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: