第3章

RobertofLincolnatlengthismadeSoberwithwork，andsilentwithcare；

Offishisholidaygarmentlaid，Halfforgottenthatmerryair，Bob-o\'-link，bob-o\'-link，Spink，spank，spink；

NobodyknowsbutmymateandI

Whereournestandournestlingslie。

Chee，chee，chee。

Summerwanes；thechildrenaregrown；

Funandfrolicnomoreheknows；

RobertofLincoln\'sahumdrumcrone；

Offheflies，andwesingashegoes:

Bob-o\'-link，bob-o\'-link，Spink，spank，spink；

Whenyoucanpipethatmerryoldstrain，RobertofLincoln，comebackagain。

Chee，chee，chee。

WILLIAMCULLENBRYANT。

Riggity-rig，Danceajig，DanceaHighlandFling；

DanceaCake-walk，GiveusoClog，OrcutaPigeon\'sWing。

U。S。SPELLSUS。

Mypapa\'salldressedupto-day；

Heneverlookedsofine；

IthoughtwhenIfirstlookedathimMypapawasn\'tmine。

He\'sgotabeautifulnewsuitTheoldonewassoold——

It\'sblue，withbuttons，oh，sobright，Iguesstheymustbegold。

Andpapa\'ssorto\'gladandsortO\'sad——Iwonderwhy；

Andev\'rytimeshelooksathimItmakesmymammacry。

Who\'sUncleSam？MypapasaysThathebelongstohim；

Butpapa\'sjoking，\'causeheknowsMyuncle\'snameisJim。

MypapajustbelongstomeAndmamma。AndIguessThefolksareblindwhocannotseeHisbuttonsmarkedU。S。

U。S。spellsUs。He\'sours——andyetMymammacan\'thelpcry，AndpapatriestosmileatmeAndcan\'t——Iwonderwhy。

ANON。

AdancingBearcamedownthestreet；

Thechildrenallrantoseethetreat；

Saidthekeeper:"Now，boys，comepayforyourfun；

GivemeapennytobuyBruinabun。"

"DIXIE"AND"YANKEEDOODLE。"

Iwasborn\'waydownin"Dixie，"

RearedbeneaththeSouthernskies，Andtheydidn\'thavetoteachmeEvery"Yankee"todespise。

IwasbutacountryyoungsterWhenIdonnedasuitofgray，WhenIshoulderedmyoldmusket，Andmarchedforththe"Yanks"toslay。

FourlongyearsIfoughtandsuffered，"Dixie"wasmybattlecry；

"Dixie"alwaysandforever，Downin"Dixie"letmedie。

Andto-nightI\'mdownin"Dixie，"

"Dixie"stillsograndandtrue；

Butto-nightIamappareledInauniformofblue。

Andto-nightthebandisplaying；

\'Tisnot"Dixie\'s"strainsIhear，Butthestrainsof"YankeeDoodle"

Ringoutstrongandclear。

LongIlistentothemusic；

Bymysideacomradestands；

He\'sa"Yank"andI\'ma"Rebel，"

Butwegraspeachother\'shands。

Heretogetherweunited\'WaydownSouthin"Dixie"stand，Andmycomradewhisperssoftly，"There\'snolandlike\'Dixie\'sland。\'"

Butmyeyesarefilledwithteardrops，Tearsthatmakemyheartfeelglad；

AndIwhispertomycomrade:

"\'YankeeDoodle\'ain\'tsobad。"

LAWRENCEPORCHERHEXT。

AgameofmarblesWewerehavingoneday，WhenBabychancedtocomealongthatway。

Toolittlehewastojoinourgame，Buthepocketedourmarblesjustthesame。

THEBAREFOOTBOY。

Blessingsonthee，littleman，Barefootboy，withcheekoftan；

Withthyturned-uppantaloons，Andthymerrywhistledtunes；

Withthyredlip，redderstillKissedbystrawberriesonthehill；

Withthesunshineonthyface，Throughthytornbrim\'sjauntygrace!

FrommyheartIgivetheejoy；

Iwasonceabarefootboy。

Princethouart——thegrown-upmanOnlyisrepublican。

Letthemillion-dollaredride!

Barefoot，trudgingathisside，Thouhastmorethanhecanbuy，Inthereachofearandeye:

Outwardsunshine，inwardjoy。

Blessingsonthee，barefootboy!

O!forboyhood\'spainlessplay，Sleepthatwakesinlaughingday，Healththatmocksthedoctor\'srules，Knowledgeneverlearnedofschools:

Ofthewildbee\'smorningchase，Ofthewildflower\'stimeandplace，Flightoffowl，andhabitudeOfthetenantsofthewood；

Howthetortoisebearshisshell，Howthewoodchuckdigshiscell，Andtheground-molesinkshiswell；

Howtherobinfeedsheryoung，Howtheoriole\'snestishung；

Wherethewhitestliliesblow，Wherethefreshestberriesgrow，Wheretheground-nuttrailsitsvine，Wherethewoodgrape\'sclustersshine；

Oftheblackwasp\'scunningway，Masonofhiswallsofclay，AndthearchitecturalplansOfgrayhornetartisans!

For，eschewingbooksandtasks，Natureanswersallheasks；

Handinhandwithherhewalks，FacetofacewithherhetalksPartandparcelofherjoy。

Blessingsonthee，barefootboy!

Oforboyhood\'stimeofJune，Crowdingyearsinonebriefmoon，WhenallthingsIheardorsaw，Me，theirmaster，waitedfor!

Iwasrichinflowersandtrees，Humming-birdsandhoney-bees；

Formysportthesquirrelplayed，Pliedthesnoutedmolehisspade；

FormytastetheblackberryconePurpledoverhedgeandstone；

Laughedthebrookformydelight，Throughthedayandthroughthenight；

Whisperingatthegardenwall，Talkedwithmefromfalltofall；

Minethesand-rimmedpickerelpond，Minethewalnutslopesbeyond，Mine，onbendingorchardtrees，ApplesofHesperides!

Still，asmyhorizongrew，Largergrewmyrichestoo，AlltheworldIsaworknewSeemedacomplexChinesetoy，Fashionedforabarefootboy!

O!forfestaldaintiesspread，Likemybowlofmilkandbread，Pewterspoonandbowlofwood，Onthedoor-stone，grayandrude!

O\'erme，likearegaltent，Cloudy-ribbed，thesunsetbent:

Purple-curtained，fringedwithgold，Loopedinmanyawind-swungfold；

While，formusic，cametheplayOfthepiedfrogs\'orchestra；

And，tolightthenoisychoir，Littheflyhislampoffire。

Iwasmonarch；pompandjoyWaitedonthebarefootboy。

Cheerilythen，mylittleman!

Liveandlaughasboyhoodcan；

Thoughtheflintyslopesbehard，Stubble-spearedthenew-mownsward，EverymornshallleadtheethroughFreshbaptismsofthedew；

EveryeveningfromthyfeetShallthecoolwindkisstheheat；

AlltoosoonthosefeetmusthideIntheprison-cellsofpride，Losethefreedomofthesod，Likeacolt\'sforworkbeshod，Madetotreadthemillsoftoil，Upanddowninceaselessmoil:

HappyiftheirtrackbefoundNeveronforbiddenground；

HappyiftheysinknotinQuickandtreacheroussandsofsin。

Ah!thatthoucouldstknowthyjoy，Ereitpasses，barefootboy!

JOHNGREENLEAFWHITTIER。

Gallop，gallop!faraway。

PonyandIaregoingtoday。

Pleasegetoutofourway，Don\'taskustostay；

We\'llbothcomebackSomesunshinyday。

BABOUSCKA。

IfyouwereaRussianchildyouwouldnotwatchtoseeSantaKlauscomedownthechimney；butyouwouldstandbythewindowstocatchapeepatpoorBabousckaasshehurriesby。

WhoisBabouscka？IssheSantaKlaus\'wife？

No，indeed。Sheisonlyapoorlittlecrookedwrinkledoldwoman，whocomesatChristmastimeintoeverybody\'shouse，whopeepsintoeverycradle，turnsbackeverycoverlid，dropsatearonthebaby\'swhitepillow，andgoesawayvery，verysorrowful。

AndnotonlyatChristmastime，butthroughallthecoldwinter，andespeciallyinMarch，whenthewindblowsloud，andwhistlesandhowlsanddiesawaylikeasigh，theRussianchildrenheartherustlingstepoftheBabouscka。Sheisalwaysinahurry。

Onehearsherrunningfastalongthecrowdedstreetsandoverthequietcountryfields。Sheseemstobeoutofbreathandtired，yetshehurrieson。

Whomisshetryingtoovertake？

Shescarcelylooksatthelittlechildrenastheypresstheirrosyfacesagainstthewindowpaneandwhispertoeachother，"IstheBabousckalookingforus？"

No，shewillnotstop；onlyonChristmasevewillshecomeup-stairsintothenurseryandgiveeachlittleoneapresent。

YoumustnotthinksheleaveshandsomegiftssuchasSantaKlausbringsforyou。ShedoesnotbringbicyclestotheboysorFrenchdollstothegirls。Shedoesnotcomeinagaylittlesleighdrawnbyreindeer，buthobblingalongonfoot，andsheleansonacrutch。Shehasheroldapronfilledwithcandyandcheaptoys，andthechildrenallloveherdearly。Theywatchtoseehercome，andwhenonehearsarustling，hecries，"Lo!theBabouscka!"thenallotherslook，butonemustturnone\'sheadveryquicklyorshevanishes。Ineversawhermyself。

Bestofall，sheloveslittlebabies，andoften，whenthetiredmotherssleep，shebendsovertheircradles，putsherbrown，wrinkledfaceclosedowntothepillowandlooksverysharply。

Whatisshelookingfor？

Ah，thatyoucan\'tguessunlessyouknowhersadstory。

Long，longago，agreatmanyyesterdaysago，theBabouscka，whowaseventhenanoldwoman，wasbusysweepingherlittlehut。

ShelivedinthecoldestcornerofcoldRussia，andshelivedaloneinalonelyplacewherefourwideroadsmet。Theseroadswereatthistimewhitewithsnow，foritwaswintertime。Inthesummer，whenthefieldswerefullofflowersandtheairfullofsunshineandsingingbirds，Babouscka\'shomedidnotseemsoveryquiet；butinthewinter，withonlythesnowflakesandtheshysnow-birdsandtheloudwindforcompany，thelittleoldwomanfeltverycheerless。Butshewasabusyoldwoman，andasitwasalreadytwilight，andherhomebuthalfswept，shefeltinagreathurrytofinishherworkbeforebedtime。YoumustknowtheBabousckawaspoorandcouldnotaffordtodoherworkbycandle-light。

Presently，downthewidestandthelonesomestofthewhiteroads，thereappearedalongtrainofpeoplecoming。Theywerewalkingslowly，andseemedtobeaskingeachotherquestionsastowhichwaytheyshouldtake。Astheprocessioncamenearer，andfinallystoppedoutsidethelittlehut，Babousckawasfrightenedatthesplendor。TherewereThreeKings，withcrownsontheirheads，andthejewelsontheKings\'breastplatessparkledlikesunlight。

Theirheavyfurcloakswerewhitewiththefallingsnow-flakes，andthequeerhumpycamelsonwhichtheyrodelookedwhiteasmilkinthesnow-storm。Theharnessonthecamelswasdecoratedwithgold，andplatesofsilveradornedthesaddles。Thesaddle-clothswereoftherichestEasternstuffs，andalltheservantshadthedarkeyesandhairofanEasternpeople。

Theslavescarriedheavyloadsontheirbacks，andeachoftheThreeKingscarriedapresent。Onecarriedabeautifultransparentjar，andinthefadinglightBabousckacouldseeinitagoldenliquidwhichsheknewfromitscolormustbemyrrh。

Anotherhadinhishandarichlywovenbag，anditseemedtobeheavy，asindeeditwas，foritwasfullofgold。Thethirdhadastonevaseinhishand，andfromtherichperfumewhichfilledthesnowyair，onecouldguessthevasetohavebeenfilledwithincense。

Babousckawasterriblyfrightened，soshehidherselfinherhut，andlettheservantsknockalongtimeatherdoorbeforeshedaredopenitandanswertheirquestionsastotheroadtheyshouldtaketoafar-awaytown。Youknowshehadneverstudiedageographylessoninherlife，wasoldandstupidandscared。Sheknewthewayacrossthefieldstothenearestvillage，butsheknownothingelseofallthewideworldfullofcities。Theservantsscolded，buttheThreeKingsspokekindlytoher，andaskedhertoaccompanythemontheirjourneythatshemightshowthemthewayasfarassheknewit。Theytoldher，inwordssosimplethatshecouldnotfailtounderstand，thattheyhadseenaStarintheskyandwerefollowingittoalittletownwhereayoungChildlay。Thesnowwasintheskynow，andtheStarwaslostoutofsight。

"WhoistheChild？"askedtheoldwoman。

"HeisaKing，andwegotoworshiphim，"theyanswered。"Thesepresentsofgold，frankincenseandmyrrhareforHim。WhenwefindHimwewilltakethecrownsoffourheadsandlaythematHisfeet。Comewithus，Babouscka!"

Whatdoyousuppose？Shouldn\'tyouhavethoughtthepoorlittlewomanwouldhavebeengladtoleaveherdesolatehomeontheplainstoaccompanytheseKingsontheirjourney？

Butthefoolishwomanshookherhead。No，thenightwasdarkandcheerless，andherlittlehomewaswarmandcosy。Shelookedupintothesky，andtheStarwasnowheretobeseen。Besides，shewantedtoputherhutinorder——perhapsshewouldbereadytogoto-morrow。ButtheThreeKingscouldnotwait；sowhento-morrow\'ssunrosetheywerefaraheadontheirjourney。ItseemedlikeadreamtopoorBabouscka，foreventhetracksofthecamels\'feetwerecoveredbythedeepwhitesnow。Everythingwasthesameasusual；andtomakesurethatthenight\'svisitorshadnotbeenafancy，shefoundheroldbroomhangingonapegbehindthedoor，whereshehadputitwhentheservantsknocked。

Nowthatthesunwasshining，andsherememberedtheglitterofthegoldandthesmellofthesweetgumsandmyrrh，shewishedshehadgonewiththetravelers。

AndshethoughtagreatdealaboutthedearBabytheThreeKingshadgonetoworship。Shehadnochildrenofherown——nobodylovedher——ah，ifshehadonlygone!Themoreshebroodedonthethought，themoremiserableshegrew，tilltheverysightofherhomebecamehatefultoher。

Itisadreadfulfeelingtorealizethatonehaslostachanceofhappiness。Thereisafeelingcalledremorsethatcangnawlikeasharplittletooth。BabousckafeltthislittletoothcutintoherhearteverytimesherememberedthevisitoftheThreeKings。

AfterawhilethethoughtoftheLittleChildbecameherfirstthoughtatwakingandherlastatnight。Onedaysheshutthedoorofherhouseforever，andsetoutonalongjourney。ShehadnohopeofovertakingtheThreeKings，butshelongedtofindtheChild，thatshetoomightloveandworshipHim。Sheaskedeveryoneshemet，andsomepeoplethoughthercrazy，butothersgaveherkindanswers。HaveyouperhapsguessedthattheyoungChildwhomtheThreeKingssoughtwasourLordhimself？

PeopletoldBabousckahowHewasborninamanger，andmanyotherthingswhichyouchildrenhavelearnedlongago。Theseanswerspuzzledtheolddamemightily。Shehadbutoneideainherignoranthead。TheThreeKingshadgonetoseekaBaby。Shewould，ifnottoolate，seekHimtoo。

Sheforgot，Iamsure，howmanylongyearshadgoneby。ShelookedinvainfortheChrist-childinHismanger-cradle。Shespentallherlittlesavingsintoysandcandysoastomakefriendswithlittlechildren，thattheymightnotrunawaywhenshecamehobblingintotheirnurseries。

Nowyouknowforwhomsheissadlyseekingwhenshepushesbackthebed-curtainsandbendsdownovereachbaby\'spillow。

Sometimes，whentheoldgrandmothersitsnoddingbythefire，andthebiggerchildrensleepintheirbeds，oldBabousckacomeshobblingintotheroom，andwhisperssoftly，"IstheyoungChildhere？"

Ah，no；shehascometoolate，toolate。Butthelittlechildrenknowherandloveher。TwothousandyearsagoshelostthechanceoffindingHim。Crooked，wrinkled，old，sickandsorry，sheyetliveson，lookingintoeachbaby\'sface——alwaysdisappointed，alwaysseeking。WillshefindHimatlast？

Come，Bossy，comeBossy!HereIamwithmycup，Comegivemesomemilk，richandsweet。

Iwillpayyouwellwithredcloverhay，Thenicestyoueverdideat。

DAISIES。

Daisies!

Lowinthegrassandhighintheclover，Starringthegreenearthoverandover，Nowintowhitewavestossingandbreaking，Likeafoamingseawhenthewindiswaking，Nowstandingupright，tallandslender，Showingtheirdeephearts\'goldensplendor；

Daintilybending，AirilylendingGarlandsofflowersforearth\'sadorning，Freshwiththedewofasummermorning；

Highontheslope，lowinthehollow，Whereeyecanreachorfootcanfollow，ShiningwithinnocentfearlessfacesOutofthedepthsoflonelyplaces，Tillthegladheartsingstheirpraises——Herearethedaisies!

Thedaisies!

Daisies!

Seethemebbingandflowing，Liketideswiththefullmoongoing；

SpreadingtheirgenerouslargessfreeForhandtotouchandforeyetosee；

Industofthewaysidegrowing，Onrock-ribbeduplandblowing，Bymeadowbrookletsglancing，Onbarrenfieldsa-dancing，Tilltheworldforgetstoburrowandgrope，Andrisesaloftonthewingsofhope；——

Oh!ofallposies，Liliesorroses，Sweetestorfairest，Richestorrarest，Thatearthinitsjoytoheavenupraises，Givemethedaisies!

Why？Fortheyglowwiththespiritofyouth，Theirbeautifuleyeshavethegloryoftruth，Downbeforealltheirrichbountytheyfling——Freetothebeggar，andfreetothekingLovingtheystooptothelowliestways，Joyoustheybrightenthedreariestdays；

UnderthefringeoftheirraimenttheyhideScarsthegraywinterhathopenedsowide；

Freelyandbrightly——

WhocancountlightlyGiftswithsuchgenerousardorproffered，Tokensoflovefromsuchfullheart\'soffered，OrlookwithoutglancesofjoyanddelightAtpasturesstar-coveredfrommorningtillnight，WhenthesunshinyfieldablazeisWithdaisies!

