dull, I know it. Possibly
You pass a harsher judgment yet, decree
Me over covetous of worldly pelf.
Good, on that head we will not disagree.
[Seizes FALK's arm and continues in a low
tone but with gathering vehemence.
You're right, I'm dull and dense and grasping, yes;
But grasping for my God-given babes and wife,
And dense from struggling blindly for bare life,
And dull from sailing seas of loneliness.
Just when the pinnance of my youthful dream
Into the everlasting deep went down,
Another started from the ocean stream
Borne with a fair wind onward to life's crown.
For every dream that vanished in the wave,
For every buoyant plume that broke asunder,
God sent me in return a little wonder,
And gratefully I took the good He gave.
For them I strove, for them amassed, annexed,--
For them, for them, explained the Holy text;
On them you've poured the venom of your spite!
You've proved, with all the cunning of the schools,
My bliss was but the paradise of fools,
That all I took for earnest was a jest;--
Now I implore, give me my quiet breast
Again, the flawless peace of mind I had--

FALK.
Prove, in a word, your title to be glad?

STRAWMAN.
Yes, in my path you've cast the stone of doubt,
And nobody but you can cast it out.
Between my kin and me you've set a bar,--
Remove the bar, the strangling noose undo--

FALK.
You possibly believe I keep the glue
Of lies for Happiness's in a broken jar?

STRAWMAN.
I do believe, the faith your reasons tore
To shreds, your reasons may again restore;
The limb that you have shatter'd, you can set;
Reverse your judgment,--the whole truth unfold,
Restate the case--I'll fly my banner yet--

FALK [haughtily].
I stamp no copper Happiness as gold.

STRAWMAN [looking fixedly at him].
Remember then that, lately, one whose scent
For truth is of the keenest told us this:
[With uplifted finger.
"There runs through all our life a Nemesis,
Which may delay, but never will relent."
[He goes towards the house.

STIVER
[Coming out with glasses on, and an open book
in his hand.
Pastor, you must come flying like the blast!
Your girls are sobbing--

THE CHILDREN [in the doorway].
Pa!

STIVER.
And Madam waiting!
[Strawman goes in.
This lady has no talent for debating.
[Puts the book and glasses in his pocket,
and approaches FALK.
F