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: