A DIFFERENCE OF OPINION.
By Lilian Dynevor Rice.
I
Six sturdy lads lay curled up in their beds When the Birthday of Freedom had faded to night, With burns on their fingers and pains in their heads, And scarred like the heroes of many a fight. But, strange to relate, as all sleepless they lay, Though ten from the steeple had chimed loud and clear, They sighed: "What a perfectly glorious day! Too bad it can only come once in the year!"
II
The six patient mothers, who loved the six boys, Were resting at last, now the daylight was done; For, with the wild racket and riot and noise, No peace had been theirs since the dawn of the sun. And they sighed, as they said in the weariest way (And full cause had they for their feelings, I fear): "This has been such a terrible, ear-splitting day! How lucky it only comes once in the year!"
THE LEOPARD BROUGHT TO BAY BY WILD DOGS.