They called and cheered; and cheered and called along.

“Just one,” he said, and took his chair ahead.

He hummed awhile as if him to imbue

Upon the melody; then out he led

To carol, “In the Valley of the Blue.”

He sang as sings a sorrow sweetened heart,

Which made from some eyes silent tear drops start:—

“IN THE VALLEY OF THE BLUE.”

I.

In the bonnie Big Blue valley