Carols to the rising day
Many a note and many a lay.”
I woke the following morning soon after the first tinge of day had streaked the east, and found myself terribly stiff and foot-sore. My nose, too, was hot, and I felt very thirsty.
“What’s the matter?” asked Trimbush, waking, as I gave a whine of uneasiness.
“I’m not well,” replied I, limping from the bench.
“Oh, it’s nothing to care about,” replied he, yawning and stretching his limbs. “Yesterday’s work has taken the steel and wire out of ye, that’s all.”
“It does not appear to have touched you,” rejoined I.
“Me!” returned Trimbush, grinning so that he showed every tooth in his head. “Do you know, youngster, what you are?”
“Yes,” answered I proudly: “one who does his duty, and gives as much satisfaction as any of you oldsters.”
“Well, well!” responded he, “I must admit that you allow yourself to be taught; and both the duty and satisfaction which you give at present are concentrated in that one great and good quality.”