The Black Riders, and Other Lines

Cover
THE BLACK RIDERS AND OTHER LINES
BY STEPHEN CRANE
PRIVATELY REPRINTED BY COURTESY OF SMALL, MAYNARD & COMPANY
Copyright, 1905, by Copeland & Day
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 hair In the rush upon the wind: Thus the ride of Sin.
Three little birds in a row Sat 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 countenances They regarded him. They were very curious, Those three little birds in a row.
III
In the desert I 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 it Because it is bitter, And because it is my heart.
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.
Once there came a man Who said, Range me all men of the world in rows. And instantly There was terrific clamor among the people Against being ranged in rows. There was a loud quarrel, world-wide. It endured for ages; And blood was shed By 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 scuffle Knew not the great simplicity.
God fashioned the ship of the world carefully With the infinite skill of an All-Master Made He the hull and the sails, Held He the rudder Ready 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 seas Going ridiculous voyages, Making quaint progress, Turning as with serious purpose Before stupid winds. And there were many in the sky Who laughed at this thing.