Daisies，Yourpraiseis，Thatyouarelikemaidens，asmaidensshouldbe，Winsomewithfreshness，andwholesometosee，Giftedwithbeauty，andjoytotheeye，Headlifteddaintily——yetnottoohigh——

Sweetwithhumility，radiantwithlove，Generoustooasthesunshineabove，Swayingwithsympathy，tenderlybentOnhidingthescarandonhealingtherent，Innocent-lookingtheworldintheface，Yetfearlesswithnature\'sowninnocentgrace，Fullofsweetgoodness，yetsimpleinart，Whiteinthesoul，andpuregoldintheheart——Ah，likeuntoyoushouldallmaidenhoodbeGladsometoknow，andmostgracioustosee；

Likeyou，mydaisies!

M。E。B

Singasongofsixpence，Apocketfullofrye；

Four-and-twentyblackbirdsBakedintoapie。

WhenthepiewasopenedThebirdsbegantosing。

Wasn\'tthatadaintydishTosetbeforetheKing？

TheKingwasintheparlorCountingouthismoney；

TheQueenwasinthekitchenEatingbreadandhoney；

ThemaidwasinthegardenHanginguptheclothes，TherecamealittleblackbirdAndpickedoffhernose。

DRIVINGHOMETHECOWS。

Outofthecloverandblue-eyedgrass，Heturnedthemintotheriverlane；

Oneafteranotherheletthempass，Thenfastenedthemeadowbarsagain。

AlongbythewillowsandoverthehillHepatientlyfollowedtheirsoberpace——

ThemerrywhistleforoncewasstillAndsomethingshadowedthesunnyface。

Onlyaboy，andhisfatherhadsaidHenevercouldlethisyoungestgo，TwoalreadywerelyingdeadUnderthefeetofthetramplingfoe。

But，aftertheeveningworkwasdone，Andthefrogswereloudinthemeadowswamp，OverhisshoulderheslunghisgunAndstealthilyfollowedthefootpathdamp。

Acrossthecloverandthroughthewheat，Withresoluteheartandpurposegrim，Thoughcoldwasthedewonhishurryingfeet，Andtheblindbat\'sflittingstartledhim。

ThricesincethenhavethelanesbeenwhiteAndtheorchardssweetwithapplebloom，AndnowwhenthecowscamebackatnightThefeeblefatherdrovethemhome；

FornewshadcometothelonelyfarmThatthreewerelyingwheretwohadlain，Andtheoldman\'stremulous，palsiedarmCouldneverleanonason\'sagain。

Thesummerdaygrewcoolandlate，Hewentforthecowswhenhisworkwasdone，Butdownthelane，asheopenedthegate，Hesawthemcoming，onebyone。

BrindleandEbony，SpeckleandBess，Tossingtheirhornsintheeveningwind，Croppingthebuttercupsoutofthegrass，Butwhowasitfollowingclosebehind？

LooselyswungintheidleairTheemptysleeveofarmyblue，AndwornandpalethroughitscrispedhairLookedoutafacethatthefatherknew。

ForSouthernprisonswillsometimesyawnAndyieldtheirdeadtolifeagain，AndthedaythatcomeswithacloudydawnIngoldengloryatlastmaywane。

Thegreattearssprangtotheirmeetingeyes，Fortheheartsmustspeakwhenthelipsaredumb，AndunderthesilenteveningskiesTogethertheyfollowedthecattlehome。

KATEPUTNAMOSGOOD。

Toandfro，Seeusgo!

Upsohigh，Downsolow；

Nowquitefast，Nowrealslow。

Singing，Swinging，Thisistheway，togetfreshairInapleasantway。

THEBABY\'SKISS。

ANINCIDENTOFTHECIVILWAR。

Roughandreadythetroopersride，Pistolinholsterandswordbyside；

Theyhaveriddenlong，theyhaveriddenhard，Theyaretravel-stainedandbattle-scarred；

Thehardgroundshakeswiththeirmartialtramp，Andcoarseisthelaughofthemenofthecamp。

TheyreachthespotwhereamotherstandsWithababyshakingitslittlehands，LaughingaloudatthegallantsightOfthemountedsoldiers，freshfromthefight。

Thecaptainlaughsout，"Iwillgiveyouthis，Abrightpieceofgold，yourbabytokiss。"

"Mydarling\'skissescannotbesold，Butgladlyhe\'llkissasoldierbold。"

Heliftsupthebabewithamanlygrace，Andcoverswithkissesitssmilingface。

Itsrosycheeksanditsdimpledcharms，Anditcrowswithdelightinthesoldier\'sarms。

"Notallforthecaptain，"thetrooperscall；

"Thebaby，weknow，hasakissforall。"

Toeachsoldier\'sbreastthebabyispressedBythestrongroughmen，andkissedandcaressed。

Andlouderitlaughs，andthelady\'sfaceWearsamother\'ssmileatthefondembrace。

"Justsuchakiss，"criedonewarriorgrim，"WhenIleftmyboyIgavetohim；"

"Andjustsuchakissonthepartingday，Igavetomygirlasasleepshelay。"

Suchwerethewordsofthesesoldiersbrave，Andtheireyesweremoistwhenthekisstheygave。

ANON。

"Baa，baa，blacksheep，haveyouanywool？"

"Yessir，yessirthreebagsfull；

Oneformymasterandoneformydame，Andoneforthelittleboywholivesinthelane。

TommyBangslooksquitesmart，Drivingalonginhisnewgoatcart，ButTommy\'snotoneofyourselfishboys，Witheverybabyheshareshisjoys，Takesthemtorideandletsthemdrive，Ofcourse，theylikeTommyThebestboyalive。

THELOSTDIAMONDSNUFFBOX。

ThegrandoldkingdomofEngland，inthecourseofthemossycenturiesyoucancountoveritshead，hashaditstimesofgloomanddepressionatdangersthatlookednear，anditstimesofshoutingandrejoicingoverdangersitsbravemenhavedrivenawayquiteoutofsightagain。

OneofthedeepestseasonsofgloomwaswhentheFrenchEmperor，Napoleon，hadconqueredonecountryafteranother，untiltherewasscarcelyanythingbutEnglandlefttoattack；andoneoftheproudesttimesofrejoicingwaswhenthe"IronDuke"Wellington，andthebluffoldPrussian，Blucher，methimatWaterloo，defeatedhisarmiesanddrovehimfromthefield。Therewerebonfires，andbell-ringingsthen，andfromthatdayonwardEnglandlovedandcherishedeverymanwhohadfoughtatWaterloo——fromthe"Duke"himselfdowntotheplainestprivate，everyonewasaheroandaveteran。

Inoneofthehumblesthousesofaproudnobleman\'sestate，alow，whitewashedcottage，oneoftheseveteranslivednotsoverymanyyearsago。Hehadfoughtbyhisflaginoneofthemostgallantregimentsuntilthelasthourofthebattle，andthenhadfallendisabledfromactiveservicefortherestofhislife。

Thatdidnotseemtobeofsoverygreatconsequencethough，justnow；forpeacereignedintheland，andwithhiswifeandtwobeautifuldaughterstolove，hisbattlestothinkover，andhispensiontoprovidethebreadandcoffee，theoldsoldierwasashappyasthedaywaslong。Itmadenodifferencethatthebreadandthecoffeewerebothblack，andtheclothesoftheveteranwerecoarseandseldomnew。

"Ho，Peggy!"heusedtosaytohiswife，"mycloakisasfineastheonethe\'IronDuke\'worewhentheycarriedmepasthimjustastheFrenchwerebreaking；andasforthebread，onlyaveteranknowshowtherecollectionofvictorymakeseverythingtastesweet!"

Butitseemedasiftheoldsoldier\'slifewasgoingtoprovelikehisshareinthatgreatdayatWaterloo——successandvictorytilltheendhadnearlycome，andthenoneshotafteranotherstrikinghimwithtroubles，hecouldnevergetover。

Thefirstcameinthemidstofthebeautifulsummerdays，whenthebeesdronedthroughthedeliciousair，therose-bushwasinfullbloom，andtheoldsoldiersatinthecottagedoorrevelinginitall。Aslow，mercilessfeverroseupthroughthesoftair——itdidnotventurenearthehighgroundwherethecastlestood，butitcreptnoiselesslyintothewhitewashedcottage，onenight，andthesoldier\'stwodaughterswerestrickendown。ThiswasthebeginningofterribletroubletotheveteranofWaterloo。

Notthathemindedwatching，forhewasusedtostandingsentryallnight，andasfornursing，hehadseenplentyinthehospital；buttoseehisdaughterssuffering——thatwaswhathecouldnotbear!

Andworstofall，betweenmedicinesandnecessariesforthesick，thethreemonths\'pensionwasquiteusedup，andwhentheoldsoldier\'snursinghadpulledthroughthefiercenessofthefever，therewasnothingbutblackbreadleftinthehouse——andblackbreadwasalmostthesameasnobreadatalltothedaintyappetitiesthefeverhadleft；andthatwaswhathehadtothinkof，andthinkof，ashesatinthecottagedoor。

"Bah!"saidtheoldsoldier，withsomethingmorelikeagroanthanwaseverheardfromhimwhilehiswoundswerebeingdressed，"IcouldfaceallthearmiesofNapoleonbetterthanthis!"

Andhesatmoreandmoreinthecottagedoor，asifthatcouldleavethetroublebehind；butitstoodstaringbeforehim，allthesame，tillitalmostshuttherosebushandthebeesoutofsight。Butonemorningatremendoussurprisecametohimlikeaflashoutofthesky!Heheardthesoundofgallopingtroops，andheprickeduphisears，forthatalwaysmadehimthinkofacavalrycharge。

"Whogoesthere？"hecried；butwithoutansweringhischallengethesoundcamenearerandnearer，andalackeyinfullliverydasheduptothedoor，andpresentedhimwithanotesealedwiththeblood-redsealofthecastlearms。Itwasaninvitationtodineatthecastlewithacompanyofnoblemenandofficersofthearmy。Hislordship，whohadalsofoughtatWaterloo，hadjustlearnedthatacomradewaslivingonhisestate，andmadehastetodohimhonor，andsecureafamousguestforhisdinnerparty。

Theoldsoldierroseupproudly，andgavethelackeyamilitarysalute。

"Tellhislordship，"hesaid，"thatIshallreportmyselfatheadquarters，andpresentmythanksforthehonorhehasdoneme。"

Thelackeygallopedoff，andtheveteranpushedhischairoverwithhiswoodenleg，andclatteredacrossthecottagefloor。

"Ho，Peggy!"hecried，"didInotsaythatluckcomesandtroublefliesifyouonlyfacetheenemylongenough？Thisisthebeginningofgoodthings，Itellyou!AheroofWaterloo，andfittodinewithlordsandgenerals，willcertainlyhaveothergoodfortunecomingtohim，tillhecankeephiswifeanddaughterslikeprincesses。Justwaitabitandyoushallsee!"

andheturnedhastilyaway，forhisheartcameupinhisthroatsothathecouldnotspeak。

Alltherestofthatdayhesatinthedoor，brushinganddarningandpolishinghisstaineduniform。Ithadlainabandonedontheshelfformanyayear，butbeforenighteverybuttonwasshininglikegold，thescarletclothwasalmostfreshoncemore，andtheoldsoldier，wrappedinhisfaithfulcloak，wasmakinghiswayjoyfullyacrosstheheatherymoorstothecastlequiteattheotherside。

Butwhenhehadfairlyreachedit，andtheservanthadshownhimintothedrawing-room，hisheartalmostfailedhimforamoment。

Suchsplendorhehadneverseenbefore——athousandthpartwouldhaveboughthealthandhappinessforthedearoneshehadleftwithonlyhisbravegoodbyeandafreshrose-budtocomfortthem!

However，whatwiththebeautifulladiesofthecastlegatheringroundhimtoaskquestionsaboutthebattle，andwithaseatnearhislordship\'srighthandatdinner，hesoonpluckedupagain，andbegantorealizehowdelightfuleverythingwas。Butthatwastheverythingthatalmostspoiledthewholeagain，forwhenhesawhisplatecoveredwithluxuriesanddelicaciesmorethanhecouldpossiblyeat，thethoughtoftheblackbreadhehadleftatthecottagebroughtthetearsrushingtohiseyes。

But，"Tut!"hesaidtohimselfingreatdismay，"whatanungratefulpoltroonhislordshipwillthinkhehasbroughthere!"

andhemanagedtobrushthemoffwhilenoonewaslooking。

Itwasdelicious，though，inspiteofeverything，andafterawhilethewinebegantoflow——thatwarmedhisveryheart——andthenheheardhislordshipcallingtoaservanttobringhimsomethingfromhisprivatedesk，saying:

"Gentlemen，IamabouttoshowyoutheproudesttreasureI

possess。Thisdiamondsnuff-boxwaspresentedtomebythestoutoldBlucherhimself，inremembranceofserviceIwasabletoperformatWaterloo。NotthatIwasawhitworthierofitthanthebravefellowsundermycommand——understandthat!"

Howthediamondsglistenedandgleamedastheboxwaspassedfromhandtohand!Asifthethickestclusterofstarsyoueversaw，couldshineoutinthemidstofayellowsunsetsky，andthecolorsoftherainbowcouldtwinklethroughthematthesametime!Itwassuperb，butthenthatwasnothingcomparedtothegloryofreceivingitfromBlucher!

Thentherewasmorewineandstory-telling，andatlastsomeaskedtolookatthesnuff-boxagain。

"Hasanyonethesnuff-boxatpresent？"askedhislordship，ratheranxiously，forasheturnedtoreachitnosnuff-boxwastobeseen。

Noonesaid"yes，"foreveryonewassurehehadpassedittohisneighbor，andtheysearchedupanddownthetablewithconsternationintheirfaces，forthesnuff-boxcouldnothavedisappearedwithouthands，buttosaysowastotouchthehonorofgentlemenandsoldiers。

Atlastoneofthemostfamousofficersrosefromhisseat:

"Mylord，hesaid，"averyunluckyaccidentmusthaveoccurredhere。Someoneofusmusthaveslippedtheboxintohispocketunconsciously，mistakingitforhisown。Iwilltaketheleadinsearchingmine，iftherestofthecompanywillfollow!"

"Agreed!"saidtherest，andeachguestinturnwenttothebottomofonepocketafteranother，butstillnosnuff-box，andthedistressofthecompanyincreased。Theoldsoldier\'sturncamelast，andwithitcamethesurprise。Withburningcheeksandarmsfoldedcloselyacrosshisbreasthestoodupandconfrontedthecompanylikeastagatbay。

"No!"heexclaimed，"nooneshallsearchmypockets!Wouldyoudoubtthehonorofasoldier？"

"Butwehavealldoneso，"saidtherest，"andeveryoneknowsitisthemerestaccidentatthemost。"Buttheoldsoldieronlyheldhisarmsthetighter，whilethecolorgrewdeeperinhisface。Inhisperplexityhislordshipthoughtofanotherexpedient。

"Wewilltryanotherway，gentlemen，"hesaid，"Iwillorderabasketofbrantobebrought，andproposethateachoneinturnshallthrusthishandintothebran。Nooneshalllookon，andifwefindtheboxatlast，noonecanguesswhosehandplaceditthere。"

Itwasquicklydone，andhandafterhandwasthrustin，untilatlastcametheoldsoldier\'sturnoncemore。Buthewasnowheretobeseen。

Then，atlasttheindignationofthecompanybrokeforth。

"Asoldier，andaheroofWaterloo，andwillingtobeathief!"

andwiththeirdistressabouttheaffair，andhislordship\'sgriefathisloss，theeveningwasentirelyspoiled。

Meantimetheoldsoldier，withhisfaithfulcloakwrappedcloselyroundhimoncemore，wasfightinghiswaythroughthesharpwindsandoverthemoorsagain。Butabattleagainstsomethingathousandtimessharperandcolderwasgoingoninhisbreast。

"Athief!"hewassayingoverandovertohimself，"me，whofoughtclosetothesideofthe\'IronDuke\'!Andyet，canIlookoneoftheminthefaceandtellhimhelies？"

Thewalkthathadbeengoneoversomerrilywasaterribleonetoretrace，andwhenthecottagewasreached，insteadoftheprideandgoodluckthepoorinvalidshadbeenwatchingfor，agloomdeadlierthanthefeverfollowedhimin。Hesatinthedoorwayasheused，butsometimeshehunghisheadonhisbreast，andsometimesstartedupandwalkedproudlyabout，crying——

"Peggy!Isaynooneshallcallmeathief!IamasoldieroftheIronDuke!"

Buttheydidcallhimathief，though，foraverystrangething，afterhislordshiphadsorrowfullyorderedthecottageandlittlegardenspottobesearchednoboxwasfound，andthegloomandthemysterygrewdeepertogether。

Goodnursingcouldnotbalanceagainsttroublelikethis；thebeautifuldaughtersfadedanddied，thehousewastoogloomytostayinside，andifheescapedtothedoor，hehadtohearthepasserssay——

"TheresitsthesoldierwhostoletheBlucherdiamondsfromhishost!"

Andasifthiswasnotenough，onedaythesoundofhoofswasheardagain，andariderinuniformclattereduptothedoorsaying:

"Comrade，Iamsenttotellyouthatyourpensionisstopped!

HisMajestycannotcountathiefanylongerasoldierofhis!"

Afterthistheoldsoldierhardlyhelduphisheadatall，andhishair，thathadkeptblackasacoalalltheseyears，turnedwhiteasthemoorswhenthewintersnowslayonthem。

"Thoughthatisallthesame，Peggy，"heusedtosay，"foritiswinteralltheyearroundwithme!IfIcouldonlydieastheoldyeardoes!Thatwouldbethething!"

Butlongandmercilessasthewinteris，springdoescomeatlast，ifwecanbutliveandfightourwaythroughthestormsandcold。

Onenightacryoffirerousedallthecountry-side。Allbuttheoldsoldier。Heheardthemsaythecastlewasburning，butwhatwasthattohim？Nothingcouldburnawaytheremembrancethathehadoncebeencalledathiefwithinitswalls!Butthenextmorningheheardastep——notahorse\'shoofthistime，butastrongmanwalkinghastilytowardshim。

"WhereistheveteranofWaterloo？"askedhislordship\'svoice，andwhentheoldsoldiersteppedforward，hethrewhisarmsabouthisneckwithtearsandsobs。

"Comrade，"hesaid，"comeuptothecastle!Thesnuff-boxisfound，andIwantyoutostandintheveryroomwhereitwaslostwhileItelleveryonewhatagreatandsorrowfulwrongabraveandhonestsoldierhassufferedatmyhands!"

Itdidnottakemanywordstoexplain。Inthefirstalarmoffirethebutlerhadrushedtotheplate-closettosavethesilver。

"Thosegobletsfromthehighshelf!Quick!"hesaid，tothefootmanwhowashelpinghim，andwiththehasteaboutthegobletssomethingelsecametumblingdown。

"Thelostdiamondsnuff-box!"criedthebutler。"ThatstupidfellowIdismissedthedayitdisappeared，musthaveputitthereandforgottenallaboutit!"

Thefirewassoonextinguished，butnotawinkofsleepcouldhislordshipgetuntilhecouldmakereparationforthepitifulmistakeaboutthebox；andoncemoretheoldsoldiermadehiswayacrossthemoors，eventhewoodenlegsteppingproudlyashewentalong，thoughnowandthen，astheoldfeelingcameoverhim，hiswhiteheadwoulddroopforamomentagain。

Theservantsstoodasiderespectfullyasheenteredthecastle，andtheyandtheotherguestsofthatunluckydaygatheredroundhimwhilehislordshiptoldthemhowtheboxhadbeenfoundandhowhecouldnotrestuntilforgivenbythebraveherohehadsounjustlysuspectedofwrong。

"Andnow，"saidthecompany，"willyounottellusonethingmore？Whydidyourefusetoemptyyourpockets，asalltherestwerewillingtodo？"

"Because，"saidtheoldsoldiersorrowfully，"becauseIWASathief，andIcouldnotbearthatanyoneshoulddiscoverit!AllwhomIlovedbestintheworldwerelyingsickathome，starvingforwantofthedelicaciesIcouldnotprovide，andIfeltasifmyheartwouldbreaktoseemyplateheapedwithluxurieswhiletheyhadnotsomuchasataste!IthoughtamouthfulofwhatI

didnotneedmightsavethem，andwhennoonewaslookingI

slippedsomechoicebitsfrommyplatebetweentwopiecesofbreadandmadewaywiththemintomypocket。Icouldnotletthembediscoveredforasoldieristooproudtobeg，butoh，mylord，hecanbearbeingcalledathiefallhislifebetterthanhecandinesumptuouslywhilethereisonlyblackbreadathomeforthesickandweakwhomheloves!"

Tearscamestreamingfromtheoldsoldier\'slistenersbythistime，andeachviedwiththeotherinheapinghonorsandgiftsinplaceofthedisgracesufferedsolong；butallthatwaspowerlesstomakeupforthepast。

Twogoodlessonsmaybelearnedfromthestory:Neverbelieveanyoneguiltywhoisnotreallyprovedtobeso。Neverletfalseshamekeepyoufromconfessingthetruth，whethertriflingorofimportance。

Whatarethechildrendoingtoday，Downonthenurseryfloor，ThatbabylaughterandcrowsofdelightFloatthroughtheopendoor？

WatchingDon\'stopspinningaround，Makingthatqueerlittlewhirringsound。

ThisbigReindeermusthaverunawayFromSantaClausandhisChristmassleigh。

DoyouthinkifIshouldtakehimbackApresentIwouldgetoutofSanta\'spack？

THEAMERICANFLAG。

WhenfreedomfromhermountainheightUnfurledherstandardtotheair，Shetoretheazurerobeofnight，Andsetthestarsofglorythere。

ShemingledwithitsgorgeousdyesThemilkybaldricoftheskies，AndstripeditspurecelestialwhiteWithstreakingsofthemorninglight；

Thenfromhismansioninthesun，Shecalledhereaglebearerdown，AndgaveintohismightyhandThesymbolofherchosenland。

Majesticmonarchofthecloud，Whorears\'taloftthyregalform，Tohearthetempest-trumpingsloud，Andseethelightning-lancesdriven，Whenstrivethewarriorsofthestorm，Androllsthethunder-drumofheaven——

Childofthesun!totheeisgivenToguardthebannerofthefree，Tohoverinthesulphursmoke，Towardawaythebattlestroke，Andbiditsblendingsshineafar，Likerainbowsonthecloudofwar，Theharbingersofvictory!

Flagofthebrave!thyfoldsshallfly，Thesignofhopeandtriumphhigh，Whenspeaksthesignaltrumpettone，Andthelonglinecomesgleamingon。

Ereyetthelife-bloodwarmandwetHasdimmedtheglisteningbayonet，Eachsoldier\'seyesshallbrightlyturnTowherethysky-borngloriesburn；

And，ashisspringingstepsadvance，Catchwarandvengeancefromtheglance。

Andwhenthecannon\'smouthingsloudHeaveinwildwreathsthebattleshroud，AndgorysabersriseandfallLikedartsofflameonmidnight\'spall，Thenshallthymeteorglancesglow，AndcoweringfoesshallsinkbeneathEachgallantarmthatstrikesbelowThatlovelymessengerofdeath。

Flagoftheseas!OnoceanwaveThystarsshallglittero\'erthebrave；

Whendeath，careeringonthegale，Sweepsdarklyroundthebelliedsail，AndfrightenedwavesrushwildlybackBeforethebroadside\'sreelingrackEachdyingwandereroftheseaShalllookatoncetoheavenandthee，AndsmiletoseethysplendorsflyIntriumpho\'erhisclosingeye。

Flagofthefreeheart\'shopeandhome，Byangelhandstovalorgiven；

Thystarshavelitthewelkindome，Andallthyhueswereborninheaven。

Foreverfloatthatstandardsheet!

Wherebreathesthefoebutfallsbeforeus，Withfreedom\'ssoilbeneathourfeet，Andfreedom\'sbannerstreamingo\'erus？

JOSEPHRODMANDRAKE。

WewillswingtheropeforBabydear，Sojump，jump，jump!

