Портрет художника в юности

           Thewordsofdoomcriedbytheangelshatteredinaninstanthispresumptuouspeace.Thewindofthelastdayblewthroughhismind,hissins,thejewel-eyedharlotsofhisimagination,fledbeforethehurricane,squeakinglikemiceintheirterrorandhuddledunderamaneofhair.

           Ashecrossedthesquare,walkinghomeward,thelightlaughterofagirlreachedhisburningear.Thefrailgaysoundsmotehisheartmorestronglythanatrumpetblast,and,notdaringtolifthiseyes,heturnedasideandgazed,ashewalked,intotheshadowofthetangledshrubs.Shamerosefromhissmittenheartandfloodedhiswholebeing.TheimageofEmmaappearedbeforehim,andunderhereyesthefloodofshamerushedforthanewfromhisheart.Ifsheknewtowhathismindhadsubjectedherorhowhisbrute-likelusthadtornandtrampleduponherinnocence!Wasthatboyishlove?Wasthatchivalry?Wasthatpoetry?Thesordiddetailsofhisorgiesstankunderhisverynostrils.