Tales of a Wayside Inn : Part 1. Finale
Tales of a Wayside Inn : Part 1. Finale - context Summary
Published During the Civil War
This short finale closes Part 1 of Tales of a Wayside Inn with a quiet, domestic scene: the company breaks up at a late hour, the landlord half-asleep, and the solitary Squire tending the dying fire while lamps wink out. The closing image likens the inn to a sinking constellation as a distant village clock strikes one. It functions as a calm, scene-setting ending that returns the narrative to ordinary night and rest.
Read Complete AnalysesThe hour was late; the fire burned low, The Landlord's eyes were closed in sleep, And near the story's end a deep, Sonorous sound at times was heard, As when the distant bagpipes blow. At this all laughed; the Landlord stirred, As one awaking from a swound, And, gazing anxiously around, Protested that he had not slept, But only shut his eyes, and kept His ears attentive to each word. Then all arose, and said 'Good Night.' Alone remained the drowsy Squire To rake the embers of the fire, And quench the waning parlor light; While from the windows, here and there, The scattered lamps a moment gleamed, And the illumined hostel seemed The constellation of the Bear, Downward, athwart the misty air, Sinking and setting toward the sun. Far off the village clock struck one.
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