ThatyouwilltripherupIfear，Butjump，jump，jump!

Swingiteasyandlow，Steadyandslow，Ordownthedeartotwillgo。

AcraftyFoxcreptforthonedayAndoverthehillshescamperedawayInsearchofafine，fathen；

ButolddogSportwaskeepingguard，WhenFoxleapedintoourchickenyard，Andchasedhimbacktohisden。

AUNTPOLLYSHEDD\'SBRIGADE。

"SomethingabouttheBattleofHampden？"Grandmatookoffherspectaclesandwipedthemreflectively"ItseemstomealreadyI

havetoldyoueverythingworthtelling；butthere!"inasuddenburstofrecollection，"didIevertellyouaboutAuntPollyShedd\'sBrigade？Thatwasquiteanaffairtothoseofusthatbelongedtoit!"

"Oh，no!dotellusaboutit!"calledoutthethreechildishvoicesinchorus；andGrandmaonlywaitedtoknitbytheseamneedle。

"I\'vetoldyouallaboutitsomanytimesthatIdon\'tneedtodescribeagainthatdreadfulmorningwhentheBritishman-of-warcameuptheriverand，droppingheranchorjustoppositeourlittlevillageofHampden，senttroopsashoretotakepossessionoftheplaceintheKing\'sname。SowhatIamgoingtotellyounowishow，andwhere，weyoungstersspentthethreedaysthattheBritishoccupiedourhouses。Iwasabouttwelveyearsoldatthetime。Irememberthatitwasjustasweweregettingupfromthebreakfast-tablethatoneofourneighbors，SolGrant，oldGeneralGrant\'syoungestson，rushedinwithoutknocking，hisfaceaswhiteasasheet，andhiscaponhind-sidebefore，andcalledouthurriedly:

"\'Mr。Swett，ifyouloveyourfamily，forGod\'ssakefindaplaceofsafetyfor\'em!TheBritisharecomingashore——threeboat-loadsof\'em，armedtotheteeth——andtheywon\'tspareman，womannorchild!

"Mother\'sfacegrewverypale，butshesteppedquietlyaround，withherbabyonherarm，closetowherefatherwasstanding，andlaidonehandonhisarm，whileshesaid，inafirm，clearvoice:

"\'MYplaceiswithyou，Benjamin，butwemustthinkofsomeplaceofsafetyforthechildren。Wherecantheygo？\'

"Solwasjustrushingoutofthedoorasunceremoniouslyashehadrushedin，buthestoppedwhenheheardheraskthat，longenoughtosay:

"\'IforgottotellyouthatAuntPollySheddwilltakeallthechildrenputinherchargeouttoOldGubtil\'s；that\'ssooutofthewaytheywon\'tbedisturbed，\'speciallyastheoldman\'saToryhimself。\'

"Motherkissedusallround，withasmileonherfacethatcouldn\'tquitehidethetearswithwhichherdeareyeswerefilled，andasshehastilybundledusinwhatevergarmentcametohand，shebadeusbegoodchildren，andmakeAuntPollyandtheGubtilsaslittletroubleaspossible。Thenwefollowedfatherout-of-doorsandintotheschool-houseyardwhereascoreormoreofchildrenwerealreadygathered——stillasmiceforintenseterror。AuntPolly，inherbiggreencalash，andapillow-caseofvaluablesunderonearm，wasbustlingtoandfro，speakinganencouragingoradmonitoryword，asthecasemightbe，andwearinguponherpinched，freckledlittlefacesuchareassuringsmilethatIsoonfeltmyowncourageriseand，dashingbackthetearsthathadfilledmyeyesamomentbefore，IbusiedmyselfinpinninglittleSally\'sblanketmorecloselyaboutherneckandsettingthefadedsunbonnetuponthetangledcurlsthathadnotyethadtheircustomarymorning\'sdressing。

"\'Come，children，\'calledoutAuntPollycheerily，\'you\'reallherenow，andwe\'llstartrightoff。I\'llgoahead，an\'allyoulittleoneshadbestkeepclosetome；thebiggeronescancomealongbehind。\'

"Obedienttoherorderwestarted，followingherstepsacrosstheroadbythebeeches，andupbythegrocerystorewhereacrowdofexcitedmenwerecongregated，talkingloudlywithwildgesticulations，whilefartherdown，towardtheshore，wecouldcatchglimpses，throughthethickmorningfog，oftheblueuniformsofourmilitiacompanythathadbeensummonedinhothastetodefendthetown。Aswefiledpast，IrememberIheardoneofthemenonthegrocerystepsspeak:

"\'Itellyoutheywon\'tleaveonestoneonanotheriftheygetpossessionofthetown，andthey\'llimpressalltheable-bodiedmenandallthebigboysintotheKing\'sservicebesides。\'

"AcoldshiverranovermeandIcaughtsohardatlittleSally\'shandthatthechildcriedoutwithpain，andAuntPollysaidanxiously:

"\'Hurryup，dears!\'Tain\'tmuchmore\'namileouttoGubtil\'s，andyou\'llhaveagoodnicechancetorestafterwegetthere。\'

"Justthenthemartialmusicofafifeanddrumannouncedthelandingoftheenemy\'stroops，andItellyouitquickenedthelaggingfootstepsofeventheyoungestchildintoarun，andwejustflew，helter-skelter，overtherough，little-usedroadthatledtotheGubtilfarm。AuntPolly\'sgentletoneswereunheeded。

Allshecoulddowastocarrytheweakestinherarmsoveralltheworstplaces，withawordofcheer，nowandthen，tosomechildwhowasnottoomuchfrightenedtoheedit。

"Whatahavenofsafetythelow，unpaintedoldfarm-houselookedtous，aswerushed，pell-mell，intothedooryard，nevernoticing，inourownrelief，theungraciousscowlwithwhichthemasterandmistressofthehouseregardedouradvent。

"AuntPollysoonexplainedmatters，takingcaretoassuretheinhospitablepairthatourparentswouldamplyrecompensethemforthetroubleandexpensewemust，ofcourse，betothem。

"Thefarmerheldawhisperedconsultationwithhiswife，andI

rememberwellhisharsh，loudtonesashecamebacktoAuntPolly: