Ere introducing the scrivener, as he first appeared to me, it is fit I make some mention of myself, my employees, my business, my chambers, and general surroundings; because some such description is indispensable to an adequate understanding of the chief character about to be presented.
Imprimis: I am a man who, from his youth upwards, has been - filled with a profound conviction that the easiest way of life is the best.. Hence, though I belong to a profession + filled with a profound conviction that the easiest way of life is the best.. Hence, though I belong to a profession proverbially energetic and nervous, even to turbulence, at times, yet - nothing of that sort have I ever suffered to invade + nothing of that sort have I ever suffered to invade my peace. I am one of those unambitious lawyers who never addresses a jury, or in any way draws down public applause; but in the cool tranquillity - of a snug retreat, do a snug business among rich men's bonds and mortgages and title-deeds. The late John Jacob Astor, a personage little given to poetic enthusiasm, had - no hesitation in pronouncing my first - grand point to be prudence; my next, method. I do not speak - it in vanity, but simply record the fact, that I was not + of a snug retreat, do a snug business among rich men's bonds and mortgages and title-deeds. The late John Jacob Astor, a personage little given to poetic enthusiasm, had + no hesitation in pronouncing my first + grand point to be prudence; my next, method. I do not speak + it in vanity, but simply record the fact, that I was not unemployed in my profession by the last John Jacob Astor; a name which, I admit, I love to repeat, for it hath a rounded and orbicular sound to - it, and rings - like unto bullion. I will freely add, that I was not - insensible to the late John Jacob Astor's good opinion.
+ it, and rings + like unto bullion. I will freely add, that I was not + insensible to the late John Jacob Astor's good opinion.Some time prior to the period at which this little history begins, my - avocations had been largely increased. The good old office, now - extinct in the State of New York, of a Master in Chancery, + avocations had been largely increased. The good old office, now + extinct in the State of New York, of a Master in Chancery, had been conferred upon me. It was not a very arduous office, but very - pleasantly remunerative. I - seldom lose my temper; much more seldom indulge in dangerous + pleasantly remunerative. I + seldom lose my temper; much more seldom indulge in dangerous indignation at wrongs and outrages; but I must be permitted to be rash here and declare, that I consider the sudden and violent abrogation of - the office of Master of Chancery, by the new Constitution, as a----premature - act; inasmuch as I had counted upon a life-lease of the + the office of Master of Chancery, by the new Constitution, as a----premature + act; inasmuch as I had counted upon a life-lease of the profits, whereas I only received those of a few short years. But this is - by the way.
+ by the way.My chambers were up stairs at No.--Wall-street. At one end they looked upon the white wall of the interior of a spacious sky-light shaft, penetrating the building from top to bottom. This view might have been considered rather - tame than otherwise, deficient - in what landscape painters call "life." But if so, the view + tame than otherwise, deficient + in what landscape painters call "life." But if so, the view from the other end of my chambers offered, at least, a contrast, if nothing more. In that direction my windows commanded an unobstructed view of a - lofty brick wall,black by age and everlasting shade; which wall required + lofty brick wall,black by age and everlasting shade; which wall required no spy-glass to bring out its lurking beauties, but for the benefit of all near-sighted spectators, was pushed up to within ten feet of my window panes. Owing to the great height of the surrounding buildings, and my chambers being on the second floor, the interval between this wall and mine not - a little resembled a huge square cistern.
+ a little resembled a huge square cistern.At the period just preceding the advent of Bartleby, I had two persons as copyists in my employment, and a promising lad as an office-boy. First, Turkey; second, Nippers; third, Ginger Nut.These may seem names, the like - of which are not usually found in the Directory. In truth they were nicknames, mutually conferred upon + of which are not usually found in the Directory. In truth they were nicknames, mutually conferred upon each other by my three clerks, and were deemed expressive of their respective persons or characters. Turkey was a short, pursy Englishman of about my own age, that is, somewhere not far from sixty. In the morning, one might say, his face was of a fine florid hue, but after twelve o'clock, meridian-- - his dinner hour-- it blazed like a grate full of Christmas coals; + his dinner hour-- it blazed like a grate full of Christmas coals; and continued blazing--but, as it were, with a gradual wane--till 6 o'clock, P.M. or thereabouts, after which I saw no more of the proprietor of the face, which gaining its meridian with the sun, seemed to set with it, to @@ -93,68 +93,68 @@ just then, too, at the critical moment, began the daily period when I considered his business capacities as seriously disturbed for the remainder of the twenty-four hours. Not that he was absolutely idle, or averse to business - then; far from it. The difficulty was, he was apt to be altogether too - energetic. There was a strange, inflamed, flurried, flighty + then; far from it. The difficulty was, he was apt to be altogether too + energetic. There was a strange, inflamed, flurried, flighty recklessness of activity about him. He would be incautious in dipping his pen into his inkstand. All his blots upon my documents, were dropped there after twelve o'clock, meridian. Indeed, not only would he be reckless and sadly given to making blots in the afternoon, but some days he went further, - and was rather noisy. At such times, too, his face - flamed with augmented blazonry, as if cannel - coal had been heaped on anthracite. He made an unpleasant + and was rather noisy. At such times, too, his face + flamed with augmented blazonry, as if cannel + coal had been heaped on anthracite. He made an unpleasant racket with his chair; spilled his sand-box; in mending his pens, impatiently split them all to pieces, and threw them on the floor in a sudden passion; stood up and leaned over his table, boxing his papers about in a most - indecorous manner, very sad to behold in an elderly manlike him. Nevertheless, + indecorous manner, very sad to behold in an elderly manlike him. Nevertheless, as he was in many ways a most valuable person to me, and all the time before twelve o'clock, meridian, was the quickest, steadiest creature too, accomplishing a great deal of work in a style not easy to be matched--for these reasons, - I was willingto overlook his eccentricities, though indeed, occasionally, + I was willingto overlook his eccentricities, though indeed, occasionally, I remonstrated with him. I did this very gently, however, because, though the civilest, nay, the blandest and most reverential of men in the morning, yet in the afternoon he was disposed, upon provocation, to be slightly rash with his tongue, in fact, insolent. Now, valuing his morning services as I did, and resolved not to lose them; yet, at the same time made uncomfortable - by his inflamed ways after twelve o'clock; and being a man - of peace, unwilling by my admonitions to call forth unseemingly + by his inflamed ways after twelve o'clock; and being a man + of peace, unwilling by my admonitions to call forth unseemingly retorts from him; I took upon me, one Saturday noon (he was always worse on Saturdays), to hint to him, very kindly, that perhaps now that he was growing old, it might be well to abridge his labors; in short, he need not come to my chambers after twelve o'clock, but, dinner over, had best go home to his lodgings and rest himself till tea-time. But no; he insisted - upon his afternoon devotions. His countenance became + upon his afternoon devotions. His countenance became intolerably fervid, as he oratorically assured me--gesticulating with a long ruler at the other end of the room--that if his services in the morning were useful, how indispensible, then, in the afternoon?
-"With - submission, sir," said Turkey on this occasion, "I consider +
"With + submission, sir," said Turkey on this occasion, "I consider myself your right-hand man. In the morning I but marshal and deploy my - columns; but in the afternoon I - put myself at their head, and gallantly charge the foe, - thus!"--and he made a violent - thrust with the ruler.
+ columns; but in the afternoon I + put myself at their head, and gallantly charge the foe, + thus!"--and he made a violent + thrust with the ruler."But the blots, Turkey," intimated I.
"True,--but, with submission, sir, behold these hairs! I am getting old. Surely, sir, a blot or two of a warm afternoon is not the page--is honorable. With submission, sir, we both are getting old."
-This - appeal to my fellow-feeling was hardly to be resisted. At +
This + appeal to my fellow-feeling was hardly to be resisted. At all events, I saw that go he would not. So I made up my mind to let him stay, resolving, nevertheless, to see to it, that during the afternoon he had to do with my less important papers.
Nippers, the second on my list, was a whiskered, sallow, and, upon the - whole, rather piratical-looking young man of about + whole, rather piratical-looking young man of about five and twenty. I always deemed him the victim of two evil powers-- ambition and indigestion. The ambition was evinced by a certain impatience of the - duties of a mere - copyist, an unwarrantable usurpation of strictly profession - affairs, such as the original - drawing up of legal documents. The indigestion seemed betokened + duties of a mere + copyist, an unwarrantable usurpation of strictly profession + affairs, such as the original + drawing up of legal documents. The indigestion seemed betokened in an occasional nervous testiness and grinning irritability, causing the teeth to audibly grind together over mistakes committed in copying; unnecessary maledictions, hissed, rather than spoken, in the heat of business; and - especially by a continual - discontent with the height of the table where he worked. + especially by a continual + discontent with the height of the table where he worked. Though of a very ingenious mechanical turn, Nippers could never get this table to suit him. He put chips under it, blocks of various sorts, bits of pasteboard, and at last went so far as to attempt an exquisite adjustment @@ -165,61 +165,61 @@ circulation in his arms. If now he lowered the table to his waistbands, and stooped over it in writing, then there was a sore aching in his back. In short, the truth of the matter was, Nippers knew not what he wanted. - Or, if - he wanted anything, it was to be rid of a scrivener's table + Or, if + he wanted anything, it was to be rid of a scrivener's table altogether. Among the manifestations of his diseased ambition was a fondness he had for receiving visits from certain ambiguous-looking fellows in seedy coats, whom he called his clients. Indeed I was aware that not only was he, at times, considerable of a ward-politician, but he occasionally did - a little businessat the Justices' courts, and was not unknown on the + a little businessat the Justices' courts, and was not unknown on the steps of the Tombs. I have good reason to believe, however, that one individual who called upon him at my chambers, and who, with a grand air, he insisted was his client, was no other than a dun, and the alleged title-deed, a bill. But with all his failings, and the annoyances he caused me, Nippers, - like his compatriot Turkey, was a very useful - man to me; wrote a neat, swift hand; and, when he chose, + like his compatriot Turkey, was a very useful + man to me; wrote a neat, swift hand; and, when he chose, was not deficient in a gentlemanly sort of deportment. Added to this, he - always dressedin a gentlemanly sort of way; and so, incidentally, + always dressedin a gentlemanly sort of way; and so, incidentally, reflected credit upon my chambers. Whereas with respect to Turkey, I had much ado to keep him from being a reproach to me. His clothes were apt to look oily and smell of eating-houses. He wore his pantaloons very loose and baggy in summer. His coats were execrable; his hat not to be handled. - But while the hat was a thing of indifference to + But while the hat was a thing of indifference to me, inasmuch as his natural civility and deference, as a dependent Englishman, always led him to doff it the moment he entered the room, yet his coat was another matter. Concerning his coats, I reasoned with him; but with no effect. The truth was, I suppose, that a man with so small an income, could not afford to sport such a lustrous face and a lustrous coat at one and the same time. As Nippers once observed, Turkey's money went chiefly - for red ink. One winter day - I presented Turkey with a highly-respectable looking coat + for red ink. One winter day + I presented Turkey with a highly-respectable looking coat of my own, a padded gray coat, of a most comfortable warmth, and which buttoned straight up from the knee to the neck. I thought Turkey would appreciate the favor, and abate his rashness and obstreperousness of afternoons. But no. I verily believe that buttoning himself up in so downy and blanket-like a coat had a pernicious effect upon him; upon the same principle that too - much oats are bad for horses. In fact, precisely as a rash, restive horse - is said to feel his oats, so Turkey felt his coat. It made + much oats are bad for horses. In fact, precisely as a rash, restive horse + is said to feel his oats, so Turkey felt his coat. It made him insolent. He was a man whom prosperity harmed.
Though concerning the self-indulgent habits of Turkey I had my own private surmises, yet touching Nippers I was well persuaded that whatever might be his faults in other respects, he was, at least, a temperate young man. - But indeed, nature herself seemed to have been his vintner, and at his birth charged + But indeed, nature herself seemed to have been his vintner, and at his birth charged him so thoroughly with an irritable, brandy-like disposition, that all subsequent potations were needless. When I consider how, amid the stillness of my chambers, Nippers would sometimes impatiently rise from his seat, and stooping over his table, spread his arms wide apart, seize the whole desk, and move it, and jerk it, with a grim, grinding motion on the floor, - as if the table were a perverse - voluntary agent, intent on thwarting and vexing him; I plainly + as if the table were a perverse + voluntary agent, intent on thwarting and vexing him; I plainly perceive that for Nippers, brandy and water were altogether superfluous.
It was fortunate for me that, owing to its course--indigestion--the irritability and consequent nervousness of Nippers, were mainly observable in the morning, while in the afternoon he was comparatively mild. So that Turkey's paroxysms only coming on about twelve o'clock, I never had to do with their eccentricities at one time. Their fits relieved each other like guards. When Nippers' - was on, Turkey's was off, and vice versa. This was a good - natural arrangement under the circumstances.
+ was on, Turkey's was off, and vice versa. This was a good + natural arrangement under the circumstances.Ginger Nut, the third on my list, was a lad some twelve years old. His father was a carman, ambitious of seeing his son on the bench instead of a cart, before he died. So he sent him to my office as a student at law, @@ -227,11 +227,11 @@ He had a little desk to himself, but he did not use it much. Upon inspection, the drawer exhibited a great array of the shells of various sorts of nuts. Indeed, to this quick-witted youth the whole noble science of the law was - contained in a nut-shell. Not the least among the employments of Ginger + contained in a nut-shell. Not the least among the employments of Ginger Nut, as well as one which he discharged with the most alacrity, was his duty as cake and apple purveyor for Turkey and Nippers. Copying law papers - being proverbially a dry, - husky sort of business, my two scriveners were fain to moisten + being proverbially a dry, + husky sort of business, my two scriveners were fain to moisten their mouths very often with Spitzenbergs to be had at the numerous stalls nigh the Custom House and Post Office. Also, they sent Ginger Nut very frequently for that peculiar cake--small, flat, round, and very spicy--after @@ -241,79 +241,79 @@ scrape of his pen blending with the crunching of the crisp particles in his mouth. Of all the fiery afternoon blunders and flurried rashnesses of Turkey, was his once moistening a ginger-cake between his lips, and - clapping it on to a mortgage for a seal. I - came within an ace of dismissing him then. But he mollified + clapping it on to a mortgage for a seal. I + came within an ace of dismissing him then. But he mollified me by making an oriental bow, and saying--"With submission, sir, it was - generous of me to - find you in stationery on my own account."
-Now my original business--that of a conveyancer - and title hunter, and drawer-up of recondite documents of + generous of me to + find you in stationery on my own account."
+Now my original business--that of a conveyancer + and title hunter, and drawer-up of recondite documents of all sorts--was considerably increased by receiving the master's office. There was now great work for scriveners. Not only must I push the clerks already with me, but I must have additional help. In answer to my advertisement, a motionless young man one morning, stood upon my office threshold, the - door being open, for it was summer. I can see that figure now--pallidly - neat, pitiably respectable, incurably forlorn! It was Bartleby.
+ door being open, for it was summer. I can see that figure now--pallidly + neat, pitiably respectable, incurably forlorn! It was Bartleby.After a few words touching his qualifications, I engaged him, glad to - have among my - corps of copyists a man of so singularly - sedate an aspect, which I thought might operate beneficially + have among my + corps of copyists a man of so singularly + sedate an aspect, which I thought might operate beneficially upon the flighty temper of Turkey, and the fiery one of Nippers.
I should have stated before that ground glass folding-doors divided my premises into two parts, one of which was occupied by my scriveners, the - other by myself. According - to my humor I threw open these doors, or closed them. I resolved + other by myself. According + to my humor I threw open these doors, or closed them. I resolved to assign Bartleby a corner by the folding-doors, but on my side of them, - so as to have this quiet man within easy call, in case any trifling - thing was to be done. I placed his desk close up to a small + so as to have this quiet man within easy call, in case any trifling + thing was to be done. I placed his desk close up to a small side window in that part of the room, a window which originally had afforded a lateral view of certain grimy back-yards and bricks, but which, owing - to subsequent - erections, commanded at present no view at all, though it + to subsequent + erections, commanded at present no view at all, though it gave some light. Within three feet of the panes was a wall, and the light came down from far above, between two lofty buildings, as from a very small opening in a dome. Still further to a satisfactory arrangement, I procured - a high green folding screen, which might entirely isolate Bartleby - from my sight, though not remove him from my - voice. And thus, in a manner, privacy and society were - conjoined. + a high green folding screen, which might entirely isolate Bartleby + from my sight, though not remove him from my + voice. And thus, in a manner, privacy and society were + conjoined.
At first Bartleby did an extraordinary quantity of writing. As if long - famishingfor something to copy, he seemed to gorge himself on my documents. There + famishingfor something to copy, he seemed to gorge himself on my documents. There was no pause for digestion. He ran a day and night line, copying by sun-light and by candle-light. I should have been quite delighted with his application, - had be been cheerfully - industrious. But he wrote on silently, palely, mechanically. + had be been cheerfully + industrious. But he wrote on silently, palely, mechanically.
It is, of course, an indispensable part of a scrivener's business to verify the accuracy of his copy, word by word. Where there are two or more scriveners in an office, they assist each other in this examination, one reading from - the copy, the other holding the original. It is a very - dull, wearisome, and lethargic affair. I can readily imagine - that to some sanguine temperaments it would be altogether - intolerable. For example, I cannot credit that the mettlesome - poet Byron would have contentedly sat down with Bartleby + the copy, the other holding the original. It is a very + dull, wearisome, and lethargic affair. I can readily imagine + that to some sanguine temperaments it would be altogether + intolerable. For example, I cannot credit that the mettlesome + poet Byron would have contentedly sat down with Bartleby to examine a law document of, say five hundred pages, closely written in a crimpy hand.
Now and then, in the haste of business, it had been my habit to assist in comparing some brief document myself, calling Turkey or Nippers for this purpose. One object I had in placing Bartleby so handy to me behind - the screen, was to avail myself of his services on such trivial - occasions. It was on the third day, I think, of his being + the screen, was to avail myself of his services on such trivial + occasions. It was on the third day, I think, of his being with me, and before any necessity had arisen for having his own writing examined, that, being much hurried to complete a small affair I had in - hand, I abruptly called to Bartleby. In my haste and natural - expectancy of instant compliance, I sat with my head bent + hand, I abruptly called to Bartleby. In my haste and natural + expectancy of instant compliance, I sat with my head bent over the original on my desk, and my right hand sideways, and somewhat nervously extended with the copy, so that immediately upon emerging from - his retreat, Bartleby might snatch it and proceed to business without + his retreat, Bartleby might snatch it and proceed to business without the least delay.
In this very attitude did I sit when I called to him, rapidly stating what it was I wanted him to do--namely, to examine a small paper with me. Imagine my surprise, nay, my consternation, when without moving from his - privacy, Bartleby in a singularly mild, - firm voice, replied,"I - would prefer not to." + privacy, Bartleby in a singularly mild, + firm voice, replied,"I + would prefer not to."
I sat awhile in perfect silence, rallying my stunned faculties. Immediately it occurred to me that my ears had deceived me, or Bartleby had entirely @@ -321,19 +321,19 @@ could assume. But in quite as clear a one came the previous reply, "I would prefer not to."
"Prefer not to," echoed I, rising in high excitement, and crossing the - room with a stride, "What do you mean? Are you moon-struck? I want you to help me + room with a stride, "What do you mean? Are you moon-struck? I want you to help me compare this sheet here--take it," and I thrust it towards him.
"I would prefer not to," said he.
I looked at him steadfastly. His face was leanly composed; his gray eye dimly calm. Not a wrinkle of agitation rippled him. Had there been the least uneasiness, anger, impatience or impertinence in his manner; in other - words, had there been any thing ordinarily - human about him, doubtless I - should have violently dismissed him from the premises. But - as it was, I should have as soon thought of turning my pale plaster-of-paris - bust of Cicero out of doors. I stood gazing at him awhile, + words, had there been any thing ordinarily + human about him, doubtless I + should have violently dismissed him from the premises. But + as it was, I should have as soon thought of turning my pale plaster-of-paris + bust of Cicero out of doors. I stood gazing at him awhile, as he went on with his own writing, and then reseated myself at my desk. - This is very strange, thought I. What had one best do? But my business hurried + This is very strange, thought I. What had one best do? But my business hurried me. I concluded to forget the matter for the present, reserving it for my future leisure. So calling Nippers from the other room, the paper was speedily examined.
@@ -345,30 +345,30 @@ four copies in the hands of my four clerks, while I should read from the original. Accordingly Turkey, Nippers and Ginger Nut had taken their seats in a row, each with his document in hand, when I called to Bartleby to - join this interesting - group. + join this interesting + group."Bartleby! quick, I am waiting."
I heard a low scrape of his chair legs on the unscraped floor, and soon - he appeared standing at the entrance of his hermitage. + he appeared standing at the entrance of his hermitage.
"What is wanted?" said he mildly.
"The copies, the copies," said I hurriedly. "We are going to examine them. There"--and I held towards him the fourth quadruplicate.
"I would prefer not to," he said, and gently disappeared behind the screen.
-For a few moments I was turned into a - pillar of salt, standing at the head of my seated column - of clerks. Recovering myself, I advanced towards the screen, and demanded +
For a few moments I was turned into a + pillar of salt, standing at the head of my seated column + of clerks. Recovering myself, I advanced towards the screen, and demanded the reason for such extraordinary conduct.
