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قراءة كتاب The Black Riders, and Other Lines
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اللغة: English
الصفحة رقم: 1
THE BLACK RIDERS AND OTHER LINES
THE BLACK RIDERS AND
OTHER LINES
BY STEPHEN CRANE
PRIVATELY REPRINTED
BY COURTESY OF SMALL,
MAYNARD & COMPANY
Copyright, 1905, by Copeland & Day
I
Black Riders came from the sea.There was clang and clang of spear and shield,And clash and clash of hoof and heel,Wild shouts and the wave of hairIn the rush upon the wind:Thus the ride of Sin.
II
Three little birds in a rowSat musing.A man passed near that place.Then did the little birds nudge each other.They said, "He thinks he can sing."They threw back their heads to laugh,With quaint countenancesThey regarded him.They were very curious,Those three little birds in a row.
III
In the desertI saw a creature, naked, bestial,Who, squatting upon the ground,Held his heart in his hands,And ate of it.I said, "Is it good, friend?""It is bitter--bitter," he answered;"But I like itBecause it is bitter,And because it is my heart."
IV
Yes, I have a thousand tongues,And nine and ninety-nine lie.Though I strive to use the one,It will make no melody at my will,But is dead in my mouth.
V
Once there came a manWho said,"Range me all men of the world in rows."And instantlyThere was terrific clamor among the peopleAgainst being ranged in rows.There was a loud quarrel, world-wide.It endured for ages;And blood was shedBy those who would not stand in rows,And by those who pined to stand in rows,Eventually, the man went to death, weeping.And those who staid in bloody scuffleKnew not the great simplicity.
VI
God fashioned the ship of the world carefullyWith the infinite skill of an All-MasterMade He the hull and the sails,Held He the rudderReady for adjustment.Erect stood He, scanning his work proudly.Then--at fateful time--a Wrong called,And God turned, heeding.Lo, the ship, at this opportunity, slipped slyly,Making cunning noiseless travel down the ways.So that, forever rudderless, it went upon the seasGoing ridiculous voyages,Making quaint progress,Turning as with serious purposeBefore stupid winds.And there were many in the skyWho laughed at this thing.
VII
Mystic Shadow, bending near me,Who art thou?Whence come ye?And--tell me--is it fairOr is the truth bitter as eaten fire?Tell me!Fear not that I should quaver,For I dare--I dare.Then, tell me!
VIII
I looked here;I looked there;Nowhere could I see my love.And--this time--She was in my heart.Truly, then, I have no complaint,For though she be fair