Drove her forth into the gutter from the day’s dawn to its close.
But she knew enough, this outcast, just to tell the sinking boy,
“You must die before you’re able all these blessings to enjoy.
You must die,” she whispered, “Billy, and I am not even ill;
But I’ll come to you, dear brother—yes, I promise that I will.
“You are dying, little brother,—you are dying, oh, so fast;
I heard father say to mother that he knew you could’nt last.
They will put you in a coffin, then you’ll wake and be up there,
While I’m left alone to suffer in this garret bleak and bare.”
“Yes, I know it,” answered Billy. “Ah, but, sister, I don’t mind,