But thereupon he drew up a chair.

Hung his long coat-tail over the back,

Sat down by the pieces and opened his pack,

Brought forth from its depths a stout needle and

thread,

And there he sat squinting and scratching his head,

As if rather doubtfully questioning whether

'Twas possible ever to patch her together!

Meanwhile—but how can I hope to tell

Half that to my friends befell