"I say, Mike," said Tom, "what was it the old man said had got the better of us?"
"That's more than I can tell," said Mike. "I can't remember such hard words. But I know what he meant, and I guess he was about right."
Uncle Sam.
BUMBLE-BEE.
Bumble-Bee superbly dressed,
In velvet, jet, and gold,
Sailed along in eager quest,
And hummed a ballad bold.
Morning-Glory clinging tight
To friendly spires of grass,
Blushing in the early light,
Looked out to see him pass.
Nectar pure as crystal lay
In her ruby cup;
Bee was very glad to stay,
Just to drink it up.
"Fairest of the flowers," said he,
"'Twas a precious boon;
May you still a Glory be,
Morning, night, and noon!"
M. A. C.