Now various subjects rose—the country’s cause,
The war, the allies, the lottery, and the laws.
The widow’d Sister then advantage took
Of a short pause, and, smiling softly, spoke:
She judged what subject would his mind excite—
“Tell us, dear Captain, of that bloody fight,
When our brave Uncle, bleeding at his gun, 1010
Gave a loud shout to see the Frenchmen run.”
“Another day”—replied the modest host;
“One cannot always of one’s battles boast.