 | The collected works of Ambrose Bierce |  |
THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF THEFT
In fair Yosemite, that den of thieves
Wherein the minions of the moon divide
The travelers' purses, lo! the Devil grieves,
His larger share as leader still denied.
Wherein the minions of the moon divide
The travelers' purses, lo! the Devil grieves,
His larger share as leader still denied.
El Capitan, foreseeing that his reign
May be disputed too, beclouds his head.
The joyous Bridal Veil is torn in twain
And a crêpe streamer dangles there instead.
May be disputed too, beclouds his head.
The joyous Bridal Veil is torn in twain
And a crêpe streamer dangles there instead.
The Vernal Fall abates her pleasant speed
And hesitates to take the final plunge,
For rumors reach her that another greed
Awaits her in the Valley of the Sponge.
And hesitates to take the final plunge,
For rumors reach her that another greed
Awaits her in the Valley of the Sponge.
The Brothers envy the accord of mind
And peace of purpose (by the good deplored
As honor among Commissioners) which bind
That confraternity of crime, the Board.
And peace of purpose (by the good deplored
As honor among Commissioners) which bind
That confraternity of crime, the Board.
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The Half-Dome bows his riven head to weep,
But not, as formerly, because bereft:
Prophetic dreams afflict him when asleep
Of losing his remaining half by theft.
But not, as formerly, because bereft:
Prophetic dreams afflict him when asleep
Of losing his remaining half by theft.
Ambitious knaves! has not the upper sod
Enough of room for every crime that crawls
But you must loot in Palaces of God
And daub your filthy names upon the walls?
Enough of room for every crime that crawls
But you must loot in Palaces of God
And daub your filthy names upon the walls?
| The collected works of Ambrose Bierce | |