“As I live, my friends, I believe that to be His voice! Yes, were my soul trembling on the verge[1550] of eternity, were this hand[1551] freezing in death, were this voice choking[1552] in the last struggle, I would still, with the last impulse of that soul, with the last wave[1553] of that hand, with the last gasp of that voice, implore[1554] you to remember this truth—God has given America to be free![1555] Yes, as I sank[1556] into the gloomy shadows of the grave, with my last faint whisper I would beg you to sign[1557] that

parchment for the sake of the millions whose very breath is now hushed[1558] in intense expectation as they look up to you for the awful words, ‘You are free!’”[1559]

The unknown speaker fell exhausted in his seat, but the work was done. A wild murmur runs[1560] through the hall. “Sign!” There is no doubt now. Look how they rush forward![1561] Stout-hearted John Hancock has scarcely time to sign his bold name before the pen is grasped by another,[1562] another,[1563] and another.[1564] Look how the names blaze[1565] on the parchment! Adams and Lee, Jefferson and Carroll, Franklin and Sherman!

And now the parchment is signed.

Now, old man[1566] in the steeple, now bare your arm and let the bell speak![1567] Hark[1568] to the music of that bell! Is there not a poetry in that sound, a poetry more sublime than that of Shakespeare[1569] and Milton? Is there not a music in that sound that reminds you of those sublime tones which broke from angel lips when the news of the child Jesus burst on the hill-tops of Bethlehem?[1570] For the tones of that bell now come pealing, pealing, pealing.[1571] “Independence now[1572] and Independence forever.”[1573]

[Gestures.]

JUVENILES.

The Boy and the Boot.

“Bother!” was all that John Clatterby said;