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: