,e>?'s ,holocau/    by ,na?aniel        
,haw?orne          ,once ^u a "t--b :e!r
 9 ! "t pa/ or "t to come is a  matt] ( 
little or no mom5t--?is wide _w _h      
become s  ov]burd5$ ) an accumulation ( 
worn-out trump]y1 t !  inhabitants      
det]m9$ to rid !mselves ( x by a g5]al  
bonfire4  ,! site fix$ ^u at !          
repres5tation ( ! insurance companies1  
& z be+ z c5tral a spot z any o!r on !  
globe1 0 "o (  ! broade/ prairies ( !   
,we/1 :]e no human habitation w\ld be   
endang]$ by ! flames1 & :]e a va/       
assemblage ( spectators  might          
commodi\sly admire ! %[4 ,hav+ a ta/e = 
sights ( ?is  k9d1 & imag9+1 likewise1 t
 ! illum9ation ( ! bonfire  might reveal
 "s pr(undity ( moral tru? h]et(ore     
hidd5 9 mi/  or d>kness1 ,i made x      
conv5i5t to j\rney ?i!r & be pres5t4 ,at
  my arrival1 al?\gh ! heap ( condemn$  
rubbi% 0 z yet  comp>atively small1 !   
tor* _h already be5 appli$4 ,amid t     
b\ndless pla91 9 ! dusk ( ! ev5+1 l a f>
 (f /> alone  9 ! firmam5t1 !re 0 m]ely 

visible "o tremul\s gleam1 :5ce  none   
c\ld h anticipat$ s fi]ce a blaze z 0   
de/9$ to ensue4  ,) e mom5t1 h[ev]1 !re 
came foot-travell]s1 wom5 hold+  up _!  
aprons1 m5 on horseback1 :eelb>r[s1     
lumb]+  baggage-wagons1 & o!r vehicles1 
great & small1 & f f> &  ne>1 lad5 )    
articles t 7 judg$ fit = no?+ b to be   
burn$4    8,:at mat]ials h be5 us$ to   
k9dle ! flame80 inquir$ ,i ( a  by/&]2 =
 ,i 0 desir\s ( kn[+ ! :ole process ( ! 
affair f beg9n+ to end4    ,! p]son :om 
,i address$ 0 a grave man1 fifty ye>s   
old or  !reab\t1 :o _h evid5tly come    
?i!r z a look]-on4 ,he /ruck me         
imm$iately z hav+ weigh$ = himself !    
true value ( life &  its circum/ances1 &
 !re=e z feel+ little p]sonal int]e/ 9  
:atev] judgm5t ! _w might =m ( !m4 ,be=e
 answ]+ my  "q1 he look$ me 9 ! face by 
! k9dl+ light ( ! fire4    8,o1 "s v dry
 combu/ibles10 repli$ he1 8& extremely  
suitable to  ! purpose1--no o!r1 9 fact1
 ?an ye/]day's newspap]s1 la/  mon?'s   
magaz9es1 & la/ ye>'s )]$ leaves4 ,"h n[

 comes "s  antiquat$ tra% t w take fire 
l a h&ful ( %av+s40    ,z he spoke1 "s  
r\gh-look+ m5 advanc$ to ! v]ge ( !     
bonfire1 & ?rew 91 z x appe>$1 all !    
rubbi% ( ! h]ald's  (fice1--! blazonry (
 coat armor1 ! cre/s & devices (        
illu/ri\s families1 p$igrees t ext5d$   
back1 l l9es (  light1 into ! mi/ ( !   
d>k ages1 toge!r ) />s1 g>t]s1  &       
embroid]$ coll>s1 ea* ( :i*1 z paltry a 
bawble z x might  appe> to ! un9/ruct$  
eye1 _h once possess$ va/ significance1 
& 0 /ill1 9 tru?1 reckon$ among ! mo/   
preci\s ( moral or  mat]ial facts by !  
wor%ipp]s ( ! gorge\s pa/4 ,m+l$ )  ?is 
confus$ heap1 :i* 0 toss$ into ! flames 
by armfuls at  once1 7 innum]able badges
 ( knigh?ood1 compris+ ^? ( all  !      
,european sov]eignties1 & ,napoleon's   
decoration ( ! ,legion (  ,honor1 !     
ribbons ( :i* 7 entangl$ ) ^? ( ! anci5t
  ord] ( ,/4 ,l\is4 ,!re1 too1 7 ! m$als
 ( our own ,society (  ,c9c9nati1 by    
means ( :i*1 z hi/ory tells u1 an ord] (
  h]$it>y knights came ne> be+ con/itut$

 out ( ! k+ quell]s  ( ! ,revolution4 ,&
 besides1 !re 7 ! pat5ts ( nobility (   
,g]man c\nts & b>ons1 ,spani% gr&ees1 & 
,engli% pe]s1 f !  worm-eat5 in/rum5ts  
sign$ by ,william ! ,conqu]or d[n to !  
bran-new p>*m5t ( ! late/ "l :o has     
receiv$ 8 honors f  ! fair h& (         
,victoria4    ,at sight ( ! d5se volumes
 ( smoke1 m+l$ ) vivid jets (  flame1 t 
gu%$ & eddi$ =? f ?is imm5se pile (     
e>?ly  di/9ctions1 ! multitude (        
plebeian spectators set up a joy\s  %\t1
 & clapp$ _! h&s ) an emphasis t made ! 
welk9  e*o4 ,t 0 _! mom5t ( triumph1    
a*iev$1 aft] long ages1 ov]  creatures (
 ! same clay & ! same spiritual         
infirmities1 :o _h  d>$ to assume !     
privileges due only to ,heav5's bett]   
workman%ip4  ,b n[ !re ru%$ t[>ds !     
blaz+ heap a gray-hair$ man1 (  /ately  
pres5ce1 we>+ a coat1 f ! brea/ ( :i* a 
/>1 or  o!r badge ( rank1 seem$ to h be5
 =cibly wr5*$ away4 ,he _h  n ! tok5s ( 
intellectual p[] 9 8 face2 b /ill !re 0 
! demeanor1 ! habitual & almo/ native   

dignity1 ( "o :o _h  be5 born to ! idea 
( 8 own social sup]iority1 & _h nev]    
felt  x que/ion$ till t mom5t4    8,p10 
cri$ he1 gaz+ at ! ru9 ( :at 0 de>e/ to 
8 eyes  ) grief & wond]1 b nev]!less ) a
 degree (  /atel9ess1--8p1 :at h y done8
 ,?is fire is consum+ all  t m>k$ y\r   
advance f b>b>ism1 or t c\ld h prev5t$  
y\r relapse ?i!r4 ,we1 ! m5 ( !         
privileg$ ord]s1 7 ^?  :o kept alive f  
age to age ! old *ivalr\s _s2 ! g5tle  &
 g5]\s ?\ght2 ! high]1 ! pur]1 ! m ref9$
 &  delicate life4 ,) ! nobles1 too1 y  
ca/ (f ! poet1 !  pa9t]1 !              
sculptor1--all ! beautiful arts2 = we 7 
_!  patrons1 & creat$ ! atmosph]e 9 :i* 
!y fl\ri%4 ,9  aboli%+ ! maje/ic        
di/9ctions ( rank1 society loses n only 
its grace1 b its /eadfa/ness--0    ,m he
 w\ld d\btless h spok52 b "h !re arose  
an outcry1  sportive1 contemptu\s1 &    
indignant1 t altoge!r dr[n$ !  appeal ( 
! fall5 nobleman1 insomu* t1 ca/+ "o    
look (  despair at 8 own half-burn$     
p$igree1 he %runk back into ! cr[d1     

glad to %elt] himself "u 8 new-f\nd     
insignificance4    8,let him ?ank 8 />s 
t we h n flung him into ! same  fire60  
%\t$ a rude figure1 spurn+ ! emb]s ) 8  
foot4 8,&  h5ce=? let no man d>e to %[ a
 piece ( mu/y p>*m5t z 8  w>rant = lord+
 x ov] 8 fell[s4 ,if he h /r5g? ( arm1  
well & good2 x is "o species (          
sup]iority4 ,if he h wit1  wisdom1      
c\rage1 =ce ( "*1 let ^! attributes d = 
him  :at !y may2 b f ?is day =w>d no    
mortal mu/ hope = place  & consid]ation 
by reckon+ up ! m\ldy bones ( 8         
ance/ors4  ,t nons5se is done away40    
8,& 9 good "t10 rem>k$ ! grave obs]v] by
 my side1 9 a l[  voice1 h[ev]1 8if no  
worse nons5se comes 9 its place2 b1 at  
all  ev5ts1 ?is species ( nons5se has   
fairly liv$ out its life40    ,!re 0    
little space to muse or moralize ov] !  
emb]s ( ?is  "t-honor$ rubbi%2 =1 be=e x
 0 half burn$ out1 !re came  ano!r      
multitude f beyond ! sea1 be>+ ! purple 
robes (  royalty1 & ! cr[ns1 globes1 &  
sceptres ( emp]ors & k+s4  ,all ^! _h   

be5 condemn$ z useless bawbles1 play?+s 
at be/1  fit only = ! infancy ( ! _w or 
rods to gov]n & *a/ise x  9 its nonage1 
b ) :i* univ]sal manhood at its         
full-gr[n  /ature c\ld no long] brook to
 be insult$4 ,into su* contempt _h  ^!  
regal insignia n[ fall5 t ! gild$ cr[n &
 t9sell$  robes ( ! play] k+ f ,drury   
,lane ,!atre _h be5 ?r[n 9  among ! re/1
 d\btless z a mock]y ( 8 bro!r mon>*s on
 !  great /age ( ! _w4 ,x 0 a /range    
sight to disc]n ! cr[n  jewels ( ,engl& 
gl[+ & fla%+ 9 ! mid/ ( ! fire4 ,"s  (  
!m _h be5 deliv]$ d[n f ! "t ( ! ,saxon 
pr9ces2  o!rs 7 pur*as$ ) va/ rev5ues1  
or p]*ance ravi%$ f  ! dead br[s ( !    
native pot5tates ( ,h9du/an2 & ! :ole n[
  blaz$ ) a dazzl+ lu/re1 z if a /> _h  
fall5 9 t spot &  be5 %att]$ into       
fragm5ts4 ,! spl5dor ( ! ru9$ mon>*y _h 
no reflection save 9 ^? ine/imable      
preci\s /ones4 ,b en\gh on  ?is subject4
 ,x 7 b t$i\s to describe h[ ! ,emp]or (
  ,au/ria's mantle 0 conv]t$ to t9d]1 & 
h[ ! po/s & pill>s  ( ! ,fr5* ?rone     

became a heap ( coals1 :i* x 0          
impossible to  di/+ui% f ^? ( any o!r   
wood4 ,let me add1 h[ev]1 t ,i  notic$  
"o ( ! exil$ ,poles /irr+ up ! bonfire )
 ! ,cz>  ( ,russia's sceptre1 :i* he    
aft]w>ds flung into ! flames4    8,!    
smell ( s+$ g>m5ts is q intol]able "h10 
obs]v$ my  new acqua9tance1 z ! breeze  
envelop$ u 9 ! smoke ( a royal  w>drobe4
 8,let u get to w9dw>d & see :at !y are 
do+ on !  o!r side ( ! bonfire40    ,we 
accord+ly pass$ ar\nd1 & 7 j 9 "t to    
witness !  arrival ( a va/ procession ( 
,wa%+tonians1--z ! vot>ies (  temp]ance 
call !mselves n[adays1--accompani$ by   
?\s&s ( !  ,iri% disciples ( ,fa!r      
,ma!w1 ) t great apo/le at _!  head4 ,!y
 br\ght a ri* contribution to ! bonfire1
 be+ no?+  less ?an all ! hog%eads &    
b>rels ( liquor 9 ! _w1 :i*  !y roll$   
be=e !m across ! prairie4    8,n[1 my   
*ildr510 cri$ ,fa!r ,ma!w1 :5 !y rea*$ !
 v]ge (  ! fire1 8"o %ove m1 & ! "w is  
done4 ,& n[ let u /&  (f & see ,satan   
deal ) 8 own liquor40    ,accord+ly1    

hav+ plac$ _! wood5 vessels )9 rea* ( ! 
flames1 ! procession /ood (f at a safe  
di/ance1 & soon beheld  !m bur/ into a  
blaze t rea*$ ! cl\ds & ?reat5$ to set  
! sky itself on fire4 ,& well x might2 =
 "h 0 ! :ole  _w's /ock ( spiritu\s     
liquors1 :i*1 in/ead ( k9dl+ a  fr5zi$  
light 9 ! eyes ( individual top]s z (   
yore1 so>$  upw>ds ) a bewild]+ gleam t 
/>tl$ all mank9d4 ,x 0 !  aggregate ( t 
fi]ce fire :i* w\ld o!rwise h scor*$ !  
he>ts ( millions4 ,meantime numb]less   
bottles ( preci\s w9e 7  flung into !   
blaze1 :i* lapp$ up ! cont5ts z if x    
lov$ !m1  & grew1 l o!r drunk>ds1 !     
m]ri] & fi]c] = :at x  quaff$4 ,nev]    
aga9 w ! insatiable ?ir/ ( ! fire-fi5d  
be s  pamp]$4 ,"h 7 ! treasures ( fam\s 
bon vivants1--liquors t  _h be5 toss$ on
 ocean1 & mell[$ 9 ! sun1 & ho>d$ long 9
  ! recesses ( ! e>?1--! pale1 ! gold1 !
 ruddy juice (  :atev] v9ey>ds 7 mo/    
delicate1--! entire v9tage (            
,tokay1--all  m+l+ 9 "o /ream ) ! vile  
fluids ( ! common pot h\se1  &          

contribut+ to height5 ! self-same blaze4
 ,& :ile x rose 9  a gigantic spire t   
seem$ to wave aga9/ ! ar* ( ! firmam5t  
& comb9e itself ) ! light ( />s1 !      
multitude gave a %\t  z if ! broad e>? 7
 exult+ 9 its deliv]ance f ! curse  (   
ages4    ,b ! joy 0 n univ]sal4 ,_m     
deem$ t human life w\ld be  gloomi] ?an 
ev] :5 t brief illum9ation %\ld s9k d[n4
 ,:ile  ! re=m]s 7 at "w ,i ov]he>d     
mutt]$ expo/ulations f  sev]al          
respectable g5tlem5 ) r$ noses & we>+   
g\ty %oes2  & a ragg$ wor?y1 ^: face    
look$ l a he>? :]e ! fire is  burn$ out1
 n[ express$ 8 discont5t m op5ly &      
boldly4    8,:at is ?is _w good =10 said
 ! la/ top]1 8n[ t we c  nev] be jolly  
any m8 ,:at is to com=t ! poor man 9    
sorr[ &  p]plexity8 ,h[ is he to keep 8 
he>t w>m aga9/ ! cold w9ds (  ?is       
*e]less e>?8 ,& :at d y propose to give 
him 9 ex*ange  = ! solace t y take away8
 ,h[ are old fri5ds to sit toge!r  by ! 
fireside )\t a *e]ful glass betwe5 !m8  
,a plague ^u  y\r re=mation6 ,x is a sad

 _w1 a cold _w1 a selfi% _w1 a  l[ _w1 n
 wor? an hone/ fell['s liv+ 91 n[ t good
  fell[%ip is gone =ev]60    ,?is       
h>angue excit$ great mir? among !       
by/&]s2 b1  prepo/]\s z 0 ! s5tim5t1 ,i 
c\ld n help commis]at+ !  =lorn         
condition ( ! la/ top]1 ^: boon         
companions _h dw9dl$  away f 8 side1    
leav+ ! poor fell[ )\t a s\l to         
c\nt5ance him 9 sipp+ 8 liquor1 nor     
inde$ any liquor to sip4  ,n t ?is 0 q !
 true /ate ( ! case2 = ,i _h obs]v$  him
 at a critical mom5t fil* a bottle (    
f\r?-pro( br&y t  fell beside ! bonfire 
& hide x 9 8 pocket4    ,! spiritu\s &  
f]m5t$ liquors be+ ?us dispos$ (1 ! zeal
  ( ! re=m]s next induc$ !m to repl5i% !
 fire ) all !  boxes ( tea & bags (     
c(fee 9 ! _w4 ,& n[ came ! plant]s  (   
,virg9ia1 br++ _! crops ( tobacco4 ,^!1 
be+ ca/ ^u  ! heap ( inutility1         
aggregat$ x to ! size ( a m\nta91 &     
inc5s$ ! atmosph]e ) su* pot5t fragrance
 t me?\ght we  %\ld nev] draw pure brea?
 aga94 ,! pres5t sacrifice seem$ to     

/>tle ! lov]s ( ! we$ m ?an any t !y _h 
hi!rto  witness$4    8,well1 !y've put  
my pipe out10 said an old g5tleman1 fl++
 x  into ! flames 9 a pet4 8,:at is ?is 
_w com+ to8 ,ev]y?+  ri* & racy--all !  
spice ( life--is to be condemn$ z       
useless4 ,n[  t !y h k9dl$ ! bonfire1 if
 ^! nons5sical re=m]s  w\ld fl+ !mselves
 into x1 all w\ld be well en\gh60       
8,be pati5t10 respond$ a /an*           
cons]vative2 8x w come to t 9  ! end4   
,!y w fir/ fl+ u 91 & f9ally !mselves40 
,f ! g5]al & sy/ematic measures ( re=m  
,i n[ turn to  consid] ! individual     
contributions to ?is memorable bonfire4 
,9  _m in/ances ^! 7 ( a v amus+ "*4 ,"o
 poor fell[  ?rew 9 8 empty purse1 &    
ano!r a bundle ( c\nt]feit or           
insolvable bank-notes4 ,fa%ionable      
ladies ?rew 9 _! la/ season's  bonnets1 
toge!r ) heaps ( ribbons1 yell[ lace1 & 
mu* o!r  half-worn mill9]'s w>e1 all (  
:i* prov$ ev5 m evanesc5t 9  ! fire ?an 
x _h be5 9 ! fa%ion4 ,a multitude (     
lov]s ( bo?  sexes--disc>d$ maids or    

ba*elors & c\ples mutually we>y ( "o    
ano!r--toss$ 9 bundles ( p]fum$ lett]s &
 enamor$ sonnets4 ,a  hack politician1  
be+ depriv$ ( bread by ! loss ( (fice1  
?rew  9 8 tee?1 :i* happ5$ to be false  
ones4 ,! ,rev4 ,sydney  ,smi?--hav+     
voyag$ across ! ,atlantic = t sole      
purpose--came up  to ! bonfire ) a bitt]
 gr9 & ?rew 9 c]ta9 repudiat$  bonds1   
=tifi$ ?\gh !y 7 ) ! broad seal ( a     
sov]eign  /ate4 ,a little boy ( five    
ye>s old1 9 ! premature manl9ess (  !   
pres5t epo*1 ?rew 9 8 play?+s2 a college
 graduate1 8  diploma2 an apo!c>y1 ru9$ 
by ! spread ( homeopa?y1 8 :ole  /ock ( 
drugs & m$ic9es2 a physician1 8 libr>y2 
a p>son1 8  old s]mons2 & a f9e g5tleman
 ( ! old s*ool1 8 code (  mann]s1 :i* he
 _h =m]ly writt5 d[n = ! b5efit ( ! next
  g5]ation4 ,a wid[1 resolv+ on a second
 m>riage1 slyly ?rew 9 h]  dead husb&'s 
m9iature4 ,a "y man1 jilt$ by 8 mi/ress1
 w\ld  will+ly h flung 8 own desp]ate   
he>t into ! flames1 b c\ld  f9d no means
 to wr5* x out ( 8 bosom4 ,an ,am]ican  

au?or1 ^:  works 7 neglect$ by ! public1
 ?rew 8 p5 & pap] into !  bonfire &     
betook himself to "s less disc\rag+     
occupation4 ,x  some:at />tl$ me to     
ov]he> a numb] ( ladies1 highly         
respectable  9 appe>ance1 propos+ to fl+
 _! g[ns & petticoats into !  flames1 & 
assume ! g>b1 toge!r ) ! mann]s1 duties1
  (fices1 & responsibilities1 ( !       
opposite sex4    ,:at favor 0 accord$ to
 ?is s*eme ,i am unable to say1 my      
att5tion  be+ sudd5ly drawn to a poor1  
deceiv$1 & half-deliri\s girl1 :o1      
exclaim+ t %e 0 ! mo/ wor?less ?+ alive 
or dead1  attempt$ to ca/ h]self into ! 
fire amid all t wreck$ &  brok5 trump]y 
( ! _w4 ,a good man1 h[ev]1 ran to h]   
rescue4    8,pati5ce1 my poor girl60    
said he1 z he drew h] back f ! fi]ce    
embrace ( ! de/roy+ angel4 8,be pati5t1 
& abide ,heav5's w4  ,s long z y possess
 a liv+ s\l1 all may be re/or$ to its   
fir/  fre%ness4 ,^! ?+s ( matt] &       
creations ( human fantasy are  fit =    
no?+ b to be burn$ :5 once !y h _h _!   

day2 b  y\r day is et]nity60    8,yes10 
said ! wret*$ girl1 ^: fr5zy seem$ n[ to
 h sunk  d[n into deep despond5cy1 8yes1
 & ! sun%9e is blott$ out (  x60    ,x 0
 n[ rumor$ among ! spectators t all !   
weapons &  munitions ( w> 7 to be ?r[n  
into ! bonfire ) ! exception  ( ! _w's  
/ock ( gunp[d]1 :i*1 z ! safe/ mode (   
dispos+ ( x1 _h already be5 dr[n$ 9 !   
sea4 ,?is intellig5ce  seem$ to awak5   
great div]sity ( op9ion4 ,! hopeful     
philan?ropi/  e/eem$ x a tok5 t !       
mill5nium 0 already come2 :ile p]sons  (
 ano!r /amp1 9 ^: view mank9d 0 a bre$ (
 bulldogs1  prophesi$ t all ! old       
/\tness1 f]vor1 nobl5ess1 g5]osity1  &  
magnanimity ( ! race w\ld disappe>1--^! 
qualities1 z !y  affirm$1 requir+ blood 
= _! n\ri%m5t4 ,!y com=t$  !mselves1    
h[ev]1 9 ! belief t ! propos$ abolition 
( w>  0 impracticable = any l5g? ( "t   
toge!r4    ,be t z x might1 numb]less   
great guns1 ^: ?und] _h long be5  !     
voice ( battle1--! artill]y ( ! ,armada1
 ! batt]+ tra9s  ( ,m>lbor\gh1 & !      

adv]se cannon ( ,napoleon &             
,well+ton1--7  trundl$ into ! mid/ ( !  
fire4 ,by ! cont9ual addition ( dry     
combu/ibles1 x _h n[ wax$ s int5se t    
nei!r brass nor iron  c\ld )/& x4 ,x 0  
wond]ful to behold h[ ^! t]rible        
in/rum5ts ( slaught] melt$ away l       
play?+s ( wax4 ,!n !  armies ( ! e>?    
:eel$ ar\nd ! mighty furnace1 ) _!      
milit>y music play+ triumphant m>*es1--&
 flung 9 _! muskets  & swords4 ,!       
/&>d-be>]s1 likewise1 ca/ "o look upw>d 
at  _! bann]s1 all tatt]$ ) %ot-holes & 
inscrib$ ) !  names ( victori\s fields2 
&1 giv+ !m a la/ fl\ri% on !  breeze1 !y
 l[]$ !m into ! flame1 :i* snat*$ !m    
upw>d 9  its ru% t[>ds ! cl\ds4 ,?is    
c]emony be+ ov]1 ! _w 0  left )\t a s+le
 weapon 9 its h&s1 except possibly a few
 old  k+'s arms & ru/y swords & o!r     
trophies ( ! ,revolution 9  "s ( our    
,/ate armories4 ,& n[ ! drums 7 beat5 & 
!  trumpets bray$ all toge!r1 z a       
prelude to ! proclamation (  univ]sal & 
et]nal peace & ! ann\ncem5t t glory 0 no

  long] to be won by blood1 b t x w\ld  
h5ce=? be !  cont5tion ( ! human race to
 "w out ! greate/ mutual good1 &  t     
b5efic5ce1 9 ! future annals ( ! e>?1   
w\ld claim !  praise ( valor4 ,! bless$ 
tid+s 7 accord+ly promulgat$1 &  caus$  
inf9ite rejoic+s among ^? :o _h /ood    
agha/ at !  horror & absurdity ( w>4    
,b ,i saw a grim smile pass ov] ! se>$  
visage ( a /ately old  comm&]1--by 8    
w>-worn figure & ri* milit>y dress1 he  
might  h be5 "o ( ,napoleon's fam\s     
m>%als1--:o1 ) ! re/ ( !  _w's soldi]y1 
_h j flung away ! sword t _h be5 famili>
  to 8 "r h& = half a c5tury4    8,ay6  
ay60 grumbl$ he4 8,let !m proclaim :at  
!y please2 b1 9 !  end1 we %all f9d t   
all ?is fool]y has only made m "w =  !  
armor]s & cannon-f\nd]s40    8,:y1 sir10
 exclaim$ ,i1 9 a/oni%m5t1 8d y imag9e t
 !  human race w ev] s f> return on !   
/eps ( its pa/ madness z  to weld ano!r 
sword or ca/ ano!r cannon80    8,!re w  
be no ne$10 obs]v$1 ) a sne]1 "o :o     
nei!r felt  b5evol5ce nor _h fai? 9 x4  

8,:5 ,ca9 wi%$ to slay 8 bro!r1  he 0 at
 no loss = a weapon40    8,we %all see10
 repli$ ! vet]an comm&]4 8,if ,i am     
mi/ak51 s  mu* ! bett]2 b 9 my op9ion1  
)\t pret5d+ to philosophize  ab\t !     
matt]1 ! necessity ( w> lies f> deep]   
?an ^!  hone/ g5tlem5 suppose4 ,:at6 is 
!re a field = all ! petty  disputes (   
individuals8 & %all !re be no great law 
c\rt = !  settlem5t ( national          
difficulties8 ,! battle-field is ! only 
c\rt  :]e su* suits c be tri$40    8,y  
=get1 g5]al10 rejo9$ ,i1 8t1 9 ?is      
advanc$ /age (  civilization1 ,reason & 
,philan?ropy comb9$ w con/itute j  su* a
 tribunal z is requisite40    8,ah1 ,i  
_h =gott5 t1 inde$60 said ! old w>rior1 
z he limp$  away4    ,! fire 0 n[ to be 
repl5i%$ ) mat]ials t _h hi!rto  be5    
consid]$ ( ev5 great] importance to !   
well-be+ ( society  ?an ! w>like        
munitions :i* we _h already se5 consum$4
 ,a body  ( re=m]s _h travell$ all ov] !
 e>? 9 que/ ( ! ma*9]y  by :i* ! diff]5t
 nations 7 accu/om$ to inflict !        

puni%m5t ( dea?4 ,a %udd] pass$ ?r\gh ! 
multitude z ^!  gha/ly emblems 7 dragg$ 
=w>d4 ,ev5 ! flames seem$ at fir/  to   
%r9k away1 display+ ! %ape & murd]\s    
contrivance ( ea*  9 a full blaze (     
light1 :i* ( itself 0 suffici5t to      
conv9ce  mank9d ( ! long & deadly error 
( human law4 ,^? old implem5ts  (       
cruelty2 ^? horrible mon/]s ( me*anism2 
^? inv5tions  :i* x seem$ to dem& some?+
 worse ?an man's natural he>t to        
contrive1 & :i* _h lurk$ 9 ! dusky nooks
 ( anci5t prisons1  ! subject (         
t]ror-/rick5 leg5d1--7 n[ br\ght =? to  
view4  ,headsm5's axes1 ) ! ru/ ( noble 
& royal blood ^u !m1 &  a va/ collection
 ( halt]s t _h *ok$ ! brea? ( plebeian  
victims1 7 ?r[n 9 toge!r4 ,a %\t greet$ 
! arrival ( !  guillot9e1 :i* 0 ?ru/    
=w>d on ! same :eels t _h borne  x f "o 
to ano!r ( ! blood/a9$ /reets ( ,p>is4  
,b !  l\de/ ro> ( applause w5t up1 tell+
 ! di/ant sky ( !  triumph ( ! e>?'s    
r$emption1 :5 ! gall[s made its         
appe>ance4 ,an ill-look+ fell[1 h[ev]1  

ru%$ =w>d1 &1  putt+ himself 9 ! pa? ( !
 re=m]s1 bell[$ ho>sely1 &  f\ght )     
brute fury to /ay _! progress4    ,x 0  
little matt] ( surprise1 p]haps1 t !    
execution] %\ld  ?us d 8 be/ to v9dicate
 & uphold ! ma*9]y by :i* he  himself _h
 8 livelihood & wor?i] individuals _!   
dea?2 b x  des]v$ special note t m5 ( a 
f> diff]5t sph]e--ev5 ( t  consecrat$   
class 9 ^: gu>dian%ip ! _w is apt to    
tru/ its  b5evol5ce--7 f\nd to take !   
hangman's view ( ! "q4    8,/ay1 my     
bre?r560 cri$ "o ( !m4 8,y are misl$ by 
a false  philan?ropy2 y "k n :at y d4 ,!
 gall[s is a  ,heav5-orda9$ in/rum5t4   
,be> x back1 !n1 rev]5tly1 & set x  up 9
 its old place1 else ! _w w fall to     
spe$y ru9 &  desolation60    8,onw>d6   
onw>d60 %\t$ a lead] 9 ! re=m4 8,into ! 
flames )  ! accurs$ in/rum5t ( man's    
bloody policy6 ,h[ c human law          
inculcate b5evol5ce & love :ile x p]si/s
 9 sett+ up !  gall[s z its *ief symbol8
 ,"o heave m1 good fri5ds1 & !  _w w be 
r$eem$ f its greate/ error40    ,a ?\s& 

h&s1 t nev]!less loa!d ! t\*1 n[ l5t _! 
assi/ance1 & ?ru/ ! om9\s burd5 f>1 f>  
into ! c5tre (  ! rag+ furnace4 ,!re its
 fatal & abhorr$ image 0 beheld1  fir/  
black1 !n a r$ coal1 !n a%es4    8,t 0  
well done60 exclaim$ ,i4    8,yes1 x 0  
well done10 repli$1 b ) less en?usiasm  
?an ,i  expect$1 ! ?\ghtful obs]v]1 :o 0
 /ill at my side1--8well  done1 if ! _w 
be good en\gh = ! measure4 ,dea?1 h[ev]1
 is  an idea t _c easily be disp5s$ ) 9 
any condition betwe5  ! primal innoc5ce 
& t o!r purity & p]fection :i*  p]*ance 
we are de/9$ to atta9 aft] travell+ r\nd
 ! full  circle2 b1 at all ev5ts1 x is  
well t ! exp]im5t %\ld n[  be tri$40    
8,too cold6 too cold60 impati5tly       
exclaim$ ! "y & ard5t lead]  9 ?is      
triumph4 8,let ! he>t h its voice "h z  
well z !  intellect4 ,& z = rip5ess1 & z
 = progress1 let mank9d always  d !     
highe/1 k9de/1 noble/ ?+ t1 at any giv5 
p]iod1 x  has atta9$ ! p]ception (2 &   
surely t ?+ _c be wrong  nor wrongly    
tim$40    ,i "k n :e!r x 7 ! excitem5t (

 ! sc5e1 or :e!r !  good p ar\nd !      
bonfire 7 really gr[+ m enlight5$  e    
in/ant2 b !y n[ proce$$ to measures 9 ! 
full l5g? (  :i* ,i 0 h>dly prep>$ to   
keep !m company4 ,= in/ance1 "s  ?rew _!
 m>riage c]tificates into ! flames1 &   
decl>$  !mselves c&idates = a high]1    
holi]1 & m compreh5sive  union ?an t :i*
 _h subsi/$ f ! bir? ( "t "u !  =m ( !  
connubial tie4 ,o!rs ha/5$ to ! vaults (
 banks &  to ! c(f]s ( ! ri*--all ( :i* 
7 op5$ to ! fir/ com]  on ?is fat$      
occasion--& br\ght entire bales (       
pap]-money to  enliv5 ! blaze1 & tons ( 
co9 to be melt$ d[n by its int5sity4    
,h5ce=?1 !y said1 univ]sal b5evol5ce1   
unco9$ & exhau/less1  0 to be ! gold5   
curr5cy ( ! _w4 ,at ?is intellig5ce !   
bank]s & speculators 9 ! /ocks grew     
pale1 & a pickpocket1 :o  _h reap$ a ri*
 h>ve/ among ! cr[d1 fell d[n 9 a deadly
  fa9t+ fit4 ,a few m5 ( bus9ess burn$  
_! day-books & l$g]s1  ! notes &        
obligations ( _! cr$itors1 & all o!r    
evid5ces  ( debts due to !mselves2 :ile 

p]haps a some:at l>g] numb]  satisfi$ _!
 zeal = re=m ) ! sacrifice ( any        
uncom=table  recollection ( _! own      
indebtm5t4 ,!re 0 !n a cry t !  p]iod 0 
arriv$ :5 ! title-de$s ( l&$ prop]ty    
%\ld be  giv5 to ! flames1 & ! :ole soil
 ( ! e>? rev]t to !  public1 f :om x _h 
be5 wrongfully ab/ract$ & mo/ unequally 
di/ribut$ among individuals4 ,ano!r p>ty
 dem&$ t all writt5  con/itutions1 set  
=ms ( gov]nm5t1 legislative acts1       
/atute-books1 & ev]y?+ else on :i* human
 inv5tion _h  endeavor$ to /amp its     
arbitr>y laws1 %\ld at once be de/roy$1 
leav+ ! consummat$ _w z free z ! man    
fir/ creat$4    ,:e!r any ultimate      
action 0 tak5 ) reg>d to ^! propositions
  is beyond my k2 =1 j !n1 "s matt]s 7 9
 progress  t conc]n$ my sympa?ies m     
ne>ly4    8,see6 see6 ,:at heaps ( books
 & pamphlets60 cri$ a fell[1 :o did  n  
seem to be a lov] ( lit]ature4 8,n[ we  
%all h a glori\s  blaze60    8,t's j !  
?+60 said a mod]n philosoph]4 8,n[ we   
%all get  rid ( ! weight ( dead m5's    

?\ght1 :i* has hi!rto press$ s  heavily 
on ! liv+ intellect t x has be5         
incompet5t to any  effectual            
self-ex]tion4 ,well done1 my lads6 ,into
 ! fire ) !m6  ,n[ y are enlight5+ ! _w 
inde$60    8,b :at is to become ( !     
trade80 cri$ a frantic booksell]4       
8,o1 by all means1 let !m accompany _!  
m]*&ise10 coolly  obs]v$ an au?or4 8,x w
 be a noble fun]al-pile60    ,! tru? 01 
t ! human race _h n[ rea*$ a /age (     
progress  s f> beyond :at ! wise/ &     
wittie/ m5 ( =m] ages _h ev]  dream$ (1 
t x w\ld h be5 a manife/ absurdity to   
all[ !  e>? to be any long] encumb]$ )  
_! poor a*ievem5ts 9 !  lit]>y l9e4     
,accord+ly a ?or\gh & se>*+ inve/igation
 _h  swept ! booksell]s' %ops1 hawk]s'  
/&s1 public & private  libr>ies1 & ev5 !
 little book-%elf by ! c\ntry fireside1 
&  _h br\ght ! _w's entire mass ( pr9t$ 
pap]1 b\nd or 9  %eets1 to swell !      
already m\nta9 bulk ( our illu/ri\s     
bonfire4  ,?ick1 heavy folios1 conta9+ !
 labors ( lexicograph]s1  comm5tators1 &

 encyclop$i/s1 7 flung 91 &1 fall+ among
 !  emb]s ) a lead5 ?ump1 sm\ld]$ away  
to a%es l rott5 wood4  ,! small1 ri*ly  
gilt ,fr5* tomes ( ! la/ age1 ) ! hundr$
  volumes ( ,voltaire among !m1 w5t (f 9
 a brilliant %[] (  sp>kles & little    
jets ( flame2 :ile ! curr5t lit]ature ( 
!  same nation burn$ r$ & blue1 & ?rew  
an inf]nal light ov] !  visages ( !     
spectators1 conv]t+ !m all to ! aspect (
  p>ty-color$ fi5ds4 ,a collection (    
,g]man /ories emitt$ a sc5t (  brim/one4
 ,! ,engli% /&>d au?ors made excell5t   
fuel1 g5]ally  exhibit+ ! prop]ties (   
s\nd oak logs4 ,milton's works1 9       
p>ticul>1 s5t up a p[]ful blaze1        
gradually r$d5+ into a coal1  :i*       
promis$ to endure long] ?an almo/ any   
o!r mat]ial ( !  pile4 ,f ,%akespe>e !re
 gu%$ a flame ( su* m>vell\s spl5dor  t 
m5 %ad$ _! eyes z aga9/ ! sun's m]idian 
glory2 nor  ev5 :5 ! works ( 8 own      
elucidators 7 flung ^u him did he  cease
 to fla% =? a dazzl+ radiance f b5ea? ! 
pond]\s  heap4 ,x is my belief t he is  

/ill blaz+ z f]vidly z ev]4    8,c\ld a 
poet b light a lamp at t glori\s flame10
 rem>k$ ,i1 8he  might !n consume !     
midnight oil to "s good purpose40    8,t
 is ! v ?+ :i* mod]n poets h be5 too apt
 to d1 or  at lea/ to attempt10 answ]$ a
 critic4 8,! *ief b5efit to be  expect$ 
f ?is conflagration ( pa/ lit]ature     
und\bt$ly is1  t writ]s w h5ce=? be     
compell$ to light _! lamps at !  sun or 
/>s40    8,if !y c rea* s high10 said   
,i2 8b t task requires a giant1  :o may 
aft]w>ds di/ribute ! light among inf]ior
 m54 ,x is n  e "o t c /eal ! fire f    
heav5 l ,prome!us2 b1  :5 once he _h    
done ! de$1 a ?\s& he>?s 7 k9dl$ by x40 
,x amaz$ me mu* to obs]ve h[ indef9ite 0
 ! proportion betwe5  ! physical mass ( 
any giv5 au?or & ! prop]ty ( brilliant &
  long-cont9u$ combu/ion4 ,= in/ance1   
!re 0 n a qu>to volume  ( ! la/         
c5tury--nor1 inde$1 ( ! pres5t--t c\ld  
compete 9  t p>ticul> ) a *ild's little 
gilt-cov]$ book1 conta9+  ,"m ,goose's  
,melodies4 ,! ,life & ,dea? ( ,tom ,?umb

 outla/$  ! biography ( ,m>lbor\gh4 ,an 
epic1 inde$ a doz5 ( !m1 0  conv]t$ to  
:ite a%es be=e ! s+le %eet ( an old     
ballad 0  half consum$4 ,9 m ?an "o     
case1 too1 :5 volumes ( applaud$  v]se  
prov$ incapable ( any?+ bett] ?an a     
/ifl+ smoke1 an  unreg>d$ ditty ( "s    
nameless b>d--p]*ance 9 ! corn] ( a     
newspap]--so>$ up among ! />s ) a flame 
z brilliant z _!  own4 ,speak+ ( !      
prop]ties ( flame1 me?\ght ,%elley's    
poetry  emitt$ a pur] light ?an almo/   
any o!r productions ( 8 day1  contra/+  
beautifully ) ! fitful & lurid gleams & 
gu%es (  black vapor t fla%$ & eddi$ f !
 volumes ( ,"l ,byron4 ,z  = ,tom       
,moore1 "s ( 8 songs diffus$ an odor l a
 burn+  pa/il4    ,i felt p>ticul>      
int]e/ 9 wat*+ ! combu/ion ( ,am]ican   
au?ors1 & scrupul\sly not$ by my wat* ! 
precise numb] (  mom5ts t *ang$ mo/ ( !m
 f %abbily pr9t$ books to  indi/+ui%able
 a%es4 ,x w\ld be invidi\s1 h[ev]1 if n 
p]il\s1 to betray ^! awful secrets2 s t 
,i %all cont5t myself  ) obs]v+ t x 0 n 

inv>iably ! writ] mo/ frequ5t 9  !      
public m\? t made ! mo/ spl5did         
appe>ance 9 ! bonfire4  ,i especially   
rememb] t a great deal ( excell5t       
inflammability 0  exhibit$ 9 a ?9 volume
 ( poems by ,ell]y ,*ann+2 al?\gh1 to   
speak ! tru?1 !re 7 c]ta9 portions t    
hiss$ & splutt]$  9 a v disagreeable    
fa%ion4 ,a curi\s ph5om5on occurr$ 9    
ref]5ce to sev]al writ]s1 native z well 
z =eign4 ,_! books1  ?\gh ( highly      
respectable figure1 in/ead ( bur/+ into 
a blaze  or ev5 sm\ld]+ out _! sub/ance 
9 smoke1 sudd5ly melt$ away  9 a mann] t
 prov$ !m to be ice4    ,if x be no lack
 ( mode/y to m5tion my own works1 x mu/ 
"h be  confess$ t ,i look$ = !m ) fa!rly
 int]e/1 b 9 va94  ,too probably !y 7   
*ang$ to vapor by ! fir/ action ( !     
heat2 at be/1 ,i c only hope t1 9 _!    
quiet way1 !y  contribut$ a glimm]+ sp>k
 or two to ! spl5dor ( ! ev5+4          
8,alas6 & woe is me60 ?us bemoan$       
himself a heavy-look+ g5tleman  9 gre5  
spectacles4 8,! _w is utt]ly ru9$1 & !re

 is no?+  to live = any long]4 ,!       
bus9ess ( my life is snat*$ f me4  ,n a 
volume to be _h = love or money60       
8,?is10 rem>k$ ! s$ate obs]v] beside me1
 8is a bookworm1--"o (  ^? m5 :o are    
born to gnaw dead ?\ghts4 ,8 clo!s1 y   
see1 are  cov]$ ) ! du/ ( libr>ies4 ,he 
has no inw>d f\nta9 ( ideas2  &1 9 good 
e>ne/1 n[ t ! old /ock is aboli%$1 ,i d 
n see  :at is to become ( ! poor fell[4 
,h y no ^w ( com=t =  him80    8,my de> 
sir10 said ,i to ! desp]ate bookworm1   
8is n nature bett]  ?an a book8 ,is n ! 
human he>t deep] ?an any sy/em (        
philosophy8 ,is n life replete ) m      
in/ruction ?an pa/  obs]v]s h f\nd x    
possible to write d[n 9 maxims8 ,be (   
good  *e]4 ,! great book ( ,"t is /ill  
spread wide op5 be=e u2 &1  if we read x
 aright1 x w be to u a volume ( et]nal  
tru?40    8,o1 my books1 my books1 my   
preci\s pr9t$ books60 reit]at$ !  =lorn 
bookworm4 8,my only reality 0 a b\nd    
volume2 & n[ !y  w n leave me ev5 a     
%ad[y pamphlet60    ,9 fact1 ! la/      

remnant ( ! lit]ature ( all ! ages 0 n[ 
desc5d+ ^u ! blaz+ heap 9 ! %ape ( a    
cl\d ( pamphlets  f ! press ( ! ,new    
,_w4 ,^! likewise 7 consum$ 9 !  tw9kl+ 
( an eye1 leav+ ! e>?1 = ! fir/ "t s9ce 
!  days ( ,cadmus1 free f ! plague (    
lett]s1--an enviable field =  ! au?ors (
 ! next g5]ation4    8,well1 & does     
any?+ rema9 to be done80 inquir$ ,i1    
some:at  anxi\sly4 8,unless we set fire 
to ! e>? itself1 & !n leap  boldly (f   
into inf9ite space1 ,i "k n t we c c>ry 
re=m to  any f>!r po9t40    8,y are     
va/ly mi/ak51 my good fri5d10 said !    
obs]v]4 8,believe  me1 ! fire w n be    
all[$ to settle d[n )\t ! addition (    
fuel t w />tle _m p]sons :o h l5t a     
will+ h& ?us  f>40    ,nev]!less !re    
appe>$ to be a relaxation ( ef=t = a    
little  "t1 dur+ :i*1 probably1 ! lead]s
 ( ! movem5t 7  consid]+ :at %\ld be    
done next4 ,9 ! int]val1 a philosoph]   
?rew 8 !ory into ! flames1--a sacrifice 
:i*1 by ^? :o knew  h[ to e/imate x1 0  
pron\nc$ ! mo/ rem>kable t _h yet  be5  

made4 ,! combu/ion1 h[ev]1 0 by no means
 brilliant4 ,"s  indefatigable p1 scorn+
 to take a mom5t's ease1 n[ employ$     
!mselves 9 collect+ all ! )]$ leaves &  
fall5 b\ghs (  ! =e/1 & !reby recruit$ !
 bonfire to a great] height ?an  ev]4 ,b
 ?is 0 m]e by-play4    8,"h comes ! fre%
 fuel t ,i spoke (10 said my companion4 
,to my a/oni%m5t ! p]sons :o n[ advanc$ 
into ! vacant space  ar\nd ! m\nta9 fire
 bore surplices & o!r prie/ly g>m5ts1   
mitres1 crosi]s1 & a confusion ( ,popi% 
& ,prote/ant emblems )  :i* x seem$ _!  
purpose to consummate ! great act (     
fai?4  ,crosses f ! spires ( old        
ca!drals 7 ca/ ^u ! heap )  z little    
remorse z if ! rev]5ce ( c5turies pass+ 
9 long  array b5ea? ! l(ty t[]s _h n    
look$ up to !m z ! holie/  ( symbols4 ,!
 font 9 :i* infants 7 consecrat$ to     
,god1 !  sacram5tal vessels :5ce piety  
receiv$ ! hall[$ draught1 7  giv5 to !  
same de/ruction4 ,p]haps x mo/ ne>ly    
t\*$ my he>t  to see among ^! devot$    
relics fragm5ts ( ! humble              

communion-tables & undecorat$ pulpits   
:i* ,i recogniz$ z hav+  be5 torn f !   
meet+-h\ses ( ,new ,engl&4 ,^? simple   
edifices  might h be5 p]mitt$ to reta9  
all ( sacr$ embelli%m5t t  _! ,puritan  
f\nd]s _h be/[$1 ev5 ?\gh ! mighty      
/ructure  ( ,/4 ,pet]'s _h s5t its      
spoils to ! fire ( ?is t]rible          
sacrifice4 ,yet ,i felt t ^! 7 b !      
ext]nals ( religion1  & might mo/ safely
 be rel9qui%$ by spirits t be/ knew _!  
deep significance4    8,all is well10   
said ,i1 *e]fully4 8,! wood-pa?s %all be
 ! aisles  ( our ca!dral1 ! firmam5t    
itself %all be its ceil+4 ,:at ne$s  an 
e>?ly ro( betwe5 ! ,deity & 8 wor%ipp]s8
 ,our fai? c  well af=d to lose all !   
drap]y t ev5 ! holie/ m5 h  ?r[n ar\nd  
x1 & be only ! m sublime 9 its          
simplicity40    8,true10 said my        
companion2 8b w !y pause "h80    ,! d\bt
 impli$ 9 8 "q 0 well f\nd$4 ,9 ! g5]al 
de/ruction ( books already describ$1 a  
holy volume1 t /ood ap>t  f ! catalogue 
( human lit]ature1 & yet1 9 "o s5se1 0  

at  its head1 _h be5 sp>$4 ,b ! ,titan (
 innovation1--angel or fi5d1  d\ble 9 8 
nature1 & capable ( de$s befitt+ bo?    
*>act]s1--at fir/ %ak+ d[n only ! old & 
rott5 %apes (  ?+s1 _h n[1 z x appe>$1  
laid 8 t]rible h& ^u ! ma9  pill>s :i*  
support$ ! :ole edifice ( our moral &   
spiritual  /ate4 ,! inhabitants ( ! e>? 
_h gr[n too enlight5$ to def9e  _! fai? 
)9 a =m ( words1 or to limit ! spiritual
 by any  analogy to our mat]ial exi/5ce4
 ,tru?s :i* ! heav5s trembl$ at  7 n[ b 
a fable ( ! _w's infancy4 ,!re=e1 z !   
f9al  sacrifice ( human error1 :at else 
rema9$ to be ?r[n ^u !  emb]s ( t awful 
pile1 except ! book :i*1 ?\gh a cele/ial
  revelation to pa/ ages1 0 b a voice f 
a l[] sph]e z  reg>d$ ! pres5t race (   
man8 ,x 0 done6 ,^u ! blaz+ heap (      
falsehood & worn-out tru?--?+s t ! e>?  
_h nev] ne$$1 or  _h ceas$ to ne$1 or _h
 gr[n *ildi%ly we>y (--fell ! pond]\s   
*ur* ,bible1 ! great old volume t _h la9
 s long on ! cu%ion  ( ! pulpit1 & :5ce 
! pa/or's solemn voice _h giv5 holy     

utt]ance on s _m a ,sabba? day4 ,!re1   
likewise1 fell ! family  ,bible1 :i* !  
long-buri$ patri>* _h read to 8         
*ildr51--9  prosp]ity or sorr[1 by !    
fireside & 9 ! summ] %ade (  trees1--&  
_h bequea!d d[nw>d z ! heirloom (       
g5]ations4  ,!re fell ! bosom ,bible1 ! 
little volume t _h be5 ! s\l's  fri5d ( 
"s sorely tri$ *ild ( du/1 :o !nce took 
c\rage1  :e!r 8 trial 7 = life or dea?1 
/eadfa/ly confront+ bo?  9 ! /rong      
assurance ( immortality4    ,all ^! 7   
flung into ! fi]ce & riot\s blaze2 & !n 
a  mighty w9d came ro>+ across ! pla9 ) 
a desolate h[l1 z if  x 7 ! angry       
lam5tation ( ! e>? = ! loss ( heav5's   
sun%9e2 & x %ook ! gigantic pyramid (   
flame & scatt]$ !  c9d]s ( half-consum$ 
abom9ations ar\nd ^u ! spectators4      
8,?is is t]rible60 said ,i1 feel+ t my  
*eck grew pale1 & see+  a l *ange 9 !   
visages ab\t me4    8,be ( good c\rage  
yet10 answ]$ ! man ) :om ,i _h s (t5    
spok54 ,he cont9u$ to gaze /eadily at ! 
spectacle ) a s+ul>  calmness1 z if x   

conc]n$ him m]ely z an obs]v]4 8,be (   
good  c\rage1 nor yet exult too mu*2 =  
!re is f> less bo? ( good &  evil 9 !   
effect ( ?is bonfire ?an ! _w might be  
will+ to  believe40    8,h[ c t be80    
exclaim$ ,i1 impati5tly4 8,has x n      
consum$  ev]y?+8 ,has x n swall[$ up or 
melt$ d[n e human or  div9e app5dage (  
our mortal /ate t _h sub/ance en\gh to  
be  act$ on by fire8 ,w !re be any?+    
left u to-morr[ morn+  bett] or worse   
?an a heap ( emb]s & a%es80             
8,assur$ly !re w10 said my grave fri5d4 
8,come hi!r to-morr[  morn+1 or :5ev] ! 
combu/ible portion ( ! pile %all be q   
burn$ out1 & y w f9d among ! a%es ev]y?+
 really  valuable t y h se5 ca/ into !  
flames4 ,tru/ me1 ! _w  ( to-morr[ w    
aga9 enri* itself ) ! gold & diamonds   
:i*  h be5 ca/ (f by ! _w ( today4 ,n a 
tru? is de/roy$ nor  buri$ s deep among 
! a%es b x w be rak$ up at la/40    ,?is
 0 a /range assurance4 ,yet ,i felt     
incl9$ to cr$it x1 !  m especially z ,i 
beheld among ! wall[+ flames a copy ( ! 

,holy ,scriptures1 ! pages ( :i*1 in/ead
 ( be+ black5$ into  t9d]1 only assum$ a
 m dazzl+ :it5ess z ! f+]m>ks (  human  
imp]fection 7 purifi$ away4 ,c]ta9      
m>g9al notes &  comm5t>ies1 x is true1  
yield$ to ! int5sity ( ! fi]y te/1  b   
)\t detrim5t to ! smalle/ syllable t _h 
flam$ f !  p5 ( inspiration4    8,yes2  
!re is ! pro( ( :at y say10 answ]$ ,i1  
turn+ to !  obs]v]2 8b if only :at is   
evil c feel ! action ( ! fire1  !n1     
surely1 ! conflagration has be5 (       
ine/imable utility4 ,yet1  if ,i und]/& 
aright1 y intimate a d\bt :e!r ! _w's   
expectation ( b5efit w\ld be realiz$ by 
x40    8,li/5 to ! talk ( ^! wor?ies10  
said he1 po9t+ to a gr\p 9  front ( !   
blaz+ pile2 8possibly !y may tea* y     
some?+  useful1 )\t int5d+ x40    ,!    
p]sons :om he indicat$ consi/$ ( t      
brutal & mo/ e>?y  figure :o _h /ood =? 
s furi\sly 9 def5ce ( ! gall[s1--!      
hangman1 9 %ort1--toge!r ) ! la/ ?ief & 
! la/ murd]]1  all ?ree ( :om 7 clu/]$  
ab\t ! la/ top]4 ,! latt] 0  lib]ally   

pass+ ! br&y bottle1 :i* he _h rescu$ f 
!  g5]al de/ruction ( w9es & spirits4   
,?is little convivial p>ty  seem$ at !  
l[e/ pit* ( despond5cy1 z consid]+ t !  
purifi$ _w mu/ ne$s be utt]ly unlike !  
sph]e t !y _h  hi!rto kn[n1 & !re=e b a 
/range & desolate abode =  g5tlem5 ( _! 
kidney4    8,! be/ c\nsel = all ( u is10
 rem>k$ ! hangman1 8t1 z  soon z we h   
f9i%$ ! la/ drop ( liquor1 ,i help y1 my
 ?ree  fri5ds1 to a com=table end ^u !  
ne>e/ tree1 & !n hang  myself on ! same 
b\gh4 ,?is is no _w = u any long]40     
8,poh1 poh1 my good fell[s60 said a     
d>k-complexion$ p]sonage1 :o  n[ jo9$ ! 
gr\p1--8 complexion 0 inde$ fe>fully    
d>k1 & 8  eyes gl[$ ) a r$d] light ?an t
 ( ! bonfire2 8be n s  ca/ d[n1 my de>  
fri5ds2 y %all see good days yet4 ,!re  
is "o  ?+ t ^! wiseacres h =gott5 to ?r[
 into ! fire1 &  )\t :i* all ! re/ ( !  
conflagration is j no?+ at all2  yes1   
?\gh !y _h burn$ ! e>? itself to a      
c9d]40    8,& :at may t be80 eag]ly     
dem&$ ! la/ murd]]4    8,:at b ! human  

he>t itself80 said ! d>k-visag$ /rang]1 
)  a port5t\s gr94 8,&1 unless !y hit ^u
 "s me?od ( purify+  t f\l cav]n1 =? f x
 w reissue all ! %apes ( wrong  &       
mis]y--! same old %apes or worse        
ones--:i* !y h tak5 su*  a va/ deal (   
tr\ble to consume to a%es4 ,i h /ood by 
?is  livelong night & laugh$ 9 my sleeve
 at ! :ole bus9ess4 ,o1 take  my ^w = x1
 x w be ! old _w yet60    ,?is brief    
conv]sation suppli$ me ) a !me = l5g!n$ 
?\ght4 ,h[ sad a tru?1 if true x 71 t   
man's age-long endeavor  = p]fection _h 
s]v$ only to r5d] him ! mock]y ( ! evil 
pr9ciple1 f ! fatal circum/ance ( an    
error at ! v root (  ! matt]6 ,! he>t1 !
 he>t1 !re 0 ! little yet b\ndless      
sph]e :]e9 exi/$ ! orig9al wrong ( :i* !
 crime & mis]y  ( ?is outw>d _w 7 m]ely 
types4 ,purify t inw>d sph]e1 &  ! _m   
%apes ( evil t haunt ! outw>d1 & :i* n[ 
seem  almo/ our only realities1 w turn  
to %ad[y phantoms & vani% (  _! own     
accord2 b if we g no deep] ?an !        
intellect1 &  /rive1 ) m]ely t feeble   

in/rum5t1 to disc]n & rectify :at  is   
wrong1 our :ole accompli%m5t w be a     
dream1 s unsub/antial  t x matt]s little
 :e!r ! bonfire1 :i* ,i h s fai?fully   
describ$1 7 :at we *oose to call a real 
ev5t & a flame t  w\ld scor* ! f+]1 or  
only a phosphoric radiance & a p>able ( 
my own bra94