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PREFACE. In this, the third series of Breakfast-Table conversations, a slight dramatic background shows off a few talkers and writers, aided by certain silent supernumeraries. The machinery is much like that of the two preceding series. Some of the characters must seem like old acquaintances to those who have read the former papers. As I read these over for the first time for a number of years, I...
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The Song of Hiawatha is based on the legends and stories of many North American Indian tribes, but especially those of the Ojibway Indians of northern Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota. They were collected by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the reknowned historian, pioneer explorer, and geologist. He was superintendent of Indian affairs for Michigan from 1836 to 1841. Schoolcraft married Jane,...
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INTRODUCTION A mid the many celebrations last Christmas Eve, in various places by different persons, there was one, in New York City, not like any other anywhere. A company of men, women, and children went together just after the evening service in their church, and, standing around the tomb of the author of "A Visit from St. Nicholas," recited together the words of the poem which we all know...
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KING DIDERIK AND THE LION’S FIGHT WITH THE DRAGON From Bern rode forth King Diderik, A stately warrior form;Engaged in fray he found in the way A lion and laidly worm. They fought for a day, they fought for two, But ere the third was flown,The worm outfought the beast, and brought To earth the lion down. Then cried the lion in his need When he the warrior saw:“O aid me quick,...
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The Lone War-Path. A STORY OF SIOUX AND BLACKFOOT.O'er a vast prairie stoops the sultry night;The moon in her broad kingdom wanders white;High hung in space, she swims the murky blue.Low lies yon village of the roaming Sioux—Its smoke-stained lodges, moving toward the west,By conquering Sleep invaded and possessed.All there, save one, own his benign command;Their chief has lately left this...
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A PESSIMISTIC VIEW A little bit of Thackeray, A little bit of Scott, A modicum of Dickens just To tangle up the plot, A paraphrase of Marryat, Another from Dumas— You ask me for a novel, sir, And I say, there you are. The pen is greater than the sword, Of that there is no doubt. The pen for me whene’er I wish An enemy to rout. A pen, a pad, and say a pint Of ink with which to scrawl, To put a foe...
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Jemima Blackburn
In the merry spring time, thus says my song,When the sun shines bright and the days grow long,And the crocuses brilliant, in purple and gold,Bloom in the gardens in numbers untold;When in the fields the grass grows green,And a few early lambs are seen;When daffodils in gaudy gownsLook gay upon the verdant downs,And fair spring flowers of each degreeIn every sheltered nook you see. See image HOW MANY...
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KING HACON’S DEATH And now has happened in our day What was in ancient time foretold:Beneath his hand all Norroway’s land Has Hacon brought, the wise and bold. Full many a warrior summons he From all the country far and near;To Scotland’s realm, with shield and helm, Across the sea the King will steer. As many as sword and helm can bear With him must sail across the foam;All...
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Sara Teasdale
Barter Life has loveliness to sell, All beautiful and splendid things, Blue waves whitened on a cliff, Soaring fire that sways and sings, And children's faces looking up Holding wonder like a cup. Life has loveliness to sell, Music like a curve of gold, Scent of pine trees in the rain, Eyes that love you, arms that hold, And for your spirit's still...
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Edmund Goldsmid
When raging Love, with fierce assault, Strikes at fair Beauties gate,What army hath she to resist And keepe her court and state? She calleth first on Chastitie To lende her help in time;And Prudence no lesse summons shee To meet her foe so trim. And female Courage she alwaye Doth bring unto the walle,To blowe the trump in her dismaye, Fearing her fort may falle. On force of wordes she...
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