ROLL OF THE KETTLEDRUM 



And now, his left leg than his right is made 

 shorter 

 Three inches, he stoops, and his chest is 

 unsound ; 

 He spoke to me gently, and patted my quarter, 

 I laid my ears back and look't playfully 

 round. 



For that word kindly meant, that caress 

 kindly given, 

 I thank't him, though dumb, but my cheer- 

 fulness fled ; 

 More sadness I drew from the face of the 

 living 

 Than years back I did from the face of 

 the dead. 



For the dead face, upturned, tranquil, joyous, 

 and fearless, 

 Look't straip^ht from o^reen sod to blue 

 fathomless sky 

 With a smile ; but the living face, gloomy 

 and tearless, 

 And haggard and harass'd, look't down 



with a sigh. 



159 



