--:at ( ! boy :o _h  
play$ ) h] beside ! brook8 ,he1 too1 mu/
 h le>n$ :at happ5$ to _! brook4 ,9     
le>n+1 :at _h happ5$ to him--%e         
wond]$--& wond]+1 %e 0 afraid4  ,because
 %e 0 no long] ignorant1 %e 0 afraid = !
 mate ( h] ,ye/]days4 ,n t %e ?\ght ov] 
to meet him aga94 ,%e did n wi%1 n[1 to 
meet him = %e 0 afraid4 ,%e w\ld r h him
 z he 0 9 h] ,ye/]days4  ,sl[ly ! woman 
turn$ away f ! quiet seat beside !      
brook4 ,x 0 "t = h] to g4  ,n f> away1  
%e pass$ ! gray hair$ policeman1 :o aga9
 smil$ & t\*$ 8 hat4  ,smil+ 9 return %e
 bade him3 ,good aft]noon4  ,good       
aft]noon1 ,miss1 he said1 /ill smil+    
gravely4 ,come aga91 ,miss1 :5 ye's want
 a brea? ( air t's pure & clean4  ,may  

heav5 bless1 = ! sweet sake ( womanhood1
 all m5 :o und]/&4      ,,religion  ,x 0
 spr+time--blossom+ "t--mat+ "t4 ,! _w 0
 a riot ( color & p]fume & song4  ,e    
twig t a few weeks be=e _h be5 a b>e1   
unsightly /ick 0 n[ a miracle ( da9ty   
beauty4 ,f ! creek1 bel[ ! little girl's
 h\se1 ! or*>d hill appe>$ aga9/ ! s(t1 
blue1 sky a wond]\s1 cumulus1 cl\d (    
fleecy :it5ess flu%$ ) a gl[ ( delicate 
p9k4 ,! mead[s & pa/ures 7 /udd$ ) />s (
 gold & pe>l1 ( ruby & ame?y/ & silv]4  
,! fairy h&s t _h ?r[n ov] ! wood a     
filmy veil ( da9ty color n[ dress$ ea*  
tree & bu% 9 robes ( royal fabric wov5 f
 _m t9ts ( %imm]+1 %9+1 gre54  ,?r\gh ! 
amb] light above new turn$ furr[s2 amid 
! jewel gl9t ( wat] 9 ! sun2 9 ! diamond
 sp>kle ( ! morn+2 aga9/ ! *ang+ opal   
skies ( ev5+2 ! bees & all _! w+$ k9    
float$ & d>t$1 fla%$ & danc$1 & :irl$1 f
 fl[] to fl[] & field to field1 f       
blossom to blossom & tree to tree1 be>+ 
_! poll5 messages ( love & life :ile    
sweet voic$ birds1 9 _! brighte/        

plumage1 burd5$ ! p]fum$ air ) !        
passionate melody ( _! mat+ "t4  ,all   
nature seem$ bur/+ ) eag] desire to     
evid5ce a ,creator's p[]4 ,e t9t &      
color1 e brea? ( p]fume1 e note ( music1
 e d>t+ flight or :irl+ dance1 0 a call 
to life--a *all5ge to love--an          
invitation to mate--a decl>ation ( ,god4
 ,! _w ?robb$ & exult$ ) ! passion ( !  
,giv] ( ,life4  ,life itself begat      
,religion4  ,n ! lea/ ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly
 ,great ,?+s ( ,life is ,religion4      
,religion is an exaltation ( ,life or x 
is no?+4 ,to exalt ,life truly is to be 
mo/ truly religi\s4  ,b ! man1 :5 he    
fir/ awoke t morn+1 did n ?9k (         
,religion4 ,8 fir/ ?\ght 0 a ?\ght (    
lazy gratitude t he ne$ n get up4 ,x 0  
,sunday4 ,) a long sigh ( sleepy cont5t1
 he turn$ t[>d ! wall to escape ! too   
bright light t1 f ! op5 w9d[1 _h awak5$ 
him & doz$ aga94  ,x 0 ,sunday4  ,!re   
are bitt] cold1 icy1 sn[y1 ,sundays 9   
mid-w9t] :5 "o hugs ! *e]less radiator  
&1 %iv]+ 9 *illy discom=t1 wi%es t      

,sundays 7 mon?s in/ead ( days ap>t4    
,!re are /ifl+1 /icky1 swelt]+4 ,sundays
 9 midsumm] :5 "o prays1 if he c pray at
 all1 = ! night to come4 ,& !re are     
blu/]+1 ra9y1 sleety1 dismal1 ,sundays 9
 ! fall :5 ! dead h\rs g 9 fun]al       
procession by & ! _w seems a gloomy     
tomb4 ,b a ,sunday 9 blossom+ "t6 ,t is 
diff]5t6 ,! v milk wagons1 z !y clatt]$1
 belat$1 d[n ! /reet rattl$ a *e]y note 
( fell[%ip & good w4 ,! long drawn call 
( ! pap] boy _h 9 x a h9t ( ! joy (     
liv+4 ,& ! rumble ( an occasional pass+ 
cab came l a deep und]tone ( peace4  ,! 
/reets 7 ne>ly empty4 ,! /ores & (fices1
 ) clos$ doors1 7 des]t$ & /ill4 ,a     
solit>y policeman on ! corn] appe>$ to  
be m$itat+1 indiff]5t to 8 surr\nd+s4 ,!
 few p$e/rians to be se5 mov$ leisurely 
& appe>$ z ?\gh 9 a mood = reflective   
?\ght & quiet int]e/ 9 ! welf>e ( _!    
fell[s4 ,! hurry+1 scrambl+1 jo/l+1 ru%+
 cr[d2 ! clang+1 cra%+1 ro>+ turmoil2 ! 
rack+ madness1 ! fi]ce confusion1 !     
cruel selfi%ness ( ! week day _w 0 z a  

dreadful dream 9 ! night4 ,9 ! h>d f\ght
 battle ( life1 ! _w _h call$ a truce1  
te/ify+ ?us to ! place & p[] (          
,religion4  ,?is is n to say t ! _w     
pr(esses ,religion2 b x is to say t     
,religion possesses ! _w4 ,9 a ?\s&1    
?\s&1 =ms1 ,religion possesses ! _w4 ,9 
?\ghts1 9 de$s1 9 words--9 song &       
picture & /ory--9 cu/oms & laws &       
indu/ries--9 society1 /ate1 & s*ool--9  
all ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s (    
,life1 ,religion makes itself manife/ & 
decl>es its p[] ov] m54 ,if "o proclaim 
himself )\t ,religion !n is its p[] made
 kn[n 9 t "o's peculi>ity4 ,if ,religion
 did n possess ! _w1 to scorn x w\ld m>k
 no "o z diff]5t f 8 fell[s1 ,& ?is1    
too1 is true3 s imp]ial is ! fact (     
,religion1 t he :o w\ld d5y x is =c$ to 
believe s firmly 9 8 disbelief t he     
accepts ! v ?+ he rejects1 disguis$ 9 a 
dress ( 8 own mak+1 & ?us b[s d[n 9     
wor%ip be=e a ,god ( 8 own creation4    
,to _m1 ,sunday is a day ( labor4 ,to _m
 o!rs1 x is a day ( roi/]+ & debau*4 ,to

 "s1 x is a day ( idl5ess & ?\ghtless   
pleasure4 ,to "s1 x is a day ( devotion 
& wor%ip4 ,b /ill1 ,i say1 t1 :atev] m51
 z individuals1 may d ) ! day1 ! des]t$ 
/reets1 ! sil5t /ores1 ! clos$ banks1 ! 
empty (fices1 evid5ce t1 to ! _w1 ?is   
day is n z o!r days & give              
recognition--n to cre$s & doctr9es (    
w>r+ sects inde$--b1 to ,religion4      
,aga9 ! man awoke4 ,com+ sl[ly out ( 8  
sleep & turn+ leisurely 9 8 b$ he look$ 
?r\gh ! op5 w9d[ at ! day4 ,& /ill he   
did n ?9k ( ,religion4  ,leisurely he   
arose &1 aft] 8 ba?1 %av$ himself )     
p>ticul> c>e4 ,) p>ticul> c>e he dress$1
 n 9 ! g>b ( e day1 b 9 fre%]1 new]1    
raim5t4 ,?us did he1 ev5 z ! _w1 give   
un?9k+ te/imony to ! p[] & place (      
,religion4  ,lat]1 :5 ! *ur* bells s5t  
_! sweet voic$ invitations r++ ov] !    
city1 ! man w5t to *ur*4 ,he did n g to 
*ur* because he 0 a religi\s man nor    
because he 0 9 a religi\s mood2 he w5t  
because x 0 8 habit to g occasionally4  
,ev5 z mo/ m5 sometimes g to *ur*1 s ?is

 man w5t4 ,nor did he1 z a memb] ( any  
religi\s organization1 feel x 8 duty to 
g4 ,he w5t z he _h always gone--z ?\s&s 
( o!rs :o1 l himself1 9 habit ( dress & 
mann] 7 giv+ unconsci\s te/imony to !   
p[] ( ,religion 9 ! _w1 w5t1 t day1 to  
"s place ( public wor%ip4  ,! /reets ( !
 city 7 n[ well fill$ ) p4 ,ye/]day1 ^! 
same p1 9 ! same /reets1 _h ru%$ along )
 anxi\s1 eag]1 /ra9$1 expressions ^u _! 
faces t told ( n]ves t5se1 m9ds int5t1 &
 bodies al]t1 9 ! battle !y wag$ = daily
 bread1 = ga91 & = all ! ?+s t are held 
by m5 to be wor? ! /ruggle4 ,to-morr[1  
^! same p w\ld aga9 lose !mselves 9 !   
fi]ce & /r5u\s ef=t ( _! lives4 ,b      
to-day1 !y walk$ leisurely2 !y spoke    
calmly2 !y ?\ght coolly2 !y _h "t to    
notice ea* o!r2 to greet ea* o!r1 to    
smile1 to %ake ea* o!rs' h&s4 ,!re 7 _m 
*ildr51 too1 :o1 dress$ 9 _! ,sunday    
clo!s1 ) clean faces & subdu$ mann]s1   
ev5 z _! p>5ts1 evid5c$ ! p[] (         
,religion 9 ! life ( humank9d4 ,&1 ev5 z
 _! p>5ts1 ! *ildr5 knew x n4 ,!y did n 

recognize ! p[] ( ,religion 9 _! lives4 
,! man did n ?9k ( ! mean+ ( ^! ?+s2    
?\gh he felt x1 p]haps1 some:at z he    
felt ! w>m life ( ! sun fill$ air3 he   
s5s$ x1 p]haps1 z he s5s$ ! beauty ( !  
morn+4 ,he did n realize1 !n1 h[1 9 8   
,dreams1 ,religion _h subtly manife/$   
itself4 ,he did n realize1 t1 9 8       
,occupation1 he 01 e day1 reveal+ !     
influ5ce ( ,religion 9 8 life4 ,he _h   
se5 ,religion b dimly :5 he _h ?\ght to 
foll[ ! gold5 *a9 ( ,k1 l9k by l9k1 to  
its hidd5 end4 ,dimly _h he se5 x :5 he 
0 le>n+ ! value ( ,ignorance4 ,& yet1 9 
all ( ^! ?+s x _h be5 ev5 z x w\ld be 9 
all ! ?+s t 7 yet to come4 ,no man c    
escape ,religion4 ,man may escape       
p>ticul> =ms ( ,religion1 inde$1 b      
,religion itself he _c escape4  ,) _m   
o!rs ! man ent]$ a *ur*4 ,an u%] gravely
 l$ him to a seat4 ,i d n "k :at *ur* x 
0 to :i* ! man w5t t morn+ nor does x1 =
 my /ory1 matt] t ,i d n "k4 ,my /ory is
 n ( *ur*es nor ( sects nor ( cre$s4    
,?is is my /ory3 t ! man came to realize

 9 8 life ! p[] ( ,religion4  ,x may h  
be5 ! beauty ( ! morn+ t did x2 x may h 
be5 t ! week j pa/ 0 unusually h>d &    
try+ & t ! day ( re/1 !re=e1 0 m ?an    
usual1 ne$$3 or1 p]haps1 x 0 because !  
man _h le>n$ t he c\ld nev] foll[ !     
gold5 *a9 ( ,k to its hidd5 end & _h    
come to "k ! value ( ,ignorance =       
,religion walks ev] close to bo? ,k &   
,ignorance1 h& 9 h& ) ea*2 :atev] x 0 t 
br\ght x ab\t1 ! man1 t ,sunday1 came to
 realize ! p[] ( ,religion 9 ! _w & 9 8 
own manhood life4  ,x 0 v quiet 9 ! *ur*
 b x 0 n a sad quietness4 ,! p mov$     
s(tly &1 :5 !y spoke at all1 spoke 9    
:isp]s b !re 0 no feel+ ( dea? 9 ! air2 
r 0 !re a feel+ ( life--a feel+ ( life1 
too1 t 0 v unlike ! feel+ ( life 9 a    
cr[d$ place ( bus9ess or amusem5t4 ,!   
sweet1 pla9tively plead+1 tones ( !     
organ trembl$ 9 ! air4 ,! glori\s sun%9e
 came ?r\gh ! /a9$ glass w9d[s s(t5$ &  
subdu$4 ,"h & !re heads 7 b[$4 ,! p     
became v /ill4 ,&1 9 ! /illness1 ! man  
felt /rongly ! _s ( ! day & place4 ,!   

organ tones increas$ 9 volume4 ,! *oir  
fil$ 94 ,! prea*] ent]$4 ,! congregation
 arose to s+ an old triumphant hymn4  ,!
 man did n s+1 b1 z he li/5$ to ! music 
& foll[$ ! words ( ! hymn1 he smil$4 ,! 
p 7 s++ ab\t unkn[able ?+s--( /reets (  
gold & gates ( pe>l--( cr[ns & h>ps & ! 
?rone ( ,god4  ,all 8 life1 ! man _h    
kn[n t hymn b he _h nev] be=e ?\ght ( x 
j z he ?\ght ( x t morn+4 ,he look$ ab\t
 at ! p :o 7 s++4 ,:o 7 !y8 ,un$ucat$1  
irresponsible1 fanatical dream]s ( no   
place or importance 9 ! week day _w8 ,no
 inde$6 ,!y 7 educat$1 responsible1     
practical1 h>d head$1 cle> bra9$1 p (   
p[] & influ5ce--&--! man smil$ aga9--!y 
7 s++ ab\t unkn[able ?+s4 ,= ! fir/ "t 9
 8 life1 ! man wond]$ at ! /rang5ess ( x
 all4  ,:5 ! m9i/] pray$1 ! man li/5$ z 
he _h nev] li/5$ to a pray] be=e4 ,he   
felt baffl$ & bewild]$ z ?\gh he _h w&]$
 into a /range l&1 among /range p1 ( ^: 
cu/oms he 0 ignorant1 & ^: language he  
c\ld nei!r speak nor und]/&4 ,:o 0 ?is  
man :o seem$ on su* famili> t]ms ) !    

,inf9ite8 ,^u :at did he base 8         
assurance t ! weal? ( bless+s he ask$ = 
himself & 8 p w\ld be grant$ or ev5     
he>d8 ,_h he m ?an f9ite m9d t he c\ld  
"k ! ,inf9ite8  ,! s]mon t foll[$ 0     
l>gely a s]mon ab\t unkn[able ?+s4 ,x 0 
full ( beautiful1 helpful1 ?\ghts ab\t  
?+s t x 0 impossible = anyone to really 
"k any?+ ab\t4 ,v famili> 7 ! ?+s t !   
m9i/] said t morn+4 ,s9ce 8 *ildhood1 ! 
man _h he>d !m ov] & ov] _m times2 b he 
_h nev] be=e ?\ght ( !m 9 j t way4  ,!  
s]mon 0 f9i%$ & ! beautifully my/]i\s & 
impressive words ( ! b5$iction 7 spok5 z
 ! p /ood ) b[$ heads1 hu%$ & /ill4     
,aga9 ! deep tones ( ! organ trembl$ 9 !
 air z ! cr[d p\r$ =? f ! build+ into ! 
/reet4  ,! man 0 ?\ghtful & tr\bl$4 ,he 
felt z "o1 :o1 meet+ an old fri5d aft]  
_m ye>s1 f9ds him *ang$ beyond          
recognition4 ,he 0 z "o visit+1 aft]    
ye>s ( abs5ce1 8 old home to f9d !      
famili> l&m>ks all gone ) ! ye>s4 ,he 0 
sadly consci\s t some?+ _h gone out ( 8 
life--t some?+ exce$+ly preci\s _h be5  

tak5 away f him & t x c\ld nev] be      
replac$4  ,s]i\sly1 sadly1 ! man ask$   
himself3 mu/ 8 belief 9 ,religion g z 8 
fai? 9 fairies _h gone8 ,0 ,religion1   
aft] all1 b a beautiful game play$ by ! 
gr[n up _w1 ev5 z *ildr5 play8 ,& if1   
inde$1 8 fai? mu/ g because songs &     
pray]s & s]mons h to d s l>gely )       
unkn[able ?+s1 :at ( ! _s ( ! _w        
express$ 9 ! day t is s set ap>t f all  
o!r days8 ,sunday is a fact kn[able     
en\gh4 ,& ! atmosph]e ( ! *ur* is ano!r 
fact z kn[able z ! atmosph]e ( a race   
track1 a f\ndry1 or a political         
conv5tion4 ,& ! fruits ( ,religion 9 !  
lives ( m5--^! are z cle>ly kn[able z ! 
fruits ( drunk5ness1 or gambl+1 or      
lic5ti\sness4 ,! man 0 z sure ( ! fruits
 ( ,religion z he 0 sure t ! sun 0      
%9+--t ! day1 s w>m & bright1 0 unlike !
 cold1 h>d1 /ormy1 days ( w9t]4 ,&      
/ill--& /ill--! songs & pray]s & s]mons 
ab\t unkn[able ?+s--mu/ 8 belief 9      
,religion g z 8 fai? 9 fairies _h gone8 
,unkn[able ?+s8 ,yes--z unkn[able z t   

my/]i\s some?+ t colors ! trees & plants
 & fl[]s ) t9ts ( inf9ite %ad+s--z      
unkn[able z t :i* puts ! flavor 9 !     
pea*1 ! /r5g? 9 ! corn1 ! p]fume 9 !    
rose--z unkn[able z ! awful =ce t       
reveals itself 9 ! lightn+ fla% or      
speaks 9 ! roll+ ?und]--z unkn[able z ! 
my/]i\s h& t holds ! compass ne$le to ! 
nor? & sw+s ! /> worlds f> beyond ! f>!/
 rea* ( ! boa/+ eye ( ,sci5ce4          
,unkn[able8 ,yes--z unkn[able z t :i*   
lies safe hidd5 beh9d ! mo/ commonplace 
facts ( life--z unkn[able inde$1 z ,life
 itself4  ,nature1 said ! man1 9 answ]  
to himself1 & smil$ at ! fooli%ness ( 8 
own answ]4 ,is nature !n s kn[able8 ,are
 all h] laws reveal$2 all h] secrets    
kn[n2 all h] ways und]/ood2 all h]      
my/]ies made cle>8 ,d ! wise m51 aft]   
all1 "k m ( nature ?an !y d ( ,god8 ,d  
!y "k m ( e>? ?an ( heav58 ,d !y "k m ( 
a man's m9d ?an !y d ( 8 s\l8 ,& yet--& 
yet--does "o refuse to live because he  
_c und]/& ! my/]y ( life8 ,does "o d5y !
 e>? because ! secrets ( ,mature are    

unkn[able8 ,does "o refuse to ?9k       
because ?\ghts are n mat]ial            
?+s--because no "o has ev] se5 a ?\ght  
to say f :5ce x came or :i!r x w5t8     
,disbelief dem&s a k z exact z t dem&$  
by belief4 ,to d5y ! unkn[able is z     
impossible z to affirm x4 ,if x be true 
t man kn[s too mu* to believe 9 miracles
 ^! days1 x is j z true t he does n "k  
en\gh to disbelieve 9 !m4 ,&1 aft] all1 
!re is no reason :y anyone %\ld believe 
9 miracles2 nei!r is !re any reason :y  
"o %\ld disbelieve 9 !m4  ,e alt> is an 
alt> to an unkn[n ,god4 ,b man does n   
refuse to believe 9 bread because he _c 
und]/& ! my/]y ( ! :eat field4 ,"o      
believes 9 a g>d51 n because he kn[s h[1
 f ! same soil1 wat]1 & air1 ,nature    
produces /rawb]ries1 potatoes1 sweet    
corn1 tomatoes1 or lettuce1 b because   
fre% vegetables are good4 ,! hungry man 
nei!r believes nor disbelieves b sits   
d[n to ! table &1 if he be a "r m9d$    
man1 gives ?anks to ! ,god ( g>d5s :o1 9
 ways s unkn[able1 gives su* kn[able    

gifts to man4  ,nor 0 ! man1 at ?is "t1 
able to di/+ui% cle>ly betwe5 ,religion 
& ! ?+s t m5 h pil$ ab\t & hung ^u      
,religion4 ,!re=e 0 he tr\bl$ ab\t 8    
wan+ belief & worri$ because ( 8 gr[+   
d\bt4 ,he did n wi% to d\bt2 he wi%$ to 
believe4  ,9 all ^! _m ye>s1 ?r\gh      
intellectual pride or selfi% ambition1  
because ( an e>ne/ b mi/ak5 purpose to  
make cle>1 or 9 a pi\s zeal to          
emphasize1 m5 h be5 pil+ ?+s ab\t &     
hang+ ?+s ^u ,religion2 &1 always1 !y h 
insi/$ t ?is va/ accumulation ( ?+s is  
,religion4  ,^! ?+s t m5 h hung ^u      
,religion are no m a "p ( ,religion ?an 
! ivy t gr[s ^u ! /one wall ( a =tress  
is a "p ( ! nation's def5sive /r5g?4 ,^!
 ?+s t m5 h pil$ ab\t ,religion belong  
to x no m ?an a pile ( tra% dump$ at !  
foot ( a cliff belongs to ! ev]la/+     
hills4 ,b ^! traditions & cu/oms ( m51 )
 _! ev] multiply+ confusions ( doctr9es 
& cre$s & sects1 beautiful z !y are1    
hide ,religion ev5 z ! ivy hides ! wall4
 ,ev5 z ! accumulat$ tra% ( ! ages pil$ 

at ! foot ( ! cliff is ( int]e/ to !    
ar*aeologi/ & ! seek] aft] curi\s junk1 
s ^! ?+s t m5 h pil$ ab\t ,religion are 
( int]e/4 ,b ! obs]v]1 9 admiration ( ! 
ivy1 is 9 dang] ( ignor+ ! /]n reality (
 ! =tress4 ,! curi\s digg] 9 ! pile (   
tra%1 if 8 int]e/ be great1 he$s n !    
gr&eur ( ! cliff t t[]s above 8 head4   
,t aft]noon ! man w5t = a long walk4 ,he
 wi%$ to ?9k out1 if he c\ld1 ! ?+s t   
tr\bl$ him4  ,)\t plan on 8 "p1 8 walk  
l$ t[>d a qu>t] ( ! city :]e he _h nev] 
be5 be=e & :]e he came at la/ to an old 
cemet]y4 ,! anci5t iron gates1 betwe5 _!
 v9e clad columns ( /one1 7 invit+ly op5
 & )9 ! enclosure 7 great trees t lock$ 
_! gre5 arms above ! sil5t1 grass gr[n1 
graves z ?\gh 9 %elt]+ k9dness = ! dead4
 ,tempt$ by ! beauty ( ! place ! man    
ent]$1 &1 9 ! deep %ade ( ! old trees1  
scre5$ f ! road by _! mossy trunks1 f\nd
 a seat4 ,"h & !re1 among ! old graves  
"u ! trees1 a few p mov$ sl[ly2 paus+   
(t5 to deciph] ! inscriptions ^u ! lean+
 & fall5 tomb/ones4 ,s old 0 t anci5t   

bury+ place t !re 0 left among ! liv+ no
 "o to keep ! fl[]s ^u ! graves &       
visitors came only f idle curiosity4  ,&
 x 0 s1 t1 z ! man sat !re "u ! quiet   
old trees1 ! graves ) _! lean+ & fall5  
tomb/ones1 or1 p]haps1 ! day itself1 l$ 
8 m9d back to ^? companion graves t m>k$
 ! pass+ ( 8 boyhood--back to fa!r & "m 
& to _! religion--back to ! religion ( 8
 ,ye/]days4 ,& ! week ( toil & /rife1 ( 
/ruggle & ( /orm1 slipp$ f>1 f>1 away4  
,! di/urb+ que/ions1 ! d\bt & !         
unc]ta9ty ( ! morn+1 rais$ z ! fogs lift
 to leave ! l&scape cle>4  ,x 0 su* a   
little way f ! boy's home to ! *ur* t1  
:5 ! wea!r 0 f9e1 !y always walk$4 ,&   
surely no day c\ld h be5 f9] ?an t      
,sunday to :i* ! man w5t back4 ,z ! boy1
 all wa%$ & comb$ & dress$ 9 8 ,sunday  
be/1 sat on ! big gate po/ wait+ = 8    
fa!r & "m1 x seem$ to him t e liv+ ?+   
ab\t ! place knew :at day x 04 ,9 !     
pa/ure across ! road1 ! horses1         
leisurely cropp+ ! new grass1 paus$ (t5 
to lift _! heads & look ab\t ) an air ( 

k9dly int]e/ 9 ?+s to :i* !y w\ld h giv5
 no he$ at all _h !y be5 9 week day     
h>ness4 ,& "o old gray1 f9d+ an invit+  
spot1 lay d[n to roll--got up--&1       
because x felt s good1 lay d[n aga9 ^u 8
 o!r side2 & !n1 z if regrett+ t he _h  
no m sides to rub1 /ret*$ himself out ) 
su* a huge sigh ( cont5t t ! boy on !   
gate po/ laugh$2 :]eat ! horse rais$ 8  
head & look$ at him z ?\gh to say3      
,little boy1 don't y "k t x is ,sunday8 
,"u ! big elm1 9 ! corn] ( ! pa/ure1 !  
c[s /ood1 ) half clos$ eyes1 *ew+ _!    
cuds ) an air ( pi\s m$itation4 ,! h5s  
/roll$ s$ately ab\t s++ solemnly3       
ca-w-w1 ca-w-w1 ca-w-w1 & ! old r$      
roo/]1 /&+ on tiptoe1 flapp$ 8 w+s z if 
to cr[ !n *eck$ himself sudd5ly & look$ 
ar\nd z if to say3 ,bless me1 ,i ne>ly  
=got :at day x is6 ,!n ! cle>1 mell[1   
tones ( ! *ur* bell float$ across !     
little valley & ! boy's p>5ts came out (
 ! h\se4 ,! dog1 /ret*$ at full l5g? on 
! por*1 lift$ 8 head b did n (f] to     
foll[4 ,he1 too1 seem$ to "k1 ?\ght !   

boy z he climb$ d[n f ! po/ to walk     
sob]ly away ) 8 p>5ts4  ,be=e !y rea*$ !
 l[] end ( ! g>d51 ! little girl ) h] "m
 & uncle came out ( _! h\se &1 at !     
gate1 wait$ = !m :ile ! little girl wav$
 h] h& 9 greet+4 ,!n ! two m5 & ! two   
wom5 walk$ on ahead &1 z ! boy & girl   
foll[$1 ! boy1 look+ %yly at 8          
companion1 saw ! sunlight on h] s(t1    
br[n1 hair t 0 s prettily arrang$ ) a   
blue ribbon--saw ! m]ry eyes "u ! broad 
brim ( h] be/ hat--saw ! flu%$1 s(tly   
r\nd$1 *eek ) ! dimple1 ! curve ( ! r$  
lips1 & ! da9ty *9--saw h] dress s clean
 & :ite & />*$--saw & wond]$ if ! angels
 9 heav5 c\ld be m beautiful ?an ?is    
little girl4  ,s !y w5t1 t ,sunday1 d[n 
! hill1 across ! creek1 & up ! g5tle    
slope beyond1 until !y came to ! cross  
roads :]e ! :ite *ur* /ood "u ! old elm 
& maple trees4 ,already !re 7 _m teams  
/&+ "u ! %$s or ti$ to ! hit* racks     
along ! side ( ! road4 ,& by ! roads t  
l$ away 9 f\r directions1 ?r\gh ! fields
 & mead[s & pa/ures ( ! f>ms1 o!r c\ntry

 folk 7 com+ f _! homes & _! labors to  
wor%ip ! ,god ( se$time & h>ve/4  ,!re 7
 no u%]s 9 t *ur* ( ! ,ye/]days = !re   
w\ld be no /rang]s save ^? :o w\ld come 
) _! fri5ds2 b ! prea*] himself 0 at !  
door to greet 8 p or 0 mov+ "h & !re    
among !m1 ask+ ) c>e = ! abs5t ones4    
,nei!r 0 !re a great organ to fill ! air
 ) its trembl+ tones2 b1 at ! humble    
in/rum5t t s]v$ z well1 ! "m ( ! little 
girl presid$1 :ile ! boy's fa!r l$ !    
c\ntry *oir4 ,& ! sunlight ( t ,sunday  
/ream$ ?r\gh ! op5 w9d[s1 s(t5$ only by 
! delicate trac]ies ( g5tly wav+ bran*es
 & s(tly ru/l+ leaves4  ,& 9 ! songs &  
pray]s & s]mons ( t wor%ip 9 !          
,ye/]days1 ! boy he>d ! same unkn[able  
?+s t ! man _h he>d t morn+ 9 ! city    
*ur*4 ,among ^? p1 ! boy felt /irr+ !   
same _s t _h mov$ ! man4 ,! old prea*] 0
 long ago re/+ 9 ! cemet]y on ! hill1 ) 
! boy's p>5ts1 ! "m ( ! little girl1 &  
_m1 _m1 o!rs ( 8 flock4 ,a new & m mod]n
 m9i/] w\ld be giv+1 n[1 to ! *ildr5 ( t
 old congregation1 ! newe/ & mo/ mod]n  

?+s t !ologians d n "k ab\t ,religion4  
,b ! same old _s w\ld be !re /ill2 do+ !
 same "w = ! glory ( ! race4 ,& ! boy 9 
! ,ye/]days1 z he li/5$ to ! songs &    
pray]s & s]mons1 _h wond]$ 9 8 he>t ab\t
 ! ?+s he he>d--ev5 z ! man1 he _h ask$ 
himself _m unansw]able que/ions444 ,b   
!re _h be5 no d\bt 9 ! que/ions ( ! boy4
 ,!re _h be5 no disbelief 9 8 wond]4    
,because ! girl's "m play$ !            
organ--because ! boy's fa!r sang 9 !    
*oir--because 8 "m & ! little girl 7 !re
 beside him--! boy believ$ t :i* he c\ld
 n und]/&4  ,by _! fruits--x is a text z
 good = gr[n up *ildr5 z = boys & girls4
  ,:at ! prea*]s say ab\t ,religion     
matt]s little aft] all4 ,x is ! fa!rs & 
mo!rs & ! little girls :o keep ! fai? ( 
! _w alive4 ,! words ( ^? s]mons &      
pray]s & songs 9 8 ,ye/]days w\ld g ) ! 
boy no f>!r ?an ! *ur* door2 b t :i* 0 9
 ! he>ts ( ^? :o sang & prea*$ &        
pray$--t :i* song & s]mon & pray]       
attempt$ b c\ld n express--t w\ld g ) ! 
boy ?r\gh all ! ye>s ( 8 life4 ,f t !   

man c\ld nev] get :olly away4 ,x became 
z mu* a "p ( him z 8 love = 8 p>5ts 0 a 
"p4  ,:5 *ur* & ,sunday s*ool 7 ov] !   
boy w5t home to ! miracle ( ! ,sunday   
d9n]4 ,&1 ev5 z ! unkn[able ?+s ^u !    
,sunday d9n] table contribut$ to 8      
manhood's physical /r5g? & heal?1 s !   
?+s express$ by ! day t is set ap>t f   
all o!r days contribut$ to t /r5g? (    
manhood t is m vital ?an ! /r5g? ( bone 
& muscle & n]ve & s9ew4 ,9 ! book :]e9 x
 is writt53 ,man %all n live by bread   
alone1 x is writt51 also3 ,except ye    
become z little *ildr54  ,sl[ly ! man   
arose4 ,sl[ly & regretfully he turn$ to 
leave 8 place "u ! great trees t1 9 !   
solemn1 quiet1 twilight ( ! old cemet]y1
 lock$ _! arms protect+ly above ! dead4 
,except ye become z little *ildr54  ,mu/
 m5 9 ,religion be always try+ to gr[   
up8 ,are ! wise/ & ! greate/ among      
s*ol>s ne>] ! secrets ( ! unkn[able p[]1
 t1 ?r\gh ,religion1 possesses ! _w1 ?an
 ! un?9k+ *ildr5 are8 ,z ! man 9 ! late 
aft]noon w5t out ?r\gh ! anci5t iron    

gates1 betwe5 ! v9e cov]$ columns (     
/one1 he knew t 8 belief 9 ,religion    
w\ld n g z 8 fai? 9 fairies _h gone4    
,because ( ^? companion graves & all t  
!y meant to him--because ( ! little girl
 9 8 ,ye/]days--8 fai? 9 ,religion w\ld 
n g4  99    99    99    99    99  ,!    
woman1 alone 9 h] room1 sat at ! op5    
w9d[ look+ out ov] ! city4 ,! long1     
spr+1 ,sunday 0 draw+ to its close4     
,above ! ro(s ( ! h\ses across ! /reet1 
above ! t[]+ /ories ( ! build+s 9 ! d[n 
t[n di/ricts1 above factory *imneys1    
*ur* /eeples1 temple dome1 & ca!dral    
spire1 %e saw ! ev5+ sky light ) ! glory
 ( ! pass+ day4 ,ov] a triumphant ar* 9 
! we/1 ?r\gh :i* ! sun _h gone1 a mighty
 cl\d curta9 ( purple 0 drap$1 fold on  
fold1 all lac$ & loop$ ) silv] & edg$ ) 
sc>let flame4 ,above ! curta91 f> flung 
across ! wide sky1 bann]s ( rose &      
crimson & gold fla%$ & gleam$2 :ile1    
m>*+ 9 s]ri$ ranks1 foll[+ ! pa?way ( ! 
sun1 w5t innum]able ?\s&s ( cl\d soldi]s
 9 _! uni=ms ( light4 ,sl[ly !          

procession pass$--! gleam+ bann]s       
vani%$--! m>*+ armies disappe>$--!      
curta9 9 ! we/ 0 drawn close4 ,! woman  
at ! w9d[ wat*$ until ! la/ ( ! light 0 
gone &1 9 ! /ill sky above1 ! />s hung  
motionless4 ,l a b5$iction1 ! sweet     
my/]y ( twilight _h come ^u ! l&4 ,l a  
s(tly brea!d bless+ f heav51 ! night _h 
come4  ,because ( ! exp]i5ce ?r\gh :i*  
%e _h pass$ 9 ! week j gone1 t day1     
d$icat$ to ,religion1 _h held = ! woman 
a new mean+4  ,look+ into ! d>kness t   
hid ! city f h] eyes %e %udd]$4 ,!re 7 s
 _m !re to :om ! night came n z a       
bless+1 b z a curse4 ,out !re1 9 ! s(t  
d>kness into :i* ! woman look$1 dreadful
 crimes 7 be+ committ$1 horrid de$s 7   
be+ plann$4 ,out !re1 9 ! quiet night1  
wret*$ pov]ty1 gaunt pa91 & loa?some    
disease 7 pull+ d[n _! victims4 ,out    
!re1 9 ! blackness1 hide\s lic5ti\sness1
 bea/ly passion1 debas+ pleasure 7 /alk+
 _! prey4 ,out !re1 murd]]s ( s\ls 7 ly+
 9 wait2 robb]s ( he>ts 7 creep+        
/eal?ily2 slay]s ( purity 7 wat*+2      

kill]s ( innoc5ce 7 lurk+4 ,to ! woman  
at ! w9d[1 t night1 ! tw9kl+ lights ( ! 
city 7 z beacon fires on ! outskirts (  
hell4  ,& to-morr[--to-morr[--%e mu/ g  
d[n into t hell4 ,all t 0 !re 9 !       
d>kness1 %e mu/ see1 %e mu/ "k1 %e mu/  
feel4 ,all ^? ?+s ( evil w\ld be wat*+  
h]1 cr[d+ h]1 t\*+ h]1 hung]+ = h]2     
plac+ pitfalls 9 h] way2 long+ = h] to  
slip2 wait+ = h] to fall2 te/+ h]1 try+ 
h]1 always ready ) a damnable read9ess2 
always hop+ ) a helli% hope4 ,into t %e 
mu/ g--ev5 into t--?is woman1 :o knew   
h]self to be a woman1 mu/ g4  ,&        
:at--:at--( h] dreams8 ,c\ld %e1 %e ask$
 h]self t night1 c\ld %e g into t life1 
day aft] day1 & /ill h a he>t left =    
dream+8 ,aga9/ ! unclean /r5g? t ?reat5$
 h]1 :]e w\ld %e f9d ! /r5g? to keep h] 
womanhood pure & /rong = ! holy mission 
( womanhood8  ,cle> & sweet f out !     
d>kness ( ! night came ! s\nd ( a bell4 
,!n ano!r1 & ano!r1 & ano!r1 until1 f e 
qu>t] ( ! city1 _! music came1 z ?\gh 9 
answ] to h] "q4 ,"s1 ne> at h&1 rang    

l\d1 triumphant1 peals z ?\gh rejoic+   
ov] victories already won2 o!rs1 f>!r   
away1 9 s(t] tones1 seem$ to promise    
/r5g? = pres5t ne$2 :ile /ill o!rs1 9 m 
di/ant places1 s\nd+ s(t & f> away1     
seem$ to g5tly w>n1 to beckon1 to call1 
to plead4 ,lift+ h] te> fill$ eyes f !  
lights ( ! /reets ! woman look$ at !    
/>s1 &1 s look+1 saw1 lift+ into ! sky1 
! *ur* spires ( ! city4  ,9 a little1 ! 
music ( ! bells ceas$4 ,b ! woman1 at ! 
w9d[1 sat /ill ) h] face upturn$ to !   
/>s4  ,gone1 n[1 7 ! city lights t to h]
 _h seem$ z beacon fires on ! outskirts 
( hell4 ,gone1 n[1 ! horrors ( t life to
 :i* night comes n z a b5$iction4 ,gone1
 n[1 h] fe>s = h] dreams4 ,! woman liv$ 
aga9 a ,sunday ev5+ 9 h] ,ye/]days4  ,x 
may h be5 ! flam+ glory ( ! sky2 x may h
 be5 ! music ( ! bells2 x may h be5 !   
/>s--:atev] x 0--! woman w5t aga9 into !
 long ago4 ,once aga9 %e w5t back into  
h] ,ye/]days--to a ,sunday ev5+ 9 h]    
,ye/]days4  ,! little girl 0 on ! front 
por* ( h] home ) "m4 ,! sun 0 go+ d[n   

beh9d ! great trees 9 ! old *ur*y>d at !
 cross roads :ile1 across ! valley1 !   
voice ( ! bell 0 call+ ! p to ev5+      
wor%ip4 ,&1 ) ! r++ ( ! bell1 ! boy & 8 
"m came to sit ) !m :ile ! m5 7 gone to 
*ur*4  ,!n1 :ile ! mo!rs1 seat$ 9 _!    
easy *airs1 talk$ 9 l[ tones1 ! boy & ! 
girl1 side by side1 on ! /eps ( ! por*1 
wat*$ ! light g out ( ! sky & tri$ to   
c\nt ! />s z !y came4 ,z ! twilight     
deep5$1 ! elms 9 ! pa/ure across ! road1
 ! maples along ! drive1 & ! will[s d[n 
by ! creek1 became %ad[y & indi/9ct4 ,f 
! or*>d1 an owl s5t =? 8 quav]+ call & 0
 answ]$ by 8 mate f ! ro( ( ! b>n4 ,d[n 
9 ! %ad[ ( ! little valley1 a :ip-poor-w
 cri$ pla9tively1 &1 n[ & !n1 a bat came
 d>t+ out ( ! dusk on swift & sil5t w+s4
 ,& !re1 9 ! d>kness across ! valley1   
%one ! s+le light ( ! *ur*4 ,! *ildr5   
gave up try+ to c\nt ! />s & grew v     
/ill1 z1 toge!r1 !y wat*$ ! lights ( !  
*ur*4 ,!n "o ( ! mo!rs laugh$1 a l[     
happy laugh1 & ! *ildr5 began tell+ ea* 
o!r ab\t ,god4  ,_m ?+s ! boy & ! girl  

told ea* o!r ab\t ,god4 ,& :o is !re to 
say t ! ?+s !y told 7 n j z true z _m   
?+s t old] *ildr5 tell8 ,?\gh1 ,i       
suppose1 z ! boy & girl did n qu>rel or 
become angry ) ea* o!r t ,sunday ev5+1  
_! talk ab\t ,god c\ld sc>cely be       
consid]$ or?odox4 ,_! s]vice "u ! />s 0 
n at all regul>1 ,i "k4 ,) *ildi% awe & 
rev]5ce--) hu%$ voices--!y only told ea*
 o!r ab\t ,god4 ,!y did n discuss       
!ology--!y 7 n *ur* memb]s--!y 7 only   
*ildr54  ,!n1 by & by1 ! fa!r & uncle   
came1 &1 ) 8 p>5ts1 ! boy w5t home1     
call+ ?r\gh ! d>k1 z he w5t1 _m good    
nights--ea* call s\nd+ fa9t] & f>!r     
away4 ,&1 :5 %e c\ld nei!r he> nor make 
him he> m1 ! little girl w5t ) h] "m    
into ! h\se1 :]e1 :5 %e 0 ready = b$1 %e
 knelt to pray t old famili> pray] ( !  
,ye/]days--=gett+ n 9 h] pray] to ask   
,god to bless & keep ! boy4  ,oh1 *ildi%
 pray]s ( ! ,ye/]days6 ,made 9 ! /r5g? (
 a *ildi% fai?1 :at p[] div9e is 9 !m to
 keep ! race f dea?6 ,oh1 *ildi% und]/&+
 ( ,god1 deep gr\nd$ 9 t wisdom to :i*  

s*ol>s c nev] atta96 ,does ! ,ma/] (    
,life /ill set little *ildr5 among ,8   
disciples 9 va98  ,! woman no long] fe>$
 t :i* lay 9 ! d>kness ( ! city4 ,%e    
knew1 n[1 t %e w\ld h /r5g? to keep !   
treasures ( h] womanhood safe = him %\ld
 he come to lead h] into ! life ( h]    
dreams4 ,%e knew1 n[1 :at x 0 t w\ld    
help h]--t w\ld enable h] to keep t :i* 
,life _h committ$ to h]4  ,z %e turn$ f 
! w9d[1 /r5g? & peace 7 9 h] he>t4 ,z %e
 knelt beside h] b$ to pray1 h] pray] 0 
t pray] ( h] ,ye/]days4 ,! pray] ( a    
*ild x 0--! pray] ( a woman :o kn[s t %e
 is a woman x 0 also4      ,,tradition  
,x 0 summ] "t--gr[+ "t4  ,! *ildr5 ( !  
little br[n birds t _h ne/$ 9 ! h$ge ne>
 ! *]ry tree1 t ye>1 7 fly+ n[1 q       
easily1 away f _! little br[n "m's      
c\nsel & advice4 ,ev5 to ! top ( ! or*>d
 hill1 !y w5t 9 se>* ( brave adv5ture1  
rejoic+ recklessly 9 _! fre$om4 ,b1 = ! 
p>5t birds1 ! ties ( ! home 9 ! h$ge 7  
/ill /rong4 ,&1 e day1 !y exam9$ )      
exp]i5c$ eyes ! *]ries1 t1 on ! ne> by  

tree1 7 fa/ ne>+ rip5+ "t4  ,) e ge/ure 
express+ m cle>ly ?an any spok5 ^w 8    
/ate ( m9d1 ! man j]k$ d[n ! top ( 8    
desk1 slamm$ ! door1 jabb$ ! elevator   
bell1 & /rode grimly out ( ! build+4  ,!
 man's ang] 0 n "o ( ^? fla% l bur/s (  
wra?1 t1 pass+ z quickly z !y come1     
leave ! sky z cle> z ?\gh no /orm _h    
cross$ x4 ,nor 0 x ! sl[ k9dl+1 det]m9$1
 ang]1 t1 direct$ aga9/ a def9ite       
object1 burns ) /eady purpose4 ,x 0 r t 
sull51 hopeless1 helpless rage1 t1 f9d+ 
no?+ to v5t itself ^u1 endures ev5 :ile 
recogniz+ t its endurance is 9 va94 ,x 0
 ! ang] ( a captive1 wild ?+ aga9/ !    
/eel b>s ( its cage1 :i*1 aft] mon?s (  
ef=t1 x has f\nd too /rong4 ,x 0 ! ang] 
( an explor] aga9/ ! impassable crags & 
cliffs ( a m\nta9 range t b>s 8 pa?4 ,x 
0 ! ang] ( a bl9d man aga9/ ! d>kness t 
w n lift4  ,! man's "w dem&$ fre$om & ! 
man 0 n free4 ,9 8 dreams1 at ! beg9n+ (
 8 manhood1 he _h ?\ght himself free to 
"w out 8 dreams4 ,he _h said to himself3
 ,alone1 9 my own /r5g?1 ,i w "w4       

,dep5d+ ^u no man1 ,i w be indep5d5t4   
,limit$ only by myself1 ,i w be free4   
,he said ?is because he did n1 !n1 "k ! 
/r5g? ( ! b>s4 ,he _h n1 at t "t1 se5 ! 
m\nta9 range4 ,he _h n fac$ ! d>kness t 
w\ld n lift4 ,difficulties1 h>d%ips1    
ob/acles1 dang]s1 he _h expect$ to face1
 &1 9 8 /r5g?1 to ov]come4 ,b ! greate/ 
difficulty1 ! sev]e/ h>d%ip1 ! mo/ try+ 
ob/acle1 ! grave/ dang]1 he _h n =ese54 
,little by little1 z ! days & mon?s _h  
pass$ & ! man _h made progress 9 8 "w1  
?is ?+ _h made itself felt4 ,little by  
little1 ?is ?+ _h =c$ itself ^u him     
until1 at la/1 he 0 made to realize !   
fact t he 0 n indep5d5t ( b dep5d5t ^u  
all m54 ,he f\nd t he 0 limit$ n alone  
by himself b by o!rs4 ,he und]/ood1 n[1 
t he 0 n free to "w out 8 dreams4 ,he   
saw1 n[1 t ! ?+ mo/ difficult to        
ov]come--! ?+ t =bade 8 progress &      
refus$ him fre$om--0 ,tradition4 ,on e  
side he met ?is3 ,x has nev] be5 done2  
x1 !re=e1 c nev] be done4 ,! fa!rs ( our
 fa!rs believ$ ?is1 !re=e we mu/ believe

 x4 ,?is has always be51 !re=e ?is mu/  
always be4 ,o!rs d ?is1 ?9k ?is1 believe
 ?is1 !re=e y mu/ s d & ?9k & believe4  
,! man f\nd1 t1 beyond a po9t :i* o!rs  
c\ld see1 o!rs d5i$ him ! "r to g4 ,!   
e/abli%$ cu/oms & habits ( o!rs fix$ !  
limit ( ! progress he c\ld make ) !     
approval ( ! _w4  ,at fir/ he _h        
laugh$--secure 9 8 own /r5g?1 he _h     
laugh$ contemptu\sly4 ,b t 0 because he 
did n !n realize ! p[] ( ?is ?+4 ,lat]  
he did n laugh4 ,he became angry ) a    
sull51 hopeless1 helpless1 rage t       
accompli%$ no?+--t c\ld accompli%       
no?+--b only weak5$ ! man himself4 ,z "o
 %ut 9 a cell exhau/s himself beat+     
aga9/ ! walls1 s he we>i$ himself4  ,n  
until he 0 9 ! full sw+ ( 8 "w _h ?is ?+
 come ^u him 9 =ce4 ,at ! beg9n+ ( 8    
manhood life1 :51 9 ! /r5g? ( 8 fir/    
manhood dreams he _h look$ out ^u ! _w z
 a conqu]+ emp]or ^u ! field ( a com+   
battle1 he _h n se5 ?is ?+4 ,:5 he 0    
cry+ out to ! _w = some?+ to d ?is ?+ _h
 n made itself felt4 ,n until he _h made

 noticeable progress--n until he 0 9 !  
full sw+ ( 8 "w--did he f9d himself =c$ 
to reckon ) :at o!rs _h done or said or 
?\ght or believ$4  ,& nev] _h ! man felt
 8 own /r5g? z he felt x n[ :5 face to  
face ) ?is ?+ aga9/ :i* 8 /r5g? seem$ s 
helpless4 ,if only he c\ld h fre$om6 ,he
 ask$ no?+ b t4 ,z 9 ! beg9n+ he _h ask$
 ( ! _w only room & some?+ to d1 he ask$
 n[ only = fre$om to d4 ,& ! _w grant$  
him ! fre$om ( ! *ild :o is p]mitt$ to  
play 9 ! y>d b mu/ n g outside ! f5ce4  
,he 0 free to d 8 "w--to play out 8     
dreams--only s f> z ! e/abli%$ cu/oms & 
fix$ habits--,tradition--will$4 ,beyond 
! f5ce t %uts 9 ! famili> home gr\nd1   
said ! _w1 y mu/ n g4 ,if y d>e climb   
ov] ! f5ce--if y d>e g out ( ! y>d1 said
 ! _w1 ,i w puni% y--,i w ridicule y1   
condemn y1 p]secute y1 o/racize y4 ,i w 
br& y false1 a self-seek]1 a pret5d]1 a 
*>latan1 a trick/]1 a rogue4 ,i w cry y 
unsafe1 dang]\s1 a m5ace to society & ! 
race1 an evil to all t is good1 an      
unspeakable fool4 ,/ay 9 ! y>d1 said !  

_w1 & y may d :at y l4  ,ev5 9 matt]s ( 
p]sonal habits & ta/e1 ! man f\nd t he 0
 n free4 ,9 8 dress2 9 ! ?+s he ate &   
drank2 9 8 pleasures2 9 ! books he read1
 ! plays he att5d$1 ! pictures he saw1 !
 music he he>d1 he f\nd t he 0 expect$  
to obey ! m&ates ( ! _w--he f\nd t he 0 
expect$ to con=m to ,tradition--to !    
e/abli%$ cu/oms & habits ( o!rs4 ,9     
religion1 9 politics1 9 society1 9      
lit]ature1 9 art--z 9 8 "w--! _w said3  
,don't g outside ! y>d4  ,i d n "k :at  
"w x 0 t ! man 0 try+ to d4 ,x does n   
matt] :at 8 "w 04 ,b ?is ,i "k3 9 e "w t
 man1 s9ce ! beg9n+1 has tri$ to d1 man 
has be5 h9d]$ z ?is man 0 h9d]$--man has
 be5 d5i$ z ?is man 0 d5i$1 fre$om4     
,tradition has always block$ ! :eels (  
progress4 ,! _w has mov$ ahead always 9 
spite ( ! _w4 ,j z ! _w has always      
crucifi$ its saviors1 s1 always1 x has  
h9d]$ & held back its lead]s4  ,& ?is1  
too1 ,i "k3 aft] ! savior is crucifi$1  
^? :o nail him to ! cross accept 8      
tea*+4 ,:ile ! _w h9d]s & holds back its

 lead]s1 x always foll[s !m4  ,b ! man  
did n ?9k ( ?is t day :5 he left ! sc5e 
( 8 labor 9 su* ang]4 ,he ?\ght only ( t
 :i* he 0 try+ to d4 ,:5 he w5t back to 
8 "w1 ! next day1 he 0 /ill angry & ) 8 
ang]1 n[1 came discont5t1 d\bt1 & fe>1  
to cl\d 8 vision1 to clog 8 bra9 & weak5
 8 he>t4  ,a fri5d1 at lun*1 said3 ,y   
look fagg$1 knock$ out1 done up1 old    
man4 ,y've be5 pegg+ away too long & too
 /eadily4 ,:y don't y let up = a:ile8   
,lay (f = a week or two4 ,take a        
vacation4  ,aga9 & aga91 t hot1 we>y1   
aft]noon1 ! words ( ! man's fri5d came  
back to him until1 by ev5+1 he 0        
consid]+ ! sugge/ion s]i\sly4 ,:y n8 he 
ask$ himself4 ,he 0 accompli%+ little or
 no?+ 9 8 pres5t mood4 ,:y n accept !   
fri5dly advice8 ,p]haps--:5 he came     
back--p]haps1 he c\ld aga9 laugh at ! _w
 t d5i$ him fre$om4  ,s he came to      
consid]+ places & plans4 ,&1 z he       
consid]$1 !re 0 be=e him1 gr[+ always   
cle>] z he look$1 ! sc5es ( 8 boyhood--!
 old home ( 8 *ildhood--! place ( 8     

,ye/]days4 ,!re 7 _m places ( int]e/ &  
pleasure to :i* ! man might g1 b1 among 
!m all1 !re 0 no place s attractive z ! 
place ( 8 ,ye/]days4 ,!re 0 no?+ he s   
wi%$ to d z ?is3 to g back to ! old home
 & !re to be1 = a little :ile1 z ne>ly z
 a man c\ld be1 a boy aga94  ,if ! man  
_h ?\ght ab\t x1 he w\ld h se5 9 ?is    
desire to sp5d 8 vacation at ! old home 
some?+ ( ! same =ce t s ang]$ him by    
h9d]+ 8 "w4 ,b ! man did n ?9k ab\t x4  
,he wrote a lett] to see if he might    
sp5d two weeks ) ! p :o 7 liv+ 9 ! h\se 
:]e he 0 born &1 :5 ! answ] came assur+ 
him a welcome1 quickly made 8           
arrangem5ts to g4  ,) boyi% eag]ness1 he
 0 at ! depot a full half h\r be=e ! "t 
= 8 tra94 ,:ile he wait$1 he wat*$ !    
cr[d1 feel+ an int]e/ 9 ! p :o came &   
w5t 9 ! nev] end+ pr(ession t he _h n   
felt s9ce t day :5 he _h fir/ come to ! 
city to "w out 8 dreams among m54 ,9 !  
human tide t ebb$ & fl[$ ?r\gh ?is _w   
gateway1 he saw m5 ( weal? & m5 (       
pov]ty--p ( culture & position :o _h    

come or 7 go+ 9 ,pullman or private c>s 
& illit]ate1 /upid1 animal look+1       
emigrants :o 7 cr[d$1 mu* l cattle1 9 ! 
l[e/ class4 ,!re 7 bus9ess m5 ( l>ge    
affairs2 c\ntrym5 ) wond]+ faces2 %all[1
 pleasure seek]s2 arti/s & s*ol>s2 idle 
fools2 vici\s %>ks wat*+ = victims2     
mo!rs ) flocks ( *ildr5 cl++ to _!      
skirts2 work+ girls & bus9ess wom52     
*att]+1 laugh+1 s*oolgirls2 & wret*$    
creatures ( ! outca/ life--all ^! & _m  
m4  ,&1 z he wat*$1 p]haps because he 0 
on 8 vacation1 p]haps because ( some?+ 9
 8 he>t awak5$ by ! fact t he 0 go+ to 8
 boyhood home1 ! man felt1 z he _h nev] 
felt be=e1 8 k9%ip ) !m all4 ,) weal? & 
pov]ty1 ) culture & illit]acy1 )        
pleasure & crime1 ) sadness & joy1 z    
evid5c$ 9 ! lives ( ^? :o pass$ 9 !     
cr[d1 ! man felt a sympa?y & und]/&+ t 0
 /rangely new4 ,&1 m ?an ?is1 he saw t  
ea* 0 k9 to ! o!r4 ,he saw t1 9 spite ( 
! wide gulf t sep>at$ ! individuals 9 ! 
?rong1 !re 0 a some?+ t held !m all     
toge!r--!re 0 a =ce t influ5c$ all      

alike--!re 0 a some?+ common to all4 ,9 
spite ( ! w>r+ elem5ts ( society2 9     
spite ( ! cla%+ =ces ( bus9ess2 9 spite 
( ! conflict+ claims ( indu/ry repres5t$
 9 ! ?rong2 ! man recogniz$ a bro!rhood1
 a on5ess1 a k9%ip1 t held all toge!r4  
,& he felt ?is ) a /range feel+ t he _h 
always kn[n t x 0 !re b _h nev]         
recogniz$ x be=e4  ,! man did n realize 
t ?is 0 s because he 0 n ?9k+ ( ! p 9 _!
 relation to 8 "w4 ,he did n "k1 t1     
because 8 he>t & m9d 7 int5t ^u ! ?+s ( 
8 ,ye/]days1 he saw ! _w 9 ?is new      
light4 ,he did n1 !n1 und]/& t ! =ce :i*
 h9d]$ & hamp]$ him 9 8 "w--t d5i$ him !
 full fre$om he dem&$--0 ! same =ce t he
 n[ felt hold+ ! p toge!r4 ,ev5 z !y    
all1 :e!r travel+ 9 ,pullman1 private   
c>1 or emigrant tra91 pass$ ov] ! same  
rails1 s !y all1 9 :atev] class !y      
travel$ on ! road ( ,life1 7 guid$ by ! 
,traditions--! e/abli%$ cu/oms--! fix$  
habits--t are common to _! race or      
nation4 ,& ! /r5g? ( a p1 z a p1 is 9   
?is on5ess--?is =ce t makes !m "o--!    

,traditions & cu/oms & habits ( life t  
are common to all4 ,x is ! f5ces ( !    
family doory>ds t hold ! *ildr5 ( m5    
toge!r & make ! p ( a race or nation "o4
  ,s x 0 t ! man1 kn[+ x n1 left 8 "w   
beh9d & w5t1 = /r5g? & re/1 back to !   
sc5es ( 8 ,ye/]days 9 ob$i5ce to ! comm&
 ( ! v ?+ t1 9 8 "w1 _h /irr$ him to su*
 rage4 ,= :at1 aft] all1 are ,traditions
 & cu/oms & habits b a go+ back into !  
,ye/]days4  ,z ! tra9 left ! city f>!r &
 f>!r beh9d1 ! man's ?\ghts kept pace ) 
! fa/ fly+ :eels t 7 be>+ him back to ! 
sc5es ( 8 *ildhood4 ,f ! pres5t1 he     
retrac$ 8 /eps to t day :5 he _h dream$ 
8 fir/ manhood dreams & to ^? h>d days  
:5 he 0 ask+ ( ! _w only some?+ to d4   
,z1 /ep by /ep1 he foll[$ 8 way back1   
incid5ts1 ev5ts1 exp]i5ces1 p1 appe>$1  
ev5 z f ! c> w9d[ he caught glimpses ( !
 :irl+ l&scape1 until at la/ he saw1    
across ! fields & mead[s famili> to 8   
*ildhood1 ! build+s ( ! old home1 ! h\se
 :]e ! little girl _h liv$1 ! old *ur*1 
& ! or*>d hill :]e he _h sat t day :5 ! 

smoke ( a di/ant tra9 mov+ t[>d ! city  
became to him a bann] lead+ to ! battle 
front4 ,!n ! long :i/le ann\nc$ !       
/ation4 ,eag]ly ! man collect$ 8 ?+s &1 
be=e ! tra9 _h come to a full /op1 swung
 himself to ! depot plat=m :]e he 0 met 
by 8 k9dly ho/4  ,z !y drove pa/ !      
fields & pa/ures1 s quiet aft] ! noisy  
city1 ! man grew v /ill4 ,pa/ ! little  
:ite *ur* among its old trees at ! cross
 roads2 d[n ! hill & across ! creek2 &  
sl[ly up ! o!r side ( ! valley !y w5t3  
!n pa/ ! h\se :]e ! little girl _h liv$2
 & s turn$ 91 at la/1 to ! home ( t boy 
9 ! ,ye/]days4 ,& surely x 0 no discr$it
 to ! man t1 :5 !y left him alone 9 8   
old room to prep>e = ! ev5+ meal1 he    
sc>ce c\ld see = te>s4  ,sc5es (        
*ildhood6 ,memories ( ! old home6       
,recollections ( ! de> ones t are gone6 
,no m c man escape ^! ?+s ( ! ,ye/]days 
?an he c avoid ! ?+s ( to-day4 ,no m c  
man d5y ! pa/ ?an he c d5y ! pres5t4    
,tradition is to m5 z a gov]nor to an   
eng9e2 )\t its controll+ p[] ! race w\ld

 spe$ quickly to its own de/ruction4 ,"o
 ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life 
is ,tradition4  ,= two happy1 heal?ful1 
re/ful1 /r5g!n+1 inspir+ weeks1 ! man   
liv$1 s f> z a man c live1 9 8          
,ye/]days4 ,9 ! cool %ade ( ! or*>d t   
once 0 an en*ant$ wood2 "u ! old apple  
tree %ip beside ! mead[ sea2 on ! hill  
:]e1 a/ride 8 rail f5ce w> horse1 ! boy 
_h direct$ ! battle & l$ ! desp]ate *>ge
 & :]e ! man _h dream$ ! fir/ ( 8       
manhood dreams2 9 ! g>d5 :]e ! ca/away  
_h liv$ on 8 des]t isl&2 9 ! y>d ne>    
"m's w9d[ :]e ! boy _h build$ ! brave   
play h\se = ! little girl next door2 9 !
 valley1 bel[ :]e ! little girl liv$1   
beside ! brook t 9 its "y life ran s    
pure & cle>2 at ! old s*ool h\se 9 !    
edge ( ! timb]2 9 ! anci5t cemet]y1     
beside ! companion graves2 ?r\gh ! woods
 & fields & pa/ures2 beside ! old mill  
pond ) its cov]$ bridge2 ! man liv$ aga9
 ^? days ( ! long ago4  ,b1 9 ! places (
 8 ,ye/]days1 ! man f\nd1 already1 _m   
*anges4 ,! h\ses & build+s 7 a little m 

wea!r-beat51 ) _m ( ! bo>ds 9 ! por*    
floors & /eps %[+ decay4 ,! trees 9 !   
or*>d 7 old] & m gn>l$ ) "h & !re gaps 9
 _! ranks4 ,! f5ces %[$ _m repairs4 ,!  
little s*oolh\se 0 almo/ %abby &1 ) !   
wood cle>$ away1 look$ nak$ & alone4 ,! 
*ur*1 too1 0 9 ne$ ( a fre% coat ( :ite4
 ,& !re 7 _m new graves 9 ! cemet]y on !
 hill4 ,z "t _h wr\ght *anges 9 ! man   
himself1 ev5 s _h x alt]$ ! sc5es ( 8   
boyhood4 ,always1 9 m5 & 9 ?+s1 "t works
 *anges4  ,b x is n ! *anges wr\ght by  
"t t h>ms4 ,^! come z ! rip5+ ( ! fruit 
^u ! tree4 ,x is ! sudd51 viol5t1       
trans=mations t m5 are ev] seek+ to     
make1 bo? 9 ?+s & 9 !mselves1 t m5ace ! 
rip5+ life ( ! race4 ,x is well1 inde$1 
= ! _w to hold fa/ to its ,traditions4  
,x is well to cl+ wisely to ! pa/4  ,nor
 did ! man live aga9 9 8 ,ye/]days      
alone4 ,he c\ld n4 ,always1 %e 0 !re--8 
boyhood mate--! little girl :o liv$ next
 door4  ,b ! op5+ 9 ! h$ge t1 at ! l[]  
end ( ! g>d51 sep>at$ ! boy's home f !  
home ( ! little girl1 0 clos$4 ,long &  

c>efully ! man se>*$2 smil+1 ! :ile1 at 
a fooli% wi% 9 8 he>t t "t w\ld leave t 
little gate ( ! ,ye/]days always op54 ,b
 ! ev] gr[+ bran*es _h wov5 a ?ick b>ri]
 across ! gre5 ar*way hid+ x s securely 
t1 to ! man1 no sign 0 left to m>k :]e x
 _h be54  ,) t fooli% regret /ill 9 8   
he>t1 ! man ask$1 q casually1 ( ! p :o 7
 liv+ 9 ! h\se if !y knew aught ab\t 8  
playmate ( ! ,ye/]days4  ,!y c\ld tell  
him v little2 only t %e liv$ 9 a city "s
 di/ance f 8 pres5t home4 ,:at %e 0 do+2
 :e!r m>ri$ or alone2 !y c\ld n say4  ,&
 ! man1 z he /ood1 ) b>$ head1 "u ! *]ry
 tree 9 ! corn] ne> ! h$ge1 told himself
 t he 0 glad t ! p c\ld tell him no?+4  
,9 8 busy1 gr[n up1 life !re 0 no room =
 a woman4 ,9 8 battle ) ! ?+s t *all5g$ 
8 advance1 he mu/ be free to fight4 ,x 0
 bett] = him t ! little girl liv$ only 9
 8 ,ye/]days4 ,! little girl :o _h help$
 him play out 8 boyhood dreams mu/ n    
h9d] him :ile he work$ out ! dreams ( 8 
manhood4 ,t is :at ! man told himself z 
he /ood1 ) b>$ head1 "u ! *]ry tree4 ,) 

! memory ( t play w$d+ & t kiss 9 8     
he>t1 he told himself t6  ,i wond]1     
sometimes1 :at w\ld happ5 if m5 %\ld    
*ance to discov] h[ fooli% !y really    
are4  ,no d\bt1 ! man reflect$--wat*+ ! 
pair ( br[n birds z !y inspect$ ! rip5+ 
*]ries--no d\bt %e has long ago =gott5  
^? *ildi% v[s4 ,p]haps1 9 ! gr[n up _w1 
%e has ev5 tak5 new & m b9d+ v[s4 ,w\ld 
he ev]1 he wond]$1 meet "o ) :om he c\ld
 make ^? v[s aga98 ,once he _h met "o ) 
:om he ?\ght he wi%$ to make !m b he    
knew1 n[1 t he _h be5 mi/ak54 ,& he     
knew1 too1 t x 0 well t he _h f\nd 8    
mi/ake 9 "t4 ,someh[1 z he /ood !re aga9
 "u ! *]ry tree1 ! mak+ ( su* v[s seem$ 
to ! man m holy1 m sacr$1 ?an !y _h ev] 
seem$ be=e4 ,w\ld he d>e--,he wond]$4 ,0
 !re1 9 all ! _w1 a woman ) :om he      
c\ld--,! man %rugg$ 8 %\ld]s & turn$    
away4 ,yes1 inde$1 x 0 mu* bett] t %e   
liv$ only 9 8 ,ye/]days4 ,&             
/ill--/ill--9 ! man's he>t !re 0 regret 
t ,"t _h clos$ t gateway ( 8 ,ye/]days4 
,& (t51 9 ! twilight ( ^? ev5+s1 aft] a 

day ( w&]+ ab\t ! place1 visit+ old     
sc5es1 or talk+ ) ! long "t fri5ds ( 8  
p1 ! man w\ld recall ! traditions ( 8   
family2 he>+ aga9 ! tales 8 fa!r w\ld   
tell by ! w9t] fireside or li/5+ to !   
/ories t 8 "m w\ld relate on a ,sunday  
or a /ormy aft]noon4 ,brave tales !y    
7--brave tales & true /ories ( ! man's  
=be>s :o _h liv$ :5 ! c\ntry 0 "y & :o  
_h play$ no small "p 9 ! nation's       
build+4 ,&1 z he recall$ ^! traditions (
 8 p1 ! man's he>t ?rill$ ) loyal pride 
:ile he det]m9$ /rongly to keep !       
spl5did record clean4 ,z a sacr$        
h]itage1 he w\ld receive ^! traditions4 
,z a holy duty he w\ld be true to t :i* 
_h be54  ,reluctantly1 b ) r5ew$ /r5g? &
 c\rage1 :5 ! "t came = 8 go+1 ! man set
 8 face away f 8 ,ye/]days--set x aga9  
t[>d 8 "w--t[>d ! work+ out ( 8 dreams4 
,&1 z he w5t1 !re 0 = ! ?+ t *eck$ 8    
progress some?+ m ?an ang]--= ! ?+ t =c$
 him to g sl[ly !re 0 pati5ce4  ,/&+ on 
! re> plat=m1 z 8 tra9 mov$ sl[ly away  
pa/ an incom+ tra9 t _h j pull$ onto a  

sid+1 ! man saw ! neighbor :o liv$ next 
door to 8 old home drive hurri$ly up4 ,!
 man 9 ! c>riage wav$ 8 h& & ! man on ! 
mov+ tra91 answ]+ 9 l mann]1 wond]$ idly
 :at _h br\ght ! neighbor !re4 ,surely  
he _h n come to bid "o :o 0 almo/ a     
/rang] good-bye4 ,&1 /rangely en\gh1 z !
 man wat*$ f ! w9d[ = a la/ view ( !    
sc5es ( 8 ,ye/]days1 !re 0 9 8 he>t1    
aga91 regret t ! little op5+ 9 ! h$ge 0 
clos$4  99    99    99    99    99  ,!  
city 0 swelt]+ 9 a summ] heat wave4 ,!  
sun %one ?r\gh a d+y pall ( vile smoke )
 a sickly1 yell[1 gl>e4 ,f ! pavem5t &  
gutt]1 wet by ! spr9kl+ wagons1 9 a va9 
ef=t to lay ! du/1 a /icky1 /9k+1 /eam  
lift$1 fill+ ! no/rils & lav+ ! face ) a
 comb9ation ( e fil?y odor4 ,! atmosph]e
 fairly reek$ ) ! smell ( sweat+        
animals1 p]spir+ humanity1 rott+ g>bage1
 & vile sewage4 ,&1 9 ! mid/ ( ! hot    
fil?1 ! p mov$ ) languid1 feeble mann]2 
_! faces worn & pallid2 _! eyes dull &  
we>y2 _! voices ?9 & fretful4  ,!       
woman's he>t 0 fa9t ) ! weight ( suff]+ 

t %e 0 helpless to relieve4 ,h] quiv]+  
n]ves %riek$ ) ! horror ( conditions t  
%e c\ld n *ange4 ,h] bra9 a*$ )         
contemplation ( ! cruel necessity t     
tortur$ humank9d4 ,h] v s\l 0 sick ) !  
hopelessness ( ! gasp+1 *ok+1 /ruggl+1  
multitude :o1 9 _! pov]ty & bl9dness1   
toil$ to pres]ve _! lives ( sorr[ & pa9 
& s\ght relief f _! labors 9 pleasures m
 horrible & de/ructive1 by f>1 ?an !    
slav]y to :i* !y gave !mselves = ! means
 to pay4  ,! woman 0 tir$--v tir$4 ,he>t
 & n]ves & bra9 & s\l & body 7 tir$ ) a 
we>9ess t1 x seem$ to h]1 w\ld nev]     
pass4 ,%e 0 tir$ ( ! life into :i* %e _h
 gone because x 0 ! cu/om ( ! age &     
because ( h] necessity--! life into :i* 
%e _h n wi%$ to g because x d5i$ h]     
womanhood4 ,because %e knew h]self to be
 a woman1 %e felt t %e 0 be+ robb$ ( !  
?+s ( h] womanhood4 ,! brightness &     
beauty1 ! /r5g? & joy\sness ( h]        
womanhood 71 by h]1 held z sacr$ tru/s  
to be kept = h] *ildr5 &1 ?r\gh !m1 = ! 
race4 ,%e we>i$ ( ! /ruggle to keep !   

?+s ( h] womanhood f ! _w t 0 tak+ !m f 
h]--t put a price ^u !m--t us$ !m z     
?\ghtlessly z x uses ! /one & metal &   
wood t x takes f ! e>?4 ,%e 0 tir$ ( !  
horrid life t cr[d$ h] s closely--t     
cru%$ itself aga9/ h] 9 ! cr[d$ c>s--t  
le]$ into h] face on ! /reet--t rea*$   
out = h] f e side--t hung]$ = h] ) a    
fi]ce hung] & long$ = h] ) a damnable1  
fi5di%1 long+4 ,%e 0 fa9t & weak f      
contact ) ! loa?some ?+s t %e 0 =c$ to  
"k & t w\ld leave _! m>k ^u h] womanhood
 z surely z ! t\* ( pit* defiles4 ,& %e 
0 we>y1 s we>y1 wait+ = t "o ) :om %e   
c\ld cross ! ?re%old ( ! old1 old1 op5  
door4  ,little "t 0 left to h]1 n[1 =   
?\ght & prep>ation = ! life ( :i* %e _h 
dream$4 ,little he>t 0 left to h]1 n[1 =
 dream+4 ,little c\rage 0 left = hope4  
,b /ill h] dreams liv$4 ,/ill %e wait$4 
,/ill1 at times1 %e hop$4  ,b ! ?+ t mo/
 ( all we>i$ ! woman1 :o knew t %e 0 a  
woman1 0 ?is3 ! re/less1 discont5t$1    
dissatisfi$1 uneasy1 _s ( ! age t1      
scorn+ ,tradition 9 a %all[1 silly      

pride1 /ruggles = & seems to value only 
t :i* is new reg>dless ( ! value ( ! ?+ 
itself4 ,! new 9 dress1 reg>dless (     
beauty or fitness 9 ! co/ume--! new 9   
?\ght1 reg>dless ( ! san5ess ( ! ?9k+--!
 new 9 cu/oms & mann] ( liv+--! new 9 ! 
home1 9 m>riage relation1 9 ! education 
& re>+ ( *ildr5--new philosophy1 new    
sci5ce1 new religion1 new art1 new      
music1 new books1 new cook+1 new wom5--x
 sometimes appe>s t ! crime ( crimes1 ! 
mo/ degrad+ disgrace1 ^! days1 is to be 
held old-fa%ion$1 beh9d-!-times1        
out-(-date1 & t ev]y?+1 ev]y?+1 n new is
 old-fa%ion$--ev]y?+ n ( ! times is     
beh9d-!-times--ev]y?+ n d[n-to-date is  
out-(-date4  ,patriotism1 love ( c\ntry1
 is old1 v old1 & is also--or !re=e--q  
out-(-date4 ,to speak or write (        
patriotism1 s]i\sly1 or to consid] x a  
factor 9 life--to live x1 dep5d ^u x1 or
 appeal to x1 is to be consid]$ v /range
 & sadly old-fa%ion$4 ,! mod]n1         
d[n-to-date1 age consid]s s]i\sly n     
patriotism b graft & price & boodle4 ,^!

 are ! mod]n =ces by :i* ! nation is    
said to be gov]n$2 ^! are ! means by :i*
 ! nation /rives to g ahead4 ,to talk   
only ( ^! ?+s1 to believe only 9 ^! ?+s1
 to live only ^! ?+s1 is to be mod]n &  
d[n--l[ d[n--to-date4 ,to "w f any      
motive b ! mak+ ( money is to be que]ly 
beh9d-!-times4 ,to write a book or pa9t 
a picture or s+ a song1 to prea* a      
s]mon1 to d any?+ = any reason "u heav5 
b = ca% m>ks y a fanatic & a fool4 ,to  
believe1 ev51 t anyone does any?+ save =
 ! money !re is 9 x /amps y simple &    
unsophi/icat$1 inde$4 ,to pr(ess su*    
belief1 save y put y\r tongue 9 y\r     
*eek1 m>ks y peculi>4  ,long1 long1 ago 
mank9d put its be/ /r5g?1 its be/ ?\ght1
 its be/ life1 into its works1 )\t reg>d
 = ! price1 simply because x 0 its "w4  
,& ! "w s wr\ght 9 ^? que] old-fa%ion$  
days has mo/ curi\sly endur$4 ,!re is   
little dang] t mu* ( our mod]n1         
d[n-to-date "w w endure = ! v simple    
reason t we d n want x to endure4 ,! _w 
wants some?+ new4 ,d[n-to-date-ism does 

n want its "w to la/ long] ?an ! doll> x
 br+s4 ,nev] fe>1 ! _w is gett+ some?+  
new6 ,b1 ?\gh we h gr[n s bravely away f
 ^? que]1 old-fa%ion$ days we h n       
succe$$ yet 9 gr[+ altoge!r away f !    
works t ^? old-fa%ion$ days produc$4 ,b1
 pati5ce1 old                           
_w--pati5ce--d[n-to-date-ism may1 9 "t1 
accompli% ev5 ?is4  ,9 ^? old1 old1     
times1 too1 x 0 ! fa%ion = m5 & wom5 to 
mate 9 love4 ,9 love1 !y plann$ & build$
 _! homes4 ,9 love1 !y br\ght =? *ildr5 
& re>$ !m1 ) que]1 old-fa%ion$ notions  
ab\t m>riage1 to s]ve ! race4 ,9 ^?     
times1 n[ s sadly old & out-(-date1 m5  
plann$ & labor$ = homes & *ildr5 & wom5 
7 home mak]s & mo!rs4 ,b ! _w is n[ f> f
 ^? anci5t ways & out-(-date ideals4    
,m>riage has little to d ) home mak+ ^! 
mod]n days4 ,x has almo/ no?+ to d )    
*ildr54 ,we h1 9 our d[n-to-date-ism1   
come to be a nation ( *ildless wives &  
homeless husb&s4 ,we are dwell]s 9      
flats1 ap>tm5ts1 hotels1 :]e *ildr5 w\ld
 be 9 ! way b dogs are welcome if only  

!y be useless dogs4 ,we live 9 h\ses t  
are always = sale or r5t4 ,x is our pr\d
 boa/ t we possess no?+ t is n on !     
m>ket = a price4 ,! ?\ght ( sell+ a home
 is n pa9ful = we d n "k1 ! value ( a   
home4 ,we h1 = conv5i5ce1 to gratify our
 mod]n1 d[n-to-date1 ev] *ang+ ta/es1   
popul>iz$ ! divorce c\rt z ?\gh a husb& 
or wife ( m ?an ?ree seasons is         
old-fa%ion$ & %\ld be disc>d$ = "o ( a  
new] patt]n1 m 9 h>mony ) our mod]n     
ideals ( m>riage4  ,f ! d[n-to-date--!  
all-!-way-d[n-to-date woman1 ,i mean--"o
 ga9s new & mod]n ideas ( ! s]vice t    
womank9d is to r5d] to ! race4 ,almo/ x 
is z ?\gh ,god did n "k :at he 0 ab\t :5
 he made woman4 ,to place a home above a
 club2 a nurs]y above ! public plat=m2 a
 fireside above politics2 ! prattle (   
*ildr5 above newspap] notoriety2 ! love 
( boys & girls above ! excitem5t (      
social conque/2 ! "w ( be>+ /rong m5 &  
true wom5 = ! glory ( ! race above ! ne>
 intellectual pursuits & ! atta9m5ts ( a
 %all[ ?9k+2 all ?is is to be sadly     

old-fa%ion$4 ,all ?is is s beh9d-!-times
 t "o mu/ confess su* %ock+ ta/e ) all  
humiliation4  ,i h]eby beg p>don ( !    
d[n-to-date p[]s t be1 & mo/ humbly pray
 t !y w graci\sly =give my boori%ness4  
,i assure y t1 aft] all1 ,i am n s      
b5ight$ t ,i d n realize h[ s]i\sly     
babies w\ld int]f]e 9 ! affairs ( ^?    
d[n-to-date wom5 :o are elevat+ ! race4 
,by all means let ! race be elevat$ ?\gh
 x p]i%1 *ildless1 9 ! process4 ,v soon1
 n[1 womanhood itself w be out-(-date = 
! _w1 9 ?is also1 seems to be evolv+    
some?+ new4  ,s ! woman1 :o knew h]self 
to be a woman1 mo/ ( all1 0 tir$ ( ?+s  
new & long$1 deep 9 h] he>t1 = ! old1   
old1 ?+s t 7 built into ! v f\ndation ( 
! race & t no am\nt ( gild+ & trimm+ &  
ornam5t+ c ev] cov] up or hide2 & no    
am\nt ( disreg>d+ or ignor+ c d away )2 
le/ inde$ ! race p]i% f ! e>?4  ,& :5 d 
y take y\r vacation8 ask$ a fell[ work] 
z !y 7 leav+ ! build+ aft] ! day's "w4  
,n until ! la/ ( ! mon?1 return$ ! woman
 we>ily4 ,& y8  ,me1 oh1 ,i mu/ g       

,monday6 ,& x's su* a %ame6 ,i've j     
receiv$ a *>m+ invitation = two weeks   
lat] b no "o c>es to ex*ange "t ) me4   
,no "o1 y see1 c g on su* %ort notice4  
,i don't suppose t y-- %e paus$         
sugge/ively4  ,i w ex*ange "t ) y1 said 
! woman simply4  ,w y really8 ,n[1 t is 
clev] ( y6 ,are y sure t y don't m9d8   
,inde$1 ,i w be glad to get away e>li]4 
,b c y get ready to g s soon8  ,! woman 
smil$4 ,i %all d v little gett+ ready4  
,! o!r look$ at h] mus+ly4 ,no1 ,i      
suppose n1 y are s que] t way4 ,seems to
 me ,i c't f9d "t en\gh to make new ?+s4
 ,"o j mu/ keep up1 y "k4  ,x is settl$ 
!n8 ask$ ! woman1 at ! corn] :]e !y     
p>t$4  ,x w be s good ( y1 murmur$ !    
o!r4  ,! woman _h _m invitations to sp5d
 h] brief vacation ) fri5ds1 b1 t night1
 %e wrote a lett] to ! p :o liv$ 9 h]   
old home & ask$ if !y w\ld take h] = two
 weeks1 reque/+ t !y telegraph _! answ]4
 ,:5 ! message came1 %e wir$ !m to meet 
h] & w5t by ! fir/ tra94  ,at ! old home
 /ation1 h] tra9 took a sid+ at ! upp]  

end ( ! y>ds to let ! outgo+ express    
pass4 ,f ! w9d[ :]e %e sat ! woman saw a
 tall man1 dress$ 9 a bus9ess suit (    
quiet gray1 /&+ on ! re> plat=m ( !     
sl[ly mov+ outb\nd tra9 & wav+ 8 h& to  
someone on ! depot plat=m4 ,j a glimpse 
%e _h ( him be=e he pass$ f sight z h]  
own tra9 mov$ ahead to /op at ! depot   
:]e %e 0 greet$ by h] ho/4 ,n until !y 7
 driv+ t[>d h] old home did ! woman "k  
:o x 0 t %e _h se54  ,! woman 0 int]e/$ 
9 all t ! p _h to tell ab\t h] old      
playmate & ask$ n a few que/ions b %e 0 
glad t he _h n kn[n ( h] com+4 ,%e 0    
glad t he 0 gone4 ,! man & ! woman 7    
/rang]s & ! woman did n wi% to meet a   
/rang]4 ,! boy liv$1 = h]1 only 9 h]    
,ye/]days & ! woman told h]self t %e 0  
glad because %e fe>$ t ! man1 if %e met 
him1 w\ld rob h] ( ! boy4 ,%e fe>$ t he 
w\ld be l s _m t %e _h be5 =c$ to "k 9 !
 _w t d5i$ h] womanhood4 ,%e _h det]m9$ 
to be = two weeks1 z f> z x is possible 
= a woman to be1 j a girl aga9 & %e     
want$ no company o!r ?an ! little boy :o

 liv$ only 9 ! long ago4  ,z soon z     
supp] 0 ov] %e retir$ to h] room--to !  
little room t _h be5 h]s 9 h]           
*ildhood--:]e1 be=e light+ ! lamp1 %e   
sat = a:ile at ! op5 w9d[ look+ out into
 ! night1 brea?+ long & deep ( ! pure   
air t 0 sweetly p]fum$ ) ! odor ( !     
mead[s & fields4 ,9 ! brood+ quiet2 9 ! 
s(t night s\nds2 9 ! fragrant breeze t  
g5tly t\*$ h] hair2 %e felt ! old1 old1 
=ces ( life call+ to h] womanhood & felt
 h] womanhood /ir 9 answ]4 ,= a long "t 
%e sat !re giv+ free re9 to ! ?\ghts &  
long+s t1 9 h] city life1 %e 0 =c$ to   
suppress4  ,ris+ at la/1 z ?\gh ) quick 
resolution1 %e light$ h] lamp & prep>$ =
 b$2 loos5+ h] hair & deftly arrang+ !  
beautiful1 %9+1 mass t fell ov] h]      
%\ld]s 9 a long braid4 ,!n1 smil+ z %e  
w\ld h smil$ at ! play ( a *ild1 %e     
knelt be=e h] trunk &1 tak+ some?+ f its
 dep?1 quickly put out ! light aga9 &   
once m seat$ h]self 9 a l[ rock+ *air by
 ! op5 w9d[4  ,_h !re be5 any "o to see1
 !y w\ld n h und]/ood4 ,:o is !re1      

inde$1 to und]/& ! he>t ( womanhood8 ,! 
woman1 sitt+ 9 ! d>k be=e ! w9d[ 9 t    
room s full ( ! memories ( h] *ildhood1 
held close 9 h] arms an anci5t doll ^:  
face _h be5 wa%$ s _m times by its      
little "m t x 0 b a smudge ( pa9t4  ,t  
night ! woman slept z a *ild sleeps aft]
 a long1 busy1 happy1 *ildhood          
day--slept to op5 h] eyes 9 ! morn+ :ile
 ! birds 9 ! trees outside h] w9d[ 7    
h]ald+ ! com+ ( ! sun4 ,ris+ %e look$ & 
saw ! sky glori\s ) ! light ( dawn+ day4
 ,flam+ /ream]s ( purple & sc>let &     
silv] float$ high ov] ! build+s & trees 
next door4 ,! la/ ( ! pale />s sank into
 ! ocean ( blue &1 f beh9d ! old or*>d  
above ! h\se :]e ! boy liv$1 long %afts 
( gold5 light %ot up z if aim$ by "s    
heav5ly ar*] hid+ beh9d ! hill4  ,:5 !  
day 0 fully come1 ! woman quickly dress$
 & w5t out into ! y>d4 ,! grass 0 dew   
dr5*$ & fragrant "u h] feet4 ,! fl[]s 7 
fre% & invit+4 ,b %e did n pause until1 
out 9 ! g>d51 at ! f>!r corn]1 close by 
! h$ge1 %e /ood "u ! *]ry tree--sacr$   

ca!dral ( h] ,ye/]days4  ,:5 %e turn$   
aga9 to g back to ! h\se1 ! woman's face
 0 %9+ ) ! light t gl[s only 9 ! faces (
 ^? wom5 :o "k t !y are wom5 & :o dream 
! dreams ( womanhood4  ,s ! woman sp5t  
h] days4 ,d[n 9 ! little valley by !    
brook1 t1 z x ran ov] ! pebbly b>s1     
drift$ 9 ! flick]+ light & %ade ( !     
will[s1 slipp$ betwe5 ! gre5 banks1 or  
crept s(tly b5ea? ! grassy ar*1 sang its
 song ( ! ,ye/]days3 up 9 ! or*>d beyond
 ! neighbor+ h\se :]e s _m1 _m1 times %e
 _h help$ ! boy play out 8 dreams2 on ! 
por*1 9 ! s(t twilight1 wat*+ ! />s z !y
 blossom$ above :ile up f ! dusky %ad[s 
9 ! valley bel[ came ! call ( !         
:ip-poor-w & ! bats on sil5t w+s flitt$ 
to & fro2 out 9 ! g>d5 "u ! *]ry tree 9 
! corn] ne> ! h$ge--9 all ! lov$ haunts 
( ! boy & girl--%e sp5t h] days4  ,& !  
tir$ look w5t out ( h] eyes4 ,/r5g?     
return$ to h] we>y body1 c\rage to h]   
he>t1 & calmness to h] ov]-wr\ght n]ves4
 ,amid ^? sc5es ( h] ,ye/]days %e 0 made
 ready to g back to ! _w t values s     

highly ?+s t are new1 &1 9 ! /r5g? ( !  
old1 old1 ?+s to keep ! dreams ( h]     
womanhood4 ,&1 z %e w5t1 !re 0 t 9 h]   
face t all m5 love to see 9 ! face (    
womank9d4  ,poor old _w6 ,som$ay1       
p]haps1 x w awake f its fev]i% dream to 
f9d t ,god made "s ?+s 9 ! he>t ( ! race
 too big to be outgr[n4                 
,,temptation  ,! heights ( ,life are    
=tifi$4 ,!y are gu>d$ by n>r[ passes :]e
 ! _w mu/ g s+le file & :]e1 if "o slip 
f ! trail1 he falls into *asms ( awful  
dep?s2 by cliffs ( app>5t impassable    
abruptness :i*1 if 9 scal+1 "o lose 8   
head he is lo/2 & by false trails t seem
 to promise easy go+ b lead 9 ! wrong   
direction4 ,n 9 c>eless ease are ^?     
high] levels ga9$4 ,! upw>d climb is "o 
( /r5u\s ef=t1 ( desp]ate /ruggle1 (    
haz>d\s risk4 ,only ^? :o prove !mselves
 fit may ga9 ! top4  ,some:]e 9 ! life (
 e man !re is a te/+ "t4 ,!re is a trial
 to prove ( :at metal he is made4 ,!re  
is a po9t :i*1 won or lo/1 makes him    
w9n] or los] 9 ! game4 ,!re is a        

,temptation t to him is vital4  ,to     
pray3 ,lead u n into temptation1 is     
div9e wisdom = ,temptation lies 9 wait4 
,!re is no ne$ to seek x4 ,&1 :5 once x 
is met1 !re is no dodg+ ! issue or %ift+
 ! burd5 ( responsibility4 ,9 ! greate/ 
gifts t m5 possess are ! se$s :i*1 if   
gr[n & cultivat$1 yield poison\s fruit4 
,9 ! v =ces t m5 use = greate/ good are 
! elem5ts ( _! own de/ruction4 ,&1      
:atev] ! guise 9 :i* ,temptation comes1 
! tempt] is always ! same--,self4       
,temptation spells always ! ma/]y ( or !
 surr5d] to "o's self4  ,once ,i /ood on
 a mighty cliff ) ! ocean at my feet4   
,e> bel[1 ! waves broke ) a soo?+ murmur
 t sc>ce c\ld rea* my e>s & ! gray gulls
 7 play+ "h & !re l %ad[s ( half =gott5 
dreams4 ,9 ! di/ance1 ! fi%+ boats roll$
 lazily on ! g5tle swell & ! sunlight   
danc$ ^u ! surface ( ! sea4 ,!n1 z ,i   
look$1 on ! f> horizon ! /orm *iefta9   
ga!r$ 8 clans = w>4 ,i saw ! r$ bann]s  
fla%+4 ,i wat*$ ! hurri$ movem5ts ( !   
d>k & ?reat5+ ranks4 ,i he>d ! rumbl+   

tread ( ! tramp+ feet4 ,&1 l airy       
mess5g]s s5t to w>n me1 ! gu/s ( w9d    
came rac+ & wail$ & sobb$ ab\t ! cliff  
because ,i w\ld n he$ _! w>n+4 ,! />tl$ 
boats 9 ! (f+ spread _! :ite w+s &      
scurri$ to ! %elt] ( _! h>bor ne/s4 ,!  
gray gulls vani%$4 ,! sunlight danc$ no 
m ^u ! surface ( ! sea4 ,& !n1 z !      
battle front roll$ above my head1 !     
bill[s1 la%$ to fury by ! w9d & fl++ 9 !
 air ! foam ( _! own madness1 came ru%+ 
on to try _! /r5g? aga9/ ! grim & sil5t 
rock4 ,aga9 & aga9 !y hurl$ _! giant =ms
 ^u ! cliff1 until ! ro> ( ! surf bel[  
dr[n$ ev5 ! ?und] 9 ! cl\ds above & !   
solid e>? trembl$ ) ! %ock1 b _! v /r5g?
 0 _! ru9 & !y 7 da%$ 9 impot5t spray f 
! /alw>t object ( _! assault4 ,& at la/1
 :5 ! h\rs ( ! /ruggle 7 ov]2 :5 ! /orm 
soldi]s _h m>*$ on to _! haunts beh9d ! 
hills2 :5 ! gulls _h return$ to _!      
sports2 & ! sun %one aga9 on ! wat]s2 ,i
 saw ! bosom ( ! ocean rise & fall l !  
brea/ ( an angry *ild exhau/$ ) its     
passion :ile ! cliff1 /&+ /]n & sil5t1  

seem$ to look1 ) m+l$ pride & pity1 ^u  
its foe n[ moan+ at its feet4  ,l t     
cliff1 ,i say1 is ! s\l ( a man :o1 9   
temptation1 ga9s ! ma/]y ( himself4 ,!  
/orm cl\ds ( life may ga!r d>kly ov] 8  
head b he %all n tremble4 ,! lightn+ ( !
 _w's wra? & ! ?und] ( man's disapproval
 %all n move him4 ,! waves ( passion t s
 try ! /r5g? ( m5 %all be da%$ 9 impot5t
 spray f 8 /alw>t might4 ,& :51 at la/1 
! /orms ( life are ov]--:5 ! sun %9es   
aga9 on ! wat]s z x %one be=e ! fight   
began--he %all /ill /&1 calm & unmov$1  
ma/] ( himself & m54  ,because ^? ?+s   
are true1 ,i say3 t ,temptation is "o ( 
! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life4   
,& ! man knew ^! ?+s--knew !m z well z y
 "k !m4 ,9 ! full k ( ^! ?+s he came to 
8 te/+ "t4 ,to w9 or to lose1 9 ! full k
 ( all t victory or defeat meant to him1
 he w5t to 8 ,temptation4  ,x 0 e>ly    
w9t] :5 8 "t came b he knew t fir/ morn+
 aft] he _h return$ f 8 vacation t x 0  
com+4 ,! mom5t he ent]$ ! room to take  
up aga9 ! task ( putt+ 8 dreams into    

action1 he saw h] & felt h] p[] = %e 0  
"o ( ^? wom5 :o compel recognition ( _! 
sex z ! full noonday sun compels        
recognition ( its light & heat4  ,an h\r
 lat] h] duties br\ght h] to him1 &1 = a
 few mom5ts1 !y /ood face to face4 ,& ! 
man1 :ile he in/ruct$ h] 9 ! "w t %e 0  
to d1 felt ! /r5g? ( h] p[] ev5 z a     
/rong swimm] feels ! curr5t ( ! /ream4  
,?r\gh h] eyes1 9 h] voice1 9 h]        
pres5ce1 ?is woman *all5g$ ! man1 made  
him m consci\s ( h] ?an ( 8 "w4 ,!      
subtle1 ins9uat+1 lur+1 /r5g? ( h] beat 
^u him1 envelop$ him1 ?rill$ him4 ,z %e 
turn$ to g back to h] place1 8 eyes     
foll[$ h] & he knew t he 0 approa*+ a   
great crisis 9 8 life4 ,he knew t soon  
or late he w\ld be =c$ into a battle )  
himself & t trem5d\s /akes w\ld be at   
issue4 ,he knew t victory w\ld give him 
increas$ p[]1 l>g] capacity1 & a firm]  
grip ^u ! endur+ pr9ciples ( life or    
defeat w\ld make ( him a slave1 )       
enfeebl$ _s1 humiliat$ & a%am$4  ,e day1
 9 ! weeks t foll[$1 ! man 0 =c$ to see 

h]--to talk ) h]--to feel h] /r5g?4 ,& e
 day he felt himself c>ri$ irresi/ibly  
onw>d t[>d ! te/+ t he knew mu/ come4   
,he 0 consci\s1 too1 t ! woman1 also1   
knew & und]/ood & t x pleas$ h] s to use
 h] p[]4 ,%e will$ t he %\ld feel h]    
pres5ce4 ,9 a ?\s& subtle =ms %e repeat$
 h] *all5ge4 ,9 ways v>i$ )\t numb] %e  
call$ to him1 lur$ him1 l$ him4 ,to d   
?is seem$ a necessity to h]4 ,%e 0 "o ( 
^? wom5 ^: natures seem to dem& ?is     
expression ( !mselves4 ,in/9ctively1 %e 
made all m5 ) :om %e came 9 contact feel
 h] p[] &1 in/9ctively--unconsci\sly1   
p]haps--%e glori$ 9 h] /r5g?4  ,if ! man
 c\ld h _h o!r ?+s 9 common ) h] x w\ld 
h be5 diff]5t4 ,if !re _h be51 z well1 !
 appeal ( ! intellect--( ! _s--if !     
beauty ( h] _h be5 to him an expression 
( some?+ m ?an h] sex--if !re _h be5    
ideals1 hopes1 long+s1 fe>s1 ev5 sorr[  
or regret1 common to bo?1 x w\ld h be5  
diff]5t4 ,b !re 0 no?+4 ,(t5 ! man s\ght
 to f9d some?+ m b !re 0 no?+4 ,s he    
p]mitt$ himself to be c>ri$ onw>d by a  

curr5t aga9/ :i*1 :5 ! "t %\ld come1 he 
knew he w\ld ne$ to fight ) all 8 might4
 ,& always1 z ! curr5t swept him onw>d  
t[>d ! po9t :]e he mu/ make ! decisive  
/ruggle1 he felt ! woman's p[] ov] him  
gr[+ ev] great]4  ,at la/ x came4  ,x 0 
,saturday4 ,! man left ! place :]e he   
work$ e>li] ?an usual t he might walk to
 8 rooms = he felt ! ne$ ( physical     
action4 ,he felt a /rong desire to run1 
to leap1 to use 8 spl5did muscles t     
?robb$ & exult$ ) su* vigor\s life4 ,z  
he /rode along ! /reets1 beyond !       
bus9ess di/rict1 he held 8 head high1 he
 look$ full into ! faces ( ! p he met ) 
a bold *all5g+ look4 ,! cool1 brac+ air1
 ( e>ly w9t] 0 grateful on 8 gl[+ sk9 & 
he drank long deep brea?s ( x z "o w\ld 
dr9k an invigorat+ tonic4 ,e n]ve & fib]
 ( him 0 ke5ly1 glori\sly1 alive ) !    
/r5g? ( 8 spl5did manhood4 ,e n]ve &    
fib] ( him 0 consci\s ( h] & exult$ 9 t 
:i* he _h se5 9 h] eyes :5 %e _h told   
him t %e w\ld be at home t ev5+ & t %e  
w\ld be glad to h him call4 ,) all 8    

s5ses abnormally al]t1 he saw & not$    
ev]y?+ ab\t him4 ,a ?\s& trivial1       
commonly unse5 ?+s1 along 8 way & 9 !   
faces1 dress1 & mann]1 ( ! p :om he met1
 caught 8 eye4 ,yet1 always1 vividly    
be=e him1 0 ! face ( h] ^: p[] he _h    
felt4 ,"u x all1 he 0 consci\s t ?is 0 8
 te/+ "t4 ,he knew--or x w\ld h be5 no  
,temptation--x w\ld h be5 no trial4     
,impati5tly he glanc$ at 8 wat* &1 z he 
ne>$ ! place :]e he liv$1 quick5$ 8     
/ride1 spr++ up ! /eps ( ! h\se at la/ )
 a bur/ ( eag] ha/e4  ,9 ! front hall1  
at ! foot ( ! /airs1 ! little daught] ( 
8 l&lady greet$ him ) %\ts ( delight &1 
) ! ma/]ful /r5g? ( f\r fem99e ye>s1    
dragg$ him1 a will+ captive1 ?r\gh ! op5
 door to h] "m's pleasant sitt+ room4   
,%e 0 a beautiful1 da9ty1 little miss ) 
hair & eyes v l t playmate ( ! man's    
,ye/]days & x 0 8 cu/om to pay tribute  
to h] *>ms 9 ! co9 ( *ildhood z         
fai?fully & z regul>ly z he paid 8 bo>d4
  ,seat$ n[1 ) ! baby on 8 lap & ! smil+
 "m look+ on1 he produc$1 aft] ! usual  

pret5se ( d5ial & long se>* ?r\gh _m    
pockets1 ! weekly (f]+4 ,& !n1 z ?\gh "s
 gu>dian angel will$ x s1 ! little girl 
did a ?+ t %e _h nev] done be=e4 ,putt+ 
two plump & dimpl$ arms ab\t 8 neck %e  
said gravely3 ,mamma don't l me to kiss 
folks1 y "k1 b %e said %e w\ldn't c>e if
 ,i kiss$ y ,:]eupon a sweet little     
rosebud m\? 0 (f]$ tru/+ly1 ) lov+      
innoc5ce1 to 8 lips4  ,a crimson flame  
flu%$ ! man's face4 ,) a laugh (        
emb>rassm5t & a quick impulsive hug he  
held ! *ild close & accept$ h] (f]+4    
,!n he w5t quickly up/airs to 8 room4   
,x 0 sometime lat] :5 ! man began to    
prep>e = ! ev5+ to :i* he _h look$ =w>d 
) su* eag]ness & all 8 fi]ce & driv+    
ha/e 0 gone4 ,! mad tumult ( 8 manhood  
/r5g? 0 /ill$4 ,he mov$1 n[1 ) a        
purpose1 sull51 grim1 defiant4 ,! fight 
0 on4 ,:ile he 0 /ill vividly consci\s (
 ! woman ^: compell+ p[] he felt1 he    
felt1 n[1 z well1 ! pure t\* ( ^? baby  
lips4 ,:ile he /ill saw ! light 9 !     
woman's eyes & s5s$ ! mean+ ( h] smile1 

he saw & s5s$ z cle>ly ! lov+ innoc5ce t
 _h %[n 9 ! little girl's face z x 0    
lift$ up to 84 ,^u 8 manhood's /r5g? lay
 ! woman's lur+ spell4 ,^u 8 manhood !  
baby's kiss lay z a seal ( sacr$ness--^u
 8 lips x burn$ z a coal ( holy fire4 ,!
 fight 0 on4  ,! man's life 0 n at all  
an easy life4 ,beside 8 "w & 8 memories 
!re 0 little to hold him true4 ,s9ce t  
day :5 he /ood face to face ) ,life &1 =
 ! fir/ "t1 knew t he 0 a man1 he _h    
be51 save = a few fri5ds among ! m5 ( 8 
own class1 alone4 ,! exact+ dem&s ( 8 "w
 _h left him little "t or means to sp5d 
9 seek+ social pleasures or 9 ! delights
 ( fell[%ip ) ^? = ^: fell[%ip he w\ld h
 c>$1 ev5 _h ! way to _! society be51 at
 t p]iod ( 8 life1 op5 to him4 ,he told 
himself1 always1 t sometime 9 ! future1 
:5 he _h work$ out /ill f>!r 8 dreams1  
he w\ld f9d ! way to ! social life t he 
w\ld enjoy b until !n1 he mu/1 (        
necessity1 live mu* alone4 ,& n[--n[--! 
te/+ "t--! crisis 9 8 life--_h come4    
,ev5 z x mu/ come to e man :o kn[s 8    

manhood s x _h come to him4  ,! man 0 n 
deceiv$4 ,he knew ! price he w\ld pay 9 
defeat4 ,b1 ev5 :ile he knew ?is--ev5   
:ile he knew :at defeat w\ld mean to    
him1 s great 0 h] p[] t he w5t on mak+  
ready to g to h]4 ,) ! kiss ( ! little  
girl ^u 8 lips he made ready to g to !  
woman4 ,x 0 z ?\gh he _h drift$ too f> &
 ! curr5t _h become too /rong = him to  
turn back4 ,?us d su* m5 yield to su*   
temptations4 ,?us are m5 betray$ by ! v 
/r5g? ( _! manhood4  ,) mad det]m9ation 
he wait$ ! h\r4 ,uneasily he pac$ 8     
room4 ,he tri$ to read4 ,he ?rew himself
 into a *air only to arise & move ab\t  
aga94 ,e few mom5ts he impati5tly       
consult$ 8 wat*4 ,at e /ep 9 ! hall1 )\t
 8 door1 he />t$ z if al>m$4 ,he became 
angry1 9 a bl9d rage1 ) ! woman1 )      
himself & ev5 ) ! little girl4 ,at la/1 
:5 x 0 "t to g1 he ?rew on 8 ov]coat1   
took 8 hat & gloves1 &1 ) a long1 c>eful
 look ab\t ! room1 laid 8 h& on ! door4 
,he knew t ! man :o 0 go+ out t ev5+    
w\ld n come hack to 8 room ! same man4  

,he knew t t man c\ld nev] come back4   
,he felt z ?\gh he 0 giv+ up 8 ap>tm5ts 
to a /rang]4 ,s he hesitat$1 ) 8 h& ^u !
 door1 look+ long & c>efully ab\t4 ,!n  
quickly he ?rew op5 ! door &1 d[n ! hall
 & d[n ! /airs1 w5t z "o :o has c\nt$ ! 
co/ & det]m9$ recklessly4  ,illu/ration3
 ,two dimpl$ arms w5t ar\nd 8 neck  ,!  
man _h op5$ ! front door & 0 ab\t to    
pass out :5 a sweet voice call$3 ,wait1 
oh1 wait4  ,turn+1 he saw a t9y figure 9
 :ite fly+ t[>d him4  ,! little girl1   
all ready = b$1 _h caught sight ( him &1
 = ! mom5t1 _h escap$ f h] "m's         
att5tion4  ,! man %ut ! door & caught h]
 up4 ,two dimpl$ arms w5t ar\nd 8 neck &
 ! rosebud m\? 0 lift$ to 8 lips4  ,!n !
 "m came & l$ h] away :ile ! man /ood   
wat*+ h] z %e w5t4  ,w\ld he ev] d>e t\*
 ^? baby lips aga9 he wond]$4 ,c\ld he1 
he ask$ himself1 c\ld he face aga9 ^?   
baby eyes8 ,c\ld he ev] aga9 be> ! feel+
 ( t s(t little body 9 8 arms8  ,at !   
f>!r end ( ! hall1 %e turn$1 &1 see+ him
 /ill !re1 wav$ h] h& ) a m]ry call3    

,good-bye1 good-bye4  ,!n %e pass$ f 8  
sight &1 9 place ( ?is little girl (    
rosy1 dimpl$1 fle%1 ! />tl$ man saw a   
da9ty maid5 ( 8 ,ye/]days1 /&+ "u a *]ry
 tree ) fall5 petals ( ! delicate       
blossoms 9 h] wayw>d hair1 & ) eyes t   
look$ at him v gravely & a little       
fright5$ z1 = ! %aggy coat$ m9i/]1 he   
spoke ! solemn words3 ,i pron\nce y     
husb& & wife & any?+ t ,god has done mu/
 nev] be done any diff]5t by anybody    
=ev] & ev]1 ,am54 ,by "s holy magic !   
kiss ( ! little girl became ! kiss ( 8  
play w$d+ wife ( ! long ago4  ,v sl[ly !
 man w5t up ! /airs aga9 to 8 room2 !re 
to sp5d ! ev5+ n z he _h plann$1 :5 he 0
 9 ! ma/]+ grip ( self1 b safe 9 ! quiet
 h>bor ( ! ,ye/]days :]e ! /orms ( life 
break n or are felt only 9 ^? g5tle     
ripples t sc>ce c /ir ! surface ( ! sea4
  ,! fi]ce passion t _h %ak5 ! v s\l (  
him pass$ on z ! /orm cl\ds pass4 ,9 !  
calm ( ! days t 7 gone1 he re/$ z "o :o 
has f\ght a good fight &1 safe f out !  
turmoil & ! dang]1 has come victori\sly 

into ! peace t passe? all und]/&+4  ,9 !
 sweet companion%ip ( 8 *ildhood mate1 )
 ! little girl :o liv$ next door1 ! man 
f\nd aga91 t night1 8 bett] self4 ,9 !  
boy ( ! long-ago1 he f\nd aga9 8 ideals 
( manhood4 ,9 8 ,ye/]days1 he f\nd /r5g?
 to /& aga9/ ! p[] ( ! temptation t     
assail$ him4  ,bless$1 bless$ ,ye/]days6
  99    99    99    99    99  ,x 0 ! "t 
( ! fir/ sn[ :51 aga91 ! woman sat alone
 9 h] room be=e ! fire1 ) h] door fa/   
lock$ & ! %ades drawn close1 ev5 z on t 
o!r night--! night :5 h] womanhood began
 9 dreams4  ,9 ! s(t dusk1 :ile ! %ad[s 
( ! flick]+ light came & w5t ^u ! walls1
 & ! quiet 0 brok5 only by ! tick1 tick1
 tick1 ( ! timepiece held 9 ! *ubby arms
 ( ! fat cupid on ! mantle1 ! woman sat 
v /ill4 ,face to face ) h] ,temptation1 
%e sat alone & v /ill4  ,= sev]al mon?s1
 ! woman _h se5 h] te/+ "t approa*+4 ,t 
day :51 look+ into h] eyes1 ! man (     
au?ority _h s k9dly bidd5 h] leave h] "w
 = ! aft]noon1 %e _h kn[n t ?is "t w\ld 
come4 ,9 ! pass+ weeks %e _h realiz$ t !

 day 0 approa*+ :5 %e mu/ decide bo? =  
him & = h]self4 ,%e _h n s\ght to prev5t
 ! com+ ( t day4 ,%e _h kn[+ly p]mitt$ x
 to come4 ,%e 0 ev5 pleas$ 9 a way to   
wat* x draw+ ne>4 ,n once1 9 ^? weeks1  
_h he fail$ to be v k9d or ceas$ to make
 h] feel t he und]/ood4 ,9 a hundr$     
ways1 z _! "w call$ !m toge!r & gave    
opportunity1 he _h told h]1 9 voice &   
look & ! _m ways ( wordless spee*1 t !  
"t 0 com+4 ,he _h be5 v c>eful1 too--v  
c>eful--t1 9 _! gr[+ fri5d%ip1 ! _w %\ld
 h no opportunity to misjudge4 ,& !     
woman1 see+ 8 c>e1 0 grateful & valu$ 8 
fri5d%ip ! m4  ,s _h come at la/ t      
,saturday :51 ) l[ spok5 words1 at !    
close ( ! day's "w1 he _h ask$ if he    
might call ^u h] ! foll[+ ev5+2 say+    
gravely1 z he look$ d[n into h] face1 t 
he _h some?+ v important to tell h]4 ,& 
%e _h gravely said t he might come2 :ile
 h] blu%es to him confess$ t %e knew :at
 x 0 ( importance t he w\ld say4        
,sc>cely _h %e rea*$ h] home t aft]noon 
:5 a mess5g] boy appe>$ ) a great armful

 ( roses &1 z %e arrang$ ! fl[]s on h]  
table1 bury+ h] flu%$ face aga9 & aga9 9
 _! fragrant coolness1 %e _h told h]self
 t to-morr[1 :5 he ask$ h] to cross )   
him ! ?re%old ( t old1 old door1 %e w\ld
 answ]3 yes4 ,b1 ev5 z %e s resolv$1 %e 
_h be5 consci\s ( some?+ 9 h] he>t t    
d5i$ ! resolution ( h] m9d4  ,& s x 0 t1
 z %e sat alone be=e h] fire t night1 %e
 knew t %e 0 face to face ) a crisis 9  
h] life4 ,s x 0 t %e _h come to ! te/+  
"t & knew t %e mu/ w9 or lose alone4 ,9 
! sacr$ privacy ( h] room1 ) ! p]fume ( 
8 roses fill+ ! air & ! c]ta9ty t :5 he 
came on ! morr[ %e mu/ answ]1 %e look$  
into ! future to see1 if %e might1 :at x
 held = h] & = him if %e %\ld cross )   
him ! ?re%old ( t old1 old1 door4  ,he 0
 a man ^: love w\ld honor any woman--?is
 %e knew4 ,& he 0 a man ( p[] & influ5ce
 9 ! _w--a man :o c\ld provide = 8 mate 
a home ( :i* any woman w\ld be pr\d to  
be ! mi/ress4 ,nor c\ld %e d\bt 8 love =
 no?+ else c\ld h p]suad$ su* a man to  
ask ( a woman t :i* he 0 com+ to ask (  

h]4  ,beg9n+ ) h] answ] on ! foll[+ ev5+
 ! woman trac$1 9 ?\ght1 all t w\ld     
foll[4 ,%e saw h]self leav+ ! life t %e 
_h nev] desir$ because x c\ld n         
recognize h] womanhood &1 9 fancy1      
receiv$ ! congratulations ( h] fri5ds4  
,%e liv$1 9 h] imag9ation1 ^? busy days 
:5 %e w\ld be mak+ ready = ! day t 0 to 
come4 ,v cle>ly1 %e pictur$ to h]self ! 
w$d+2 x w\ld be a quiet w$d+1 %e told   
h]self1 b z beautiful & complete z      
cultur$ ta/e & weal? c\ld make x4 ,!n !y
 w\ld g away1 = a "t1 to ^? cities & l&s
 beyond ! sea t1 all h] life1 %e _h     
long$ to visit4 ,:5 !y return$1 x w\ld  
be to t beautiful old home ( 8 family--!
 home t %e _h s (t51 9 pass+1 admir$2 & 
9 t home1 s long occupi$ by him alone1  
%e w\ld be ! pr\d mi/ress4 ,&           
!n--!n--w\ld come h] *ildr5--_!         
*ildr5--& s all ! fulfillm5t ( h]       
womanhood's dreams4  ,b ! woman's face1 
z %e look$ into a future t seem$ z      
bright z ev] woman d>$ to dream1 0      
tr\bl$4 ,z %e trac$ ! way t lay s       

invit+ly be=e h]1 ?is woman1 :o knew    
h]self to be a woman1 0 sad4 ,h] he>t1  
/ill1 0 z an empty room--a room t is    
furni%$ & ready b )\t a t5ant4 ,deep )9 
h] woman he>t %e knew t ?is man 0 n ! "o
 = :om %e wait$ by ! op5 door4 ,%e did n
 "k :o x 0 = :om %e wait$4 ,%e knew only
 t ?is man 0 n ! "o4 ,& %e wi%$--oh1 h[ 
%e wi%$--t ?is 0 n s4 ,because ( h]     
long+--because ( ! dreams ( h]          
womanhood--because ( h] empty he>t--%e 0
 resolv$ to cross ) ?is man1 :o 0 n !   
man = :om %e wait$1 ! ?re%old t %e c\ld 
n cross alone4 ,honor1 reg>d1 respect1 !
 affection ( a fri5d1 %e c\ld give      
him--did give him inde$--b %e knew t ?is
 0 n en\gh = a woman to give ! man ) :om
 %e w\ld ent] t old1 old1 door4  ,ris+1 
! woman w5t to h] mirror to /udy long & 
c>efully ! face & =m t %e saw reflect$  
!re4 ,%e saw 9 ! glass1 a sweet1        
womanly1 beauty1 express+ itself 9 !    
color & tone ( ! clean c>v$ features2 9 
! da9ty texture ( ! cle> sk9 & s(t1     
br[n1 hair2 & 9 ! r\nd$ fullness &      

graceful l9es ( ! f9ely m\ld$ body4     
,p]fect physical /r5g? & heal? 0        
!re--vital1 gl[+1 appeal+4 ,& culture ( 
m9d1 tra9$ intellig5ce1 ?\ghtfulness1 0 
writt5 9 t womanly face4 ,&1 ) x all1   
!re 0 good bre$+1 pr\d blood1 ) g5tl5ess
 ( _s4  ,?is woman knew t %e 0 well     
equipp$ to /& by ?is man's side h[ev]   
high 8 place 9 life4 ,%e 0 well fitt$ to
 become ! mi/ress ( 8 home & ! "m ( 8   
*ildr54 ,%e _h gu>d$ well ! *oice/      
treasures ( h] womanhood4 ,%e _h squ&]$ 
none ( ! weal? t 0 committ$ to h]4 ,%e  
_h held x all z a sacr$ tru/ to be kept 
by h] = t "o ) :om %e %\ld g ?r\gh !    
old1 old door4 ,& %e _h det]m9$ t1      
to-morr[ ev5+1 %e w\ld give h]self1 )   
all ! ri*es ( h] womanhood1 to ?is "o :o
 c\ld give h]1 9 return1 ! home ( h]    
dreams4 ,:ile h] he>t 0 /ill z an empty 
room1 %e _h det]m9$ to cross1 ) ?is man1
 ! ?re%old ov] :i* no woman may aga9    
return4  ,turn+ f h] mirror1 sl[ly !    
woman w5t to ! great bun* ( roses t /ood
 ^u h] table4 ,!y 7 8 roses2 & !y fitly 

express$1 9 _! co/ly beauty1 ! life t he
 0 com+ to (f] to h]4 ,v delib]ately %e 
b5t ov] !m1 bury+ h] face 9 ! mass ( ri*
 color1 inhal+ deeply _! heavy          
fragrance4 ,?\ghtfully %e consid]$ !m & 
all t1 to h]1 !y symboliz$4 ,b !re 0 no 
flu% ^u h] *eek n[4 ,!re 0 no w>m? 9 !  
light ( h] eyes4 ,no glad excitem5t     
?rill$ h]4 ,!re 0 no trembl+ 9 h]       
t\*--no eag] joy\sness 9 h] mann]4      
,sudd5ly1 "s roi/]]1 pass+ along ! /reet
 ) 8 companions1 laugh$ a l\d1 reckless1
 half drunk51 laugh t s\nd$ 9 ! quiet   
d>kness ) />tl+ cle>ness4  ,! woman     
sprang back f ! fl[]s z ?\gh a poison\s 
s]p5t1 hidd5 9 _! fragrant beauty1 _h   
/ruck h]4 ,) a swift look ( horror on h]
 :ite face %e glanc$ fe>fully ab\t !    
room4  ,aga9 ! laugh s\nd$2 ?is "t f>!r 
d[n ! /reet4  ,! woman sank into h]     
*air1 trembl+ ) a nameless fe>4 ,to h]1 
t laugh 9 ! d>k _h s\nd$ z ! laught] ( !
 cr[d t day :5 %e 0 =c$ s close to !    
outca/ wom5 :o 7 9 ! h&s ( ! police4  ,b
 ^? wom51 argu$ ! fright5$ woman )      

h]self1 sell !mselves to all m5 = a     
price4  ,& y1 answ]$ ! he>t ( h]        
womanhood1 & y1 also1 w sell y\rself to 
"o man1 = a price4 ,! weal? ( womanhood 
committ$ to y--all ! treasures t y h    
gu>d$ s c>efully--y w sell n[ to ?is    
good man = ! price t he c pay4 ,if he   
c\ld n pay ! price--if he came to y     
empty h&$--w\ld y say yes8  ,b ,i w be  
true to him1 argu$ ! woman4 ,i w give   
myself to him & to him only z wife to   
husb&4  ,y are be+ false to him already1
 repli$ h] woman he>t1 = y are sell+    
y\rself1 n giv+ y\rself to him4 ,y are  
plann+ to deceive him4 ,y w\ld make him 
?9k t he is tak+ to himself a wife :51 =
 a price1 y are sell+ to him--some?+    
high] ?an a public woman1 x is true--b  
some?+1 z true1 v mu* l[] ?an a wife4   
,:at matt] :e!r ! price be 9 gold &     
silv] or 9 prop]ty & social position--x 
is a price4 ,except he pay y y\r price  
he c\ld n h y4  ,& :at1 ?\ght ! woman1  
:at if--aft] %e _h cross$ ! ?re%old )   
?is good man--aft] %e _h ent]$ ) him    

into ! life t lay on ! o!r side t       
door--:at if1 !n1 t o!r "o %\ld come8   
,:at if ! "o = :om h] empty he>t %\ld h 
wait$ 7 to come & /& alone be=e t door  
?r\gh :i* %e c\ld n g back8 ,& !        
*ildr5--! de> *ildr5 ( h] dreams--:at ( 
!m8 ,_h n h] unborn *ildr5 ! "r to dem& 
t !y be born 9 love8 ,& if %e %\ld say1 
no1 to ?is man--if %e %\ld turn once m  
away f ! op5 door1 ?r\gh :i* he w\ld ask
 h] to g ) him--:at !n8 ,:at if t "o :o 
_h delay$ 8 com+ s long %\ld nev] come8 
,& !n ! woman1 :o knew h]self to be a   
woman1 saw ! lonely ye>s come & g4 ,:ile
 %e wait$ )\t ! door t l$ to ! life ( h]
 womanhood's dreams1 %e saw ! beauty t  
h] mirror reveal$ sl[ly fad+--saw h]    
firm1 smoo?1 *eeks become ?9 & wr9kl$1  
h] bright eyes gr[ dim & pale1 h] s(t1  
br[n1 hair turn ?9 & gray1 h] body gr[  
lean & /oop$4 ,all ! weal? ( h]         
womanhood t %e _h treasur$ ) su* c>e %e 
saw become z du/1 wor?less4 ,all ! ?+s (
 h] womanhood %e w\ld be =c$ to sp5d 9 t
 life t d5i$ h] womanhood1 & !n1 :5 %e  

_h no?+ left1 %e w\ld be ca/ aside z a  
worn out ma*9e4 ,nev] to "k ! joy ( us+ 
h] womanhood6 ,nev] to h a home6 ,nev]  
to feel ! t\* ( a baby h&6 ,to lay d[n !
 weal? ( h] woman life & g empty & alone
 9 h] %rivel$ old age6 ,) an            
exclamation1 ! woman sprang to h] feet &
 /ret*$ out h] arms4 ,no1 no1 no1 %e    
:isp]$ fi]cely1 any?+1 any?+1 b t4 ,i w 
be true to him4 ,i w be a fai?ful wife4 
,he %all nev] "k4 ,he %all n feel t he  
is *eat$4 ,& p]haps-- %e dropp$ into h] 
*air aga9 & buri$ h] face 9 h] h&s z %e 
:isp]$--p]haps1 bye & bye1 ,god w let me
 love him4 ,surely1 ,god w let me love  
him1 bye & bye4  ,sometime lat]1 ! woman
 did a /range ?+4 ,go+ to h] desk1      
s(tly1 z a ?ief might g1 %e unlock$ a   
draw] & took f x a small jewel case4 ,= 
sev]al mom5ts %e /ood "u ! light hold+ !
 little velvet box 9 h] h& unop5$4 ,!n1 
lift+ ! lid1 %e look$ )9 &1 pres5tly1 f 
among a small collection ( tr9kets t _h 
no value save to h] :o knew _! hi/ory1  
took a t9y brass r+4 ,plac+ ! box on !  

dress]1 %e tri$1 mus+ly1 to fit ! little
 r+ on h] f+]4 ,on ea* f+] 9 turn %e    
tri$1 b x w\ld g only "p way on !       
smalle/ "o2 & %e smil$ sadly to see h[  
%e _h gr[n s9ce t day "u ! *]ry tree4   
,turn+ aga91 %e w5t sl[ly across ! room 
to ! fire t n[ 0 a b$ ( gl[+ coals4 ,= a
 little %e /ood look+ d[n into ! fire4  
,!n1 sl[ly1 %e /ret*$ =? h] h& to drop !
 r+4 ,b %e c\ld n d x4 ,%e c\ld n4      
,return+ ! little circle ( brass to its 
place among ! tr9kets 9 ! jewel box1 !  
woman prep>$ = b$4  ,! timepiece 9 !    
arms ( ! fat cupid tick$ l\dly n[ 9 !   
d>kness t 0 only fa9tly reliev$ by !    
gl[+ emb]s ( ! fire4  ,) sleepless eyes 
! woman :o _h det]m9$ to give h]self )\t
 love lay />+ into ! dusk4 ,b %e did n  
see ! d>kness4 ,%e did n see ! grotesque
 & gho/ly objects 9 ! gloom4 ,nor did %e
 see ! somb] %ad[s t came & w5t z ! dy+ 
fire ga9$ fitful /r5g?4 ,! woman saw !  
bright sun %9+ on ! mead[s & fields ( ! 
long ago4 ,%e saw aga9 ! sc5es ( h]     
*ildhood4 ,aga91 z %e /ood "u ! *]ry    

tree t %[]$ its delicate blossoms d[n ) 
e puff ( air1 %e look$ ) lov+ confid5ce 
into ! face ( ! br[n *eek$ boy :o spoke 
s s]i\sly ^? *ildi% v[s4 ,aga91 ^u h]   
lips %e felt t kiss ( ! *ildhood mat+4  
,! s(t light ( ! fire grew fa9t] & fa9t]
 z ! emb]s sl[ly turn$ to a%es4 ,c\ld x 
be t ! woman1 9 h] temptation1 w\ld let 
! sacr$ fire ( love burn altoge!r out8  
,mu/ ! memories ( h] ,ye/]days turn to  
a%es too8  ,! la/ fa9t gl[ 0 almo/ gone 
:5 ! woman slipp$ quickly out ( h] b$ &1
 9 ! d>kness1 grop$ h] way across ! room
 to ! desk :]e %e f\nd ! little jewel   
case4  ,& ,i ?9k t ! fat cupid :o 0     
neglect+ 8 b[ & arr[s to wre/le ) "t mu/
 h be5 pleas$ to see ! woman1 a little  
lat]1 :5 ! dy+ fire fl>$ out brightly = 
a mom5t1 ly+ fa/ asleep1 :ile1 ^u !     
little f+] ( ! h& t lay close to h]     
smil+ lips1 !re 0 a t9y circle ( brass4 
,,life   ,9 *ildhood1 ! ,ma/] ( ,life   
exalts ,life4 ,a baby 9 its "m's arms is
 ! fulle/ expression ( ,div9ity4  ,x 0  
,*ri/mas "t2 t season ( ! ye> :51 = a   

brief p]iod1 ! _w p]mits ! *ildr5 to    
occupy ! place 9 ! affairs & ?\ghts ( m5
 t is !irs by div9e "r4  ,9 ! bir? ( t  
babe 9 ,be?lehem1 ! ,giv] ( ,life plac$ 
! seal ( 8 highe/ approval ^u *ildhood &
 decre$ t1 until ! end ( "t1 babies %\ld
 be ! true rul]s ( mank9d & ! lawful    
heirs ( heav54 ,& x is s1 t ! p[] (     
,m>y's babe1 f 8 mang] cradle ?rone1 has
 be5 m pot5t on e>? 9 ! gov]nm5ts ( m5  
?an ! /r5g? ( _m emp]ors ) _! arm$ ho/s4
  ,x is writt5 l>ge 9 ,nature's laws t  
mank9d %\ld be gov]n$ by love ( *ildr54 
,! rul+ purpose & passion ( ! race c be1
 ) safety1 no?+ less ?an ! purpose &    
passion ( all creat$ ?+s--( ev5 ! trees 
& plants--! purpose to reproduce its    
k9d--! passion = its (fspr+4 ,! _w %\ld 
be rul$ by boys & girls4  ,b ,mammon has
 usurp$ ! ?rone ( ,life4 ,8 ho/s h      
trampl$ ! bann]s ( loyal love 9 ! du/4  
,8 =ces h compell$ ! rightful rul]s ( ! 
_w to abdicate4 ,b1 ev5 z gross         
mat]ialism has nev] succe$$ 9 altoge!r  
d5y+ ,div9ity1 s1 = a few days ea* ye>1 

at ,*ri/mas "t1 *ildhood ass]ts its     
claims & compels mank9d to r5d]1 at lea/
 a %[1 ( homage4  ,poor1 bl9d1 deceiv$ &
 betray$1 old _w2 to s fe> a fooli% &   
impot5t an>*ism t sp5ds its /r5g? 9 va9 
rail+s aga9/ gov]nm5ts :ile y pay highe/
 honors & pres5t y\r *oice/ favors to ^?
 traitors :o fil* y\r weal? ( "y life "u
 pret5se ( loyal s]vice4 ,! real        
an>*i/s1 old _w1 are n ^? :o l\dly      
vocif]ate to ! rabble on ! /reet corn]s 
b ^? :o1 op]at+ "u ! laws ( y\r         
approval1 betray _! c\ntry 9 its greate/
 ne$--its ne$ ( *ildr54 ,! real an>*i/s1
 old _w1 are ^? ^: bann]s are made r$ by
 ! blood ( babies2 :o fatt5 ^u ! labor (
 _! *ild slaves2 & :o seek to rule by ! 
slaught] ( *ildr5 ev5 z t savage ( old  
^: "n 9 hi/ory is hat$ by e lov] ( !    
race4 ,regicides at he>t1 !y are1 = !y  
kill1 = a price1 ! ,god orda9$ rul]s (  
mank9d4 ,a *ild is ne>]1 by _m ye>s1 to 
,god ?an ! gr[n up rebel :o traitor\sly 
holds 8 own mean int]e/s sup]ior to !   
holy w ( ,life z ve/$ 9 ! sacr$ p]son ( 

a boy or girl4  ,to prate1 9 empty      
swell+ words1 ( ! sacr$ness ( life1 !   
p[] ( religion1 ! dignity ( /ate1 !     
importance ( comm]cial int]e/s & !      
natural weal? ( ! nation1 :ile ignor+ ! 
sacr$ness1 p[]1 dignity1 importance1 &  
weal? ( *ildhood1 is evid5ce ( a crim9al
 ?\ghtlessness4  ,*ildr5 & ,life are "o4
 ,!y are ! product1 ! produc]s1 & !     
pres]v]s ( ,life4 ,!y exalt ,life4 ,!y  
int]pret ,life4 ,)\t !m ,life has no    
mean+4 ,! *ild is no m ! possession (   
its p>5ts ?an ! p>5ts are ! prop]ty ( ! 
*ild4 ,*ildr5 are ! j cr$itors ( ! human
 race4 ,mank9d owes !m ev]y?+4 ,!y owe  
mank9d no?+4 ,a baby has no debts4  ,nor
 is ! passion = *ildr5 satisfi$ only 9  
be>+ !m4 ,a woman :o does n love all    
babies is unsafe to tru/ ) "o ( h] own  
fle%4 ,a man :o does n love all *ildr5  
is unfit to fa!r (fspr+ ( 8 own blood4  
,"o ne$ n die to orphan a *ild4 ,"o ne$ 
only refuse to c>e = x4 ,"o ne$ only    
place o!r int]e/s fir/4 ,m5 & wom5 :o   
desire to become p>5ts w n g unsatisfi$ 

9 a _w t is s full ( boys & girls = :om 
!re are nei!r fa!rs nor mo!rs4  ,! ,ma/]
 ( ,life said3 ,except ye become z      
little *ildr54 ,8 false                 
disciple--_w--tea*es3 ,except ye become 
gr[n up4 ,b ! laws ( ,life are          
irrevocable4 ,if a man1 he$+ ! _w1 gr[s 
up to possess ! e>?1 8 hold+s1 at ! la/1
 are r$uc$--if he be "o ( e>?'s big     
m5--to six feet ( x1 only2 :ile ! man :o
 nev] gr[s up inh]its a heav5 t ! false 
k+s ( e>? "k n4  ,:5 ! man left 8 "w1 at
 close ( ! day be=e ,*ri/mas1 he 0 z    
eag] z he _h be5 t ,saturday :5 he fac$ 
! crisis ( 8 life4 ,) e s5se ke5ly      
alive1 he plung$ into ! ?rong ( belat$  
%opp]s t fill$ ! /reets & cr[d$ into !  
gaily deck$ /ores until x ov]fl[$ into !
 /reets aga94 ,ne>ly ev]yone 0 c>ry+    
bundles & packages = x 0 too late1 n[1  
to dep5d ^u ! ov]work$ deliv]y wagons4  
,9 almo/ e face1 ! ,*ri/mas gladness    
%one4 ,9 ne>ly e voice1 !re 0 t _s (    
fell[%ip & *e]y good w t is invok$ by   
,*ri/mas ?\ghts & plans4 ,?r\gh !       

/ruggl+ b good natur$ cr[d1 ! man work$ 
8 way into a /ore &1 :5 he =c$ 8 way out
 aga91 8 arms1 too1 7 full4 ,= a mom5t  
he wait$ on ! corn] = a c> !n1 ) a look 
( smil+ dismay at ! numb] ( p :o 7 also 
wait+1 he turn$ away1 det]m9$ to walk4  
,he felt1 too1 t ! ex]cise 9 ! ke5 air  
w\ld be a relief to ! buoyant /r5g? &   
gladness t clamor$ = expression4  ,z he 
swung s easily along ! sn[y pavem5t1 ) !
 /r5g? ( 8 spl5did manhood reveal$ 9 e  
movem5t & ! cleanness ( 8 he>t & m9d    
illum9at+ 8 c\nt5ance1 !re 7 _m among ^?
 he met :o1 :ile !y smil$ 9 sympa?y ) 8 
_s1 pass$ f _! smiles to half sighs (   
envy & regret4  ,) ! impati5t ha/e ( a  
boy1 ! man da%$ up ! /eps ( 8 bo>d+ h\se
 & ran up /airs to 8 room2 *uckl+ 9     
triumph ov] 8 escape f ! wat*ful eyes ( 
! little daught] ( ! h\se4 ,= ! fir/ "t 
s9ce 8 boyhood ! man 0 to h ! bless$    
privilege ( %>+ ! ,*ri/mas *e] ( a home4
  ,:5 ! ev5+ meal 0 ov] & x 0 "t = 8    
little playmate to g to sleep1 he retir$
 aga9 to 8 room1 almo/ z excit$1 9 8    

eag] impati5ce = ! morn+1 z ! *ild      
h]self4 ,safe beh9d 8 clos$ door1 he    
began to unwrap 8 ,*ri/mas packages &   
p>cels t he might inspect aga9 8        
pur*ases & ta/e1 by anticipation1 !     
pleasure he w\ld "k :5 on ! morr[ ! *ild
 w\ld discov] 8 gifts4 ,v c>efully he   
cut ! /r+s f ! la/ & l>ge/ package &1   
t5d]ly remov+ ! wrapp+s1 reveal$ a doll 
almo/ z tall z ! little girl h]self4 ,x 
0 z l>ge1 at lea/1 z a real fle% & blood
 baby4  ,! wifeless1 homeless1 man :o   
has nev] pur*as$ a doll = "s little *ild
 "m has miss$ an educational exp]i5ce ( 
m value ?an _m ( ! ?+s t are put 9 text 
books to make m5 wise4  ,r awkw>dly !   
man held ! big doll 9 8 arms1 smoo?+ its
 dress & wat*+ ! eyes t op5$ & clos$ s  
lifelike2 cauti\sly he felt = & f\nd t  
vital spot :i* if press$ br\ght =? a    
/>tl+3 papa--mama4  ,z ! de> famili>    
words ( *ildhood s\nd$ 9 ! lonely       
ba*elor room1 ! man felt a que] some?+  
grip 8 he>t4 ,t5d]ly he laid ! doll ^u 8
 big b$ & /ood = a little look+ d[n ^u  

x2 a half-s]i\s1 half-:imsical1         
expression on 8 face b 9 8 eyes a t5d]  
light4 ,!n1 adju/+ 8 read+ lamp1 he     
seat$ himself & attempt$ to busy 8      
/rangely di/urb$ m9d ) a book4 ,b !     
s5t5ces 7 mean+less4 ,at e p]iod1 8 eyes
 turn$ to t little figure on ! b$1 ) its
 too lifelike face & hair & =m :ile !   
?\ghts ( ! au?or he 0 try+ to read 7    
cr[d$ out by o!r ?\ghts t =c$ !mselves  
^u him ) a p]si/5cy & /r5g? t w\ld n be 
d5i$4  ,! weeks foll[+ ! te/+ ( ! man _h
 be5 to him v wond]ful weeks4 ,he seem$ 
to be liv+ 9 a new _w1 or1 r1 = him1 !  
same old _w 0 wond]fully enri*$ &       
glorifi$4 ,nev] _h he felt 8 manhood's  
/r5g? /irr+ s )9 him4 ,nev] _h 8 m9d be5
 s al]t1 8 _s s bold4 ,he mov$ among m5 
) a new p[] t 0 felt by all :o came 9   
t\* ) him2 ?\gh no "o knew :at x 04 ,he 
0 consci\s ( a full] ma/]y ( 8 "w2 a    
cle>] grasp ( ! _w ev5ts4 ,z "o1 climb+ 
9 ! m\nta9s1 rea*es a po9t high] ?an he 
has ev] be=e atta9$ & ga9s ?us a wid]   
view ( ! pa? he has travel$1 ( !        

surr\nd+ c\ntry1 & ( ! peak t is !      
object ( 8 climb z well1 s ?is man1 9 8 
life climb1 _h rea*$ a high] po9t &     
!re=e ga9$ a wid] outlook4 ,x is only :5
 m5 /ay 9 ! l[l&s ( self int]e/ or abide
 9 ! swamps ( self indulg5ce t _! views 
( life are n>r[ly circumscrib$4 ,let a  
man ma/] himself b once & he /&s on     
high] gr\nd1 ) wid] outlook1 ) ke5]     
vision1 & cle>] atmosph]e4  ,! man _h   
always se5 ,life 9 its relation to      
himself2 he came1 n[1 to consid] 8 own  
life 9 its relation to all ,life2 :i*   
po9t ( view has all ! diff]5ce t lies   
betwe5 a l[ valley & ! m\nta9 peaks t   
%ut x 94 ,he felt 8 relation1 too1 n    
alone to all human life b to all creat$ 
?+s4 ,) ev]y?+ t liv$ he felt himself   
k94 ,) ! v dray horses on ! /reet1      
dragg+ ) pati5t c\rage _! heavily load$ 
trucks2 ) ! /ray dog t dodg$ 9 & out    
among ! :eels & ho(s ( ! cr[d$ traffic2 
ev5 ) ! sp>r[ t p]*$ = a mom5t on ! l$ge
 outside ! w9d[ ne> 8 desk1 he felt a   
k9%ip t 0 new & /range4 ,_h !y n all1 he

 reflect$1 horse & dog & sp>r[ & man--_h
 !y n all "o ?+ 9 common--,life8 ,0 n   
,life ! "o ?+ supreme to ea*8 ,7 !y n1  
ea* "o1 a "p ( ! :ole8 ,0 n ! supreme   
object ( e life1 ( all life1 to live8   
,is ! life ( a man1 he ask$ himself1 m  
my/]i\s ?an ! life ( a horse8 ,c        
sci5ce--bl9d1 pret5ti\s1 *ildi%         
sci5ce--expla9 ! life ( a dog ) less    
unc]ta9ty ?an x c expla9 ! life ( a man8
 ,or c ! sci5ti/ make a laboratory sp>r[
 m easily ?an he c produce a laboratory 
man8 ,) ! v trees t l9$ ! /reets ne> :]e
 he liv$1 he felt a k9%ip = !y1 too1 )9 
_! trunks & limbs1 _h life--!y1 too1 7  
p>ts ( ! :ole ev5 z he 0 a "p--!y1 too1 
belong$ ev5 z he belong$4  ,?us ! man   
saw ,life f a l(ti] height ?an he _h ev]
 be=e atta9$4 ,?us he s5s$1 z nev] be=e1
 ! bigness1 ! fullness1 ! gr&ness1 !    
awfulness1 ( ,life4 ,& s ! man became v 
humble ) a pr\d humbl5ess4 ,he became v 
pr\d ) a humble pride4 ,he became ev5 z 
a *ild aga94  ,& !n1 /&+ ?us ^u ?is new 
height t he _h ga9$1 ! man look$ back   

into ! ages t 7 gone & =w>d into ! ages 
t 7 to come & s saw himself & 8 age a   
l9k betwe5 ! pa/ & ! future2 l9k+ t :i* 
_h be5 to t :i* 0 to be4 ,all t ,life _h
 ev] be5--! sum ( all s9ce ! unkn[n     
beg9n+--0 9 ! pres5t4 ,9 ! pres5t1 also1
 0 all t ,life c\ld ev] be1 ev5 unto !  
unkn[n end4 ,)9 8 age & )9 himself he   
felt /irr+ all ! mighty =ces t1 s9ce !  
beg9n+1 _h wr\ght 9 ! mak+ ( man4 ,)9 8 
age & )9 himself he felt ! =ces t w\ld  
"w out 9 ! race results z f> beyond 8   
pres5t vision z 8 age 0 beyond ! ages ( 
! mo/ di/ant pa/4  ,s9ce ! day :5 he _h 
fir/ realiz$ 8 manhood1 ! work+ out ( 8 
dreams _h be5 to ! man ! supreme object 
( 8 life4 ,he _h put 8 life1 lit]ally1  
into 8 "w4 ,= 8 "w he _h liv$4 ,b t     
,*ri/mas eve1 :5 8 m9d & he>t 7 s fill$ 
) ?\ghts ( *ildhood & ^? new emotions 7 
ar\s$ )9 him1 he saw t ! supreme ?+ 9 8 
life mu/ be ,life itself4 ,he saw t n by
 putt+ 8 life into 8 "w1 w\ld he mo/    
truly live1 b by mak+ 8 "w contribute to
 8 life4 ,he realiz$ t ! greate/        

a*ievem5ts ( man are b factors 9        
,life--t ! "o supreme1 dom9ant1         
compell+1 purpose ( ,life is to live--to
 live--to live--to express itself 9     
,life--t ! only adequate expression (   
,life is ,life--t ! passion ( ,life is  
to pass itself on--f age to age1 f      
g5]ation to g5]ation1 9 a ?\s& ?\s& =ms1
 9 a ?\s& ?\s& ages1 9 a ?\s& ?\s&      
peoples1 ,life _h pass$ itself on--0 ev5
 !n pass+ itself on--seek+ ev] full]    
expression ( itself2 seek+ ev] to p]fect
 itself2 seek+ ev] to produce itself4   
,he saw t ! ?+s t m5 d come out ( _!    
lives ev5 z ! plants come out ( ! soil  
into :i* ! se$ is dropp$2 &1 t1 ev5 z ! 
dead & decay+ plant goes back into ! e>?
 f :i* x came1 to enri* & r5ew ! gr\nd1 
s man's "w1 t comes out ( 8 life1 is    
reabsorb$ aga9 into 8 life to enri* &   
r5ew x4 ,he realiz$1 n[1 t ! object ( 8 
life mu/ be n 8 "w b ,life itself--t 8  
ef=t mu/ be n to d b to be--t he mu/    
accompli% n a great "w b a great ,life4 
,x 0 inevitable t ! man %\ld come to    

see1 also1 t ! supreme glory ( 8        
manhood's /r5g? 0 9 ?is3 ! reproduction 
( 8 k9d4 ,! man life t ran s /rongly 9 8
 ve9s1 t ?robb$ s exultantly 9 8 spl5did
 body1 t ?rill$ s ke5ly 9 8 n]ves--! man
 life t he _h f 8 p>5ts & f c\ntless    
g5]ations be=e--! life t made him k9 to 
all 8 race & to all creat$ ?+s--?is life
 he mu/ pass on4 ,?is 0 ! supreme glory 
( 8 manhood3 t he c\ld pass x on--t he  
c\ld give x to ! ages t 7 to come4  ,f !
 heights :i* he atta9$ t ,*ri/mas eve1 !
 man laugh$ at ! empty1 swell+1 words ( 
^? :o talk ab\t ! sacr$ness ( "w--:o    
prattle z *ildr5 ab\t leav+ a great "w  
:5 !y are gone--:o gibb] z fools ab\t   
contribut+ a great "w to ! _w4  ,if ! m5
 ( a race w p]fect ! manhood /r5g? ( !  
race2 if !y w exalt _! manhood p[]2 if  
!y w fulfill ! mission ( life by p]fect+
 & produc+ ev] m p]fect lives2 if !y w  
endeavor to contribute to ! ages to come
 /rong]1 bett]1 m5 ?an !mselves2 :y1 !  
"w ( ! _w w be done--ev5 z ! plant      
produces its fl[]s & fruit1 ! "w ( ! _w 

w be done4 ,9 ! exaltation ( ,life is ! 
rem$y = ! evils t ?reat5 ! race4 ,!     
re=mations t m5 are always attempt+ 9 ! 
social1 religi\s1 political1 & indu/rial
 _w are b attempts to *ange ! flavor or 
quality ( ! fruit :5 x is rip5+ on !    
tree4 ,! true rem$y lies 9 ! life ( !   
tree2 9 ! soil f :i* x spr+s2 9 ! s\rce 
f :i* ! fruit d]ives its quality &      
flavor4 ,9 ! appreciation ( ,life1 9 !  
passion ( ,life1 9 ! production ( ,life1
 9 ! p]fection ( ,life1 9 ! exaltation (
 ,life1 is ! salvation ( human k9d4 ,=  
?is1 & ?is alone1 man has "r to         
live--has "r to 8 place & "p 9 ,life4   
,all ?is ! man saw t ,*ri/mas eve       
because ! kiss ( ! little girl1 on t    
night ( 8 temptation1 _h awak5$ some?+ 9
 8 manhood t 0 great] ?an ! dreams he _h
 be5 d5y+ himself to "w out4 ,! fri5d%ip
 ( ! *ild _h reveal$ to him ?is deep]   
tru? ( ,life2 t !re are1 = all true m51 
accompli%m5ts great] ?an ! rew>ds (     
labor4 ,! baby _h taught him t !        
legitimate fruit ( love is m preci\s to 

,life1 by f>1 ?an ! weal? & honors t !  
_w be/[s--t1 inde$1 ! greate/ weal?1 !  
highe/ honors1 are n 9 ! p[] ( ! _w to  
give2 nor are !y to be won by toil4 ,9 8
 ?9k+1 ?is man1 too1 0 l$ by a little   
*ild4  ,! man's ?\ghts 7 int]rupt$ by a 
knock at 8 door4  ,x 0 ! little girl's  
"m2 to tell him1 z %e _h promis$1 t !   
*ild 0 safely asleep4  ,) 8 arms fill$ )
 pres5ts1 ! man w5t s(tly d[n ! /airs4  
,:5 all _h be5 arrang$ = ! morn+1 ! man 
return$ aga9 to 8 room2 b n to sleep4   
,!re 0 9 8 he>t a feel+ ( rev]5t pride &
 gladness1 z ?\gh he _h be5 p]mitt$ to  
assi/ 9 a religi\s rite1 &1 ) 8 own h&s1
 to place an (f]+ ^u a sacr$ alt>4 ,&1  
if y w und]/& me1 ! man 0 "r4 ,:atev]   
else ,*ri/mas has come to mean to ! gr[n
 up _w1 its true mean+ c be no?+ less   
?an ?is4  ,nor did ! man aga9 turn to 8 
book or attempt to take up ! tra9 (     
?\ght t _h s int]f]$ ) 8 read+4 ,some?+ 
m compell+ ?an any pr9t$ page--some?+ m 
insi/ant ?an 8 own ?\ghts ( ,life & its 
mean+--lur$ him f> away f 8 gr[n up     

days--took him back aga9 into 8 days t 7
 gone4 ,alone 9 8 room t ,*ri/mas eve1 !
 man w5t back1 once m1 to 8             
,ye/]days--back to a ,*ri/mas 9 8       
,ye/]days4  ,once aga91 8 boyhood home 0
 ! sc5e ( busy prep>ations = ! ,*ri/mas 
gaieties4 ,once aga91 ! boy1 tuck$      
snugly "u ! buffalo robe1 drove ) 8     
p>5ts away ?r\gh ! :ite fields to !     
di/ant t[n :ile ! music 9 8 he>t kept "t
 to ! melody ( ! j+l+ bells4 ,once aga91
 he exp]i5c$ ! happy p]plexity (        
select+--) "m's help--a pres5t = fa!r   
:ile fa!r oblig+ly w5t to see a man on  
bus9ess & ( *oos+--) fa!r's assi/ance--a
 gift = "m :ile %e re/$ 9 a f> corn] ( !
 /ore4 ,& !n1 once aga91 he fac$ ! try+ 
"q3 :at %\ld he get = ! little girl :o  
liv$ next door4 ,:at1 inde$1 c\ld he get
 = h] b a beautiful new doll--"o ) br[n 
hair1 v l ! little girl's own1 & br[n   
eyes t op5$ & clos$ z natural z life4   
,! next day ! boy w5t1 ) 8 fa!r & !     
little girl & h] uncle1 9 ! big sleigh1 
to ! woods to f9d a tree = ! ,*ri/mas   

ex]cises at ! *ur*2 &1 9 ! aft]noon1 9  
company ) ! old] p1 help$ to make !     
wrea?s ( ev]gre5 & deck ! tree ) glitt]+
 t9sel2 :ile ! little girl /rung long   
/r+s ( sn[y pop corn & labor$ e>ne/ly at
 ! sweet task ( fill+ mosquito b> /ock+s
 ) c&y & nuts4  ,!n came t triumphant   
,*ri/mas eve1 :51 be=e ! assembl$       
,sunday s*ool & ! cr[d$ *ur*1 ! boy took
 "p1 ) 8 class1 9 ! ent]ta9m5t & sat1 ) 
wildly beat+ he>t1 :ile ! little girl1  
all alone1 sang a ,*ri/mas c>ol2 & pr\d 
he 01 inde$1 :5 ! applause = ! little   
s+] 0 s long & l\d4 ,& !n1 :5 ! f>m]    
,santa ,claus _h di/ribut$ ! la/ /ock+ (
 c&y1 ! boy & ! girl1 ) _! eld]s1 w5t   
home toge!r1 9 ! cle> light ( ! />s2    
:ile1 across ! :ite fields1 came ! s\nd 
( gay laught] & happy voices m+l$ ) !   
r++ music ( ! sleigh bells--gr[+ fa9t] &
 fa9t]--z fri5ds & neighbors w5t _!     
sev]al ways4  ,b1 be/ ( all--by f> ! be/
 ( all--0 t ,*ri/mas morn+ at home4 ,at 
! fir/ h9t ( gray light 9 ! w9t] sky1 ! 
boy 0 awake & out ( b$ to ga!r 8        

,*ri/mas h>ve/2 hail+ ea* toy & game &  
book ) exclamations ( delight & ar\s+   
all ! h\se ) 8 %\ts (3 ,m]ry ,*ri/mas4  
,! fooli%1 gr[n up1 old _w has a say+ t 
we value mo/ ! ?+s t we w9 = ourselves  
by toil & h>d%ip2 b1 believe me1 x is n 
s4 ,! real treasures ( e>? are ! ?+s t  
are won by ! toil ( ^? :o br+ to u1 )\t 
price1 ! fruits ( _! labor z tok5s ( _! 
love4  ,v e>ly1 t long ago ,*ri/mas     
morn+1 ! boy w5t ov] to ! little girl's 
h\se2 = 8 happ9ess w\ld n be complete   
until he c\ld %>e x ) h]4 ,& ! man1 :o1 
alone 9 8 ba*elor room t ,*ri/mas eve1  
dream$ ( 8 ,ye/]days1 saw aga91 ) />tl+ 
cle>ness1 8 boyhood mate z %e /ood 9 !  
doorway greet+ him ) %\ts (1 ,m]ry      
,*ri/mas1 z he w5t t[>d h] ?r\gh ! sn[2 
& ! he>t ( ! man beat quick] at ! lovely
 vision--ev5 z ! he>t ( ! boy--= %e     
held1 close 9 h] little "m arms1 ! new  
addition to h] family ( dolls--8 gift4  
,! lonely man1 t night1 realiz$1 z he _h
 nev] realiz$ be=e1 h[ full1 at t mom5t1
 0 ! cup ( ! boy's pr\d happ9ess4 ,he   

realiz$ & und]/ood4  ,i wond]--d y1     
also1 und]/&8  ,9 ! /ill h\se1 ! big    
clock 9 ! l[] hall /ruck ! h\r4 ,! man 9
 8 lonely room li/5$1 c\nt+ !           
/rokes--n9e--t5--elev5--twelve4  ,x 0   
,*ri/mas4  99    99    99    99    99   
,& ! woman1 also1 :5 %e _h pass$ safely 
?r\gh h] trial1 look$ out ^u ,life f a  
po9t high] ?an %e _h ev] rea*$ be=e4    
,nev] be=e _h ,life1 to h]1 look$ s     
wide4  ,b ! woman did n feel /rong] aft]
 ! crisis ?r\gh :i* %e _h pass$2 %e     
felt1 m ke5ly ?an be=e1 h] weakness4 ,m 
?an ev]1 %e felt ! ne$ ( a /r5g? t %e   
c\ld n f9d )9 h]self4 ,m ?an ev]1 %e 0  
afraid ( ! ,life1 t1 f :]e %e n[ /ood1  
seem$ s wide4 ,nor did %e feel a k9%ip )
 all ,life4 ,%e /ood on high] gr\nd1    
inde$1 b ! wid5ess ( ! view1 to h]1 only
 emphasiz$ h] lonel9ess4 ,%e sadly felt 
h]self z "o ap>t--z "o d5i$ ! "r (      
fell[%ip4 ,m ke5ly ?an ev] be=e1 %e     
felt1 9 ! he>t ( h] womanhood1 !        
humiliation ( ! life t sets a price ^u !
 ?+s ( womanhood :ile x refuses to      

recognize womanhood itself4 ,m ?an ev]1 
9 h] woman he>t1 %e 0 a%am$4 ,nei!r c\ld
 %e feel t %e 0 do+ h] "p 9 ,life--t %e 
0 tak+ h] place--t %e 0 a l9k jo9+ !    
ages ( ! pa/ to ! ages t w\ld come4 ,%e 
felt h]self1 r1 a p>asite1 atta*$ to    
,life--n a "p (--n belong+ to--b fe$+   
^u4  ,?is woman :o knew h]self to be a  
woman saw1 m cle>ly ?an ev] be=e1 t "o  
?+1 only1 c\ld give h] full fell[%ip ) !
 race4 ,%e saw t "o ?+1 only1 c\ld make 
h] a l9k betwe5 ! ages t 7 gone & ! ages
 t 7 to come4 ,t "o ?+1 only1 c\ld      
satisfy h] woman he>t--c\ld make h] feel
 t %e 0 n alone4  ,t "o ?+ :i* ! woman  
recogniz$ z supreme is ! ?+ :i* ! ,ma/] 
( ,life has committ$ peculi>ly to       
womanhood4 ,n to woman's skillful h&s2 n
 to h] ready bra92 n to ! ?+s ( h]      
womanhood ^u :i* ! _w into :i* %e goes  
alone to labor puts a price has ! ,ma/] 
( ,life committ$ ?is supreme ?+2 b to h]
 womanhood--h] sex4 ,9 ! womanhood t is 
d5i$ by ! _w t receives womank9d alone1 
is weal? t may n be b\ght by any price t

 ! _w c pay4 ,9 ! womanhood ( wom5 is t 
supreme ?+ )\t :i* human life w\ld p]i% 
f ! e>?4 ,! ex]cise ( ?is p[] alone c   
give to woman ! high place 9 ,life t    
belongs to h] by "r div9e4 ,! woman saw 
t1 = h]1 all o!r "w 9 ! _w w\ld be b a  
make%ift--a sub/itute2 &1 because ( ?is1
 :ile ,life _h1 nev] be=e seem$ s l>ge1 
%e _h1 nev] be=e felt s small--s        
useless4  ,b /ill1 = ! woman1 !re 0     
peace 9 h] lonel9ess--!re 0 a peace t %e
 _h n _h be=e--!re 0 a calmness1 a      
quietness1 t 0 n h]s be=e h] trial4 ,x 0
 ! peace ( ! lonely m\nta9 top to :i* "o
 climbs f out a noisy1 clamor+1 village2
 ! calmness ( ! deep sky uncross$ by    
cl\d or m>k$ by smoke ( human indu/ry2 !
 quietness ( ! wide prairie1 unt\*$ by  
man's improvem5ts4 ,& ?is tranquil re/ 0
 h]s because %e knew--deep 9 h] woman's 
he>t %e knew--t %e _h done well2 t %e _h
 n be5 untrue to ! s\l ( h] womanhood4  
,! woman knew t %e _h done well because 
%e _h come to und]/& t1 :ile life is    
plac$ peculi>ly 9 ! c>e & keep+ ( h]    

sex1 h] sex has be5 end[$1 = !          
protection1 p]fection1 & p]petuation (  
,life1 ) peculi> in/9cts4 ,%e _h come to
 und]/& t1 :ile woman has be5 made !    
giv] & gu>dian ( ,life1 %e1 = t reason1 
is subject to laws t are n to be brok5  
save ) immeasurable loss to ! race4 ,to 
h] sex is giv51 by ,life itself1 ! div9e
 "r ( selection t ! future ( ! race may 
be assur$4 ,to h] sex is giv5 an in/9ct 
sup]ior to reason t h] *oice may p]fect 
human k9d4 ,= h]1 & = ! ,life ( h] k9d1 
!re is ! law t if %e p]mits aught b h]  
woman in/9ct to influ5ce h] 9 select+ h]
 mate h] *ildr5 & ! *ildr5 ( h] *ildr5  
%all m\rn4  ,9 ! crisis ( h] life !     
woman _h he>d _m voices--bold & tempt+1 
plead+ & subtle--urg+ h] to say3 ,yes4  
,b always h] in/9ct--h] woman he>t--_h  
:isp]$3 ,no4 ,?is man is n y\r mate4    
,?is is n ! man y w\ld *oose to be !    
fa!r ( y\r *ildr54 ,bett]1 f> bett]1    
contribute no?+ to ! race ?an break !   
law ( y\r womanhood4 ,bett]1 f> bett]1  
nev] cross ! ?re%old ( t op5 door ?an   

cross x ) "o :o1 9 y\r he>t ( he>ts y   
"k1 to be n ! "r "o4  ,s ! woman _h     
peace4 ,ev5 9 h] lonel9ess1 %e _h       
peace--kn[+ t %e _h done well4  ,& !    
woman tri$1 n[1 to int]e/ h]self 9 ! ?+s
 t s _m ( ! wom5 ( h] day seem$ to f9d s
 int]e/+4 ,%e li/5$ to brave lectures by
 /alw>t wom5 on woman's place & sph]e 9 
! _w's "w4 ,%e he>d bold talks by       
militant wom5 ab\t woman's emancipation 
& fre$om4 ,%e att5d$ lectures by        
intellectual wom5 on ! high] life1 & !  
new ?\ght1 & ! advanc$ ideas4 ,%e read  
pamphlets & books writt5 by mod]n wom5  
on ! "w ( wom5 9 ! social1 political &  
indu/rial fields4 ,%e became acqua9t$ ) 
_m new wom5 :o1 /riv+ mightily ) all _! 
/r5g? ( body & s\l = c>e]s1 look$ ) a   
k9d ( l(ty disda9 or pity+ contempt ^u  
^? old-fa%ion$ mo!rs ^: *ildr5 int]f]e )
 ! duty t new wom5 ?9k !y owe ! _w4  ,b 
?is woman :o knew h]self to be a woman  
c\ld n int]e/ h]self 9 ^! ?+s to :i* %e 
tri$ to give att5tion4 ,%e felt t 9 giv+
 h]self to ^! ?+s %e w\ld betray ,life4 

,%e felt ! holl[ness1 ! %all[ness1 !    
emptyness ( x all 9 comp>ison ) t :i* is
 div9ely committ$ to womank9d4 ,%e c\ld 
n b wond]3 :at w\ld be ! racial outcome8
 ,:5 wom5 h long en\gh sub/itut$ o!r    
ideals = ! ideals ( mo!rhood--o!r       
passions = ! passions ( _! sex--o!r     
ambitions = ! ambition to produce & to  
p]fect ,life--o!r desires = ! desire to 
keep t :i* ,life has committ$ to !m--:at
 !n8 ,h[1 %e ask$ h]self1 w\ld ! _w get 
along )\t mo!rs8 ,or h[ c\ld ! race     
advance if ! be/ ( wom5 refus$ to be>   
*ildr58 ,& !n came ! inevitable ?\ght3  
are ! be/ wom51 aft] all1 refus+ to be> 
*ildr58 ,might x n be t ! wisdom ( ,"m  
,nature is 9 ?is also1 & t ! refusal ( a
 woman to be> *ildr5 is ! be/ evid5ce 9 
! _w t %e is unfit to be a "m8 ,is x n  
bett] t ! mo!rs ( ! race %\ld be ^? :o  
hold no ideal1 ambition1 desire1 aim1 or
 purpose 9 life high] ?an mo!rhood8 ,su*
 wom5--su* mo!rs--h1 ?us f>1 ?r\gh _!   
sons & daught]s1 won e victory 9 ,life4 
,x is !y :o h made e advance ( ! race   

possible4 ,w x n cont9ue to be s1 ev5   
unto ! end8 ,is n ?is inde$ ! law (     
,life8 ,if !re be any "w = wom5 great]  
or ( m value to ! human race ?an ! "w ( 
mo!rhood !n1 inde$1 is ! end ( ! _w1 =  
mank9d1 at h&4  ,f :]e %e lay1 ! woman1 
:5 %e fir/ awoke t ,*ri/mas morn+1 c\ld 
see ! sun j t\*+ ! topmo/ bran*es ( !   
tall trees t grew across ! /reet4  ,x 0 
a beautiful day4 ,b ! woman did n at    
fir/ rememb] t x 0 ,*ri/mas4 ,idly1 z "o
 sometimes w :5 awak5+ out ( a deep     
sleep1 %e look$ at ! sun%9e on ! trees &
 ?\ght t ! day promis$ to be cle> &     
bright4 ,!n1 look+ at ! clock 9 ! *ubby 
arms ( ! fat cupid on ! mantle1 %e      
notic$ ! "t ) a />t ( dismay4 ,%e mu/   
arise at once or %e w\ld be late to h]  
"w4 ,:y1 %e wond]$1 _h n someone call$  
h]4 ,!n1 a crumpl$ %eet ( tissue pap] & 
a bit ( n>r[ ribbon on ! floor1 ne> !   
table1 caught h] eye & %e rememb]$4  ,x 
0 ,*ri/mas4  ,! woman dropp$ back ^u h] 
pill[4 ,%e ne$ n g to "w t day4 ,%e _h n
 be5 call$ because x 0 a holiday4 ,dully

 %e told h]self aga9 t x 0 ,*ri/mas4  ,!
 h\se 0 v quiet4 ,!re 7 no b>e feet     
patt]+ d[n ! hall to see :at ,santa     
,claus _h left f 8 pack4 ,no exult+ %\ts
 _h awak5$ h]4 ,9 ! rooms bel[1 !re 0 no
 *e]ful litt] ( toys & games & pop corn 
& c&y & nuts ) bits ( /r+ & crumpl$ pap]
 f ha/ily op5$ p>cels & %9+ scraps (    
t9sel f ! tree4 ,!re 7 no /ock+s hang+  
on ! mantle4 ,at breakfa/1 !re w\ld be a
 few fri5dly gifts &1 lat]1 ! po/man    
w\ld br+ lett]s & c>ds ) ! season's     
greet+s4 ,t 0 all4  ,! sun1 climb+ high]
 above ! tall build+s d[n t[n1 peep$    
?r\gh ! w9d[ & saw ! woman ly+ v /ill4  
,& ! sun mu/ h ?\ght t ! woman 0 asleep 
= h] eyes 7 clos$ & ^u h] face !re 0 !  
wi/ful smile ( a *ild4  ,b ! woman 0 n  
asleep ?\gh %e 0 dream+4 ,%e _h escap$ f
 ! sil5t1 *ildless1 h\se & _h fl$ f>1   
f>1 away to a l& ( gold5 memories4 ,%e  
_h gone back into h] ,ye/]days--to a    
,*ri/mas 9 h] ,ye/]days4  ,once aga9 a  
little girl1 %e liv$ ^? happy1 busy1    
days ( prep>ation :5 %e _h ask$ h]self a

 ?\s& times ea* day3 :at w\ld ! boy give
 h] = ,*ri/mas8 ,& always1 z %e wond]$1 
! little girl _h tri$ n to wi% t x w\ld 
be a doll le/ %e %\ld be disappo9t$4 ,& 
always %e 0 unable to wi%1 half s       
e>ne/ly1 = any?+ else4 ,aga9 %e sp5t !  
h\rs le>n+ ! song t %e 0 to s+ at ! *ur*
 on ,*ri/mas eve & wond]$1 (t51 if he   
w\ld l h] new dress t "m 0 mak+ = !     
occasion4 ,& !n1 z ! day drew ne>1 !re 0
 t m]ry trip to ! woods to br+ ! tree1  
foll[$ by t aft]noon at ! *ur*4 ,!      
little girl wond]$1 t night ( !         
ent]ta9m5t1 if ! boy guess$ h[ fright5$ 
%e 0 = him le/ he =get ! words ( 8 "p2  
or1 :5 %e 0 s++ be=e ! cr[d ( p t fill$ 
! *ur*1 did he "k t %e saw only him8 ,& 
!n ! triumph--! beautiful triumph--( t  
,*ri/mas morn+6  ,! little girl 9 !     
,ye/]days ne$$ no "o to rem9d h] :at day
 x 04 ,z soon z x 0 light1 %e op5$ h]   
eyes1 &1 wide awake 9 an in/ant1 slipp$ 
f h] b$ to /eal d[n /airs :ile ! re/ ( !
 h\sehold /ill slept4 ,& !re1 9 ! gray (
 ! w9t] morn+1 %e f\nd 8 gift4 ,x 0 s   

beautiful1 s lifelike1 ) its rosy *eeks 
& br[n hair t1 almo/1 ! little girl 0   
afraid t %e 0 n awake aft] all2 & %e    
caught h] brea? ) a gasp ( delight :5 %e
 f9ally conv9c$ h]self t x 0 real4 ,%e  
knew t x 0 f ! boy--%e knew4 ,quickly %e
 clasp$ x 9 h] arms1 ) a kiss & a "m    
hug2 & !n1 back aga9 %e ran to h] w>m b$
 le/ dolly cat* cold4 ,! o!r pres5ts    
c\ld wait until x 0 really1 truly1      
daylight & uncle _h made a fire2 & %e   
drew ! cov]s c>efully up "u ! dimpl$ *9 
( h] treasure t lay 9 ! holl[ ( h] arm1 
close to h] own s(t little brea/1 z     
natural z life--z natural1 inde$1 z ! "m
 life t ?robb$ 9 ! he>t ( ! little girl4
  ,= wom5 also x is writt53 ,except ye  
become z little *ildr54 ,if only wom5   
w\ld und]/&6  ,all ! o!r gifts ( t      
,*ri/mas "t 7 z no?+ to ! little girl   
beside t gift f ! boy4 ,! o!r ?+s %e    
w\ld enjoy all ! m because ! supreme wi%
 ( h] he>t _h be5 grant$2 b1 _h %e be5  
disappo9t$ 9 t1 all else w\ld h _h      
little p[] to please4 ,"u all h]        

,*ri/mas pleasure !re w\ld h be5 a long+
 = some?+ m4 ,h] ,*ri/mas w\ld n h      
satisfi$4 ,h] cup ( happ9ess w\ld n h   
be5 full4 ,s1 all ! treasures t ! _w c  
lay at woman's feet w nev] satisfy if ! 
"o gift be lack+4 ,& t woman :o has felt
 9 h] arms a t9y =m m\ld$ ( h] own      
fle%--:o has drawn close to h] brea/ a  
s(t little *eek & felt ^u h] neck ! t\* 
( a baby h&--t woman kn[s t ,i put d[n !
 tru? :5 ,i write t ^? wom5 :o d5y ! "m 
in/9ct ( _! he>ts &1 = social position1 
pleasure1 public notice1 weal?1 or fame1
 kill _! love = *ildr51 are to be piti$ 
above all creatures = !y d5y !mselves ! 
heav5 t is _! inh]itance4  ,eag]ly1 t   
morn+1 ! little girl wat*$ = ! com+ ( ! 
boy = %e knew t he w\ld n long delay2 &1
 :5 %e saw him wad+ ?r\gh ! sn[1 flung  
op5 wide ! door to %\t h] greet+ z %e   
pr\dly held 8 gift close to h] he>t2    
:ile on h] face & 9 h] eyes 0 ! light   
div9e4 ,& great fun !y _h1 t ,*ri/mas   
day1 ) _! toys & games & books2 b nev] =
 long 0 ! new doll f> f ! little girl's 

arms4 ,nor did %e ne$ _m words to make  
h] happ9ess 9 8 gift und]/ood to ! boy4 
,! sun 0 %9+ full 9 ! w9d[ n[2 q det]m9$
 t ! woman %\ld sleep no long]4         
,regretfully1 z "o :o has little he>t = 
! day1 %e arose j z foot/eps s\nd$      
outside h] door4 ,!n came a %>p rap ^u !
 panel &--,m]ry ,*ri/mas--call$ h]      
uncle's he>ty voice4  ,bravely ! woman  
:o knew h]self to be a woman answ]$3    
,m]ry ,*ri/mas4      ,,dea?  ,& t w9t]'s
 coat1 also1 began to appe> ?9 &        
?readb>e4  ,by look+ c>efully1 "o c\ld  
see t ! twigs ( ! *]ry tree 7 bright5+ )
 a delicate t\* ( fre% color1 :ile ! t9y
 tips ( ! t5d] gre5 buds 7 cauti\sly    
peep+ out ( _! snug wrapp+s z if to ask 
! /ate ( ! wea!r4 ,9 ! or*>d & ! woods1 
too1 ! ,life t slept deep 9 ! roots & "u
 ! b>k ( trunks & limbs 0 beg9n+ to /ir 
z ?\gh1 9 its slumb]1 x he>d ,spr+      
knock+ at its b$room door4  ,i d n "k   
:at bus9ess x 0 t call$ ! man to a      
neighbor+ city4 ,! p>ticul> circum/ances
 t made ! j\rney necess>y are ( no      

importance :atev] to my /ory4 ,!        
important ?+ is ?is3 = ! fir/ "t ! man 0
 =c$ to recognize1 9 8 own life & 9 8   
"w1 ! fact ( ,dea?4 ,he came to see t1 9
 ! mo/ abundant life1 ,dea? _c be       
ignor$4 ,because ,dea? is "o ( ! ,?irte5
 ,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life1 ?is is my  
/ory3 t ! man 0 introduc$ to ,dea?4     
,hurri$ly he arrang$ = 8 abs5ce1 &1 ru%+
 home1 pack$ a few necessities ( travel 
9 8 grip1 snat*$ a ha/y d9n]1 & ?us     
rea*$ ! depot j 9 "t to cat* ! ev5+     
tra94 ,he w\ld make ! trip 9 ! night1   
devote ! foll[+ day to ! bus9ess t dem&$
 8 pres5ce1 & ! next night w\ld return  
to 8 home city4  ,! ,pullmans 7 well    
fill$1 mo/ly ) busy1 eag]1 m5 :o1 l     
himself1 7 travel+ at night to save !   
daylight = _! "w4 ,b ! man1 p]haps      
because he 0 tir$ ) ! labor ( ! day or  
because he wi%$ to h = ! bus9ess ( !    
morr[ a cle>1 vigor\s1 bra91 made no    
ef=t to f9d acqua9tances :o might be on 
! tra9 or to meet cong5ial /rang]s ) :om
 to sp5d a pleasant h\r4 ,:5 he _h read 

! ev5+ pap]s & _h outl9$ 9 8 m9d a plan 
( op]ation to meet ! situation t        
compell$ him to make ! hurri$ trip1 he  
retir$ to 8 b]?4  ,! l[1 monoton\s1 hum 
( ! fly+ :eels on ! heavy /eel rails2 ! 
/eady1 easy1 motion ( ! express z x flew
 ov] ! miles ( well balla/$ track2 ! dim
 light ( ! curta9$ b]?1 & ! quiet ( !   
,pullman1 soon lull$ ! tir$ travel] to  
sleep4 ,mile aft] mile & mile aft] mile 
0 m>k$ (f1 ) ! /eady regul>ity ( "t     
itself1 by ! spl5didly equipp$ tra9 z x 
ru%$ ?r\gh ! d>kness ) its sleep+       
pass5g]s4 ,hamlets1 villages1 way       
/ations1 signal t[]s1 7 pass$ ) fla% l  
quickness2 :ile ! vet]an 9 ! eng9e cab1 
) ! s*ool+ ( ?irty ye>s 9 ! h& t re/$ on
 ! ?rottle1 gaz$ /eadily ahead to cat*1 
) quick eye & cle> bra91 ! messages ( ! 
signal lamps t1 l bright color$ dots ( a
 secret code1 appe>$ on ! black %eet (  
night4  ,) a sudd5ness t defies         
description1 ! *ange came4  ,! tra9$    
eyes t look$ f ! cab w9d[ read a message
 f ,dea? 9 ! night ahead4 ,9 !          

fractional "p ( a second1 ! h& on !     
?rottle respond$1 do+ 9 fla% l movem5ts 
all t ! ?irty ye>s _h taught x to d4    
,!re 0 a frightful j>r+1 jolt+ cra% (   
gr9d+1 scream+1 brakes1 foll[$ on !     
in/ant by a ro>+1 sma%+1 ?und]+1 r5d+ ( 
iron & /eel & wood4  ,! vet]an1 ^: eye &
 bra9 & h& _h be5 ?irty ye>s 9 s]vice1  
lay "u 8 eng9e1 a mangl$1 inanimate mass
 ( fle%2 ,8 fireman1 :o _h look$ =w>d to
 a place on ! eng9e]'s side ( a cab z a 
"y soldi] dreams ( sword & %\ld] /raps1 
lay /ill beside 8 *ief4 ,f ! wreck$     
coa*es1 above ! s\nd ( hiss+ /eam &     
crackl+ flames1 came groans & %rieks &  
screams ( tortur$ m5 & wom5 & *ildr54   
,!n1 quickly1 ! hatless1 coatless1 &    
half dress$ =ms ( ! m =tunate ones ran  
"h & !re4 ,voices 7 he>d call+ & answ]+4
 ,!re 7 oa?s & pray]s & curses m+l$ )   
%>p spok5 comm&s & ! s\nd ( axes & saws 
& sl$ges1 z ! m51 :o a few m9utes be=e 7
 sleep+ s\ndly 9 _! b]?s1 toil$ )       
sup]human en]gy to free _! fell[s f t   
horrid hell4  ,to ! man :o _h escap$ f !

 trap ( dea? t _h caught s _m ( 8 fell[ 
pass5g]s & :o toil$ n[ ) ! /r5g? ( a    
giant among ! rescu]s1 x all seem$ a    
dream ( t]ror f :i* he mu/ pres5tly     
awake4 ,he did n ?9k1 !n1 ( ! ,dea? t _h
 come s close :ile he slept4 ,he 0 n    
consci\s ( ! dang] t _h ?reat5$ him4 ,he
 did n feel gratitude = 8 escape4 ,he   
c\ld n ?9k4 ,he c\ld only /rive madly1 )
 ! /r5g? ( despair1 9 ! fight to snat*  
o!rs f ! grip ( an awful fate2 &1 z he  
f\ght1 he pray$ to be awak5$ f 8 dream4 
,x 0 ov] at la/4  ,h\rs lat]1 ! man     
rea*$ 8 de/9ation1 & /ill1 because 8    
bus9ess 0 s urg5t1 !re 0 no "t = him to 
?9k ( ! ,dea? t _h come s close4 ,r>ely 
does ! bus9ess ( life give m5 "t to ?9k 
( ! ,dea? t /&s nev] f> away4 ,b1 :5 8  
"w 0 f9i%$ & he 0 aga9 abo>d ! tra91 on 
8 way home1 !re 0 opportunity = a full] 
realization ( ! dang] ?r\gh :i* he _h   
pass$ s n>r[ly--!re 0 "t to ?9k4 ,!n x 0
 t ! man realiz$ a new ?+ 9 8 life4 ,!n 
x 0 t a new factor ent]$ into 8         
?9k+--,dea?4 ,n ! k ( ,dea?2 he _h      

always _h t ( c\rse4 ,n ! fe> ( ,dea?2  
?is man 0 no c[>d4 ,b ! fact ( ,dea?--x 
0 ! fact ( ,dea? t he realiz$ n[ z he _h
 nev] realiz$ x be=e4  ,all unexpect$ & 
unann\nc$--)\t sign ( its approa* or    
w>n+ ( its pres5ce--,dea? _h /ood ov]   
him4 ,he _h look$ into ! eyes ( ! ,k+4  
,dea? _h t\*$ him on ! %\ld]1 z x 71 &  
_h pass$ on4 ,b ,dea? w\ld come aga94 ,!
 "o firmly fix$1 und5iable1 unalt]able1 
fact 9 ,life 01 to him1 n[1 t ,dea? w\ld
 come aga94 ,:5 or h[2 t1 he c\ld n "k2 
p]haps n = _m ye>s2 p]haps be=e ! fly+  
tra9 c\ld c>ry him ano!r mile4 ,h[      
/range x is t ?is "o fix$1 p]man5t1     
unalt]able1 inevitable fact (           
,life--,dea?--is mo/ commonly ignor$4 ,!
 mo/ common ?+ 9 ,life is ,dea?2 yet few
 !re are :o recognize x z a fact until x
 pres5ts itself say+3 ,come4  ,go+ back 
into ! ye>s1 ! man recall$ ! dea? ( 8   
"m2 &1 lat]1 :5 he 0 /&+ on ! v ?re%old 
( 8 manhood1 ! dea? ( 8 fa!r4 ,^? graves
 on ! hillside 7 /ill 9 8 memory b !y _h
 n realiz$ ,dea? = him4 ,8 grief at !   

loss ( ^? s de> to him _h ov]%ad[$1 z x 
71 ! fact ( ,dea? itself4 ,he ?\ght (   
,dea? only z x _h tak5 8 p>5ts2 he did n
 consid] x 9 ?9k+ ( himself4 ,b         
n[--n[--he _h look$ into ! eyes ( ! ,k+4
 ,he _h felt ! t\* ( ! h& t *ills4 ,he  
_h he>d ! voice t _c be disobey$4 ,dea? 
_h come into 8 life a fact4  ,! l[1     
/eady1 hum & :irr ( ! :eels & ! smoo?1  
easy movem5t ( ! tra9 told him ( ! fly+ 
miles4 ,"o by "o1 ^? miles t lay betwe5 
him & ! end ( 8 j\rney w\ld g until !   
la/ 0 gone & he w\ld /ep f ! coa* to !  
plat=m ( 8 home depot4 ,&1 !n1 all      
sudd5ly1 to ! man1 ^? fly+ miles became 
z ! ye>s ( 8 life4 ,ev5 z ! miles ( 8   
j\rney 7 pass+ s 8 ye>s _h gone--s 8    
ye>s 7 go+ & w\ld g4  ,! man 0 a "y man 
/ill4 ,= ! fir/ "t1 he felt himself gr[+
 old4 ,involunt>ily he look$ at 8 h&s2  
firm1 /rong1 "y h&s !y 71 b ! man1 9 8  
fancy1 saw !m %ak+1 )]$1 & p>*$1 )      
prom95t dull blue ve9s1 & ! sk9ny f+]s  
b5t & crook$ ) ! ye>s4 ,he glanc$ d[n at
 8 p[]ful1 full m\ld$ limbs1 &1 9 fancy1

 saw !m ?9 & %runk5 ) age4 ,&1 sudd5ly1 
he rememb]$ ) a />t t ! next day w\ld be
 8 bir?day4 ,9 ! fullness ( 8 "y        
manhood's /r5g?1 he _h ignor$ ! pass+   
ye>s ev5 z he _h ignor$ ,dea?4 ,z he _h 
le>n$ to =get ,dea?1 he _h le>n$ to =get
 8 bir?days4 ,x 0 /range h[ fa/ ! ye>s 7
 go+1 ?\ght ! man4 ,sc>cely w\ld !re be 
"t = ! work+ out ( 8 dreams4 ,&1 once1 x
 _h be5 su* a long1 long1 "t betwe5 8   
bir?days4 ,once1 he _h c\nt$ ! mon?s1 !n
 ! weeks1 !n ! days t lay betwe54 ,once1
 he rememb]$--  ,p]haps x 0 ! ?\ght ( 8 
bir?day t did x2 p]haps x 0 ! memory (  
^? graves 9 ! old cemet]y at home4      
,:atev] x swas1 ! man slipp$ back into 8
 ,ye/]days :5 bir?days 7 ages & ages    
ap>t &1 m ?an any?+ else 9 ! _w1 ! boy  
want$ to gr[ up4  ,at sev51 he _h look$ 
) envy ^u ! boy ( n9e :ile ! ye>s ( gr[n
 up m5 7 beyond 8 compreh5sion4 ,at n9e1
 fifte5 0 ! d>+ limit ( 8 dreams2 s f>  
away x seem$ t sc>cely he hop$ to rea*  
x4 ,z = eighte5--"o mu/ be v1 v1 old1   
inde$1 to be eighte54 ,h[ long ! ye>s   

ahead _h seem$1 !n--& n[1 h[ %ort !y 7  
:5 look+ back6 ,& ! bir?days--! bir?days
 t ! man _h le>n$ to =get--h[ c\ld he h 
le>n$ to =get !m6 ,:at days (           
triumph--:at times ( victori\s          
rejoic+--^? days once _h be56 ,& s1 ) ! 
fact ( ,dea? s rec5tly =c$ into 8 life1 
) ! miles z ye>s slipp+ "u ! fa/ :irr+  
:eels t bore him onw>d1 ! man liv$ aga9 
a bir?day 9 ! long ago4  ,weeks be=e t  
day ! boy _h plann$ ! joy\s occasion1 = 
"m _h promis$ t he %\ld h a p>ty4 ,a    
bir?day p>ty6 ,joy\s fe/ival ( !        
,ye/]days6 ,:at delightful h\rs 7 sp5t 9
 anticipation6 ,:at innum]able que/ions 
7 ask$6 ,:at a multitude ( petitions 7  
=m$ & pres5t$6 ,:at anxi\s consultations
 ) ! little girl :o liv$ next door6 ,:at
 sugge/ions 7 (f]$1 accept$ & reject$1 &
 reject$ or accept$ all ov] aga96 ,:at  
li/s ( ! gue/s to be invit$ 7 made1     
revis$ & !n revis$ aga96 ,:at c\nt+ ( ! 
days1 &1 z ! day drew ne>1 :at c\nt+ ( !
 h\rs2 n =gett+1 all ! "t1 to h9t1 9    
v>i\s skillfully p]suasive & sugge/ive  

ways1 z to ! pres5ts t w\ld be mo/ fitt+
 & acceptable6 ,& at la/1 :5 ! day _h   
come1 z all days mu/ at la/ come1 0 !re 
ev] 9 ! hi/ory ( mortal man or boy su* a
 day8  ,!re 0 real weal? ( love 9 "m's  
kiss t morn+4 ,!re 0 holy pleasure 9 !  
pride t 0 9 fa!r's face & voice4 ,!re 0 
unm>r$ joy :5 ! little girl captur$ him 
&1 :ile he pret5d$--only pret5d$--to    
escape1 gave him ! requir$ numb] ( ?umps
 on ! back ) h] s(t little fi/ & !      
triumphant "o to gr[ on4 ,!n came1 at   
la/1 ! cr[n+ ev5t3 & s ! man saw1 aga91 
! boys & girls :o1 t aft]noon 9 8       
,ye/]days1 help$ to celebrate 8 bir?day4
 ,:y _h he p]mitt$ !m to pass out ( 8   
life8 ,:y _h he gone out ( _! lives8 ,:y
 mu/ ! ye>s rob him ( ! fri5ds ( !      
,ye/]days8  ,) ! bir?day fea/ ( good ?+s
 & ! games & sports ( *ildhood ! busy   
aft]noon pass$4 ,up & d[n ! road &      
across ! fields1 ! gue/s dep>t$1 ) _!   
p>ty dresses soil$1 _! p>ty comb$ hair  
di%evel$1 & _! p>ty clean$ faces smudg$ 
) grime2 b ) ! clean1 clean1 joy ( !    

,ye/]days 9 _! clean1 clean1 *ildi%     
he>ts4 ,toge!r ! boy & ! girl wat*$ !m  
g1 ) wav+ h&s & good-bye %\ts1 until !  
la/ "o _h pass$ f sight & ! la/ :oop &  
call _h di$ away4 ,& !n1 reluctantly1 ! 
little girl h]self w5t home & ! boy 0   
left alone by ! g>d5 h$ge4  ,oh1 brave1 
brave1 day ( ! ,ye/]days6 ,brave        
bir?days ( ! long ago :5 ,dea? 0 n a    
fact b a fiction6 ,:5 ! ye>s 7 ages     
ap>t1 & ! f>!/ rea* ( "o's imag9ation   
c>ri$ only to be+ gr[n up6  ,f 8        
,ye/]days ! man came back to wond]3 if  
,dea? %\ld wait until he 0 wr9kl$1 b5t1 
& old--until 8 limbs 7 palsi$1 8 he>+   
gone1 8 voice crack$ & %rill1 & 8 eyes  
dim--if ,dea? %\ld let him /ay until he 
_h se5 ! la/ ( 8 companions g home 9 !  
ev5+ aft] t la/ bir?day--w\ld !re be "o 
to /& beside him--to wat* ) him z ! o!rs
 pass$ f sight8 ,w\ld !re be anyone to  
help him celebrate 8 la/ bir?day1 if    
,dea? %\ld fail to come aga9 until he 0 
old8  99    99    99    99    99        
,ev]yone 0 v k9d to ! woman t morn+ :5 !

 ^w came t h] uncle _h be5 kill$ 9 a    
railroad accid5t4 ,all t k9d he>ts c\ld 
d = h] 0 done4 ,e (f] ( assi/ance 0     
made4 ,b !re 0 really no?+ t anyone c\ld
 d j !n4 ,%e mu/ fir/ g z quickly z %e  
c\ld to h] aunt4  ,! man ( au?ority1 :o 
_h always seem$ to und]/& h] woman he>t 
& :o _h paid to h] ! highe/ tribute     
possible = a man to pay a woman1 _h     
brok5 ! news to h] z g5tly z news (     
,dea? c be told1 &1 z soon z %e 0 ready1
 8 own c>riage 0 wait+ be=e ! entrance 9
 ! /reet bel[4 ,nor did he burd5 h] )   
talk z !y 7 driv5 skillfully ?r\gh !    
/ream ( ! d[n t[n traffic & !n1 at a    
quick] pace1 ?r\gh ! m op5 /reets ( !   
resid5ce di/rict4  ,!re is s little t c 
be said1 ev5 by ! mo/ ?\ghtful1 :5 ,dea?
 ent]s ?us sudd5ly into a life4 ,! man  
knew t ! woman ne$$ him4 ,he knew t1    
save = ! invalid aunt1 !re 0 n[ no ne>  
relative to help h] d ! necess>y ?+s t  
mu/ be done4 ,!re 0 no "o to help h] ?9k
 :at w\ld be be/ to d4 ,s he ask$ h]    
g5tly1 z !y ne>$ ! h\se1 if %e w\ld n   

p]mit him1 = ! next few days1 to take ! 
place 9 h] life t w\ld h be5 tak5 by an 
old] bro!r4 ,k9dly he ask$ t %e tru/ him
 fully--t %e let him ?9k & d = h]--be a 
help to h] 9 h] ne$--ev5 z he w\ld h    
help$ h] _h %e cons5t$ to come into 8   
life z he wi%$ h] to come4 ,& ! woman1  
because %e knew ! goodness & honor ( ?is
 man's he>t1 ?ank$ him ) gratitude too  
great = words & p]mitt$ him to d = h]   
all t a mo/ intimate relative w\ld h    
done4  ,at la/ x 0 ov]4 ,! fir/         
uncontrollable expressions ( grief--!   
arrangem5ts = ! fun]al--! s]vice at !   
h\se & ! long ride to ! cemet]y ) ! f9al
 p>t+ & ! return to ! h\se t w\ld nev]  
aga9 be q ! same--all ^? h>d1 fir/1 days
 7 pa/ & to-morr[--to-morr[--! woman    
w\ld g back to h] "w4 ,9 ! f9al go+ ov] 
( affairs1 ! f9i%+ ( unf9i%$ bus9ess1 ! 
end+ ( undevelop$ plans & prospects1 !  
settl+ & clos+ ( acc\nts1 & ! consid]+ (
 new conditions en=c$ by ,dea?1 x _h be5
 made v cle> t = ! woman to "w 01 n[1 m 
?an ev] necess>y4 ,!re 01 n[1 no "o b h]

 ^u :om ! invalid aunt c\ld dep5d = ev5 
! necessities ( life4  ,& ! woman 0 glad
 t %e 0 able to provide = t "o :o _h    
always be5 s g5tle1 s pati5t1 9 suff]+ &
 :o1 9 h] sorr[1 0 n[ s brave4 ,s9ce !  
dea? ( ! girl's own "m1 ! aunt _h tak51 
s f> z %e c\ld1 a "m's place 9 ! life ( 
! *ild2 &1 z ! ye>s _h pass$ & ! little 
girl _h gr[n into "y womanhood1 %e _h   
gr[n into ! he>t ( ! *ildless woman     
until %e 0 z a daught] ( h] own fle%4 ,s
 ! woman did n feel ?is add$ c>e t 0 =c$
 ^u h] by ! *ang$ conditions z a burd5  
o!r ?an a burd5 ( love4 ,b /ill1 t      
aft]noon1 :5 x 0 all ov]1 & %e fac$ !   
new future t ,dea? _h set be=e h]1 %e   
realiz$ ! fact ( ,dea? z %e _h nev]     
realiz$ x be=e4  ,! ye>s s9ce h] "m's   
dea? _h n be5 _m1 &1 x seem$ to h]1 n[1 
t !y _h pass$ v quickly4 ,%e 0 only a   
little girl1 !n1 & h] uncle & 8 wife _h 
tak5 h] s fully into _! he>ts t %e _h   
sc>cely felt ! gap 9 h] life aft] ! fir/
 weeks ( ! sep>ation _h pass$4 ,h] "m   
belong$ to ! days ( h] *ildhood &1 ?\gh 

! ye>s 7 n _m z %e look$ back1 ^?       
*ildhood days seem$ f>1 f>1 away4 ,dea? 
_h come to h]1 n[1 9 ! days ( h]        
womanhood4 ,sudd5ly1 unexpect$ly1 )     
awful1 />tl+1 reality1 ! fact ( ,dea? _h
 come into h] life2 =c+ h] to consid]1 z
 %e _h nev] consid]$ be=e1 ! swiftly    
pass+ ye>s4  ,:at--%e ask$ h]self z %e  
?\ght ( ! morr[--:at1 = h]1 lay at !    
f>!rmo/ end ( t procession ( to-morr[s8 
,:5 ! be/ ( h] /r5g? 0 gone ) ! days &  
weeks & mon?s & ye>s--:at !n8 ,:5 ,dea? 
%\ld come = t "o :o 01 9 ev]y?+ b blood1
 h] "m & :o 01 n[1 h] only              
companion--:at !n8 ,to be left alone 9 !
 _w--to g1 alone1 all ! re/ ( !         
j\rney--?is 0 ! horror t ,dea? br\ght to
 h]4 ,z %e look$1 t aft]noon1 into !    
ye>s t 7 to come1 ?is woman1 :o knew t  
%e 0 a woman1 & :o 0 /ill 9 ! glory &   
beauty ( h] "y womanhood1 felt sudd5ly  
old--%e felt z ?\gh e day ( ! sad days j
 pass$ _h be5 a ye>4  ,& !n1 at la/1 f  
h] grief ( ! pres5t & f h] contemplation
 ( ! ye>s t 7 to come1 %e turn$ we>ily  

back to ! long ago4 ,9 ! lonel9ess &    
sorr[ ( h] life %e w5t1 aga91 hack into 
h] ,ye/]days4 ,!re 01 inde$1 no o!r     
place = h] to g b back into h]          
,ye/]days4 ,only 9 ! ,ye/]days c "o     
escape ! sadness & lonel9ess t att5d !  
com+ ( ,dea?4 ,dea? has little p[] 9 !  
,ye/]days4 ,9 *ildhood life1 ,dea? is n 
a fact4  ,fun]als 7 no?+ m ?an ev5ts (  
surpass+ int]e/ 9 ^? days--a subdu$1    
int5se1 int]e/ t mu/ n be too op5ly     
express$1 x is true1 b t nev]!less c\ld 
n be altoge!r suppress$4 ,absorb$ 9 h]  
play ! little girl w\ld he>1 sudd5ly1 ! 
r++ ( ! bell 9 ! :ite *ur* across !     
valley2 & x w\ld r+1 n joy\sly1 *e]ily1 
int]e/+ly1 z on ,sundays b ) sad1       
solemn1 measur$1 notes1 t w\ld fill h]  
*ildi% he>t ) hu%$ excitem5t4 ,& !n--x  
matt]$ n :]e he 0 or :at he 0 do+--!    
little boy w\ld come1 ru%+ ) eag] ha/e1 
to jo9 h] at ! front gate :]e !y always 
wat*$ toge!r = ! procession & /rove = ! 
honor ( sight+ fir/ ! long /r+ (        
vehicles t w\ld soon appe> on "o ( ! f\r

 roads lead+ to ! *ur*4 ,& oh1 joy (    
joys1 if x s happ5$ t ! procession came 
by ! way t l$ pa/ ! place :]e !y danc$ )
 su* eag] impati5ce6  ,fir/ w\ld come1  
mov+ ) sl[ feet & droop+ head1 ! old    
gray horse & "t worn phaeton ( ! m9i/]2 
& !y w\ld feel a little /range & some:at
 hurt because ! man ( ,god1 :o usually  
greet$ !m s *e]ily1 w\ld n notice !m z  
he pass$4 ,b ! sadness 9 _! he>ts w\ld  
be =gott5 ! next mom5t z !y gaz$1 )     
excit$ int]e/ & :isp]$ exclamations1 at 
! %9+1 black1 he>se ) its beautiful1    
coal black1 horses t1 /epp+ pr\dly1     
toss+ _! plum$ heads1 & %ak+ ! tassels  
on ! long nets t hung ov] _! glossy     
sides1 seem$ to invite ! admiration t   
greet$ !m4 ,& !n1 ?r\gh ! glass sides ( 
! he>se1 ! boy & ! girl1 ) gasps (      
int]e/1 w\ld discov] ! long black c(f9  
half hidd5 by its load ( fl[]s2 or1     
p]haps1 ! he>se1 ! horses1 & ! c(f91    
w\ld all be sn[ :ite :i*1 ! little girl 
?\ght1 0 prettie/ ( all4 ,!n w\ld foll[ 
! long l9e ( c>riages1 fill$ ) p :o wore

 _! ,sunday clo!s2 & ! boy & ! girl1    
recogniz+ a fri5d or acqua9tance1 "h &  
!re1 w\ld wond] to !mselves h[ x w\ld   
seem to be rid+ 9 su* a procession4 ,"o 
by "o1 !y w\ld c\nt ! vehicles & recall 
! numb] 9 ! la/ fun]al !y _h wat*$2     
gleefully triumphant1 if ?is procession 
7 long] ?an ! la/2 scornfully           
disappo9t$1 if x 7 n s impos+4 ,& !n1 :5
 ! la/ c>riage _h gone up ! hill on !   
o!r side ( ! creek & _h disappe>$ f     
sight among ! trees t half hid ! *ur*1  
!y w\ld wait = ! procession to reappe>  
aft] ! s]vices & w\ld wat* x crawl+     
sl[ly along ! di/ant road on its way to 
! cemet]y4  ,& ! next day !y w\ld play a
 fun]al4  ,ev5 z !y _h play$ a w$d+1 !y 
w\ld play a fun]al4 ,only1 !y play$ a   
w$d+ b t once1 :ile !y play$ fun]als _m1
 _m1 times4  ,sometimes x w\ld be a     
doll's fun]al :5 ! *ief figure 9 !      
solemn rites w\ld be tak5 f ! grave1    
aft] x 0 all ov]1 & w\ld be rock$ to    
sleep ) ! o!r dollies1 none ! worse1    
app>5tly1 = ! sad exp]i5ce4 ,aga91 ! "p 

( ! dep>t$ w\ld be tak5 by a m\se t _h  
met a viol5t dea? at ! h&s ( ! cook2 or1
 p]haps1 !y w\ld f9d a baby bird t _h   
fall5 f its ne/ be=e its w+s 7 /rong4 ,b
 ! gr&e/1 mo/ triumphant1 mo/ successful
 fun]al ( ! ,ye/]days 0 a kitt5 t _h mo/
 opportunely di$ ! v day a real gr[n up 
fun]al _h pass$ ! h\se4 ,:at a fun]al t 
0--) an old %oe box = a c(f91 ! boy's   
wagon drap$ ) pieces ( black clo? borr[$
 f ! rag bag = a he>se1 ! %eph]d dog = a
 pr\dly /epp+ team1 & all ! dolls 9 _!  
c>riage foll[+ sl[ly beh9d6 ,9 a corn] (
 ! g>d51 n f> f ! *]ry tree1 !y dug a   
real grave & set up a real tomb/one1    
fa%ion$ by ! boy1 to m>k ! spot4 ,& !   
little girl 0 s e>ne/ 9 h] sorr[ t %e   
cri$ real te>s at :i* ! boy became1     
sudd5ly1 v gay & boi/]\s1 z boys w ^u   
su* occasions1 & help$ h] to =get "r    
quickly4  ,oh1 boy ( ! ,ye/]days1 :o    
w\ld n let 8 little girl mate grieve b  
made h] laugh & =get6 ,:]e 0 he n[8 ,!  
woman wond]$4 ,_h ,dea? come into 8     
life1 too8 ,7 ! ye>s ev]1 to him1 z a   

fun]al procession8 ,did ev] he feel t he
 0 gr[+ old8 ,c\ld he1 n[1 make h] =get 
h] grief--c\ld he help h] to laugh      
aga9--or _h 8 p[] gone ev5 z ^?         
,ye/]days :5 ,dea?1 too1 0 only a pleas+
 game8  ,f ! next room1 a g5tle voice   
call$ s(tly & ! woman arose to g to h]  
aunt4 ,= t "o :o 0 left dep5d5t ^u h] %e
 w\ld be brave & /rong--%e w\ld g back  
to h] "w 9 ! morn+4  ,only *ildr5 are   
privileg$ to play ) ! fact ( ,dea?4     
,only 9 ! ,ye/]days are fun]als ev5ts ( 
m]ely pass+ int]e/4 ,only 9 ! ,ye/]days 
does ,dea? g always pa/ ! door4         
,,failure  ,& t ye>1 also1 w5t to jo9 ! 
ye>s ( ! ,ye/]days4  ,x is z ?\gh ,life1
 br++ to man e twelve mon?s a new ye>1  
bids him try aga94 ,always1 x is        
necess>y = man to try aga94 ,inde$ ,life
 itself is no?+ less ?an ?is3 a cont9ual
 try+ aga94  ,9 ! _w laboratory1 mank9d 
is conduct+ a s]ies ( elaborate         
exp]im5ts--always on ! v]ge ( ! great   
discov]y b nev] q mak+ x--always ?9k+ t 
! secret is ab\t to be reveal$ b nev] q 

uncov]+ x--always fail+ 9 8 exp]im5ts b 
always f9d+ 9 ! process some?+ t leads  
him1 ) hope r5ew$1 to try aga94  ,! man 
_h fail$4  ,sadly1 /]nly1 ) ! pass+ ( ! 
ye>1 he admitt$ to himself t he _h      
fail$4 ,humiliat$ & a%am$1 ) ! com+ ( ! 
new ye>1 he admitt$ t he mu/ beg9 aga94 
,bitt]ly he call$ himself a fool4 ,&    
p]haps he 0--m or less4 ,mo/ m5 are a   
little fooli%4 ,! man :o has nev] be5   
=c$ to swall[ 8 own folly has miss$ a   
bitt] b :olesome tonic t1 m ?an likely1 
he ne$s4 ,?is man 0 n ! k9d ( a man :o  
w\ld blame any "o b himself = 8 failure4
 ,if he _h be5 t p>ticul> k9d ( a fool 8
 failure w\ld h be5 ( little value ei!r 
to him or to any "o4 ,nei!r w\ld !re be1
 = me1 a /ory4  ,i d n "k ! p>ticul>s ( 
?is man's failure--nei!r ! :at1 ! :y1   
nor ! h[4 ,i "k only t he fail$--t x 0  
necess>y = him to fail4 ,nor is ?is a   
/ory ( su* p>ticul>s = !y are ( little  
importance4 ,a man c fail 9 any?+4 ,"s1 
ev51 seem to fail 9 ev]y?+4 ,?is1 !re=e1
 is my /ory3 t z ,failure ent]s into !  

life ( e man x came into ! life ( ?is   
man4 ,9 "s guise or o!r ,failure seems  
to be a necessity4 ,x is "o ( ! ,?irte5 
,truly ,great ,?+s ( ,life4 ,b ! man did
 n1 at t "t1 und]/& t 8 failure 0 a     
necessity4 ,t und]/&+ came to him only )
 ,success4  ,y may say t ?is man 0 too  
"y to accompli% a real ,failure4 ,b y   
ne$ n bo!r ab\t t1 ei!r4 ,"o is nev] too
 "y to exp]i5ce ,failure4 ,& ,failure1  
to ! "o :o fails1 is always1 at ! "t1 v 
real4  ,s ?is man saw ! ca/les t he _h  
toil$ s h>d to build come tumbl+ d[n    
ab\t him4 ,s he 0 awak5$ f 8 bright     
dreams to f9d t !y 7 only dreams4 ,s he 
came to see 8 "w z idl5ess & folly4     
,sorr[fully he look$ at ! ru9 ( 8       
build+4 ,hopelessly he recall$ 8 dreams4
 ,despair+ly he look$ ^u 8 fruitless    
labor4 ,) 8 f9e manhood's /r5g? dead )9 
him1 he bitt]ly felt himself to be b a  
weakl+2 fit only to be pu%$ aside by !  
/rong]1 bett]1 m5 among :om he w5t1 n[1 
) lifeless /ep & d[nca/ face4 ,!re 0    
left 9 8 he>t no c\rage & no hope4 ,he  

saw himself a mo/ mis]able c[>d1 &1     
a%am$ & disgrac$ 9 8 own sight1 he %rank
 f ! eyes ( 8 fell[s & )drew into       
himself to hide4  ,& ! only ?+ t sav$ ! 
man 0 ?is3 he did n pity himself4       
,self-pity is debilitat+4 ,x is ! dry   
rot t weak5s ! life l9es4 ,x is ! ru/ t 
eats ! an*or *a9s4 ,at ! la/ analysis1 a
 man probably kn[s less ab\t himself ?an
 he kn[s ab\t o!rs4 ,! only diff]5ce is 
t :at he kn[s ab\t o!rs is sometimes "r 
:ile t :i* he ?9ks he kn[s ab\t himself 
is ne>ly always wrong4 ,salvation is 9  
pity+ someone else4 ,if "o mu/ h pity he
 %\ld accept x f /rang]s only4 ,! pity (
 /rang]s is h>mless to ! object ( x & v 
gratify+--to ! /rang]s4                 
,self-accusation1 self-c5sure1          
self-condemnation3 ^! are ! antidotes = 
! poison t sometimes ent]s ! s\l ?r\gh  
,failure4 ,b ^! antidotes mu/ be        
adm9i/]$ ) c>e4 ,self-accusation has1   
usually1 a v l[ p]c5tage ( cause4       
,self-c5sure1 undilut$1 is dang]\s to   
self-respect4 ,& self-condemnation is   

r>ely to be _h pure4 ,:5 "o br+s himself
 to trial be=e himself 8 *ance = ju/ice 
is small--! judge is ne>ly always       
prejudic$1 ! jury pack$1 & ! evid5ce    
incomplete4  ,! man1 :5 he _h )drawn    
into himself1 saw ! _w mov+ on its way  
)\t him z ?\gh 8 failure matt]$1 to x1 n
 at all4 ,he 0 =c$ to realize t ! "w ( !
 _w c\ld be done )\t him4 ,he 0 compell$
 to see t ! sum ( human happ9ess & human
 woe w\ld be nei!r less nor m because ( 
him4 ,! _w did n really ne$ 8           
success--he ne$$ x4 ,! _w did n suff] f 
8 failure--he suff]$4 ,he did n und]/&1 
!n1 t no man is 9 l9e = success until he
 und]/&s h[ little ei!r 8 success or 8  
failure matt]s to ! _w4 ,he did n "k1   
!n1 h[ (t5 a good /rong failure is !    
corn] /one ( a well build$ life4  ,a    
*ild is n crippl$ = life because x falls
 :5 x is le>n+ to walk2 nei!r has a man 
come to ! end ( 8 upw>d climb because he
 /ubs 8 toe4 ,! man knew ?is lat] b j !n
 he 0 too sore at he>t to ?9k ( ev5 try+
 to get up aga94 ,all ^? fir/ mon?s ( t 

new ye> he did no?+ b ! labor t 0       
necess>y = him to d 9 ord] to live4 ,&1 
9 t :i* he did1 he _h no he>t b toil$ z 
a dumb bea/ toils 9 ob$i5ce to its ma/]4
 ,! joy ( "w :i* is ! rew>d ( labor 0   
gone4  ,s ! spr+ came4 ,! air grew w>m &
 balmy4 ,! grass on ! lawns & 9 ! p>ks  
began to look s(t & invit+ to feet t 7  
we>y ) ! feel ( icy pavem5ts4 ,! nak$   
trees 7 be+ clo!d 9 spr+ raim5t1 fre% & 
gre54 ,! v faces ( ! p seem$ to gl[ ) a 
new w>m? z ?\gh a m g5]\s life 0 /irr+ 9
 _! ve9s4 ,z ! sun ga!r$ /r5g?1 & !     
coldness & bleakness ( w9t] retreat$    
f>!r & f>!r be=e ! advance ( summ]1 !   
mann] & dress ( ! cr[ds ^u ! /reets m>k$
 ! *ange z truly z ! habits ( ! birds & 
fl[]s1 until1 at la/1 "h & !re1 /raw    
hats appe>$ & sudd5ly1 z bluebirds come1
 b>efoot$ boys 7 play+ m>bles 9 ! alleys
 & fi%+ tackle appe>$ 9 ! w9d[s ( !     
/ores4  ,all 8 life ! man _h be5 an     
ard5t fi%]man4 ,& s1 :5 8 eyes 7        
attract$ t noon1 z he 0 pass+ "o ( ^?   
w9d[s fill$ ) rods & reels & l9es &     

hooks & nets & all ?+s de> to ! angl]'s 
he>t1 he paus$4 ,8 somb] face bright5$4 
,8 =m1 t 0 already /oop$ a little1      
/raight5$4 ,8 li/less eyes1 = a mom5t1  
%one ) _! old "t fire4 ,!n he w5t on to 
8 "w4  ,b1 less ?an ev]1 t aft]noon1 0 !
 man's he>t 9 8 labor4 ,:ile 8 h&s      
me*anically p]=m$ _! appo9t$ tasks & 8  
bra9 z me*anically did its "p1 ! man    
himself 0 n !re4 ,he _h gone f>1 f>1    
away into 8 ,ye/]days4 ,once aga91 9 8  
,ye/]days1 ! man w5t fi%+4  ,! boy 0 a v
 small boy :5 fir/ he w5t fi%+4 ,& he   
fi%$ 9 ! brook t ran ?r\gh ! valley bel[
 ! little girl's h\se4 ,8 hook 0 only a 
p91 b5t by 8 own f+]s2 8 l9e1 a bit (   
/r+ or ?read borr[$ f "m's "w basket2 & 
8 rod1 a sl5d] bran* ( will[ or a gre5  
%oot f "o ( ! trees 9 ! or*>d1 or1 x    
might be1 a /alk ( ! tall pigwe$ t grew 
d[n beh9d ! b>n2 & = bait1 ^? humble    
fri5ds ( boyhood1 ! angle worms4 ,h[ !  
boy %\t$ & danc$ ) glee :5 he f\nd a big
 "o2 ev5 ?\gh he did %udd] a little z he
 pick$ x up1 squirm+ & wiggl+1 to drop x

 into ! old bak+ p[d] c he call$ 8 bait 
box6 ,& h[ ! little girl %riek$ ) fe> & 
admiration6 ,v pr\d 0 ! boy t he _h     
c\rage to h&le ! crawl+ ?+s--?\gh _m (  
!m did escape into _! t9y holes be=e he 
c\ld br+ himself q to ! po9t ( cat*+ !m 
& pull+ !m out4 ,only girls are afraid (
 worms & toads & bugs4 ,boys c bait _!  
own hooks4 ,manfully1 too1 did he hide 8
 ?\ghts :5 consci5ce prick$ him1 ev5 z  
he ! worm4 ,d worms h feel9's8 ,he      
wond]$4 ,does x hurt8 ,half fright5$1 he
 _h laugh$1 "o day1 :5 ! little girl    
ask$3 ,:at if "s wick$ giant %\ld cat* y
 & /ick y on a great hook & sw+ y ?r\gh 
! air1 kick+ & squirm+1 & drop y into ! 
wat] :]e x's deep1 & leave y !re till "s
 great fi% comes along to swall[ y l !  
man 9 ! ,bible t "m reads ab\t8  ,b !   
boy 9 8 ,ye/]days c>ri$ home no fi% f t 
little brook2 ?\gh he sp5t _m h\rs 9 !  
hot summ] sun wat*+ eag]ly = a bite4 ,he
 knew !re mu/ be fi% !re--great big     
fell[s--!re 7 su* lovely places = !m "u 
! grassy banks--if only !y w\ld come    

out--b !y nev] did4 ,n until he 0 old]  
did ! boy und]/& ! real reason ( ?is    
failure4 ,! wat] 0 n deep en\gh4 ,he    
le>n$1 9 "t1 t big fi% are n f\nd 9     
%all[ /reams4  ,i d n "k1 b p]haps1 !   
man1 ev5 z ! boy1 0 fi%+ 9 a too %all[  
/ream4  ,z he grew old]1 ! boy w&]$ f>!r
 d[n ! creek4 ,a sure 'n\gh fi%hook took
 ! place ( ! b5t p9 & a real b\ght5 l9e1
 ) a s9k]1 0 ti$ to ! hook ?\gh he /ill 
us$ ! sl5d] will[ rods4 ,&1 n[1 he      
sometimes br\ght home a fi% or two f !  
deep] wat] d[n 9 ! pa/ure lot2 & no     
success 9 aft] life w\ld ev] br+ to !   
man ! same ?rill ( delight t 0 felt by !
 boy :5 he l&$ a t9y *ub or %9]4 ,no    
,roman g5]al1 return+ 9 triumph f ! w>s 
) captives *a9$ to 8 *>iot1 ev] mov$ ) a
 pr\d] _s ?an he1 :5 he w5t home to "m )
 8 little /r+ ( captur$ fi%es4  ,!n !re 
came a day t 0 ! pr\de/ 9 8 life--! day 
:5 he 0 giv5 a l>g] hook1 a long] l9e1 a
 cane pole1 & p]mission to g to ! mill  
pond4 ,no m fi%+ = him 9 ! brook n[6 ,he
 _h outgr[n all t4 ,h[ small ! little   

/ream seem$1 n[1 z he cross$ x on 8 way 
d[n ! road6 ,c\ld x be possible1 he ask$
 himself1 t he 0 ev] cont5t to fi% !re1 
& ) a b5t p91 at t8 ,& he felt c>efully 
9 8 pocket to see if ^? extra hooks 7   
safe2 & took ano!r peep at ! big worms 9
 8 bait box--an old tomato c ?is "t4    
,!re w\ld be no tw+e ( consci5ce :5 he  
bait$ 8 hook t day4 ,& pr\dly he tri$ to
 take long] /eps 9 ! du/y road2 almo/   
break+ into a run z he ne>$ ! turn :]e  
he knew t he w\ld see ! pond4  ,(t51 !  
boy wond]$ if !re c\ld be any:]e 9 all !
 _w su* ano!r body ( wat] z t old mill  
pond4 ,(t51 he wond]$ h[ deep x 0 d[n by
 ! dam 9 ! %ad[ ( ! giant elms t half   
hid ! mill4 ,_m times1 he que/ion$3 ,:]e
 did all ! wat] come f anyway8 ,surely x
 c\ld n all come f ! t9y /ream t fl[$   
d[n ! valley bel[ ! little girl's h\se6 
,:y1 he c\ld wade 9 t & !re 7 boats on  
?is6  ,once aga91 ! man1 9 8 ,ye/]days1 
/ood at t turn 9 ! road2 "u 8 b>e1      
boyi%1 feet ! hot1 hot1 du/2 ov] 8 head 
! blue1 blue1 sky2 be=e him ! beautiful 

wat] t mirror$ back ! trees1 ! cl\ds1 & 
! build+s4 ,once aga91 he sat 9 ! %ad[ (
 ! old cov]$ bridge1 fi% pole 9 h&1 &1 )
 boyi% delight & pride1 hail$ ea*       
addition to ! /r+ ( catfi% & suck]s t   
swam ne> by1 safely an*or$ to ! bank4   
,he c\ld he> ! dr[sy hum ( ! mill across
 ! pond & ! m]ry %\t ( ! mill] hail+ "s 
pass]-by4 ,&1 n[ & !n1 w\ld come1 !     
clatt] ( horses' ho(s & ! rumble ( a    
f>m]'s wagon on ! planks above 8 head & 
he w\ld idly wat* ! ev] wid5+ circles 9 
! wat] z "s bit ( dirt1 j>r$ f ! beams  
above1 m>r$ ! glassy surface4 ,! swall[s
 7 :eel+ "h & !re 9 swift1 graceful     
motions2 "o mom5t lightly skimm+ !      
surface ( ! pond & ! next1 high 9 air   
above ! trees & build+s4 ,a wat] snake  
came glid+ t[>d an old log close by4 ,a 
turtle 0 float+ lazily 9 ! sun4 ,& a    
k+fi%] />tl$ him ) its h>%1 discordant1 
rattle z x pass$ 9 rapid flight t[>d !  
upp] end ( ! pond :]e ! tall cat-tails 7
 nodd+ 9 ! sunlight & ! droop+ will[s   
fr+$ ! bank ) gre54  ,! %ad[s ( ! giant 

elms ne> ! dam grew long] & long]4 ,a   
workman left ! mill & />t$ across !     
pa/ure t[>d 8 home4 ,a f>m] /opp$ on 8  
way f ! field to wat] 8 team4 ,! frogs  
began to call %rilly f ! re$s & ru%es4  
,! swall[s1 twitt]+1 s\ght _! ne/s b5ea?
 ! bridge4 ,x 0 "t t ! boy 0 go+ home4  
,sl[ly1 reluctantly1 ! little fi%]man   
drew 8 l9e f ! wat] & wrapp$ x c>efully 
r\nd ! pole4 ,!n1 pick+ up 8 /r+ ( fi%1 
he inspect$ !m ?\ghtfully--admir+ !     
l>ge/ & wi%+ t ! o!rs 7 l him--&1 ca/+  
"o la/ glance at ! wat]1 ! trees1 !     
mill1 />t$ d[n ! road t[>d home4  ,he   
mu/ hurry n[4 ,x 0 lat] ?an he ?\ght4   
,"m w\ld be wat*+ & wait+ supp] = him4  
,h[ pleas$ %e w\ld be to see 8 fi%4 ,he 
wi%$ t ! /r+ 7 long]4 ,h[ quickly !     
night 0 com+ on4 ,x 0 almo/ d>k4 ,& !n1 
z ! boy w5t d[n into ! deep5+ dusk ( !  
valley1 he saw1 on ! o!r side1 ! light 9
 ! w9d[s4 ,he 0 almo/ home4  ,tir$      
little fi%]man4 ,we>ily he cross$ !     
creek & made 8 way up ! g5tle slope t[>d
 ! lights t gleam$ s brightly aga9/ !   

d>k mass ( ! or*>d hill1 :ile high      
above1 ! fir/ />s ( ! ev5+ 7 com+ out4  
,& !n1 z 9 ! gloam+ he rea*$ at la/ !   
gate :]e ! little girl liv$1 he f\nd h] 
wait+--wat*+ anxi\sly--eag] to greet him
 ) sweet solicitude4 ,did y cat* any?+8 
,pr\dly ! boy exhibit$ 8 cat*--wi%+ aga9
 9 8 he>t t ! /r+ 7 long]4 ,sadly1 he   
told h[ ! bigge/ fi% ( all _h dropp$ f 8
 hook j :5 he _h x almo/ l&$4 ,&        
sometimes--! man rememb]$--sometimes !  
boy 0 =c$ to answ] t he _h caught no?+  
at all4 ,b always1 !n1 w\ld he bravely  
decl>e t he w\ld h bett] luck next "t4  
,tir$ little fi%]man--go+ home ) 8 cat* 
9 ! ev5+6 ,always--disappo9t$ little    
fi%]man--wi%+ t 8 /r+ 7 long]6          
,always-brave-to-try-aga9 little        
fi%]man--:5 8 day 0 a day ( failure6  ,!
 man came back f 8 ,ye/]days1 t         
aft]noon1 to wond]3 :5 ! %ad[s ( 8 life 
grew long] & long]--:5 8 sun 0 sl[ly    
sett+--:5 he reluctantly )drew1 at la/1 
f ! busy haunts ( m5--:5 he w5t d[n !   
road t[>d home1 z x grew d>k] & d>k]    

until he c\ld n see ! way1 w\ld !re be a
 light 9 ! w9d[ = him8 ,w\ld he "k t    
someone 0 wait+ & wat*+8 ,& w\ld he wi% 
t 8 /r+ ( fi% 7 long]8 ,h[ev] great 8   
cat*1 w\ld he n wi% t ! /r+ 7 long]8 ,& 
might x n be1 too1 t always 9 life !    
l>ge/ fi% w\ld be ! "o t he _h almo/    
l&$8  ,& x 0 s t ! old fire came aga9   
into ! man's eyes to /ay4 ,he /ood once 
m erect be=e m54 ,aga9 8 c\nt5ance 0    
light$ ) c\rage & ) hope4 ,) ! brave    
words ( ! little fi%]man :o _h caught   
no?+1 ! man1 once aga91 fac$ ! _w to "w 
out 8 dreams4  99    99    99    99     
99  ,& ! woman :o knew h]self to be a   
woman 0 haunt$ by ! ?\ght ( ,failure4   
,aft] ,dea? _h come ) su* sudd5ness into
 h] life1 %e _h gone back to h] "w1 &1 9
 spite ( ! *anges t ,dea? _h wr\ght1 !  
days _h gone mu* z ! days be=e4 ,b1     
because ( ! new conditions & ! add$     
responsibilities1 %e gave h]self1 n[1   
some:at m fully to t "w ?an %e _h ev]   
done be=e4 ,%e left = h]self less "t = !
 dreams ( h] womanhood--less "t = wait+ 

beside t old1 old1 door beyond :i* lay !
 life t %e desir$ ) all ! /r5g? ( h]    
woman he>t4  ,& t _w 9 :i* %e labor$--t 
life to :i* %e n[ gave h]self m &       
m--rew>d$ h] m & m abundantly4 ,because 
%e 0 /rong 9 body ) skillful h&s & quick
 bra92 because %e 0 sup]ior 9 ^! ?+s to 
_m :o labor$ beside h]2 %e receiv$ a    
l>g] rew>d ?an !y4 ,= ! ri*ness1 !      
fullness1 ( h] womanhood1 %e receiv$    
no?+4 ,f love1 ! only ?+ t c make t :i* 
a woman receives fully acceptable to h]1
 %e receiv$ no?+4  ,!re 7 _m :o1 n[1    
congratulat$ ! woman ^u :at !y call$ h] 
success4 ,& "s1 :o knew ! measure ( !   
rew>d %e receiv$ f ! _w t set a price ^u
 ! ?+s ( h] womanhood1 envi$ h]2 wi%+   
!mselves z =tunate z %e4 ,%e 0 ev5 po9t$
 out & spok5 ( triumphantly1 by c]ta9   
mod]n1 d[n-to-date1 ones1 z an example (
 ! successful woman ( ! age4 ,h]        
success--z x 0 call$--0 cit$ z a        
triumphant argum5t = ! "r ( wom5 to sell
 _! womanhood = a price3 to put _! /r5g?
 ( m9d & fle% & blood1 _! physical &    

intellectual vigor1 _! vitality & life1 
^u a m>ket t _c recognize _! womanhood2 
ev5 ?\gh by s do+ !y rob ! race ( ! only
 contribution !y c make t w add to its  
p]fection4  ,really1 if ! cu/oms &      
necessities ( ?is age ( d[n-to-date-ism 
are to take ! _w's mo!rs1 !n x w\ld seem
 t ?is age ( d[n-to-date-ism %\ld f9d1 =
 ! p]petuation & p]fection ( ! race1 a  
sub/itute = wom54 ,! age %\ld evolve a  
bett] way1 a m mod]n me?od1 ?an !       
old-fa%ion$ way t has be5 9 vogue s     
long4 ,=1 j z surely z ! laws ( life are
 beyond our p[] to repeal1 s surely w ! 
op]ation ( ! laws ( life n *ange to     
accommodate our newe/ ?9k+ & ! race1 by 
sp5d+ its be/ woman /r5g? 9 "w t _c     
recognize womanhood1 w bequea? to ! ages
 to come an ev] l[]+ /&>d ( human life4 
,! woman felt ?is--%e felt t %e c\ld mo/
 truly s]ve ! race by be+ true to !     
dreams ( h] womanhood4 ,%e felt t ! "w  
%e 0 do+ 0 n h] real "w b a make%ift to 
be und]tak5 "u prote/ & disc>d$ )\t     
regret :5 h] opportunity to ent] ^u !   

real "w ( h] life %\ld pres5t itself4 ,b
 /ill1 ev5 :ile feel+ ?is1 gradually !re
 _h come to be1 = h]1 an am\nt (        
satisfaction 9 kn[+ t %e 0 succe$+ 9 t  
:i* %e _h set h] h& to d4 ,9 ! increas+ 
rew>d %e receiv$1 9 ! advanc$ position  
%e occupi$1 9 ! def]5ce t 0 %[n h]1 9 ! 
au?ority t 0 giv5 h]1 9 ! l>g] int]e/s t
 7 intru/$ to h]1 & ev5 9 ! attitude (  
^? :o held h] to be a conv9c+ example ( 
! newe/ womanhood1 !re 0 com+ to be a   
k9d ( satisfaction4  ,!n came t day :5 !
 woman express$ a little ( ?is          
satisfaction to ! man :o _h always      
und]/ood & :o _h be5 always s k9d4 ,9   
?is1 too1 ! woman felt t he und]/ood4   
,! man _h n s\ght to take advantage ( ! 
intimacy %e _h grant$ him 9 ^? try+ days
 :5 ,dea? _h come into h] life4 ,he _h  
nev] fail$ 9 be+ k9d & consid]ate 9 !   
?\s& little ?+s ( ! "w t br\ght !m      
toge!r & t gave h] opportunity to le>n 8
 goodness & ! g5u9e wor? ( 8 manhood4   
,nor _h he fail$ to make h] und]/& t    
/ill he hop$ = ! "t :5 %e w\ld g ) him  

into ! life beyond ! old1 old1 door4 ,b 
t day1 :5 %e made kn[n to him1 a little1
 h] gr[+ satisfaction 9 t :i* ! _w call$
 h] success1 %e saw t he 0 hurt4 ,= !   
fir/ "t he seem$ to be tr\bl$ & afraid =
 h]4  ,v gravely lie look$ d[n into h]  
eyes4 ,v gravely he congratulat$ h]4 ,& 
!n1 quietly & conv9c+ly1 ) words (      
au?ority1 he po9t$ out to h] ! possible 
heights %e might rea*--w\ld rea*--if %e 
cont9u$4 ,he told h] ( ! place t %e1 if 
%e *ose1 might ga94 ,he spoke ( ! rew>d 
t w\ld be h]s4 ,&1 z he talk$ to h] ( ^!
 ?+s1 he saw ! light ( int]e/ &         
anticipation k9dl+ 9 h] eyes4 ,sadly he 
saw x4 ,!n1 paus+--hesitat+--he ask$ h] 
sl[ly3 ,d y really ?9k t x is1 aft] all1
 wor? :ile8 ,= y1 ,i mean1 d y ?9k t x  
w\ld be a satisfy+ success8 ,he did n   
wi% to int]f]e ) h] c>e]1 he said--&    
smil$ a little at ! ^w4 ,he w\ld ev5    
help h] if--if--%e 0 sure t su* a c>e]  
w\ld br+ h] ! real happ9ess he s mu*    
want$ h] to h4  ,& ! woman1 z ! man     
look$ into h] eyes & z %e saw ! tr\ble 9

 8 ?\ghtful face & li/5$ to 8 gravely   
spok5 words1 felt a%am$4 ,rememb]+1     
aga91 ! dreams ( h] womanhood1 %e 0     
a%am$4 ,f t day1 ! woman 0 haunt$ by !  
?\ght ( ,failure4  ,:y1 %e ask$ h]self1 
:y c\ld %e n op5 ! door ( h] he>t to ?is
 man :o _h be5 s good to h]--s true to  
h] & to himself8 ,if he _h tak5         
advantage 9 any way1 if he _h s\ght to  
use 8 p[]1 %e w\ld n h c>$ s mu*4 ,b    
because %e knew him s well2 because %e  
_h se5 8 spl5did "*1 8 f9e manhood1 8   
k9dness ( he>t1 & 8 /r5g?2 because ( !  
dreams ( h] womanhood2 %e _h tri$ to op5
 ! door & bid him take possession ( h]  
he>t t 0 z an empty room furni%$ &      
ready4 ,b %e c\ld n4 ,%e seem$ to h lo/ 
! key4 ,:y--:y--c\ld %e n give ?is man  
:at he ask$8 ,:y c\ld %e n g ) him into 
! life ( h] dreams8 ,:at 0 x t held h]  
back8 ,:at 0 x t held %ut ! door ( h]   
womanhood aga9/ him8 ,c\ld x be t1 aft] 
all1 %e 0 fit only = ! c>e] ^u :i* %e 0 
already ent]$8 ,c\ld x be t %e 0 n wor?y
 to ent] into ! life h] womanhood       

crav$--! life = :i* %e _h long$ ) su*   
passionate long+--! life %e _h desir$ ) 
su* holy desire8 ,c\ld x be t %e 0      
unwor?y ( h] womanhood8  ,bitt]ly ?is   
woman1 :o knew h]self to be a woman1 :o 
_h dream$ ! dreams ( womanhood1 & :o 0  
po9t$ out z a successful woman--bitt]ly 
%e felt t %e _h fail$4  ,%e knew t h]   
failure c\ld n be because %e _h squ&]$ !
 weal? ( h] womanhood4 ,v c>efully _h %e
 kept ! treasures ( h] womanhood = !    
com+ ( t "o = :om %e wait$--kn[+ n :o he
 0 b only t %e w\ld "k him :5 he came4  
,might x be t he _h come & %e did n "k  
him8 ,might x be t ! he>t ( h] womanhood
 did n "k8 ,if ?is 0 s !n1 inde$1 ,life 
itself is b an accid5t & mu/ tru/ to    
bl9d *ance ! fulfillm5t ( its mo/ sacr$ 
mission--! p]petuation & p]fection (    
itself4  ,t ! ,creator %\ld give laws = 
! "r mat+ ( all 8 creatures except      
man--leav+ m5 & wom51 alone1 ) no guide 
to lead !m aright 9 ?is relation%ip t is
 mo/ vital to ! species--is un?9kable4  
,deeply implant$ 9 ! he>ts ( m5 & wom5  

!re is1 also1 an in/9ct2 an in/9ct t is 
sup]ior to ! dictates ( ! social1       
f9ancial1 or ecclesia/ical w4 ,& x is   
?is natural in/9ct ( mate selection t   
%\ld gov]n ! m>riages ( human k9d z     
truly z x m>ries ! birds ( ! fields & ! 
wild ?+s t mate 9 ! =e/s4  ,! woman     
knew1 in/9ctively1 t %e %\ld n give     
h]self to ?is man4 ,%e felt 9 h] he>t t 
to d s w\ld make h] k9 to h] si/]s 9 !  
unnamable pr(ession4 ,! *ur* w\ld       
sanction1 ! /ate w\ld legalize1 &       
society w\ld accept su* a union--does   
accept su* unions--b only ! div9e laws (
 ,life1 giv5 = ! protection ( ,life1 c  
ev] make a man & a woman husb& & wife4  
,! laws t gov]n ! "r mat+ ( human k9d   
are n enact$ by organizations ei!r      
social1 political1 or religi\s1 b are   
writt5 9 ! he>ts ( ^? :o w\ld1 9 mat+1  
fulfill ! purpose ( ,life4 ,^! laws may 
be brok5 by man b !y _c by him be       
repeal$2 & ! p5alty t is impos$ = _!    
violation is v evid5t to all :o h eyes  
to see & :o obs]ve ) und]/&+4  ,! woman 

knew1 also1 t1 9 respect & honor &      
gratitude to ?is man1 %e d>$ n d ?is ?+ 
aga9/ :i* ! in/9ct ( h] he>t prote/$4 ,b
 /ill %e ask$ h]self3 ,:y8 ,:y 0 ! door 
%ut aga9/ him8 ,:y 0 x n 9 h] p[] to d t
 :i* %e s long$ to d8  ,& /ill1 ! ?\ght 
( ,failure haunt$ h]4  ,& s x 01 t1 9   
ask+1 :y--9 seek+ ! reason ( h] failure1
 ! woman 0 l$ back ev5 to ! ye>s ( h]   
*ildhood4 ,back into h] ,ye/]days %e w5t
 9 se>* ( ! key t kept fa/ lock$ ! door 
( h] he>t aga9/ ! man :om %e w\ld h s   
gladly admitt$4 ,&1 all ! way back1 z %e
 retrac$ ! /eps ( h] ye>s1 %e look$ = "o
 :o might h ! key4 ,b %e f\nd no "o4 ,& 
9 h] ,ye/]days %e f\nd only a boy :o _h 
ent]$ h] he>t :5 x 0 ! he>t ( a little  
girl4  ,t ! boy ( h] ,ye/]days liv$ /ill
 9 ! he>t ( ! woman1 %e knew4 ,b        
surely--surely--! boy 0 n /rong en\gh to
 hold h] woman he>t aga9/ ! man :o s\ght
 admittance4 ,! boy c\ld n hold ! door  
aga9/ ! man & aga9/ ! woman h]self4 ,^? 
v[s1 made s solemnly "u ! *]ry tree1 7 b
 *ildi% v[s4 ,x 0 b a play w$d+1 aft]   

all4 ,& ! kiss t _h seal$ ! v[s--! kiss 
t 0 s diff]5t f o!r kisses--x 0 b a     
*ildi% kiss 444 ,9 ! long ye>s t _h come
 betwe5 t boy & girl ! v[s & ! kiss _h  
become b memories--ev5 z ! games !y     
play$--ev5 z h] keep+ h\se & h] family (
 dolls4 ,t *ild w$d+ belong$ only to !  
,ye/]days4  ,! woman 0 haunt$ by ! ?\ght
 ( ,failure4      ,,success  ,! _w said 
t he 0 a "y man to h a*iev$ s notable a 
,success4 ,& he 04 ,b ye>s h1 really1   
little to d ) a man's age4 ,x is ! use t
 a man makes ( 8 ye>s t ages him or     
keeps him "y4  ,?is man knew t he 0 a   
man4 ,he knew t manhood is n a matt] (  
ye>s4 ,&1 kn[+ ?is1 he _h dream$ a man's
 dream4 ,9 ! _w he _h f\nd some?+ to    
d--a man's "w--& f 8 ,occupation he _h  
ga9$ ,k4 ,he _h le>n$ ! value (         
,ignorance &1 beh9d ! ?+s t m5 h hung ^u
 & pil$ ab\t x1 he _h come to recognize 
,religion4 ,he knew bo? ! dang]s & !    
bless+s ( ,tradition4 ,he _h ga9$ !     
heights t are =tifi$ by ,temptation & f 
^? levels s f> above ! l[l&s _h look$   

out ^u ,life4 ,dea? he knew z a fact &  
?r\gh ,failure he _h pass$ z ?r\gh a    
smelt+ furnace4 ,x is ^! ?+s1 ,i say1 t 
c\nt = m 9 life ?an ye>s4 ,s1 al?\gh he 
0 /ill "y1 ! man 0 ready = ,success4 ,he
 0 9 ! fullness ( 8 manhood /r5g?4 ,!   
tide ( ,life1 = him1 0 j rea*+ its      
height4  ,i d n "k j :at x 0 9 :i* ! man
 a*iev$ ,success4 ,j :at x 01 inde$1 is 
n my /ory2 nor does x matt] = ,success  
is always ! same4 ,my /ory is ?is3 t !  
man a*iev$ ,success :ile he 0 /ill "y & 
/rong to rejoice 9 ! triumph4  ,! dreams
 t he _h dream$ on ! hilltop1 :5 fir/ he
 realiz$ 8 manhood1 71 9 "p1 fulfill$4  
,he 0 look$ ^u by ! _w z "o n ( ! common
 h]d--z "o n ( ! rank & file4 ,he 0     
accept$1 9 ! field ( 8 "w1 z a lead]--a 
ma/]4 ,he 0 held z "o hav+ au?ority &   
p[]4 ,! _w po9t$ him out to its *ildr5 z
 an example to be foll[$4 ,! mob1 t     
cr[ds always at ! foot ( ! ladd]1 look$ 
up & curs$ or begg$ or prais$ z is !    
temp] ( su* mobs4 ,8 "n 0 (t5 9 ! pap]s4
 ,:5 he appe>$ on ! /reets or 9 public  

places he 0 recogniz$4 ,! p told ea* o!r
 :o he 0 & :at he _h done4 ,he 0 receiv$
 z a companion by ^? :o 7 c\nt$ great by
 ! _w4 ,doors t 7 clos$ to ! multitude1 
& t _h be5 clos$ to him1 7 op5$ readily4
 ,opportunities1 (f]$ only to ! few1 7  
pres5t$4 ,! gold5 /ream ( weal? fl[$ to 
8 feet4 ,by ! fooli% hang]s-on ( ! _w he
 0 s\ght--he 0 (f]$ praise & admiration4
 ,all t is call$ ,success1 9 %ort1 0 82 
n 9 s great a measure z _h come to "s   
old] ?an he1 x is true2 b x 0 g5u9e2 x 0
 m]it$2 x 0 secure2 &1 ) ! ye>s1 x w\ld 
increase z a riv] ne>+ ! sea4  ,& ! man1
 z he look$ back to t day ( 8 dreams1 0 
glad ) an hone/ gladness4 ,z he look$   
back to ! "t :5 he _h ask$ ( ! _w only  
some?+ to d1 he 0 pr\d ) a j pride4 ,z  
he look$ back ^u ! ?+s out ( :i* he _h  
build$ 8 ,success & saw h[ well he _h   
build$1 he 0 satisfi$4 ,b /ill 9 8      
gladness & pride & satisfaction !re 0 a 
disappo9tm5t4  ,9 8 dreams1 :5 he _h    
look$ out ^u ! _w z a conqu]+ emp]or1 ! 
man _h se5 only ! de$s ( valor--!       

exhibitions ( c\rage1 ( h]oism1 (       
/r5g?--he _h se5 only ! victories--!    
honors4 ,b n[1 9 ! fulfillm5t ( 8       
dreams--:5 he _h won ! victory--:5 !    
honors 7 8--he knew ! desp]ate /ruggle1 
! disa/r\s losses1 ! pitiful suff]+4 ,he
 _h felt ! dang]s grip 8 he>t4 ,he _h   
felt ! horrid fe> ( defeat /rik+ at 8   
s\l4 ,^u him 7 ! m>ks ( ! conflict4 ,8  
victory _h n be5 won )\t ef=t4 ,success 
_h dem&$ a price & he _h paid4 ,p]haps  
no "o b ! man himself knew h[ great 0 ! 
price he _h paid4  ,! man f\nd also t   
,success br\ght c>es great] ?an he _h   
ev] kn[n 9 ! days ( 8 /ruggle4 ,always  
!re are c>es t wait at ! end ( ! battle 
& att5d only ^u ! victor4 ,always !re   
are responsibilities t come only :5 !   
victory is won--t are nev] se5 9 ! heat 
( ! conflict4  ,once let x be discov]$ t
 y h ! /r5g? & ! will+ness to c>ry      
burd5s & burd5s w be heap$ ^u y until y 
/agg]1 fa9t+1 "u ! load4 ,life has nev] 
yet br$ a man :o c\ld %\ld] ! weight t !
 _w insi/s t he take up 9 8 success4 ,&1

 :5 ! man c\ld n c>ry all ! burd5s t !  
_w br\ght because 8 /r5g? & endurance 0 
only t ( a mortal1 ! _w curs$ him--call$
 him selfi%1 full ( gre$1 he>tless1 an  
oppressor c>+ no?+ = ! woes ( o!rs4 ,^? 
:o _h (f]$ no help+ h& 9 ! "t ( 8 ne$ n[
 clamor$ l\dly = a l>ge "p ( 8 /r5g?4   
,^? :o _h c>$ no?+ = 8 life 9 ! times ( 
8 h>d%ips n[ insi/$ t he give ! l>g] "p 
( 8 life to !m4 ,^? :o _h held him back 
n[ dem&$ t he lift !m up to a place     
beside him4 ,^? :o _h %[n him only      
indiff]5ce--coldness--contempt1 n[ begg$
 ( him att5tion--fri5d%ip--honors--aid4 
,& f all ^! ?+s t att5d$ 8 success ! man
 f\nd x impossible to escape4 ,! c>es1 !
 burd5s1 ! responsibilities t ,success  
=c$ him to take up re/$ heavily ^u him4 
,s heavy inde$ 7 ^! ?+s t he _h little  
/r5g? or w left = ! enjoym5t ( t :i* he 
_h s wor?ily won4  ,& ! victory t he _h 
s h>dily ga9$1 ! place t he n[ held1 !  
man f\nd t he c\ld keep only by ! utmo/ 
ex]tion ( 8 /r5g?4 ,! battles he _h     
f\ght 7 no?+ 9 comp>ison to ^? he mu/ n[

 fight4 ,! /ruggle he _h made 0 no?+ to 
! ef=t he mu/ cont9ue to make4          
,temptations multipli$ & appe>$ 9 _m new
 & unexpect$ =ms4 ,! v _w t po9t$ him   
out z an example wat*$ eag]ly = excuse  
to condemn4 ,^? :o s\ght him )          
honors--:o prais$ & flatt]$ him1 9 envy1
 secretly hop$ = 8 ru94 ,^? :o foll[$   
him l dogs = favors w\ld h[l l wolves on
 8 trail if he turn$ ev] s little aside4
 ,^? :o op5$ = him ! doors (            
opportunities w\ld flock l vultures to  
c>rion if he %\ld fall4 ,! _w1 t1 )\t   
consid]ation1 heap$ ^u him its burd5s1  
w\ld trample him b5ea? its feet if he   
%\ld slip "u ! weight4 ,nor _h he 9     
,success won fre$om4 ,8 v s]vants 7 fre]
 ?an he1 to come & g1 to seek _! peculi>
 pleasures4  ,! *a9s ) :i* ,success _h  
fett]$ ! man 7 unusually gall+ & heavy  
^u him t day1 :51 on 8 way to an        
important appo9tm5t1 8 c>riage 0 *eck$ 9
 a cr[d$ /reet4 ,! man's m9d 0 s absorb$
 9 ! bus9ess wait+ 8 att5tion t he did n
 notice h[ d5se 0 ! cr[d t b>r$ ! way4  

,impati5tly--) ov]wr\ght n]ves--he spoke
 %>ply1 comm&+ 8 man to drive on4  ,!   
man begg$ p>don b x 0 impossible4       
,impossible1 /ill m %>ply1 :at's !      
matt]8  ,! driv] v5tur$ a smile1 ,x's ! 
circus p>ade1 sir4  ,!n turn ar\nd4  ,b 
t1 too1 0 impossible4 ,! traffic _h pu%$
 9 beh9d hemm+ !m 94  ,!n1 d[n ! /reet t
 cross$ 9 front ( ! cr[d$ jam (         
vehicles1 came ! famili> s\nd ( trumpets
 & ! gorge\sly attir$ h]alds at ! head (
 ! procession appe>$1 foll[$ by ! lead+ 
b& ) its cra%+1 sma%+1 music4  ,z gild$ 
*>iot foll[$ gild$ *>iot1 ea* drawn by  
_m pairs ( beautiful horses1 gaily plum$
 & equipp$--z ! _m rid]s1 9 glitt]+     
armor & fla%+1 spangl$1 co/umes1 rode   
pr\dly pa/2 foll[$ by ! long l9e (      
elephants & camels ) ! cages ( _! fell[ 
captives2 &1 9 turn1 by ! *>iot rac]s1 !
 cl[ns1 & ! wagons ( black fac$ fun     
mak]s2 & at la/ by ! /eam calliope ) its
 escort ( madly %\t+ ur*9s--! man 9 !   
c>riage slipp$ away f ! c>es & burd5s ( 
! pres5t into ! fre$om ( 8 ,ye/]days4   

,he escap$ f ! gall+ *a9s t ,success _h 
put ^u him & liv$ aga9 a circus day 9 ! 
long ago4  ,weeks be=e ! date ( ! great 
ev5t1 ! b>ns & %$s & e available wall 9 
! little village1 to :i* ! boy (t5 w5t )
 8 fa!r1 w\ld be cov]$ ) gorge\s        
pictures ann\nc+ ! _m />tl+1 /up5d\s1   
wond]s1 to be se5 = s small a price4    
,!re 0 a hippopotamus ( su* size t a    
boat load ( tw5ty nak$ savages 0 n = him
 a m\?ful4 ,!re 7 elephants s huge t !  
h\se :]e ! boy liv$ 0 b a play h\se     
beside !m4 ,!re 7 troops ( a]ial arti/s1
 :o1 on wires & r+s & trapeze & ladd]s &
 ropes1 did d>+1 dreadful1 dea? defy+1  
de$s1 t no simian 9 8 old _w =e/ w\ld   
ev] ?9k ( attempt+4 ,!re 0 a great1     
glitt]+1 gorge\s1 procession1 ( su* l5g?
 t ! f>!r end 0 lo/ beyond ! di/ant     
horizon & t5ts t cov]$ m acres ( gr\nd  
?an ! boy c\ld see f ! top ( ! or*>d    
hill4  ,wond]ful promises ( ! billbo>ds6
 ,wond]ful6 ,wond]ful promises ( !      
billbo>ds ( ,life6 ,wond]ful6  ,!n w\ld 
foll[ ! days ( wait+--! endless days (  

wait+--:5 ! boy1 ) ! help ( ! little    
girl1 w\ld try to be ev]y?+ t !         
billbo>ds pictur$1 f ! ro>+ lion 9 8    
cage to ! pa9t$ cl[n :o cut su* side    
splitt+ cap]s & ! human fly t1 ) h] gay 
,japanese p>asol1 walk$ upside d[n ^u a 
poli%$ ceil+4 ,:5 circus day 0 com+1 !  
fairies & knights & pr9ces & soldi]s &  
all _! tri$ & true companions 7 =c$ to g
 some:]e--any:]e--out ( ! boy's way4    
,!re 0 no "t1 9 ^? busy days1 ev5 =     
fi%+4 ,! old mill pond _h no *>m t 0 n  
exce$$ by ! promises ( ! billbo>ds4 ,!  
e>? itself1 inde$1 0 m]ely a place ^u   
:i* to pit* a circus t5t4 ,! *>ms ( !   
little girl1 ev51 7 almo/ totally       
eclips$ by ! captivat+ lovel9ess ( ^?   
ladies :o1 9 spangl$ tights ( blue & p9k
 & r$1 hung by _! tee? at dizzy heights1
 be/rode glitt]+ :eels ^u slack wires1  
or 7 %ot f cannon to so>1 amid black    
smoke & lurid flame1 l angels1 f> above 
! heads ( ! common p4  ,!re 0 no ly+ 9  
b$ to be call$ ! ?ird "t ! morn+ ( t    
day2 :5 at la/ x came4 ,sc>cely _h ! sun

 peep$ ?r\gh ! or*>d on ! hill :5 ! boy 
0 up & at ! w9d[ anxi\sly look+ to see  
if ! sky 0 cle>4 ,v e>ly ! />t = t[n 0  
made = !re is mu* on circus day t is n  
pictur$ on ! billbo>ds--t1 ( c\rse1 !   
boy knew4 ,&1 z !y drove ?r\gh ! fre%   
smell+ fields1 ! boy w\ld wond] if !    
long j\rney w\ld ev] come to an end &   
w\ld ask himself1 ) s9k+ he>t3 ,:at if  
!y _h mi/ak5 ! day8 ,:at if some?+ _h   
happ5$ t ! circus c\ld n mat]ialize !   
promises ( ! billbo>ds8 ,:at1 if !      
hippopotamus1 ! elephants1 ! beautiful  
ladies 9 spangles & tights1 & all ! o!r 
promises ( ! billbo>ds %\ld fail8 ,&    
some:]e1 deep )9 8 be+1 ! boy w\ld feel 
a ?rill ( gladness t ! little girl 0 s  
close beside him4 ,if any?+ %\ld happ5 t
 ! promises ( ! billbo>ds %\ld fail he  
w\ld ne$ ! little girl4 ,:ile1 if no?+  
happ5$--if x 0 all z pictur$--/ill x    
w\ld n be en\gh if ! little girl 7 n    
!re4  ,x 0 all ov] at la/4 ,! spangl$   
rid]s gallop$ out ( ! r+2 ! trapeze     
p]=m]s made _! la/ dea? defy+ leap2 !   

cl[n crack$ 8 la/ joke & cut 8 la/ cap]2
 ! la/ peanut 9 ! sack 0 dev\r$ by !    
elephant2 &1 at ! close ( ! long day1 ! 
boy & ! girl w5t back ?r\gh ! quiet     
fields to _! homes2 tir$ ) ! excitem5t &
 wond] ( x all b ) sighs ( cont5t &     
happ9ess4 ,&1 deep 9 8 he>t1 t night1 ! 
boy resolv$ t he w\ld gr[ up to travel )
 a circus4 ,he w\ld be v sorry to leave 
fa!r & "m & ! little girl b no?+ 9 !    
_w--no?+--%\ld keep him f su* a glori\s 
c>e]4  ,! man knew1 n[1 t ! promises (  
^? billbo>ds 9 8 ,ye/]days 7 nev]       
fulfill$4 ,he knew1 n[1 t ! gold5 *>iots
 7 n gold at all b only gild$4 ,he knew1
 n[1 t ^? wondr\s be+s :o wore !        
glitt]+1 spangl$1 co/umes1 7 only v     
common & v ord9>y m5 & wom54 ,he did n1 
n[1 envy ! rid]s 9 ! procession or !    
p]=m]s 9 ! t5t4 ,he knew t to h a place 
9 ! p>ade or to p]=m 9 ! r+1 is to envy 
^? ^: applause y mu/ w94 ,! quiet ( !   
old fields2 ! peaceful home "u ! or*>d  
hill2 ! g5tle companion%ip ( ! little   
girl2 ^! 7 ! ?+s t 9 ! man's life endur$

 long aft] ! glamor ( ! circus 0 gone4  
,?r\gh ! circus day cr[d ! man 0 driv5  
on to 8 appo9tm5t b 8 m9d 0 n n[ occupi$
 ) ! bus9ess t await$ him4 ,8 ?\ghts 7 n
 ) ! cr[d t fill$ ! /reets4 ,8 he>t 0 9 
8 ,ye/]days4 ,! music ( ! circus b&1 !  
sight ( ! p>ade t s /irr$ 8 memories (  
*ildhood1 _h awak5$ )9 him a hung] = !  
old home sc5es4 ,he long$ to escape f   
,success--to get away f ! circus p>ade (
 ,life 9 :i* he f\nd himself rid+4 ,he 0
 we>y ( p]=m+ 9 ! r+4 ,he want$ to g    
home ?r\gh ! quiet fields4              
,p]haps--p]haps--amid ! sc5es ( 8       
,ye/]days1 he might f9d t :i* ,success  
_h n br\ght4  ,z quickly z he c\ld make 
arrangem5ts1 he w5t4  ,( ! woman's      
success1 ,i _c write "h4 ,my /ory has   
be5 poorly told1 inde$1 if ,i h n made x
 cle> t1 = ?is woman :o knew h]self to  
be a woman1 ,success 0 insep>able f     
,love4  ,= e woman :o kn[s h]self to be 
a woman1 ,love & ,success are "o4       
,,love  ,aga9 x 0 t "t ( ! ye> :5 e     
corn] ( ! _w is a lov]s' corn]4  ,on    

b\gh & bran*1 9 or*>d & wood2 on bu% &  
v9e1 9 g>d5 & y>d2 9 mead[ grass &      
pa/ure sod2 on ! silv]y li*5s t cl+ to !
 rocks2 among ! f]ns & mosses t dwell 9 
cool retreats2 amid ! re$s & ru%es by ! 
old mill pond2 9 ! fragrant m9ts & flut$
 blades on ! banks ( ! little creek2 !  
*ildr5 ( ,nature s\ght _! mates or by _!
 mates 7 s\ght4  ,e fl[] cup 0 a lov+   
cup1 lift$ to dr9k a pl$ge to ,life2 e  
t9t ( color 0 a blu% ( love1 call$ =? by
 ! woo+ ( ,life2 e p]fum$ brea? 0 a     
brea? ( love1 a bless+ & pray] ( ,life2 
e ru/l+ movem5t 0 a :isp] ( love1 a     
promis$ ^w ( ,life2 e t\* ( ! breeze 0 a
 c>ess ( love1 a passionate kiss (      
,life2 e sunbeam 0 a smile ( love1 w>m )
 ! t5d] triumph ( ,life4  ,! bees1 t1 9 
_! labor = hive & sw>m1 c>ry ! gold5    
poll5 f fl[] to fl[]1 prea* ?us ! ^w (  
,god4 ,! gauze w+$ insects1 t1 9 ! ev5+1
 dance _! a]ial mat+ dance1 decl>e ?us !
 ,creator's w4 ,! fireflies1 t1 9 !     
night "t1 light _! t9y lamps ( love1    
signal ?us a message f ! ?rone on high4 

,! f[ls ( ! air1 s++ _! mat+ songs2 !   
wild /allion on ! hills1 trumpet+ al\d 8
 fi]y /r5g?2 ! bull on ! pla9s1 ?und]+ 8
 bell[+ *all5ge2 ! pan!r t 9 ! m\nta9s  
screams to 8 mate2 ! wolf t 9 ! timb]   
h[ls to 8 mi/ress2 decl>e ?us ! supreme 
law ( ,life--make kn[n ! un*ang+ purpose
 ( ,god--& evid5ce an au?ority & p[]    
div9e4  ,9 all ?is woo+ & mat+2 9 all   
?is seek+ & be+ s\ght2 9 all ?is giv+ & 
receiv+2 9 all ?is lov+ & be+ lov$2 9   
all natural & holy desire2 ,life is     
exalt$--! div9e is wor%ip$--acceptable  
(f]+s to ,god are made4  ,to pres]ve    
,life--to p]petuate ,life--to produce   
,life--to p]fect ,life--to exalt        
,life--?is is ! purpose ( ,life4 ,9 all 
! activity ( ,life !re is no o!r mean+  
manife/4 ,?is1 inde$1 is ,life4 ,h[     
fooli% !n to ?9k only ( et]nal ,life z  
?\gh x began at ! grave4 ,?is ,life t   
is1 is ! et]nal ,life4 ,et]nity is      
to-day4 ,! man & woman :o mate 9 love   
fulfill ?us ! et]nal law ( ,life1 &1 9  
_! *ildr51 conceiv$ & born 9 ,love1 d !y

 "k & d ! w ( ,god1 ev5 z d all ?+s t   
are alive4  ,life & ,love are "o4  ,!   
man _h be5 at 8 boyhood home b ?ree days
 :5 ! neighbor1 :o liv$ next door1 told 
him t 8 *ildhood playmate 0 com+1 ) h]  
aunt1 to visit _! old home = a few      
weeks4  ,ne$s a re/ & quiet ! neighbor  
said2 & smil$ at no?+ at all z neighbors
 w sometimes d4  ,p]haps1 ?\gh1 !       
neighbor smil$ at ! look ( surprise &   
bewild]m5t t swept ov] ! man's face z he
 he>d ! news1 or x might h be5 at ! m+l+
 ( pleasure & regret t 0 9 8 voice z he 
answ]$3 ,inde$4 ,or1 p]haps1 ! neighbor 
0 wond]+ :at ! woman w\ld say & h[ %e   
w\ld look if %e knew t ! man 0 to be    
next door4 ,:atev] ! reason ! neighbor  
smil$4  ,!y did n "k t ! woman 01 9     
reality1 seek+ to escape f ! ?\ght (    
,failure t s haunt$ h]4 ,s9ce t day :5  
h] good fri5d _h talk$ to h] ( h] c>e] &
 _h gravely ask$--= y d y ?9k x w\ld be 
success8--h] "w _h become m & m         
unbe>able4 ,9 desp]ation1 at la/1 %e _h 
arrang$ to g1 = a few weeks1 back to !  

sc5es ( h] girlhood2 hop+ to f9d !re1 z 
%e _h f\nd be=e1 ! peace & /r5g? %e     
ne$$4  ,! *]ry tree1 9 ! corn] ( ! g>d5 
ne> ! h$ge1 %[]$ ! delicate petals ( its
 blossoms d[n ) e t\* ( ! g5tle breeze4 
,9 ! ne>by b[] ( gre51 a pair ( br[n    
birds _h j put ! f9i%+ t\* to a new ne/4
 ,b1 9 ! ye>s t _h pass$ s9ce t boy &   
girl play w$d+1 ! tree _h gr[n l>ge1 &  
sc>r$1 & old4 ,_m pairs ( br[n birds _h 
ne/$ & re>$ _! broods 9 ! h$ge s9ce t   
day :5 ! lad _h kiss$ 8 *ildhood mate ) 
a kiss t 0 diff]5t4 ,& ! little op5+    
?r\gh :i* ! boy & girl _h s (t5 gone at 
ea* o!r's call 0 clos$ by a gr[? (      
bran*es t "t _h wov5 z if to %ut1 =ev]1 
t gateway ( _! ,ye/]days4 ,on 8 =m]     
visit1 ! man _h look$ = t gateway ( 8   
*ildhood b c\ld n f9d x4 ,& n[1 :5 he   
he>d t %e 0 com+1 he w5t aga91 curi\sly1
 to see if he c\ld f9d any sign to %[   
:]e ! op5+ _h be54 ,b ! bran*es t ! ye>s
 _h wov5 hid f ! man's eyes e trace ( ! 
old way t1 9 8 ,ye/]days1 _h be5 s pla94
  ,late t aft]noon1 :5 ! neighbor1 com+ 

f ! depot ) 8 gue/s1 drove sl[ly up !   
hill1 ! man /ood at ! gate :]e1 ye>s    
be=e1 ! little boy _h sat on ! po/1 &1  
sw++ 8 b>e legs1 _h wat*$ ! big wagons1 
load$ ) h\sehold goods1 turn+ into ! y>d
 ( ! place next door4  ,!re 0 no reason 
:y ! man %\ld get up :5 ! fir/ t\*es (  
gray light %[$ 9 ! ea/]n sky ! next     
morn+1 b ! day seem$ to call him & he   
arose & w5t out4 ,f ! little hill :]e he
 _h sat t day :5 fir/ he knew t he 0 a  
man & :]e 8 manhood life began ) 8      
dreams1 he wat*$ ! sun rise & saw !     
sleep+ _w awake4 ,!n back ?r\gh ! or*>d 
t 0 all dew dr5*$ & r++ ) ! morn+ hymn (
 ! birds1 he w5t1 until he /ood 9 !     
g>d54  ,! man did n "k :y he w5t into ! 
g>d54 ,some?+ seem$ to lead him !re4 ,& 
he w5t v s(tly z "o goes into places t  
are holy ) ! memories ( dead ye>s4 ,v   
/ill1 he /ood1 wat*+ ! two birds t _h   
build$ _! ne/ 9 ! h$ge ne> ! *]ry tree  
t1 n[1 lift$ its bran*es s high4 ,! two 
birds 7 v1 v1 busy t morn+2 b1 busy z !y
 71 ! fa!r bird c\ld n resi/ p\r+ =? !  

joy ( 8 life 9 a flood ( melody :ile 8  
mate1 sw++ & flutt]+ & *irp+ on a ne>by 
twig1 seem$ to ent] z fully & he>tily   
into 8 s5tim5ts z ?\gh ! song 7 h] own4 
,brea?lessly1 ) b>e head & upturn$1     
eag]1 face1 ! man wat*$ & li/5$4  ,:5 ! 
song 0 end$ he drew a long brea?--!n    
/>t$ &1 )\t mov+ f 8 place1 look$       
c>efully ar\nd4 ,a l[ call _h rea*$ 8   
e>s--a famili> call t seem$ to come out 
( ! long ago4 ,surely 8 fancy 0 play+   
him /range tricks t morn+4  ,he 0 turn+ 
t[>d ! h\se :51 aga91 t call came--l[ & 
cle>4 ,x 0 a call ( 8 ,ye/]days4 ,& ?is 
"t x 0 foll[$ by a l[1 full ?roat$ laugh
 t 0 z full ( music z ! song ( ! bird to
 :i* ! man _h be5 li/5+4  ,) amazem5t & 
wond] ^u 8 face1 he turn$ quickly t[>d !
 h$ge1 z a voice t 0 l an e*o ( ! laugh 
said3 ,good morn+6 ,p>don me = />tl+    
y--y look$ s mu* l ! little boy t ,i    
c\ldn't resi/4  ,illu/ration3 ,:5 !y    
told me t y 7 "h ,i want$ to g away aga9
  ,b :]e are y8 ask$ ! man1 bewild]$    
/ill4  ,aga9 came t l[1 full ?roat$     

laugh4 ,!n3 ,i believe y ?9k ,i am a    
gho/4 ,i'm "h at ! h$ge--at ! old place4
 ,h y =gott58  ,sl[ly1 z %e spoke1 he   
w5t t[>d ! h$ge1 guid$ by h] voice4 ,s y
 f\nd x !n1 he said sl[ly1 gaz+ at !    
beautiful woman face t 0 fram$ 9 ! gre5 
( ! leaves & bran*es4  ,& at 8 words1 ! 
woman's he>t beat quick]--s he _h tri$  
to f9d x--b al\d %e only said3 ,( c\rse4
  ,to :i* he return$ smil+ly3 ,b x is q 
gr[n ov] n[1 isn't x8 ,y c\ld sc>cely   
come ?r\gh !re n[ z y us$ to d--c\ld y8 
,! woman laugh$ aga94 ,i c\ld if ,i 7 a 
man--%e *all5g$4  ,a mom5t lat] he /ood 
beside h]2 a little brea?less1 ) 8 clo?+
 dis>rang$1 & a scrat* or two on 8 face 
& h&s4  ,d y "k--%e said :5 !y _h %ak5  
h&s q prop]ly z gr[n up p mu/ d--d y "k 
t ,i 0 dreadfully afraid to meet y8 ,:5 
!y told me t y 7 "h ,i want$ to g away  
aga94 ,i 0 afraid t y w\ld be s diff]5t4
 ,d y und]/&8  ,yes1 he said1 gravely1  
,i und]/&4 ,b he did n tell h]1 !n1 h[  
fully he und]/ood4  ,%e w5t on3 ,b :5 ,i
 look$ ?r\gh ! h$ge & saw y ) y\r hat   

(f1 wat*+ ! birds1 ,i knew y 7 ! same   
little boy--&--well--,i c\ld n resi/    
giv+ ! old call4  ,&1 all at once1 ! man
 knew :y he _h ris5 e>ly t morn+ & :y he
 _h gone into ! g>d54  ,aft] t1 !y sp5t 
_m days toge!r 9 ! sc5es ( _! *ildhood2 
liv+ ov] aga91 s f> z man & woman may1  
_! ,ye/]days4 ,& s cane1 at la/1 ! day t
 0 =ev] aft]1 to !m1 ! day ( all _!     
days4  ,x 0 9 ! aft]noon & !y 7 toge!r  
d[n by ! little brook1 9 ! %ade ( !     
will[s1 :]e ! /ream1 runn+ lazily "u !  
pat*es ( light & %ade1 murmur$          
dr[sily--seem+ m ?an half asleep4 ,%e 0 
weav+ an old "t daisy *a9 f a great     
armful t he _h help$ h] ga!r on _! way  
to ! cool retreat4 ,a bit ( fancy "w t  
%e _h br\ght f ! h\se lay neglect$ ne> 8
 hat1 :i* ! man1 boy l1 _h ca/ aside4   
,he 0 indu/ri\sly fi%+ = m9n[s1 ) a     
sl5d] twig ( will[ = a rod1 a l9e (     
?read f h] sew+1 & a p91 t %e _h f\nd = 
him1 fa%ion$ into a hook4 ,) a po9t$    
/ick he _h dug among ! roots ( ! old    
tree = bait--secur+ "o1 t9y1 ?91 worm & 

rejoic+ gleefully at 8 success4 ,= a    
long "t nei!r _h said a ^w2 b ! woman1  
h] :ite f+]s busy ) ! daisies 9 h] lap1 
_h sev]al times look$ up f h] pretty    
task to smile at ! man :o 0 s int5sely &
 s]i\sly int]e/$ 9 8 *ildi% sport4      
,gee6 ,i ne>ly got "o t "t6 ,he exclaim$
 ) boyi% triumph & disappo9tm5t 9 8     
voice4  ,! woman laugh$ m]rily4 ,"o w\ld
 ?9k1 %e said1 t y\r fame 9 life dep5d$ 
^u y\r cat*+ "o ( ^? poor little fi%4   
,:at d y suppose y\r de>1 devot$1 public
 w\ld say if !y c\ld see y n[8  ,! man  
grunt$ 8 disapproval4 ,i came out "h to 
get away f said public1 he retort$4 ,:y 
d y drag 'em into our p>adise8  ,at 8   
words1 a w>m color crept into ! woman's 
face1 &1 b5d+ l[ ov] ! daisies 9 h] lap1
 %e did n answ]4  ,lift+ ! improvis$    
fi%+ tackle ( 8 *ildhood & look+ at x   
critically ! man said3 ,i suppose1 n[1 t
 if ?is rod 7 a split bamboo1 & ?is     
?read 7 braid$ silk1 & ?is p9 ) its     
wiggly piece ( worm 7 a ,silv] ,doctor  
or a ,que5 ( ! ,wat]s or a ,du/y ,mill] 

or a ,br[n ,hackle2 & if ?is /ream 7 an 
educat$ /ream1 ) educat$ tr\t2 & ! h\se 
up !re 7 a club h\se2 & y\r de> old     
aunt1 :o is wat*+ to see t ,i don't eat 
y1 7 a lot ( :i/ play+ old m52 ,i       
suppose y w\ld ?9k x all "r & a prop]   
sport = a man4 ,b = me--,i c't see mu*  
diff]5ce--except t1 j n[-- he c>efully  
l[]$ 8 hook into ! wat]--j n[1 ,i pref] 
?is4 ,9 fact1 he add$ m$itatively1 ,i   
w\ld r d ?is ?an any?+ else 9 ! _w4  ,! 
color 9 ! woman's face deep5$4  ,aft] a 
little1 he look$ cauti\sly ar\nd to see 
h] b5d+ ov] ! daisy *a94 ,a mom5t lat]1 
"u pret5se ( exam9+ 8 bait1 he /ole     
ano!r look4 ,!n1 9 spite ( 8 decl>ation1
 he ab&on$ 8 sport to /ret* himself full
 l5g? on ! gr\nd at h] side4  ,%e did n 
look at him b b5t h] head l[ ov] ! weal?
 ( :ite & gold blossoms 9 h] lap2 & !   
man notic$1 ) an odd feel+ ( pleasure1 !
 beautiful curve ( h] :ite neck f ! s(t 
br[n hair to ! edge ( h] dress l[ on !  
%\ld]4 ,!n1 ) a sly smile1 z ! boy ( _! 
,ye/]days might h done1 he /eal?ily     

rais$ ! sl5d] will[ twig & ) ! tip      
cauti\sly attempt$ to lift ! ?9 gold5   
*a9 t %e always wore loosely ab\t h]    
?roat ) ! locket or p5dant conceal$ by  
h] dress4  ,%e clut*$ ! *a9 ) a fright5$
 ge/ure & a little exclamation4 ,y mu/  
n--y mu/ n d t4  ,! man laugh$ al\d z ! 
mis*iev\s boy w\ld h laugh$4  ,b !      
woman1 ) flam+ *eeks1 caught ! twig f 8 
h& & ?rew x into ! creek4 ,if y are n   
good1 ,i %all call auntie1 %e ?reat5$4  
,at :i* he look$ ruefully t[>d ! por* & 
became v s]i\s4 ,d y "k t ,i am go+ away
 to-morr[8 he ask$4  ,& leave y\r       
p>adise = y\r de> public8 %e said       
mock+ly4 ,! public w be glad4  ,& y1 w y
 c>e8  ,i'm go+ back to my "w1 too1 next
 week1 %e repli$4  ,b w y c>e to-morr[8 
he p]si/$4  ,! woman's f+]s1 busy ) !   
daisy *a91 trembl$4  ,! man1 :5 %e /ill 
did n answ] 8 "q1 arose &1 pick+ up 8   
hat & h] sew+1 held out 8 h&4  ,%e look$
 up into 8 face que/ion+ly4  ,come--he  
said ) a grave smile--come4  ,/ill )\t  
speak+1 %e gave him h] h& & he help$ h] 

to h] feet2 &1 at h] t\*1 ! man aga9    
felt t ?rill ( pleasure4  ,! aunt1 f h] 
place on ! por*1 saw !m com+ up ! grassy
 slope1 ?r\gh ! daisies1 t[>d ! h\se4   
,%e saw !m com+ & smil$--z ! neighbor _h
 smil$1 s %e smil$1 app>5tly1 at no?+ at
 all4  ,b ! man & ! woman did n g to !  
por* :]e ! old lady sat4 ,) a wave ( _! 
h&s1 !y pass$ f h] sight ar\nd ! h\se1  
&1 a few m9utes lat]1 /ood face to face 
9 t quiet1 seclud$1 corn] ( ! g>d51 "u !
 old *]ry tree1 close by ! h$ge4  ,n[1  
said ! man g5tly1 n[ tell me--w y be    
sorry to h me g away to-morr[8  ,%e made
 no pret5se t %e did n und]/&1 ,nor did 
%e hesitate z "o 9 d\bt4 ,lift+ h] head1
 pr\dly1 humbly1 graci\sly1 %e look$ at 
him &1 9 t look1 surr5d]$ to him1 )\t   
res]ve1 all ! treasures ( h] womanhood  
t1 ) su* c>e1 %e _h kept aga9/ t h\r4 ,&
 h] face 0 %9+ ) ! light t only a       
woman's mate c k9dle4  ,! man caught 8  
brea?4 ,my wife1 he said4 ,my wife1  ,a 
few mom5ts lat] he :isp]$3 ,tell me     
aga9--,i "k t y h always belong$ to me &

 ,i to y--b tell me aga9--y w--y w--be  
my wife8  ,releas+ h]self g5tly1 %e     
lift$ h] h&s &1 unfa/5+ t sl5d] *a9 (   
gold f ar\nd h] ?roat1 ) rosy *eeks &   
happy1 t5d]1 eyes1 held out to him a t9y
 brass r+4  ,s ! ,ye/]days ( ! man & !  
,ye/]days ( ! woman became ,_!          
,ye/]days4  ,all t ,dreams1 ,occupation1
 ,k1 ,ignorance1 ,religion1 ,tradition1 
,temptation1 ,life1 ,dea?1 ,failure1    
,success1 ,love & ,memories _h giv5 him1
 ?is man :o knew t he 0 a man1 gave to  
h]4 ,all t ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great ,?+s 
( ,life _h giv5 h]1 ?is woman :o knew   
h]self to be a woman1 gave to him4 ,&   
?us ^! two became "o4 ,z ,god made !m   
"o1 !y became "o4  ,& ?is is ! love t ,i
 say1 is "o ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly ,great   
,?+s ( ,life4  ,b my /ory is n yet q    
f9i%$ = /ill1 y mu/ "k1 !re are         
,memories4      ,,memories  ,& ! ye>s ( 
! man & ! woman pass$ until all _! days 
7 ,ye/]days4  ,ev5 z !y _h1 toge!r1     
cross$ ! ?re%old ( ! old1 old1 door t   
has /ood op5 s9ce ! beg9n+1 !y /ood n[1 

toge!r1 ^u ! ?re%old ( ano!r door t has 
nev] be5 clos$4  ,& x 0 s1 t1 z once !y 
w5t back into ! ,ye/]days t became ,_!  
,ye/]days1 s !y /ill w5t back to ! days 
t 7 pa/4 ,x 0 s1 t ! ?+s ( _! manhood & 
womanhood _h become to !m1 n[1 ev5 z !  
?+s ( _! *ildhood4 ,!y knew1 n[1 t1     
inde$1 ! "w ( m5 is b ! play ( *ildr51  
aft] all4  ,_! ye>s 7 ne>ly sp5t1 x is  
true4 ,8 hair 0 silv]y :ite & 8 =m 0 b5t
 & trembl+4 ,h] *eeks 7 l ! dry+ petals 
( a rose & h] once br[n hair 0 z :ite z 
84 ,b ! vigor & /r5g? & life ( _! ye>s  
liv$ /ill--glori\sly increas$ 9 ! lives 
t !y _h giv5 to ! race4  ,gone 7 ! ye>s 
( _! manhood & womanhood--ev5 z ! days (
 _! boyhood & girlhood--!y 7 gone4 ,b1 z
 ! boy & ! girl _h liv$ 9 ! man & !     
woman1 ! man & ! woman liv$1 n[1 9 _!   
boys & girls & 9 ! *ildr5 ( _! *ildr54  
,& ?is 0 ! true glory & ! fulfillm5t (  
_! lives--t !y c\ld live ?us 9 _!       
*ildr5--t !y c\ld see !mselves r5ew$ 9  
_! *ildr5 & 9 _! *ildr5's *ildr54  ,s x 
0 t ,memories became to ?is man & ?is   

woman1 also1 "o ( ! ,?irte5 ,truly      
,great ,?+s ( ,life4  ,!re are _m ?+s t 
might be told ab\t ?is man & woman--ab\t
 ! "w !y did1 ! place !y held 9 life1 & 
! rew>ds & honors !y receiv$--b ,i h put
 d[n all t1 at ! end1 seem$ ( any       
importance to !m4 ,!re=e h ,i put d[n   
all t matt]s to my /ory4  ,:at matt]s to
 !m & to my /ory is ?is3 always1 z !y   
w5t back into ! ,ye/]days1 !y w5t back  
to ! days ( _! *ildhood & to ! days ( _!
 *ildr54 ,!y w5t back only to ,_!       
,ye/]days4 ,to ^? o!r days--^? days :5  
!y 7 /rang]s--!y did n g back4      ,,! 
,,end4