"Why do you refuse?"
"I would prefer not to."
-With any other man I should have flown - outright into a dreadful passion, scorned all further words, +
With any other man I should have flown + outright into a dreadful passion, scorned all further words, and thrust him ignominiously from my presence. But there was something about Bartleby that not only strangely disarmed me, but in a wonderful manner touched and disconcerted me. I began to reason with him.
"These are your own copies we are about to examine. It is labor saving - to you, because one examination will answer for your four papers. It - is common usage. Every copyist is bound to help examine his + to you, because one examination will answer for your four papers. It + is common usage. Every copyist is bound to help examine his copy. Is it not so? Will you not speak? Answer!"
"I prefer not to," he replied in a flute-like tone. It seemed to me that while I had been addressing him, he carefully revolved every statement @@ -377,15 +377,15 @@ with him to reply as he did.
"You are decided, then, not to comply with my request--a request made according to common usage and common sense?"
-He briefly gave me to understand that on that point my - judgment was sound. Yes: his decision was irreversible.
-It is not seldom the case that when a man is browbeaten in some unprecedented and - violently unreasonable way, he - begins to stagger in his own plainest faith. He begins, as +
He briefly gave me to understand that on that point my + judgment was sound. Yes: his decision was irreversible.
+It is not seldom the case that when a man is browbeaten in some unprecedented and + violently unreasonable way, he + begins to stagger in his own plainest faith. He begins, as it were, vaguely to surmise that, wonderful as it may be, all the justice and all the reason is on the other side. Accordingly, if any disinterested persons are present, he turns to them for some reinforcement for his own - faltering mind. + faltering mind.
"Turkey," said I, "what do you think of this? Am I not right?"
"With submission, sir," said Turkey, with his blandest tone, "I think @@ -401,10 +401,10 @@
"I think, sir, he's a little luny," replied Ginger Nut, with a grin.
"You hear what they say," said I, turning towards the screen, "come forth - and do - your duty."
+ and do + your duty."But he vouchsafed no reply. I pondered a moment in sore perplexity. But - once more business hurried me. I determined again to postpone the consideration + once more business hurried me. I determined again to postpone the consideration of this dilemma to my future leisure. With a little trouble we made out to examine the papers without Bartleby, though at every page or two, Turkey deferentially dropped his opinion that this proceeding was quite out of @@ -419,8 +419,8 @@ His late remarkable conduct led me to regard his way narrowly. I observed that he never went to dinner; indeed that he never went any where. As yet I had never of my personal knowledge known him to be outside of my office. - He was a perpetual - sentry in the corner. At about eleven o'clock though, in + He was a perpetual + sentry in the corner. At about eleven o'clock though, in the morning, I noticed that Ginger Nut would advance toward the opening in Bartleby's screen, as if silently beckoned thither by a gesture invisible to me where I sat. That boy would then leave the office jingling a few @@ -428,43 +428,43 @@ the hermitage, receiving two of the cakes for his trouble.
He lives, then, on ginger-nuts, thought I; never eats a dinner, properly speaking; he must be a vegetarian then, but no; he never eats even vegetables, - he eats - nothing but ginger-nuts. My mind then ran on in reveries + he eats + nothing but ginger-nuts. My mind then ran on in reveries concerning the probable effects upon the human constitution of living entirely on ginger-nuts. Ginger-nuts are so called because they contain ginger as one of their peculiar constituents, and the final flavoring one. Now what was ginger? A hot, spicy thing. Was Bartleby hot and spicy? Not at all. - Ginger, then, had no effect upon Bartleby. Probably - he preferred it should have none. + Ginger, then, had no effect upon Bartleby. Probably + he preferred it should have none.
-Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive - resistance. If the individual so resisted be of a not inhumane +
Nothing so aggravates an earnest person as a passive + resistance. If the individual so resisted be of a not inhumane temper, and the resisting one perfectly harmless in his passivity; then, - in the better moods of the former, he will endeavor charitably to construe - to his imagination what proves impossible to be solved by + in the better moods of the former, he will endeavor charitably to construe + to his imagination what proves impossible to be solved by his judgment. Even so, for the most part, I regarded Bartleby and his ways. Poor fellow! thought I, he means no mischief; it is plain he intends no insolence; his aspect sufficiently evinces that his eccentricities are - involuntary. He - is useful to me. I can get along with him. If I turn him + involuntary. He + is useful to me. I can get along with him. If I turn him away, the chances are he will fall in with some less indulgent employer, and then he will be rudely treated, and perhaps driven forth miserably - to starve. Yes. Here I - can cheaply purchase a delicious self-approval. To befriend + to starve. Yes. Here I + can cheaply purchase a delicious self-approval. To befriend Bartleby; to humor him in his strange willfulness, will cost me little - or nothing, while I lay up in my soul what will eventually prove a sweet - morsel for my conscience. But this mood was not invariable + or nothing, while I lay up in my soul what will eventually prove a sweet + morsel for my conscience. But this mood was not invariable with me. The passiveness of Bartleby sometimes irritated me. I felt strangely goaded on to encounter him in new opposition, to elicit some angry spark from him answerable to my own. But indeed I might as well have essayed - to strike fire with my knuckles against a bit of Windsor - soap. But one afternoon the evil impulse in me mastered + to strike fire with my knuckles against a bit of Windsor + soap. But one afternoon the evil impulse in me mastered me, and the following little scene ensued:
"Bartleby," said I, "when those papers are all copied, I will compare them with you."
"I would prefer not to."
-"How? Surely you do not mean to persist in that mulish - vagary?"
+"How? Surely you do not mean to persist in that mulish + vagary?"
No answer.
I threw open the folding-doors near by, and turning upon Turkey and Nippers, exclaimed in an excited manner--
@@ -474,8 +474,8 @@ his bald head steaming, his hands reeling among his blotted papers."Think of it?" roared Turkey; "I think I'll just step behind his screen, and black his eyes for him!"
-So saying, Turkey rose to his feet and threw his arms into a pugilistic - position. He was hurrying away to make good his promise, +
So saying, Turkey rose to his feet and threw his arms into a pugilistic + position. He was hurrying away to make good his promise, when I detained him, alarmed at the effect of incautiously rousing Turkey's combativeness after dinner.
"Sit down, Turkey," said I, "and hear what Nippers has to say. What do @@ -492,63 +492,63 @@
"You refer to Bartleby, I suppose. No, not to-day, Turkey," I replied; "pray, put up your fists."
I closed the doors, and again advanced towards Bartleby. I felt additional - incentives tempting me to my fate. I - burned to be rebelled against again. I remembered that Bartleby + incentives tempting me to my fate. I + burned to be rebelled against again. I remembered that Bartleby never left the office.
-"Bartleby," said I, "Ginger Nut is away; just step round to the Post - Office, won't you? (it was but a three minutes walk,) and +
"Bartleby," said I, "Ginger Nut is away; just step round to the Post + Office, won't you? (it was but a three minutes walk,) and see if there is any thing for me."
"I would prefer not to."
"You will not?"
"I prefer not."
-I staggered to my desk, and sat there - in a deep study. My blind - inveteracy returned. Was there any other thing in which I - could procure myself to be ignominiously repulsed by this lean, - penniless with?--my - hired clerk? What added thing is there, perfectly reasonable, +
I staggered to my desk, and sat there + in a deep study. My blind + inveteracy returned. Was there any other thing in which I + could procure myself to be ignominiously repulsed by this lean, + penniless with?--my + hired clerk? What added thing is there, perfectly reasonable, that he will be sure to refuse to do?
"Bartleby!"
No answer.
"Bartleby," in a louder tone.
No answer.
"Bartleby," I roared.
-Like a - very ghost, agreeably to the laws of magical invocation, +
Like a + very ghost, agreeably to the laws of magical invocation, at the third summons, he appeared at the entrance of his hermitage.
"Go to the next room, and tell Nippers to come to me."
-"I prefer not to," he respectfully - and slowly said, and mildly disappeared.
+"I prefer not to," he respectfully + and slowly said, and mildly disappeared.
"Very good, Bartleby," said I, in a quiet sort of serenely severe self-possessed - tone, intimating the unalterable purpose of some terrible - retribution very close at hand. At the moment I half intended + tone, intimating the unalterable purpose of some terrible + retribution very close at hand. At the moment I half intended something of the kind. But upon the whole, as it was drawing towards my dinner-hour, I thought it best to put on my hat and walk home for the day, - suffering much from perplexity and distress of mind.
-Shall - I acknowledge it? The conclusion of this whole business was + suffering much from perplexity and distress of mind.
+Shall + I acknowledge it? The conclusion of this whole business was that it soon became a fixed fact of my chambers, that a pale young scrivener, by the name of Bartleby, had a desk there; that he copied for me at the - usual rate of four - cents a folio (one hundred words); but he was permanently + usual rate of four + cents a folio (one hundred words); but he was permanently exempt from examining the work done by him, that duty being transferred to Turkey and Nippers, one of compliment doubtless to their superior acuteness; moreover, said Bartleby was never on any account to be dispatched on the most trivial errand of any sort; and that even if entreated to take upon him such a matter, it was generally understood that he would prefer not - to--in other words, that he would refuse point-blank. + to--in other words, that he would refuse point-blank.
32 As days passed on, I became considerably reconciled to Bartleby. His steadiness, his freedom from all dissipation, his incessant industry (except when he chose to throw himself into a standing revery behind his screen), his great stillness, his unalterableness of demeanor under all circumstances, - made him a - valuable acquisition. One prime thing was this,--he was + made him a + valuable acquisition. One prime thing was this,--he was always there;--first in the morning, continually through the day, and the last at night. I had a singular confidence in his honesty. I felt my most precious papers perfectly safe in his hands. Sometimes to be sure I could - not, for - the very soul of me, avoid falling into sudden spasmodic + not, for + the very soul of me, avoid falling into sudden spasmodic passions with him. For it was exceeding difficult to bear in mind all the time those strange peculiarities, privileges, and unheard of exemptions, forming the tacit stipulations on Bartleby's part under which he remained @@ -556,40 +556,40 @@ I would inadvertently summon Bartleby, in a short, rapid tone, to put his finger, say, on the incipient tie of a bit of red tape with which I was about compressing some papers. Of course, from behind the screen the usual - answer, "I prefer not to," was sure to come; and then, how - could a human creature with the common infirmities of our + answer, "I prefer not to," was sure to come; and then, how + could a human creature with the common infirmities of our nature, refrain from bitterly exclaiming upon such perverseness--such unreasonableness. - However, every added repulse of this sort which I received only tended - to lessen the probability of my repeating the inadvertence.
+ However, every added repulse of this sort which I received only tended + to lessen the probability of my repeating the inadvertence.Here is must be said, that according to the custom of most legal gentlemen occupying chambers in densely-populated law buildings, there were several keys to my door. One was kept by a woman residing in the attic, which person weekly scrubbed and daily swept and dusted my apartments. Another was kept by Turkey for convenience sake. The third I sometimes carried in my own pocket. The fourth I knew not who had.
-Now, one Sunday morning I happened to go to Trinity Church, to - hear a celebrated preacher, and finding myself rather early +
Now, one Sunday morning I happened to go to Trinity Church, to + hear a celebrated preacher, and finding myself rather early on the ground, I thought I would walk round to my chambers for a while. Luckily I had my key with me; but upon applying it to the lock, I found it resisted by something inserted from the inside. Quite surprised, I called out; when to my consternation a key was turned from within; and thrusting - his lean visage at me, and holding the door ajar, the - apparition of Bartleby appeared, in his shirt sleeves, and + his lean visage at me, and holding the door ajar, the + apparition of Bartleby appeared, in his shirt sleeves, and otherwise in a strangely tattered dishabille, saying quietly that he was sorry, but he was deeply engaged just then, and--preferred not admitting me at present. In a brief word or two, he moreover added, that perhaps I had better walk round the block two or three times, and by that time - he would probably have concluded his affairs. Now, the utterly unsurmised - appearance of Bartleby, tenanting my law-chambers of a Sunday - morning, with his cadaverously gentlemanly nonchalance, + he would probably have concluded his affairs. Now, the utterly unsurmised + appearance of Bartleby, tenanting my law-chambers of a Sunday + morning, with his cadaverously gentlemanly nonchalance, yet withal firm and self-possessed, had such a strange effect upon me, that incontinently I slunk away from my own door, and did as desired. But not without sundry twinges of impotent rebellion against the mild effrontery of this unaccountable scrivener. Indeed, it was his wonderful mildness - chiefly, which not only disarmed me, but unmanned me, as it were. For I consider + chiefly, which not only disarmed me, but unmanned me, as it were. For I consider that one, for the time, is a sort of unmanned when he tranquilly permits - his hired clerk to dictate to him, and order - him away from his own premises. Furthermore, I was full of + his hired clerk to dictate to him, and order + him away from his own premises. Furthermore, I was full of uneasiness as to what Bartleby could possibly be doing in my office in his shirt sleeves, and in an otherwise dismantled condition of a Sunday morning. Was any thing amiss going on? Nay, that was out of the question. @@ -598,8 +598,8 @@ his eccentricities, Bartleby was an eminently decorous person. He would be the last man to sit down to his desk in any state approaching to nudity. Besides, it was Sunday; and there was something about Bartleby that forbade - the supposition that we would by any secular occupation violate the - proprieties of the day.
+ the supposition that we would by any secular occupation violate the + proprieties of the day.Nevertheless, my mind was not pacified; and full of a restless curiosity, at last I returned to the door. Without hindrance I inserted my key, opened it, and entered. Bartleby was not to be seen. I looked round anxiously, @@ -612,37 +612,37 @@ brush; on a chair, a tin basin, with soap and a ragged towel; in a newspaper a few crumbs of ginger-nuts and a morsel of cheese. Yet, thought I, it is evident enough that Bartleby has been making his home here, keeping - bachelor's hallall by himself. Immediately then the thought came sweeping + bachelor's hallall by himself. Immediately then the thought came sweeping across me, What miserable friendlessness and loneliness are here revealed! - His poverty is great; but his solitude, how - horrible! Think of it. Of a Sunday, Wall-street is deserted - as Petra; and every night of every day + His poverty is great; but his solitude, how + horrible! Think of it. Of a Sunday, Wall-street is deserted + as Petra; and every night of every day it is an emptiness. This building too, which of week-days hums with industry and life, at nightfall echoes with sheer vacancy, and all through Sunday is forlorn. And here Bartleby makes his home; sole spectator of a solitude - which he has seen all populous--a sort of innocent and transformed Marius - brooding among the ruins of Carthage! + which he has seen all populous--a sort of innocent and transformed Marius + brooding among the ruins of Carthage!
-For the first - time in my life a feeling of overpowering stinging melancholy +
For the first + time in my life a feeling of overpowering stinging melancholy seized me. Before, I had never experienced aught but a not-unpleasing sadness. The bond of a common humanity now drew me irresistibly to gloom. A fraternal - melancholy! For both I and Bartleby were sons - of Adam. I remembered the bright silks and sparkling faces + melancholy! For both I and Bartleby were sons + of Adam. I remembered the bright silks and sparkling faces I had seen that day in gala trim, swan-like sailing down the Mississippi of Broadway; and I contrasted them with the pallid copyist, and thought to myself, Ah, happiness courts the light, so we deem the world is gay; but misery hides aloof, so we deem that misery there is none. These sad - fancyings-- chimeras, doubtless, of a sick and + fancyings-- chimeras, doubtless, of a sick and silly brain--led on to other and more special thoughts, concerning the eccentricities of Bartleby. Presentiments of strange discoveries hovered - round me. The scrivener's pale form appeared to me laid - out, among uncaring strangers, in its shivering winding + round me. The scrivener's pale form appeared to me laid + out, among uncaring strangers, in its shivering winding sheet.
Suddenly I was attracted by Bartleby's closed desk, the key in open sight left in the lock.
-I - mean no mischief, seek the gratification of no heartless +
I + mean no mischief, seek the gratification of no heartless curiosity, thought I; besides, the desk is mine, and its contents too, so I will make bold to look within. Every thing was methodically arranged, the papers smoothly placed. The pigeon holes were deep, and removing the @@ -661,20 +661,20 @@ at present; that he had declined telling who he was, or whence he came, or whether he had any relatives in the world; that though so thin and pale, he never complained of ill health. And more than all, I remembered a certain - unconscious air of pallid--how shall I call it?--of pallid - haughtiness, say, or rather an austere reserve about him, + unconscious air of pallid--how shall I call it?--of pallid + haughtiness, say, or rather an austere reserve about him, which had positively awed me into my tame compliance with his eccentricities, when I had feared to ask him to do the slightest incidental thing for me, even though I might know, from his long-continued motionlessness, that - behind his screen he must be standing in one of those dead-wall - reveries of his.
+ behind his screen he must be standing in one of those dead-wall + reveries of his.Revolving all these things, and coupling them with the recently discovered fact that he made my office his constant abiding place and home, and not - forgetful of his morbid moodiness; revolving all these things, a prudential - feeling began to steal over me. My first emotions had been + forgetful of his morbid moodiness; revolving all these things, a prudential + feeling began to steal over me. My first emotions had been those of pure melancholy and sincerest pity; but just in proportion as the forlornness of Bartleby grew and grew to my imagination, did that same - melancholy merge into fear, that pity into repulsion. So + melancholy merge into fear, that pity into repulsion. So true it is, and so terrible too, that up to a certain point the thought or sight of misery enlists our best affections; but, in certain special cases, beyond that point it does not. They err who would assert that invariably @@ -683,16 +683,16 @@ ill. To a sensitive being, pity is not seldom pain. And when at last it is perceived that such pity cannot lead to effectual succor, common sense bids the soul be rid of it. What I saw that morning persuaded me that the - scrivener was the victim of - innate and incurable disorder. I might give alms to his body; - but his body did not pain him; it was his soul that suffered, and his - soul I could not reach. + scrivener was the victim of + innate and incurable disorder. I might give alms to his body; + but his body did not pain him; it was his soul that suffered, and his + soul I could not reach.
I did not accomplish the purpose of going to Trinity Church that morning. - Somehow, the - things I had seen disqualified me for the time from church-going. + Somehow, the + things I had seen disqualified me for the time from church-going. I walked homeward, thinking what I would do with Bartleby. Finally, I - resolvedupon this;--I would put certain calm questions to him the + resolvedupon this;--I would put certain calm questions to him the next morning, touching his history, &c., and if he declined to answer then openly and reservedly (and I supposed he would prefer not), then to give him a twenty dollar bill over and above whatever I might owe him, @@ -709,56 +709,56 @@ to ask you to do any thing you would prefer not to do--I simply wish to speak to you."
Upon this he noiselessly slid into view.
-"Will you tell me, Bartleby, where - you were born?" +
"Will you tell me, Bartleby, where + you were born?"
"I would prefer not to."
"Will you tell me anything about yourself?"
"I would prefer not to."
-"But what reasonable - objection can you have to speak to me? I feel friendly towards +
"But what reasonable + objection can you have to speak to me? I feel friendly towards you."
He did not look at me while I spoke, but kept his glance fixed upon my - bust of Cicero, which as I then sat, was directly behind me, some + bust of Cicero, which as I then sat, was directly behind me, some six inches above my head. "What is your answer, Bartleby?" said I, after waiting a considerable time for a reply, during which his countenance remained - immovable, only there was the faintest - conceivable tremor of the white attenuated mouth.
+ immovable, only there was the faintest + conceivable tremor of the white attenuated mouth."At present I prefer to give no answer," he said, and retired into his hermitage.
It was rather weak in me I confess, but his manner on this occasion nettled - me. Not only did there seem to lurk in it a certain disdain, but his - perverseness seemed ungrateful, considering the undeniable + me. Not only did there seem to lurk in it a certain disdain, but his + perverseness seemed ungrateful, considering the undeniable good usage and indulgence he had received from me.
-Again I sat ruminating what I should do.Mortified as I was at his behavior, +
Again I sat ruminating what I should do.Mortified as I was at his behavior, and resolved as I had been to dismiss him when I entered my office, nevertheless I strangely felt something superstitious knocking at my heart, and forbidding me to carry out my purpose, and denouncing me for a villain if I dared to breathe one bitter word against this forlornest of mankind. At last, familiarly drawing my chair behind his screen, I sat down and said: "Bartleby, never mind then about revealing your history; but let me entreat you, - as a friend, to comply as far as may be with the usages of this office. + as a friend, to comply as far as may be with the usages of this office. Say now you will help to examine papers tomorrow or next day: in short, say now that in a day or two you will begin to be a little reasonable:--say so, Bartleby."
-"At present I would prefer not to be a little reasonable - was his idly cadaverous reply.,"
+"At present I would prefer not to be a little reasonable + was his idly cadaverous reply.,"
Just then the folding-doors opened, and Nippers approached. He seemed suffering from an unusually bad night's rest, induced by severer indigestion than common. He overheard those final words of Bartleby.
-"Prefer not, +
"Prefer not, eh?" gritted Nippers--"I'd prefer him, if I were you, sir," addressing me--"I'd prefer him; I'd give him preferences, the stubborn mule! What is it, sir, pray, that he prefers not to do now?"
Bartleby moved not a limb.
-"Mr. - Nippers," said I, "I'd prefer that you would withdraw for the present." +
"Mr. + Nippers," said I, "I'd prefer that you would withdraw for the present."
Somehow, of late I had got into the way of involuntary using this word "prefer" upon all sorts of not exactly suitable occasions. And I trembled to think that my contact with the scrivener had already and seriously affected - me in a mental way. And what further and deeper aberration might it not yet produce? - This apprehension had not been without efficacy in determining me to summary + me in a mental way. And what further and deeper aberration might it not yet produce? + This apprehension had not been without efficacy in determining me to summary means.
As Nippers, looking very sour and sulky, was departing, Turkey blandly and deferentially approached.
@@ -769,63 +769,63 @@"So you have got the word too," said I, slightly excited.
"With submission, what word, sir," asked Turkey, respectfully crowding himself into the contracted space behind the screen, and by so doing, making - me jostle - the scrivener. "What word, sir?"
+ me jostle + the scrivener. "What word, sir?""I would prefer to be left alone here," said Bartleby, as if offended - at being mobbed - in his privacy. + at being mobbed + in his privacy.
"That's the word, Turkey," said I--"that's it."
"Oh, prefer oh yes--queer word. I never use it myself. But, sir as I was saying, if he would but prefer--"
"Turkey," interrupted I, "you will please withdraw."
-"Oh, certainly, sir, if - you prefer that I should."
+"Oh, certainly, sir, if + you prefer that I should."
As he opened the folding-door to retire, Nippers at his desk caught a glimpse of me, and asked whether I would prefer to have a certain paper copied on blue paper or white. He did not in the least roguishly accent the word prefer. It was plain that it involuntarily rolled from his tongue. - I thought to myself, surely I must get rid of a demented man, who already has in some + I thought to myself, surely I must get rid of a demented man, who already has in some degree turned the tongues, if not the heads of myself and clerks. But I - thought it prudent not to break the dismission + thought it prudent not to break the dismission at once.
-The next day I noticed that Bartleby - did nothing but stand at his window in his dead-wall revery. +
The next day I noticed that Bartleby + did nothing but stand at his window in his dead-wall revery. Upon asking him why he did not write, he said that he had decided upon doing no more writing.
"Why, how now? what next?" exclaimed I, "do no more writing?"
"No more."
"And what is the reason?"
-"Do - you not see the reason for yourself," he indifferently replied.
+"Do + you not see the reason for yourself," he indifferently replied.
I looked steadfastly at him, and perceived that his eyes looked dull and glazed. Instantly it occurred to me, that his unexampled diligence in copying by his dim window for the first few weeks of his stay with me might have - temporarily impaired - his vision.
+ temporarily impaired + his vision.I was touched. I said something in condolence with him. I hinted that of course he did wisely in abstaining from writing for a while; and urged him to embrace that opportunity of taking wholesome exercise in the open - air. This, however, he - did not do. A few days after this, my other clerks being + air. This, however, he + did not do. A few days after this, my other clerks being absent, and being in a great hurry to dispatch certain letters by the mail, I thought that, having nothing else earthly to do, Bartleby would surely - be less inflexible than usual, and carry these letters to - the post-office. But he blankly declined. So, much to my + be less inflexible than usual, and carry these letters to + the post-office. But he blankly declined. So, much to my inconvenience, I went myself.
-Still added - days went by. Whether Bartleby's eyes improved or not, I +
Still added + days went by. Whether Bartleby's eyes improved or not, I could not say. To all appearance, I thought they did. But when I asked him if they did, he vouchsafed no answer. At all events, he would do no copying. At last, in reply to my urgings, he informed me that he had permanently given up copying.
"What!" exclaimed I; "suppose your eyes should get entirely well- better than ever before--would you not copy then?"
-"I have given up copying," he answered, and slid - aside. +
"I have given up copying," he answered, and slid + aside.
-He remained as ever, a - fixture in my chamber. Nay--if that were possible--he became +
He remained as ever, a + fixture in my chamber. Nay--if that were possible--he became still more of a fixture than before. What was to be done? He would do nothing in the office: why should he stay there? In plain fact, he had now become a millstone to me, not only useless as a necklace, but afflictive to bear. @@ -833,8 +833,8 @@ own account, he occasioned me uneasiness. If he would but have named a single relative or friend, I would instantly have written, and urged their taking the poor fellow away to some convenient retreat. But he seemed alone, - absolutely alone in the universe. A - bit of wreck</font> in the mid Atlantic. At length, + absolutely alone in the universe. A + bit of wreck</font> in the mid Atlantic. At length, necessities connected with my business tyrannized over all other considerations. Decently as I could, I told Bartleby that in six days' time he must unconditionally leave the office. I warned him to take measures, in the interval, for procuring @@ -842,11 +842,11 @@ would but take the first step towards a removal. "And when you finally quit me, Bartleby," added I, "I shall see that you go not away entirely unprovided. Six days from this hour, remember."
-At the expiration of that period, I peeped behind the screen, and lo! - Bartleby was there. +
At the expiration of that period, I peeped behind the screen, and lo! + Bartleby was there.
-I buttoned - up my coat, balanced myself; advanced slowly towards him, +
I buttoned + up my coat, balanced myself; advanced slowly towards him, touched his shoulder, and said, "The time has come; you must quit this place; I am sorry for you; here is money; but you must go."
"I would prefer not," he replied, with his back still towards me.
@@ -854,11 +854,11 @@He remained silent.
Now I had an unbounded confidence in this man's common honesty. He had frequently restored to me six pences and shillings carelessly dropped upon - the floor, for I am apt to be very reckless in such shirt-button - affairs. The proceeding then which followed will not be - deemed extraordinary. "Bartleby," + the floor, for I am apt to be very reckless in such shirt-button + affairs. The proceeding then which followed will not be + deemed extraordinary. "Bartleby," said I, "I owe you twelve dollars on account; here are thirty-two; the - odd twenty are yours.--Will you take it? and I handed the + odd twenty are yours.--Will you take it? and I handed the bills towards him.
But he made no motion.
"I will leave them here then," putting them under a weight on the table. @@ -869,19 +869,19 @@ may have it in the morning. I shall not see you again; so good-bye to you. If hereafter in your new place of abode I can be of any service to you, do not fail to advise me by letter. Good-bye, Bartleby, and fare you well."
-But he answered not a word; like the - last column of some ruined temple, he remained standing +
But he answered not a word; like the + last column of some ruined temple, he remained standing mute and solitary in the middle of the otherwise deserted room.
-As I walked home in a pensive mood, my vanity - got the better of my pity. I could not but highly plume +
As I walked home in a pensive mood, my vanity + got the better of my pity. I could not but highly plume myself on my masterly management in getting rid of Bartleby. Masterly I call it, and such it must appear to any dispassionate thinker. The beauty of my procedure seemed to consist in its perfect quietness. There was - no vulgar bullying, no bravado of any sort, no choleric hectoring + no vulgar bullying, no bravado of any sort, no choleric hectoring and striding to and fro across the apartment, jerking out vehement commands for Bartleby to bundle himself off with his beggarly traps. Nothing of - the kind. Without loudly bidding Bartleby depart--as an - inferior genius might have done--I assumed the ground that + the kind. Without loudly bidding Bartleby depart--as an + inferior genius might have done--I assumed the ground that depart he must; and upon the assumption built all I had to say. The more I thought over my procedure, the more I was charmed with it. Nevertheless, next morning, upon awakening, I had my doubts,--I had somehow slept off @@ -891,8 +891,8 @@ rub. It was truly a beautiful thought to have assumed Bartleby's departure; but, after all, that assumption was simply my own, and none of Bartleby's. The great point was, not whether I had assumed that he would quit me, but - whether he would prefer so to do. He was more a man - of preferences than assumptions.
+ whether he would prefer so to do. He was more a man + of preferences than assumptions.After breakfast, I walked down town, arguing the probabilities pro and con. One moment I thought it would prove a miserable failure, and Bartleby would be found all alive at my office as usual; the next moment it seemed @@ -904,143 +904,143 @@
I was instinctively putting my hand in my pocket to produce my own, when I remembered that this was an election day. The words I had overheard bore no reference to Bartleby, but to the success or non-success of some candidate - for the mayoralty. In my intent frame of mind, I had, as it were, imagined - that all Broadway shared in my excitement, and were debating + for the mayoralty. In my intent frame of mind, I had, as it were, imagined + that all Broadway shared in my excitement, and were debating the same question with me. I passed on, very thankful that the uproar of the street screened my momentary absent-mindedness.
As I had intended, I was earlier than usual at my office door. I stood listening for a moment. All was still. He must be gone. I tried the knob. The door was locked. Yes, my procedure had worked to a charm; he indeed - must be vanished. Yet a certain melancholy mixed with this: I was almost - sorry for my brilliant success. I was fumbling under the + must be vanished. Yet a certain melancholy mixed with this: I was almost + sorry for my brilliant success. I was fumbling under the door mat for the key, which Bartleby was to have left there for me, when accidentally my knee knocked against a panel, producing a summoning sound, and in response a voice came to me from within--"Not yet; I am occupied."
It was Bartleby.
-I was thunderstruck. For an instant I stood like - the man who, pipe in mouth, was killed one cloudless afternoon +
I was thunderstruck. For an instant I stood like + the man who, pipe in mouth, was killed one cloudless afternoon long ago in Virginia, by summer lightning; at his own warm open window he was killed, and remained leaning out there upon the dreamy afternoon, till some one touched him, when he fell. "Not gone!" I murmured at last. - But again obeying that wondrous - ascendancy which the inscrutable scrivener had over me, and + But again obeying that wondrous + ascendancy which the inscrutable scrivener had over me, and from which ascendancy, for all my chafing, I could not completely escape, I slowly went down stairs and out into the street, and while walking round the block, considered what I should next do in this unheard-of-perplexity. Turn the man out by an actual thrusting I could not; to drive him away by calling him hard names would not do; calling in the police was an unpleasant - idea; and yet, permit - him to enjoy his cadaverous triumph over me,--this too I + idea; and yet, permit + him to enjoy his cadaverous triumph over me,--this too I could not think of. What was to be done? or, if nothing could be done, - was there any thing further that I could assume in the matter? Yes, as before + was there any thing further that I could assume in the matter? Yes, as before I had prospectively assumed that Bartleby would depart, so now I might retrospectively assume that departed he was. In the legitimate carrying out of this assumption, I might enter my office in a great hurry, and pretending not to see Bartleby at all, walk straight against him as if he were air. Such a proceeding would in a singular degree have the appearance of a - home-thrust. It was hardly possible that Bartleby could withstand + home-thrust. It was hardly possible that Bartleby could withstand such an application of the doctrine of assumptions. But upon second thoughts the success of the plan seemed rather dubious. I resolved to argue the matter over with him again.
Bartleby," said I, entering the office, with a quietly severe expression. "I am seriously displeased. I am pained, Bartleby. I had thought better - of you. I had imagined you of such a gentlemanly - organization, that in any delicate dilemma a slight hint + of you. I had imagined you of such a gentlemanly + organization, that in any delicate dilemma a slight hint would suffice--in short, an assumption. But it appears I am deceived. Why," - I added, unaffectedly - starting, "you have not even touched the money yet," pointing + I added, unaffectedly + starting, "you have not even touched the money yet," pointing to it, just where I had left it the evening previous.
He answered nothing.
-"Will you, or will you not, quit me?" I now demanded in a sudden - passion, advancing close to him.
-"I would prefer not to quit you," he replied, gently - emphasizing the not.
-"What earthly - right have you to stay here? do you pay any rent? Do you +
"Will you, or will you not, quit me?" I now demanded in a sudden + passion, advancing close to him.
+"I would prefer not to quit you," he replied, gently + emphasizing the not.
+"What earthly + right have you to stay here? do you pay any rent? Do you pay my taxes? Or is this property yours?"
He answered nothing.
"Are you ready to go on and write now? Are your eyes recovered? Could you copy a small paper for me this morning? or help examine a few lines? or step round to the post-office? In a word, will you do any thing at all, to give a coloring to your refusal to depart the premises?"
-He silently - retired into his hermitage.
+He silently + retired into his hermitage.
I was now in such a state of nervous resentment that I thought it but - prudentto check myself at present from further demonstrations. Bartleby - and I were alone. I - remembered the tragedy of the unfortunate Adams and the still + prudentto check myself at present from further demonstrations. Bartleby + and I were alone. I + remembered the tragedy of the unfortunate Adams and the still more unfortunate Colt in the solitary office of the latter; and how poor Colt, being dreadfully incensed by Adams, and imprudently permitting himself - to get wildly excited, was at unawares hurried into his fatal - act--an act which certainly no - man could possibly deplore more than the actor himself. Often - it had occurred to me in my ponderings upon the subject, that had + to get wildly excited, was at unawares hurried into his fatal + act--an act which certainly no + man could possibly deplore more than the actor himself. Often + it had occurred to me in my ponderings upon the subject, that had that altercation taken place in the public street, or at a private residence, it would not have terminated as it did. It was the circumstance of being alone in a solitary office, up stairs, of a building entirely unhallowed - by humanizing domestic associations--an uncarpeted - office, doubtless of a dusty, haggard sort of appearance;--this + by humanizing domestic associations--an uncarpeted + office, doubtless of a dusty, haggard sort of appearance;--this it must have been, which greatly helped to enhance the irritable desperation of the hapless Colt.
-But when this old - Adam of resentment rose in me and tempted me concerning Bartleby, - I grappled him and threw him. How? Why, simply by recalling the divine - injunction: "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye +
But when this old + Adam of resentment rose in me and tempted me concerning Bartleby, + I grappled him and threw him. How? Why, simply by recalling the divine + injunction: "A new commandment give I unto you, that ye love one another." Yes, this it was that saved me. Aside from higher considerations, - charity often operates as a - vastly wise and prudent principle--a great safeguard to its + charity often operates as a + vastly wise and prudent principle--a great safeguard to its possessor. Men have committed murder for jealousy's sake, and anger's sake, and hatred's sake, and selfishness' sake, and spiritual pride's sake; but - no man that ever I heard of, ever committed - a diabolical murder for sweet charity's sake. Mere - self-interest, then, if no better motive can be enlisted, + no man that ever I heard of, ever committed + a diabolical murder for sweet charity's sake. Mere + self-interest, then, if no better motive can be enlisted, should, especially with high-tempered men, prompt all beings to charity and philanthropy. At any rate, upon the occasion in question, I strove - to drown - my exasperated feelings towards the scrivener by benevolently + to drown + my exasperated feelings towards the scrivener by benevolently construing his conduct. Poor fellow, poor fellow! thought I, he don't mean any thing; and besides, he has seen hard times, and ought to be indulged.
I endeavored also immediately to occupy myself, and at the same time - to comfort my despondency.I tried to fancy that in the course of the + to comfort my despondency.I tried to fancy that in the course of the morning, at such time as might prove agreeable to him, Bartleby, of his own free accord, would emerge from his hermitage, and take up some decided line of march in the direction of the door. But no. Half-past twelve o'clock came; Turkey began to glow in the face, overturn his inkstand, and become generally obstreperous; Nippers abated down into quietude and courtesy; Ginger Nut munched his noon apple; and Bartleby remained standing at his - window in one of his profoundest deadwall reveries. Will - it be credited? Ought I to acknowledge it? That afternoon + window in one of his profoundest deadwall reveries. Will + it be credited? Ought I to acknowledge it? That afternoon I left the office without saying one further word to him.
Some days now passed, during which, at leisure intervals I looked a little - into Edwards - on the Will," and "Priestly on Necessity." Under the circumstances, - those books induced a salutary feeling. Gradually I slid - into the persuasion that these troubles of mine touching - the scrivener, had been all predestinated - from eternity, and Bartleby was billeted upon me for some mysterious + into Edwards + on the Will," and "Priestly on Necessity." Under the circumstances, + those books induced a salutary feeling. Gradually I slid + into the persuasion that these troubles of mine touching + the scrivener, had been all predestinated + from eternity, and Bartleby was billeted upon me for some mysterious purpose of an all-wise Providence, which it was not for a mere mortal like - me to fathom. Yes, Bartleby, stay there behind your screen, thought - I; I shall persecute you no more; you are harmless and noiseless + me to fathom. Yes, Bartleby, stay there behind your screen, thought + I; I shall persecute you no more; you are harmless and noiseless as any of these old chairs; in short, I never feel so private as when I know you are here. At least I see it, I feel it; I penetrate to the predestinated purpose of my life. I am content. Others may have loftier parts to enact; - but my - mission in this world, Bartleby, is to furnish you with office-room + but my + mission in this world, Bartleby, is to furnish you with office-room for such period as you may see fit to remain.
I believe that this wise and blessed frame of mind would have continued with me, had it not been for the unsolicited and uncharitable remarks obtruded - upon me by my - professional friends who visited the rooms. But thus it often + upon me by my + professional friends who visited the rooms. But thus it often is, that the constant friction of illiberal minds wears out at last the - best resolves of the more generous. Though to be sure, when + best resolves of the more generous. Though to be sure, when I reflected upon it, it was not strange that people entering my office should be struck by the peculiar aspect of the unaccountable Bartleby, and so be tempted to throw out some sinister observations concerning him. Sometimes an attorney having business with me, and calling at my office, and finding no one but the scrivener there, would undertake to obtain some sort of precise information from him touching my whereabouts; but without - heeding his idle - talk, Bartleby would remain standing immovable in the middle + heeding his idle + talk, Bartleby would remain standing immovable in the middle of the room. So after contemplating him in that position for a time, the attorney would depart, no wiser than he came.
Also, when a Reference was going on, and the room full of lawyers and @@ -1051,42 +1051,42 @@ lawyer would give a great stare, and turn to me. And what could I say? At last I was made aware that all through the circle of my professional acquaintance, a whisper of wonder was running round, having reference to - the strange creature I kept at my office. This worried - me very much. And as the idea came upon me of his possibly - turning out a long-lived man, and keep occupying my chambers, and denying - my authority; and perplexing my visitors; and scandalizing + the strange creature I kept at my office. This worried + me very much. And as the idea came upon me of his possibly + turning out a long-lived man, and keep occupying my chambers, and denying + my authority; and perplexing my visitors; and scandalizing my professional reputation; and casting a general gloom over the premises; keeping soul and body together to the last upon his savings (for doubtless - he spent but half a dime a day), and in the end perhaps outlive - me, and claim possession of my office by right of his perpetual + he spent but half a dime a day), and in the end perhaps outlive + me, and claim possession of my office by right of his perpetual occupancy: as all these dark anticipations crowded upon me more and more, and my friends continually intruded their relentless remarks upon the apparition in my room; a great change was wrought in me. I resolved to gather all - my faculties together, and for ever rid me of this intolerable - incubus.
+ my faculties together, and for ever rid me of this intolerable + incubus.Ere revolving any complicated project, however, adapted to this end, I - first simply suggested to Bartleby the propriety of his permanent departure. + first simply suggested to Bartleby the propriety of his permanent departure. In a calm and serious tone, I commended the idea to his careful and mature consideration. But having taken three days to meditate upon it, he apprised me that his original determination remained the same; in short, that he - still preferred to abide - with me.
-What shall I do? I now said to myself, buttoning - up my coat to the last button. What shall I do? what ought + still preferred to abide + with me.
+What shall I do? I now said to myself, buttoning + up my coat to the last button. What shall I do? what ought I to do? what does conscience say I should do with this man, or rather ghost. Rid myself of him, I must; go, he shall. But how? You will not thrust him, the poor, pale, passive mortal,--you will not thrust such a helpless - creature out of your door? you will not dishonor - yourself by such cruelty? No, I will not, I cannot do that. - Rather would I let him live and die here, and then mason - up his remains in the wall. What then will you do? For all - your coaxing, he will not budge. Bribes he leaves under your own paperweight - on your table; in short, it is quite plain that he prefers - to cling to you.
+ creature out of your door? you will not dishonor + yourself by such cruelty? No, I will not, I cannot do that. + Rather would I let him live and die here, and then mason + up his remains in the wall. What then will you do? For all + your coaxing, he will not budge. Bribes he leaves under your own paperweight + on your table; in short, it is quite plain that he prefers + to cling to you.Then something severe, something unusual must be done. What! surely you will not have him collared by a constable, and commit his innocent pallor to the common jail? And upon what ground could you procure such a thing - to be done?--a vagrant, is he? What! he a vagrant, a wanderer, who + to be done?--a vagrant, is he? What! he a vagrant, a wanderer, who refuses to budge? It is because he will not be a vagrant, then, that you seek to count him as a vagrant. That is too absurd. No visible means of support: there I have him. Wrong again: for indubitably he does support @@ -1102,18 +1102,18 @@
He made no reply, and nothing more was said.
On the appointed day I engaged carts and men, proceeded to my chambers, and having but little furniture, every thing was removed in a few hours. - Throughout, the scrivener remained standing behind the - screen, which I directed to be removed the last thing. It - was withdrawn; and being folded up like a huge folio, left him the motionless - occupant of a naked room. I stood in the entry watching him + Throughout, the scrivener remained standing behind the + screen, which I directed to be removed the last thing. It + was withdrawn; and being folded up like a huge folio, left him the motionless + occupant of a naked room. I stood in the entry watching him a moment, while something from within me upbraided me.
-I re-entered, with my hand - in my pocket--and--and my heart in my mouth. +
I re-entered, with my hand + in my pocket--and--and my heart in my mouth.
"Good-bye, Bartleby; I am going--good-bye, and God some way bless you; and take that," slipping something in his hand. But it dropped to the floor, - and then,--strange - to say--I tore myself from him whom I had so longed to be + and then,--strange + to say--I tore myself from him whom I had so longed to be rid of.
Established in my new quarters, for a day or two I kept the door locked, and started at every footfall in the passages. When I returned to my rooms @@ -1124,22 +1124,22 @@ me, inquiring whether I was the person who had recently occupied rooms at No.--Wall-street.
Full of forebodings, I replied that I was.
-"Then, sir," said the stranger, - who proved a lawyer, "you are responsible for the man you +
"Then, sir," said the stranger, + who proved a lawyer, "you are responsible for the man you left there. He refuses to do any copying; he refuses to do any thing; he says he prefers not to; and he refuses to quit the premises."
"I am very sorry, sir," said I, with assumed tranquillity, but an inward - tremor, "but, really, the - man you allude to is nothing to me --he is no relation or + tremor, "but, really, the + man you allude to is nothing to me --he is no relation or apprentice of mine, that you should hold me responsible for him."
"In mercy's name, who is he?"
"I certainly cannot inform you. I know nothing about him. Formerly I employed him as a copyist; but he has done nothing for me now for some time past."
-"I - shall settle him then,--good morning, sir."
+"I + shall settle him then,--good morning, sir."
Several days passed, and I heard nothing more; and though I often felt a charitable prompting to call at the place and see poor Bartleby, yet - a certain squeamishness of I know not what withheld + a certain squeamishness of I know not what withheld me.
All is over with him, by this time, thought I at last, when through another week no further intelligence reached me. But coming to my room the day @@ -1151,18 +1151,18 @@ advancing upon me, and whom I knew to be the landlord of No.--Wall-street. "These gentlemen, my tenants, cannot stand it any longer; Mr. B--" pointing to the lawyer, "has turned him out of his room, and he now persists in - haunting the buildinggenerally, sitting upon the banisters of the + haunting the buildinggenerally, sitting upon the banisters of the stairs by day, and sleeping in the entry by night. Every body is concerned; - clients are leaving the offices; some - fears are entertained of a mob; something you must do, and + clients are leaving the offices; some + fears are entertained of a mob; something you must do, and that without delay."
-Aghast - at this torment, I fell back before it, and would fain have - locked myselfin my new quarters. In vain I persisted that Bartleby +
Aghast + at this torment, I fell back before it, and would fain have + locked myselfin my new quarters. In vain I persisted that Bartleby was nothing to me--no more than to any one else. In vain:--I was the last person known to have any thing to do with him, and they held me to the - terrible account. Fearful - then of being exposed in the papers (as one person present + terrible account. Fearful + then of being exposed in the papers (as one person present obscurely threatened) I considered the matter, and at length said, that if the lawyer would give me a confidential interview with the scrivener, in his (the lawyer's) own room, I would that afternoon strive my best to @@ -1172,8 +1172,8 @@
"What are you doing here, Bartleby?" said I.
"Sitting upon the banister," he mildly replied.
I motioned him into the lawyer's room, who then left us.
-"Bartleby," - said I, "are you aware that you are the cause of great tribulation +
"Bartleby," + said I, "are you aware that you are the cause of great tribulation to me, by persisting in occupying the entry after being dismissed from the office?"
No answer.
@@ -1202,21 +1202,21 @@"Stationary you shall be then," I cried, now losing all patience, and for the first time in all my exasperating connection with him fairly flying into a passion. "If you do not go away from these premises before night, - I shall feel bound--indeed I am bound--to-- to--to quit the premises - myself!" I rather absurdly concluded, knowing not with what possible - threat to try to frighten his immobility into compliance. + I shall feel bound--indeed I am bound--to-- to--to quit the premises + myself!" I rather absurdly concluded, knowing not with what possible + threat to try to frighten his immobility into compliance. Despairing of all further efforts, I was precipitately leaving him, when - a final thought occurred to me--one - which had not been wholly unindulged before. + a final thought occurred to me--one + which had not been wholly unindulged before.
-"Bartleby," said I, in the kindest tone - I could assume under such exciting circumstances, "will you +
"Bartleby," said I, in the kindest tone + I could assume under such exciting circumstances, "will you go home with me now--not to my office, but my dwelling--and remain there till we can conclude upon some convenient arrangement for you at our leisure? Come, let us start now, right away."
"No: at present I would prefer not to make any change at all."
-I answered nothing; but effectualy dodging every one by the suddenness - and rapidity of my flight, rushed from the building, ran +
I answered nothing; but effectualy dodging every one by the suddenness + and rapidity of my flight, rushed from the building, ran up Wall-street towards Broadway, and jumping into the first omnibus was soon removed from pursuit. As soon as tranquility returned I distinctly perceived that I had now done all that I possibly could, both in respect @@ -1229,11 +1229,11 @@ to Nippers, for a few days I drove about the upper part of the town and through the suburbs, in my rockaway; crossed over to Jersey City and Hoboken, and paid fugitive visits to Manhattanville and Astoria. In fact I almost - lived in my rockaway for the time.
+ lived in my rockaway for the time.When again I entered my office, lo, a note from the landlord lay upon desk. opened it with trembling hands. informed me that writer had sent - to police, and Bartleby removed the - Tombs as a vagrant. Moreover, since I knew more + to police, and Bartleby removed the + Tombs as a vagrant. Moreover, since I knew more about him than any one else, he wished me to appear at that place, and make a suitable statement of the facts. These tidings had a conflicting effect upon me. At first I was indignant; but at last almost approved. @@ -1242,19 +1242,19 @@ resort, under such peculiar circumstances, it seemed the only plan.
As I afterwards learned, the poor scrivener, when told that he must be conducted to the Tombs, offered not the slightest obstacle, but in his - pale unmoving way, silently - acquiesced. + pale unmoving way, silently + acquiesced.
Some of the compassionate and curious bystanders joined the party; and - headed by one of the constables arm in arm with Bartleby, the - silent procession filed its way through all the noise, and + headed by one of the constables arm in arm with Bartleby, the + silent procession filed its way through all the noise, and heat, and joy of the roaring thoroughfares at noon.
The same day I received the note I went to the Tombs, or to speak more properly, the Halls of Justice. Seeking the right officer, I stated the purpose of my call, and was informed that the individual I described was indeed within. I then assured the functionary that Bartleby was a perfectly honest man, and greatly to be compassionated, however unaccountably eccentric. - I narrated all I knew,and closed by suggesting the idea of letting + I narrated all I knew,and closed by suggesting the idea of letting him remain in as indulgent confinement as possible till something less harsh might be done--though indeed I hardly knew what. At all events, if nothing else could be decided upon, the alms-house must receive him. I @@ -1263,31 +1263,31 @@ his ways, they had permitted him freely to wander about the prison, and especially in the inclosed grass-platted yards thereof. And so I found him there, standing all alone in the quietest of the yards, his face - towards a high wall, while all around, from the narrow slits of the - jail windows, I thought I - saw peering out upon him the eyes of murderers and thieves. + towards a high wall, while all around, from the narrow slits of the + jail windows, I thought I + saw peering out upon him the eyes of murderers and thieves.
"Bartleby!"
-"I - know you," he said, without looking round,--"and I want +
"I + know you," he said, without looking round,--"and I want nothing to say to you."
-"It was not I that brought you here, Bartleby," said I, keenly - pained at his implied suspicion. "And to you, this should +
"It was not I that brought you here, Bartleby," said I, keenly + pained at his implied suspicion. "And to you, this should not be so vile a place. Nothing reproachful attaches to you by being here. - And see, it - is not so sad a place as one might think. Look, there is + And see, it + is not so sad a place as one might think. Look, there is the sky, and here is the grass."
"I know where I am," he replied, but would say nothing more, and so I left him.
-As I entered the corridor again, a broad meat-like - man in an apron, accosted me, and jerking his thumb over - his shoulder said--"Is that your - friend?"
+As I entered the corridor again, a broad meat-like + man in an apron, accosted me, and jerking his thumb over + his shoulder said--"Is that your + friend?"
"Yes."
"Does he want to starve? If he does, let him live on the prison fare, that's all.
-"Who are you?" asked I, not knowing what to make of such an unofficially - speaking person in such a place.
+"Who are you?" asked I, not knowing what to make of such an unofficially + speaking person in such a place.
"I am the grub-man. Such gentlemen as have friends here, hire me to provide them with something good to eat."
"Is this so?" said I, turning to the turnkey.
@@ -1300,26 +1300,26 @@ which seemed to say he was all impatience for an opportunity to give a specimen of his breeding.Thinking it would prove of benefit to the scrivener, I acquiesced; and - asking the grub-man his name, went up with him to Bartleby.
-"Bartleby, this is a - friend; you will find him very useful to you."
-"Your - sarvant, sir, your sarvant," said the grub-man, making a - low salutation behind his apron. "Hope you find it pleasant - here, sir;--spacious grounds--cool apartments, sir--hope + asking the grub-man his name, went up with him to Bartleby.
+"Bartleby, this is a + friend; you will find him very useful to you."
+"Your + sarvant, sir, your sarvant," said the grub-man, making a + low salutation behind his apron. "Hope you find it pleasant + here, sir;--spacious grounds--cool apartments, sir--hope you'll stay with us some time--try to make it agreeable. What will you have for dinner today?"
"I prefer not to dine to-day," said Bartleby, turning away. "It would disagree with me; I am unused to dinners." So saying he slowly moved to - the other side of the inclosure, and took up a - position fronting the dead-wall.
+ the other side of the inclosure, and took up a + position fronting the dead-wall."How's this?" said the grub-man, addressing me with a stare of astonishment. "He's odd, aint he?"
"I think he is a little deranged," said I, sadly.
"Deranged? deranged is it? Well now, upon my word, I thought that friend - of yourn was a gentleman - forger; they are always pale and genteel-like, them forgers. - I can't help pity 'em--can't help it, sir. Did you know Monroe Edwards?" + of yourn was a gentleman + forger; they are always pale and genteel-like, them forgers. + I can't help pity 'em--can't help it, sir. Did you know Monroe Edwards?" he added touchingly, and paused. Then, laying his hand pityingly on my shoulder, sighed, "he died of consumption at Sing-Sing. so you weren't acquainted with Monroe?"
@@ -1335,26 +1335,26 @@ "Yonder he lies--sleeping in the yard there. 'Tis not twenty minutes since I saw him lie down."The yard was entirely quiet. It was not accessible to the common prisoners. - The surrounding walls, of amazing thickness, kept - off all sound behind them. The Egyptian - character of the masonry weighed upon me with its gloom. - But a soft imprisoned - turf grew under foot. The heart of the eternal pyramids, + The surrounding walls, of amazing thickness, kept + off all sound behind them. The Egyptian + character of the masonry weighed upon me with its gloom. + But a soft imprisoned + turf grew under foot. The heart of the eternal pyramids, it seemed, wherein, by some strange magic, through the clefts, grass-seed, dropped by birds, had sprung.
-Strangely huddled at the base of the wall, his - knees drawn up, and lying on his side, his head touching +
Strangely huddled at the base of the wall, his + knees drawn up, and lying on his side, his head touching the cold stones, I saw the wasted Bartleby. But nothing stirred. I paused; then went close up to him; stooped over, and saw that his dim eyes were open; otherwise he seemed profoundly sleeping. Something prompted me - to touch him. I felt his hand, when a tingling shiver ran up my arm + to touch him. I felt his hand, when a tingling shiver ran up my arm and down my spine to my feet.
The round face of the grub-man peered upon me now. "His dinner is ready. Won't he dine to-day, either? Or does he live without dining?"
"Lives without dining," said I, and closed the eyes.
"Eh!--He's asleep, aint he?"
-"With - kings and counsellors," murmured I.
+"With + kings and counsellors," murmured I.
* * * * * * * *
There would seem little need for proceeding further in this history. Imagination will readily supply the meagre recital of poor Bartleby's interment. But @@ -1363,28 +1363,28 @@ was, and what manner of life he led prior to the present narrator's making his acquaintance, I can only reply, that in such curiosity I fully share, but am wholly unable to gratify it. Yet here I hardly know whether I should - divulge one - little item of rumor, which came to my ear a few months + divulge one + little item of rumor, which came to my ear a few months after the scrivener's decease. Upon what basis it rested, I could never ascertain; and hence how true it is I cannot now tell. But inasmuch as - this vague report has not been without a certain strange suggestive - interest to me, however said, it may prove the same with + this vague report has not been without a certain strange suggestive + interest to me, however said, it may prove the same with some others; and so I will briefly mention it. The report was this: that - Bartleby had been a subordinate clerk in the Dead - Letter Office at Washington, from which he had been suddenly removed + Bartleby had been a subordinate clerk in the Dead + Letter Office at Washington, from which he had been suddenly removed by a change in the administration. When I think over this rumor, I cannot - adequately express the emotions which seize me. Dead - letters! does it not sound like dead men? Conceive a man + adequately express the emotions which seize me. Dead + letters! does it not sound like dead men? Conceive a man by nature and misfortune prone to a pallid hopelessness, can any business seem more fitted to heighten it than that of continually handling these dead letters and assorting them for the flames? For by the cart-load they - are annually burned. Sometimes from out the folded paper + are annually burned. Sometimes from out the folded paper the pale clerk takes a ring:--the bank-note sent in swiftest charity:--he whom it would relieve, nor eats nor hungers any more; pardon for those who died despairing; hope for those who died unhoping; good tidings for - those who died stifled by unrelieved calamities. On - errands of life, these letters speed to death. + those who died stifled by unrelieved calamities. On + errands of life, these letters speed to death.
- +Ah + Bartleby! Ah humanity!
diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/hukumusume/expected.html b/resources/tests/readability/hukumusume/expected.html index 58c76ad..8d57aa9 100644 --- a/resources/tests/readability/hukumusume/expected.html +++ b/resources/tests/readability/hukumusume/expected.html @@ -107,7 +107,7 @@ おしまい
- abc def
+
diff --git a/resources/tests/readability/js-link-replacement/expected.html b/resources/tests/readability/js-link-replacement/expected.html
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..037242e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/resources/tests/readability/js-link-replacement/expected.html
@@ -0,0 +1,5 @@
+
+
abc
+def
+ ghi + + + \ No newline at end of file diff --git a/src/full_text_parser/mod.rs b/src/full_text_parser/mod.rs index d284fb8..1aa8058 100644 --- a/src/full_text_parser/mod.rs +++ b/src/full_text_parser/mod.rs @@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ use crate::util::Util; use encoding_rs::Encoding; use fingerprints::Fingerprints; use libxml::parser::Parser; -use libxml::tree::{Document, Node}; +use libxml::tree::{Document, Node, NodeType}; use libxml::xpath::Context; use reqwest::header::HeaderMap; use reqwest::{Client, Url}; @@ -180,7 +180,7 @@ impl FullTextParser { if article.thumbnail_url.is_none() { Self::check_for_thumbnail(&xpath_ctx, article); } - Self::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, config, global_config, &article.url); + Self::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, config, global_config, &article.url, &document); let found_body = Self::extract_body(&xpath_ctx, root, config, global_config)?; if !found_body { @@ -198,7 +198,7 @@ impl FullTextParser { let html = Self::download(&url, client, headers).await?; document = Self::parse_html(&html, config, global_config)?; xpath_ctx = Self::get_xpath_ctx(&document)?; - Self::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, config, global_config, &url); + Self::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, config, global_config, &url, &document); let found_body = Self::extract_body(&xpath_ctx, root, config, global_config)?; if !found_body { @@ -262,7 +262,7 @@ impl FullTextParser { let xpath_ctx = Self::get_xpath_ctx(&document)?; metadata::extract(&xpath_ctx, config, Some(global_config), article); Self::check_for_thumbnail(&xpath_ctx, article); - Self::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, config, global_config, url); + Self::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, config, global_config, url, &document); Self::extract_body(&xpath_ctx, root, config, global_config)?; Ok(()) @@ -505,6 +505,7 @@ impl FullTextParser { xpath: &str, attribute: &str, article_url: &url::Url, + document: &Document, ) -> Result<(), FullTextParserError> { let node_vec = Util::evaluate_xpath(context, xpath, false)?; for mut node in node_vec { @@ -514,26 +515,54 @@ impl FullTextParser { .err() .map(|err| err == url::ParseError::RelativeUrlWithoutBase) .unwrap_or(false); + let is_javascript = trimmed_url.contains("javascript:"); - let completed_url = if is_relative_url { - article_url.join(trimmed_url)? + if is_relative_url { + let completed_url = match article_url.join(trimmed_url) { + Ok(joined_url) => joined_url, + Err(_) => continue, + }; + _ = node.set_attribute(attribute, completed_url.as_str()); + } else if is_javascript { + // if the link only contains simple text content, it can be converted to a text node + let mut child_nodes = node.get_child_nodes(); + let child_count = child_nodes.len(); + let first_child_is_text = child_nodes + .first() + .and_then(|n| n.get_type()) + .map(|t| t == NodeType::TextNode) + .unwrap_or(false); + if let Some(mut parent) = node.get_parent() { + let new_node = if child_count == 1 && first_child_is_text { + let link_content = node.get_content(); + Node::new_text(&link_content, document).expect("Failed to create new text node") + } else { + let mut container = Node::new("span", None, document).expect("Failed to create new span container node"); + for mut child in child_nodes.drain(..) { + child.unlink(); + _ = container.add_child(&mut child); + } + container + }; + + _ = parent.replace_child_node(new_node, node); + } + } else if let Ok(parsed_url) = Url::parse(trimmed_url) { + _ = node.set_attribute(attribute, parsed_url.as_str()); } else { - Url::parse(trimmed_url)? + _ = node.set_attribute(attribute, trimmed_url); }; - - node.set_attribute(attribute, completed_url.as_str()) - .map_err(|_| FullTextParserError::Scrape)?; } } Ok(()) } - fn fix_urls(context: &Context, url: &Url) { - _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//img", "src", url); - _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//a", "src", url); - _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//a", "href", url); - _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//object", "data", url); - _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//iframe", "src", url); + fn fix_urls(context: &Context, url: &Url, document: &Document) { + _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//img", "src", url, document); + _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//a", "src", url, document); + _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//a", "href", url, document); + _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//object", "data", url, document); + _ = Self::repair_urls(context, "//iframe", "src", url, document); } fn prep_content( @@ -541,6 +570,7 @@ impl FullTextParser { config: Option<&ConfigEntry>, global_config: &ConfigEntry, url: &Url, + document: &Document, ) { // replace H1 with H2 as H1 should be only title that is displayed separately if let Ok(h1_nodes) = Util::evaluate_xpath(context, "//h1", false) { @@ -642,7 +672,7 @@ impl FullTextParser { _ = Util::strip_node(context, "//link"); _ = Util::strip_node(context, "//aside"); - Self::fix_urls(context, url); + Self::fix_urls(context, url, document); } /** @@ -858,7 +888,6 @@ impl FullTextParser { pub(crate) fn post_process_document(document: &Document) -> Result<(), FullTextParserError> { if let Some(mut root) = document.get_root_element() { Self::simplify_nested_elements(&mut root)?; - Self::clean_attributes(&mut root)?; Self::remove_single_cell_tables(&mut root); Self::remove_extra_p_and_div(&mut root); diff --git a/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs b/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs index d0eff58..6ddfe35 100644 --- a/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs +++ b/src/full_text_parser/readability/mod.rs @@ -293,13 +293,32 @@ impl Readability { let mut top_candidate = top_candidates.first().cloned().unwrap_or_else(|| { // If we still have no top candidate, just use the body as a last resort. // We also have to copy the body node so it is something we can modify. - let mut rt = document.get_root_element().expect("doc should have root"); - Self::initialize_node(&mut rt, &state).expect("init should not fail"); + let mut root = document.get_root_element().expect("doc should have root"); + if let Some(body) = root + .get_child_elements() + .into_iter() + .find(|n| n.get_name().to_uppercase() == "BODY") + { + root = body; + } + + let mut new_top_candidate = + Node::new("DIV", None, &document).expect("can't create new node"); + + for mut child in root.get_child_elements().drain(..) { + child.unlink(); + new_top_candidate.add_child(&mut child).unwrap(); + } + + root.add_child(&mut new_top_candidate).unwrap(); + + Self::initialize_node(&mut new_top_candidate, &state) + .expect("init should not fail"); needed_to_create_top_candidate = true; - rt + new_top_candidate }); - //Util::serialize_node(&top_candidate, "top_candidate.html"); + // Util::serialize_node(&top_candidate, "top_candidate.html"); let mut alternative_candidate_ancestors = Vec::new(); // Find a better top candidate node if it contains (at least three) nodes which belong to `topCandidates` array diff --git a/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs b/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs index d3fc1a3..b976bf0 100644 --- a/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs +++ b/src/full_text_parser/readability/tests.rs @@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ async fn run_test(name: &str) { let document = crate::FullTextParser::parse_html(&html, None, &empty_config).unwrap(); let xpath_ctx = crate::FullTextParser::get_xpath_ctx(&document).unwrap(); - crate::FullTextParser::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, None, &empty_config, &url); + crate::FullTextParser::prep_content(&xpath_ctx, None, &empty_config, &url, &document); let mut article = Article { title: None, author: None, @@ -252,6 +252,11 @@ async fn ietf_1() { run_test("ietf-1").await } +#[tokio::test] +async fn js_link_replacement() { + run_test("js-link-replacement").await +} + #[tokio::test] async fn webmd_1() { run_test("webmd-1").await