Songs of Action by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930

8/14/2019 Songs of Action by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930

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SONGSOFACTION

Contents:

TheSongOfTheBowCremonaTheStormingPartyTheFrontierLineCorporalDick'sPromotionAForgottenTalePennarbyMineARoverChantyABalladOfTheRanksALayOfTheLinksTheDyingWhipMasterH.M.S.'Foudroyant'TheFarnshireCupTheGroom'sStoryWiththeChiddingfolds

AHuntingMorningTheOldGrayFox'WareHolesTheHome-comingofthe'Eurydice'TheInnerRoomTheIrishColonelTheBlindArcherAParableATragedyThePassingTheFranklin'sMaidTheOldHuntsman

THESONGOFTHEBOW

Whatofthebow?ThebowwasmadeinEngland:Oftruewood,ofyew-wood,ThewoodofEnglishbows;SomenwhoarefreeLovetheoldyew-treeAndthelandwheretheyew-treegrows.

Whatofthecord?ThecordwasmadeinEngland:Aroughcord,atoughcord,Acordthatbowmenlove;AndsowewillsingOfthehempenstringAndthelandwherethecordwaswove.

Whatoftheshaft?


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TheshaftwascutinEngland:Alongshaft,astrongshaft,Barbedandtrimandtrue;Sowe'lldrinkalltogetherTothegreygoose-featherAndthelandwherethegreygooseflew.

Whatofthemark?Ah,seekitnotinEngland,Aboldmark,ouroldmarkIswaitingover-sea.Whenthestringsharpinchorus,Andthelionflagiso'erus,Itistherethatourmarkwillbe.

Whatofthemen?ThemenwerebredinEngland:Thebowmen--theyeomen,Theladsofdaleandfell.Here'stoyou--andtoyou!TotheheartsthataretrueAndthelandwherethetrueheartsdwell.

CREMONA

[TheFrenchArmy,includingapartoftheIrishBrigade,underMarshalVilleroy,heldthefortifiedtownofCremonaduringthewinterof1702.PrinceEugene,withtheImperialArmy,surpriseditonemorning,and,owingtothetreacheryofapriest,occupiedthewholecitybeforethealarmwasgiven.Villeroywascaptured,togetherwithmanyoftheFrenchgarrison.TheIrish,however,consistingoftheregimentsofDillonandofBurke,heldafortcommandingtherivergate,anddefendedthemselvesallday,inspite

ofPrinceEugene'seffortstowinthemovertohiscause.EventuallyEugene,beingunabletotakethepost,wascompelledtowithdrawfromthecity.]

TheGrenadiersofAustriaarepropermenandtall;TheGrenadiersofAustriahavescaledthecitywall;TheyhavemarchedfromfarawayErethedawningoftheday,AndthemorningsawthemmastersofCremona.

There'snotamantowhisper,there'snotahorsetoneigh;OfthefootmenofLorraineandtheridersofDupres,Theyhavecreptupeverystreet,

Inthemarket-placetheymeet,TheyareholdingeveryvantageinCremona.

TheMarshalVilleroyhehasstartedfromhisbed;TheMarshalVilleroyhasnowiguponhishead;'Ihavelostmymen!'quothhe,'Andmymentheyhavelostme,AndIsorelyfearwebothhavelostCremona.'

PrinceEugeneofAustriaisinthemarket-place;


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PrinceEugeneofAustriahassmilesuponhisface;Sayshe,'Ourworkisdone,FortheCitadeliswon,Andtheblackandyellowflagflieso'erCremona.'

MajorDanO'Mahonyisinthebarracksquare,AndjustsixhundredIrishladsarewaitingforhimthere;Sayshe,'Comeinyourshirt,Andyouwon'ttakeanyhurt,ForthemorningairispleasantinCremona.'

MajorDanO'Mahonyisatthebarrackgate,AndjustsixhundredIrishladswillneitherstaynorwait;There'sDillonandthere'sBurke,Andthere'llbesomebloodyworkEretheKaiserlicsshallboasttheyholdCremona.

MajorDanO'Mahonyhasreachedtheriverfort,AndjustsixhundredIrishladsarejoininginthesport;'Come,takeahand!'sayshe,'Andifyouwillstandbyme,Thenit'sglorytothemanwhotakesCremona!'

PrinceEugeneofAustriahasfrownsuponhisface,

AndloudhecallshisGalloperofIrishbloodandrace:'MacDonnell,ride,Ipray,Toyourcountrymen,andsayThatonlytheyareleftinallCremona!'

MacDonnellhehasreinedhismarebesidetheriverdyke,Andhehastiedtheparleyflaguponasergeant'spike;SixcompanieswerethereFromLimerickandClare,ThelastofalltheguardiansofCremona.

'Now,MajorDanO'Mahony,giveuptherivergate,Or,MajorDanO'Mahony,you'llfinditistoolate;

ForwhenIgallopback'Tisthesignalforattack,AndnoquarterfortheIrishinCremona!'

AndMajorDanhelaughed:'Faith,ifwhatyousaybetrue,Andiftheywillnotcomeuntiltheyhearagainfromyou,Thentherewillbenoattack,Foryou'renevergoingback,Andwe'llkeepyousnugandsafelyinCremona.'

AllthewearydaytheGermanstormerscame,Allthewearydaytheywerefacedbyfireandflame,Theyhavefilledtheditchwithdead,

Andtheriver'srunningred;ButtheycannotwinthegatewayofCremona.

Allthewearyday,again,again,again,ThehorsemenofDupresandthefootmenofLorraine,TaafeandHerberstein,AndtheridersoftheRhine;It'samightypricethey'repayingforCremona.

Timeandtimetheycamewiththedeep-mouthedGermanroar,


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Timeandtimetheybrokelikethewaveupontheshore;ForbettermenwerethereFromLimerickandClare,AndwhowilltakethegatewayofCremona?

PrinceEugenehaswatched,andhegnawshisnetherlip;PrinceEugenehascursedashesawhischancesslip:'Calloff!Calloff!'hecried,'Itisnearingeventide,AndIfearourworkisfinishedinCremona.'

SaysWauchoptoMcAulliffe,'Theirfireisgrowingslack.'SaysMajorDanO'Mahony,'Itistheirlastattack;ButwhowillstopthegameWhilethere'slighttoplaythesame,AndtowalkashortwaywiththemfromCremona?'

Andsotheysnarlbehindthem,andbegthemturnandcome,TheyhavetakenNeuberg'sstandard,theyhavetakenDiak'sdrum;AndalongthewindingPo,Beardonshoulder,sternandslowTheKaiserlicsareridingfromCremona.

JusttwohundredIrishladsareshoutingonthewall;

Fourhundredmorearelyingwhocanhearnoslogancall;Butwhat'stheoddsofthat,Forit'sallthesametoPatIfhepayshisdebtinDublinorCremona.

SaysGeneraldeVaudray,'You'vedoneasoldier'swork!AndeverytongueinFranceshalltalkofDillonandofBurke!Askwhatyouwillthisday,Andbeitwhatitmay,ItisgrantedtotheheroesofCremona.'

'Why,then,'saysDanO'Mahony,'onefavourweentreat,Wewerecalledalittleearly,andourtoilet'snotcomplete.

We'venoquarrelwiththeshirt,Butthebreecheswouldn'thurt,FortheeveningairischillyinCremona.'

THESTORMINGPARTY

SaidPaulLeroytoBarrow,'Thoughthebreachissteepandnarrow,Ifweonlygainthesummit

Thenit'soddsweholdthefort.Ihavetenandyouhavetwenty,Andthethirtyshouldbeplenty,WithHendersonandHentyAndMcDermottinsupport.'

SaidBarrowtoLeroy,'It'sasolidjob,myboy,Forthey'veflankedit,andthey'vebankedit,Andthey'veboreditwithamine.


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Butit'sonlyfiftypacesErewelooktheminthefaces;Andthemenareintheirplaces,Withtheirtoesupontheline.'

SaidPaulLeroytoBarrow,'Seethatfirstray,likeanarrow,HowittingesallthefringesOfthesullendriftingskies.TheytoldmetobeginitAtfive-thirtytotheminute,Andatthirty-oneI'minit,Ormysubwillgethisrise.

'Sowe'llwaitthesignalrocket,Till...Barrow,showthatlocket,Thatturquoise-studdedlocket,WhichyouslippedfromoutyourpocketAndarepressingwithakiss!Turquoise-studded,spiral-twisted,Itishers!AndIhadmisseditFromherchain;andyouhavekissedit:Barrow,villain,whatisthis?'

'Leroy,Ihadawarning,Thatmytimehascomethismorning,SoIspeakwithfrankness,scorningTodenythethingthat'strue.Yes,it'sAmy's,isthetrinket,Littleturquoise-studdedtrinket,Nothergift--oh,neverthinkit!Forherthoughtswereallforyou.

'AswedancedIgentlydrewitFromherchain--sheneverknewitButIloveher--yes,Iloveher:Iamcandid,Iconfess.

ButInevertoldher,never,ForIknew'twasvainendeavour,Andshelovedyou--lovedyouever,WouldtoGodshelovedyouless!'

'Barrow,Barrow,youshallpayme!Me,yourcomrade,tobetrayme!WellIknowthatlittleAmyIsastrueaswifecanbe.Shetogivethislove-badgedlocket!Shehadrather...Ha,therocket!Hi,McDougall!Soundthebugle!Yorkshires,Yorkshires,followme!'

***

SaidPaulLeroytoAmy,'Well,wifie,youmayblameme,Formypassionovercameme,Whenhetoldmeofhisshame;ButwhenIsawhimlying,Deadamidaringofdying,Why,poordevil,Iwastrying


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Toforget,andnottoblame.

'Andthislocket,IunclaspeditFromthefingersthatstillgraspedit:Hetoldmehowhegotit,Howhestoleitinavalse.'Andshelistenedleaden-hearted:Oh,thewearydaytheyparted!Forshelovedhim--yes,shelovedhim-Forhisyouthandforhistruth,Andforthosedyingwords,sofalse.

THEFRONTIERLINE

Whatmarksthefrontierline?ThoumanofIndia,say!IsittheHimalayassheer,TherocksandvalleysofCashmere,OrIndusassheseeksthesouthFromAttochtothefivefoldmouth?

'Notthat!Notthat!'Thenanswerme,Ipray!Whatmarksthefrontierline?

Whatmarksthefrontierline?ThoumanofBurmah,speak!IsittracedfromMandalay,AnddownthemarchesofCathay,FromBhamosouthtoKiang-mai,Andwheretheburiedrubieslie?'Notthat!Notthat!'ThentellmewhatIseek:Whatmarksthefrontierline?

Whatmarksthefrontierline?ThouAfricander,say!IsitshownbyZulukraal,ByDrakensbergorwindingVaal,OrwheretheShirewatersseekTheiroutleteastatMozambique?'Notthat!Notthat!ThereisasurerwayTomarkthefrontierline.'

Whatmarksthefrontierline?ThoumanofEgypt,tell!

IsittracedonLuxor'ssand,WhereKarnak'spaintedpillarsstand,OrwheretheriverrunsbetweenTheEthiopandBishareen?'Notthat!Notthat!ByneitherstreamnorwellWemarkthefrontierline.

'Butbeiteastorwest,Onecommonsignwebear,


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Thetonguemaychange,thesoil,thesky,ButwhereyourBritishbrotherslie,Thelonelycairn,thenamelessgrave,StillfringetheflowingSaxonwave.'Tisthat!'TiswhereTHEYlie--themenwhoplaceditthere,Thatmarksthefrontierline.'

CORPORALDICK'SPROMOTIONABALLADOF'82

TheEasterndaywaswell-nigho'erWhen,parchedwiththirstandtravelsore,TwoofMcPherson'sflankingcorpsAcrosstheDesertweretramping.TheyhadwanderedofffromthebeatentrackAndnowwerewearilyharkingback,EverstaringroundforthesignaljackThatmarkedtheircomradescamping.

TheonewasCorporalRobertDick,Beardedandburly,shortandthick,Roughofspeechandintemperquick,Ahard-facedoldrapscallion.Theother,freshfromthebarracksquare,Wasarawrecruit,smooth-cheekedandfairHalfgrown,halfdrilled,withtheweedyairOfadraftfromthehomebattalion.

Wearyandparchedandhunger-torn,Theyhadwanderedonfromearlymorn,Andtheyoungboy-soldierlimpedforlorn,Nowstumblingandnowfalling.

Aroundtheorangesand-curveslay,Fleckedwithboulders,blackorgrey,Death-silent,savethatfarawayAkitewasshrillycalling.

Akite?WasTHATakite?TheyellThatshrillyroseandfaintlyfell?Nokite's,andyetthekiteknowswellThelong-drawnwildhalloo.AndrightathwarttheeveningskyTheyellowsand-sprayspurtledhigh,AndshrillandshrillerswelledthecryOf'Allah!Allahu!'

TheCorporalpeeredatthecrimsonWest,Hidhispipeinhiskhakivest.Growledoutanoathandonwardpressed,Stillglancingoverhisshoulder.'Bedouins,mate!'hecurtlysaid;'We'llfindsomeworkforsteelandlead,Andmaybesleepinasandybed,Beforewe'reonehourolder.


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'Butjustoneflutterbeforewe'redone.Stiffenyourlipandstand,myson;We'lltakethisbloomin'circuson:Ball-cartridgeload!Now,steady!'Withacurseandaprayerthetwofacedround,Doggedandgrimtheystoodtheirground,Andtheirbreech-blockssnappedwithacrispcleansoundAstheriflessprangtothe'ready.'

AlasfortheEmirAliKhan!Ahundredpacesbeforehisclan,Thatebonysteedoftheprophet'sbreedIsthefoalofdeathandofdanger.Aspurtoffire,agaspofpain,Ablueishblurrontheyellowplain,Thechiefwasdown,andhisbridlereinWasinthegripofthestranger.

Withthelightofhopeonhisruggedface,TheCorporalsprangtothedeadman'splace,Oneprickwiththesteel,onethrustwiththeheel,Andwherewasthemantooutridehim?Agripofhisknees,atossofhisrein,Hewassettlingherdowntohergallopagain,

Whenhestopped,forheheardjustonefalteringwordFromtheyoungrecruitbesidehim.

Onefalteringwordfrompaltopal,ButitfoundtheheartoftheCorporal.Hehadsprungtothesand,hehadlenthimahand,'Up,mate!They'llbe'ereinaminute;Offwithyou!Nopalaver!Go!I'llbidebe'indandrunthisshow.Promotionhasbeencursedslow,Andthisismychancetowinit.'

Intothesaddlehethrusthimquick,

Spurredtheblackmarewithabayonetprick.WatchedhergallopwithplungeandwithkickAwayo'erthedesertcareering.Thenheturnedwithasoftenedface,Andloosenedthestrapofhiscartridge-case,WhilehisthoughtsflewbacktothedearoldplaceInthesunnyHampshireclearing.

Theyoungboy-private,glancingback,SawtheBedouins'wildattack,AndheardthesharpMartinicrack.Butashegazed,alreadyThefiercefanaticArabband

Wasclosinginoneveryhand,Untilonetawnyswirlofsand,Concealedtheminitseddy.

***

AsquadronofBritishhorsethatnight,Gallopinghardintheshadowylight,Cameonthesceneofthatlaststernfight,AndfoundtheCorporallying


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Silentandgrimonthetrampledsand,Hisriflegraspedinhisstiffenedhand,Withthewarriorprideofonewhodied'Midaringofthedeadandthedying.

Andstillwhentwilightshadowsfall,Aftertheeveningbuglecall,Inbivouacorinbarrack-hall,HiscomradesspeakoftheCorporal,Hisdeathandhisdevotion.AndtherearesomewholiketosayThatperhapsahiddenmeaninglayInthewordshespoke,andthatthedayWhenhisroughboldspiritpassedawayWASthedaythathewonpromotion.

AFORGOTTENTALE

[Thesceneofthisancientfight,recordedbyFroissart,isstillcalled'AlturadelosInglesos.'Fivehundredyearslater

Wellington'ssoldierswerefightingonthesameground.]

'Say,whatsawyouonthehill,CampesinoGarcia?''Isawmybrindledheiferthere,Atrailofbowmen,spentandbare,AndalittlemanonasorrelmareRidingslowbeforethem.'

'Say,whatsawyouinthevale,CampesinoGarcia?''ThereIsawmylambingeweAndanarmyridingthrough,

ThickandbravethepennonsflewFromthelanceso'erthem.'

'Thenwhatsawyouonthehill,CampesinoGarcia?''Isawbesidethemilkingbyre,Whitewithwantandblackwithmire,ThelittlemanwitheyesafireMarshallinghisbowmen.'

'Thenwhatsawyouinthevale,CampesinoGarcia?''ThereIsawmybullockstwain,

AndamidmyuncutgrainAllthehardymenofSpainSpurringfortheirfoemen.'

'Nay,butthereismoretotell,CampesinoGarcia!''Icouldnotbidetheendtoview;IhadgraverthingstodoTendingonthelambingeweDownamongtheclover.'


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'Ah,buttellmewhatyouheard,CampesinoGarcia!''Shoutingfromthemountain-side,Shoutinguntileventide;ButitdwindledanditdiedEremilkingtimewasover.'

'Nay,butsawyounothingmore,CampesinoGarcia?''Yes,Isawthemlyingthere,Thelittlemanandsorrelmare;Andintheirranksthebowmenfair,Withtheirstavesbeforethem.'

'AndthehardymenofSpain,CampesinoGarcia?''Hush!butweareSpanishtoo;MoreImaynotsaytoyou:MayGod'sbenison,likedew,Gentlysettleo'erthem.'

PENNARBYMINE

Pennarbyshaftisdarkandsteep,Eightfootwide,eighthundreddeep.Stoutthebucketandtoughthecord,StrongasthearmofWinchmanFord.'Neverlookdown!Sticktotheline!'ThatwasthesayingatPennarbymine.

AstrangercametoPennarbyshaft.

Lord,toseehowtheminerslaughed!Whiteinthecollarandstiffinthehat,Withhispatentbootsandhissilkcravat,Pickinghisway,Daintyandfine,SteppingontiptoetoPennarbymine.

TouringfromLondon,sohesaid.Wasitcoppertheydugfor?orgold?orlead?Wheredidtheyfindit?Howdiditcome?IfhetriedwithashovelmightHEgetsome?StoopingsomuchWasbadforthespine;

Andwasn'titwarmishinPennarbymine?

'Twasliketwoworldsthatmetthatday-Theworldofworkandtheworldofplay;AndthegrimyladsfromthereekingshaftNudgedeachotherandgrinnedandchaffed.'Got'emallout!''Acousinofmine!'SoranthebanteratPennarbymine.


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AndCarnbraeBob,thePennarbywit,Toldhimthefactsaboutthepit:HowtheyboredtheshafttillthebrimstonesmellWarnedthemofffromtapping--well,Hewouldn'tsaywhat,ButtheytookitassignTodignodeeperinPennarbymine.

Thenleaningoverandpeeringin,HewaspointingoutwhathesaidwastinIntheten-footlode--acrash!ajar!Agraspinghandandasplinteredbar.Goneinhisstrength,Withthelipsthatlaughed-Oh,thepalefacesroundPennarbyshaft!

Fardownonanarrowledge,Theysawhimclingtothecrumblingedge.'Waitforthebucket!Hi,man!Stay!Thatropeain'tsafe!It'swornaway!He'stakinghischance,Slackouttheline!SweetLordbewithhim!'criedPennarbymine.

'He'sgothim!Hehashim!Pullwithawill!ThankGod!He'soverandbreathingstill.Andhe--Lord'ssakesnow!What'sthat?Well!Blowedifitain'tourLondonswell.YourheartisrightIfyourcoatISfine:Giveusyourhand!'criedPennarbymine.

AROVERCHANTY

AtradersailedfromStepneytown-Wakeherup!Shakeherup!Tryherwiththemainsail!AtradersailedfromStepneytownWithakegfullofgoldandavelvetgown:Ho,thebullyroverJack,WaitingwithhisyardabackOutupontheLowlandsea!

Thetraderhehadadaughterfair-Wakeherup!Shakeherup!TryherwiththeforesailThetraderhehadadaughterfair,Shehadgoldinherears,andgoldinherhair:

AllforbullyroverJack,Waitingwithhisyardaback,OutupontheLowlandsea!

'Alastheday,ohdaughtermine!'-Shakeherup!Wakeherup!Tryherwiththetopsail!'Alastheday,ohdaughtermine!Yonred,redflagisafearsomesign!'Ho,thebullyroverJack,Reachingontheweathertack,


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OutupontheLowlandsea!

'Afearsomeflag!'themaidencried-Wakeherup!Shakeherup!Tryherwiththejibsail!'Afearsomeflag!'themaidencried,ButcomeliermenIneverhavespied!'Ho,thebullyroverJack,Reachingontheweathertack,OutupontheLowlandsea!

There'sawoodenpaththattheroversknow-Wakeherup!Shakeherup!Tryherwiththeheadsails!There'sawoodenpaththattheroversknow,Wherenonecomeback,thoughmanymustgo:Ho,thebullyroverJack,Lyingwithhisyardaback,OutupontheLowlandsea!

WhereisthetraderofStepneytown?-Wakeherup!Shakeherup!Everysticka-bending!WhereisthetraderofStepneytown?There'sgoldonthecapstan,andbloodonthegown:HoforbullyroverJack,Waitingwithhisyardaback,

OutupontheLowlandsea!

Whereisthemaidenwhokneltathisside?-Wakeherup!Shakeherup!Everystitcha-drawing!Whereisthemaidenwhokneltathisside?Wegownedherinscarlet,andchoseherourbride:Ho,thebullyroverJack,Reachingontheweathertack,RightacrosstheLowlandsea!

Soit'supanditsovertoStornowayBay,Packiton!Crackiton!Tryherwiththestunsails!It'soffonabowlinetoStornowayBay,

Wheretheliquorisgoodandthelassesaregay:WaitingfortheirbullyJack,Watchingforhimsailingback,RightacrosstheLowlandsea.

ABALLADOFTHERANKS

Whocarriesthegun?AladfromovertheTweed.

Thenlethimgo,forwellweknowHecomesofasoldierbreed.Sodrinktogethertorockandheather,Outwherethereddeerrun,AndstandasideforScotland'spride-Themanthatcarriesthegun!FortheColonelridesbefore,TheMajor'sontheflank,TheCaptainsandtheAdjutantAreintheforemostrank.


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Butwhenit's'Actionfront!'Andfighting'stobedone,Comeone,comeall,youstandorfallBythemanwhoholdsthegun.

Whocarriesthegun?AladfromaYorkshiredale.Thenlethimgo,forwellweknowTheheartthatneverwillfail.Here'stothefireofLancashire,Andhere'stohersoldierson!Forthehard-bitnorthhassenthimforth-Theladthatcarriesthegun.

Whocarriesthegun?AladfromaMidlandshire.Thenlethimgo,forwellweknowHecomesofanEnglishsire.Here'saglasstoaMidlandlass,Andeachcanchoosetheone,ButeastandwestweclaimthebestForthemanthatcarriesthegun.

Whocarriesthegun?

AladfromthehillsofWales.Thenlethimgo,forwellweknow,ThatTaffyishardasnails.Thereareseveralll'sintheplacewherehedwells,Andofw'smorethanone,Witha'Llan'anda'pen,'butitbreedsgoodmen,Andit'stheywhocarrythegun.

Whocarriesthegun?Aladfromthewindywest.Thenlethimgo,forwellweknowThatheisoneofthebest.There'sBristolrough,andGloucestertough,

AndDevonyieldstonone.OryoumaygetinSomersetYourladtocarrythegun.

Whocarriesthegun?AladfromLondontown.Thenlethimgo,forwellweknowThestuffthatneverbacksdown.Hehaslearnedtojokeatthepowdersmoke,Forheisthefog-smoke'sson,Andhisheartislightandhispluckisright-Themanwhocarriesthegun.

Whocarriesthegun?AladfromtheEmeraldIsle.Thenlethimgo,forwellweknow,We'vetriedhimmanyawhile.We'vetriedhimeast,we'vetriedhimwest,We'vetriedhimseaandland,ButthemantobeatoldErin'sbestHasneveryetbeenplanned.

Whocarriesthegun?


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It'syou,andyou,andyou;Soletusgo,andwewon'tsaynoIftheygiveusajobtodo.Herewestandwithacross-linkedhand,Comradeseveryone;Soonelastcup,anddrinkitupTothemanwhocarriesthegun!FortheColonelridesbefore,TheMajor'sontheflank,TheCaptainsandtheAdjutantAreintheforemostrank.Andwhenit's'Actionfront!'Andthere'sfightingtobedone,Comeone,comeall,youstandorfallBythemanwhoholdsthegun.

ALAYOFTHELINKS

It'supandawayfromourworkto-day,Forthebreezesweepsoverthedown;

Andit'sheyforagamewherethegorseblossomsflame,Andthebrackenisbronzingtobrown.Withtheturf'neathourtreadandtheblueoverhead,Andthesongofthelarkinthewhin;There'stheflagandthegreen,withthebunkersbetween-Nowwillyoubeoverorin?

Thedoctormaycome,andwe'llteachhimtoknowAteewherenotannincanlurk;Thesoldiermaycome,andwe'llpromisetoshowSomehazardsasoldiermayshirk;Thestatesmanmayjoke,ashetopseverystroke,Thatatlastheishighinhisaims;

AndtheclubmanwillstandwithaclubinhishandThatiswortheveryclubinSt.James'.

Thepalmandtheleathercomerarelytogether,Grippingthedriver'shaft,Andit'sgoodtofeelthejarofthesteelAndthespringofthehickoryshaft.Whytroubleorseekforthepraiseofaclique?Acleekhereiscommontoall;AndtheliethatmightstingisaverysmallthingWhencomparedwiththelieoftheball.

Comeyouthandcomeage,fromthestudyorstage,

FromBarorfromBench--highandlow!Agreenyoumustuseasacurefortheblues-Youdrivethemawayasyougo.We'reoutwardboundonalong,longround,Andit'stimetobeupandaway:Ifworryandsorrowcomebackwiththemorrow,Atleastwe'llbehappyto-day.


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THEDYINGWHIP

Itcamefromgettin''eated,thatwas'owthethingbegun,And'ackin'backtokennelsfromaninety-minuterun;'IguessI'vecoppedbrownchitis,'saysItobrotherJack,An'thenaforeIknoweditIwasdownuponmyback.

Atnighttherecameasweatin'asleftmedeadlyweak,Andmythroatwassortofticklyan'it'urtmefortospeak;An'thentherecamean'ackin'coughaswouldn'tleavealone,An'thenaforeIknoweditIwasonlyskinandbone

Ineverwasa'eavyweight.Iscaledatsevenfour,An'rodeateight,ormaybeatjustatriflemore;AndnowI'llstakemydavyIwouldn'tscaleatfive,AndI'd'oldmyownatcatch-weightswiththeskinniestjockalive.

AndthedoctorsaysthereasonwhyIsitan'coughanwheezeIsallalongo'varmint,likethecheese-mitesinthecheese;Thesmallestkindo'varmint,butvarmintallthesame,Microscopesorsomethin'--Iforgetthevarmints'name.

ButIknowsasI'magoner.Theyneversaidasmuch,ButIreadsthepeople'sfaces,andIknowsasIamsuch;Well,there's'Ursttomindthe'orsesandthe'oundscanlooktoJack,Though'eneverwasapatchonmein'andlin'ofapack.

You'llmaybethinkI'mboastin',butyou'llfindtheyallagreeThatthere'snotawhipinSurreyascan'andle'oundslikeme;ForIknew'emallfrompuppies,andI'dtell'emwithoutfail-IfIseedataila-waggin',Icouldtellwhowaggedthetail.

Andvoices--why,Lor'loveyou,it'smorethanIcan'elp,Itjustcomeskindofnaturaltoknoweachwhinean'yelp;

Youmighttakethemtwentycouplewhereyouwillandlet'emrun,An'I'dlistenbythecoversideandname'emonebyone.

Isayit'skindofnatural,forsinceIwasabratInevercaredforreadin'books,orfancythingslikethat;Butgiveme'oundsand'orsesan'Iwasquitecontent,An'Ilovedtoear'emtalkin'andtowonderwhattheymeant.

Andwhenthe'ydrophobycamefiveyearagonextMay,WhenNailerwasbe'avin'inamostowdaciousway,Ifixed'imso's'ecouldn'tbite,my'andsonneckan'back,An'I'eaved'imfromthekennels,andtheysayIsavedthepack.

An'whentheMaster'eardofit,'eupan'says,says'e,'Ifthatchapwereasoldierman,they'dgive'imtheV.C.'Whichissomekinda'medalwhattheygivetosoldiermen;An'MastersaidifIweresuchIwould'a'gotitthen.

Parsonbrought'isBibleandcometoreadtome;''Avewhatyoulike,there'severythinkwithinthisBook,'says'e.SaysI,'They'veleftthe'orsesout!'Says'e,'Youaremistook;'An''eupan'reada'eapofthingsaboutthemfromtheBook.


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Andsomeofitamazin'fine;althoughI'mfittoswearNo'orsewouldeversay'Ah,ah!'sameastheysaiditthere.Per'apsitwasan'Ebrew'orsethechap'adinhismind,ButInever'eardanEnglish'orsesaynothin'ofthekind.

Parsonisagood'un.I'veknown'imfromalad;'Twasmeastaught'imridin',an''eridesuncommonbad;Andhesays--But'arkan'listen!There'san'orn!I'earditblow;Pulltheblindfromoffthewinder!Propmeup,and'oldmeso.

They'redrawin'theblack'anger,justasidetheSquire'sgrounds.'Arkandlisten!'Arkandlisten!There'stheyappin'ofthe'ounds:There'sFannyandBeltinker,andI'earoldBoxercall;YouseeIwasn'tboastin'whenIsaidIknew'emall.

Letmesitan''oldthebedrail!NowIsee'emastheypass:There'sSquireupontheMidlandmare,agood'unonthegrass;Butthisisclosishcountry,andyouwantsaclever'orseWhen'alfthetimeyou'reinthewoodsan''alfamongthegorse.

'ArktoJacka'ollering--a-bleatin'likealamb.Youwouldn'tthinkitnow,perhaps,toseethethingIam;Buttherewasatimetheladiesusedtolingeratthemeet

Justto'earmecallin'inthewoods:mycallin'wassosweet.

Iseethecrossroadscorner,withthefieldawaitin'there,There'sPurcellon'ispiebald'orse,an'Doctoronthemare,AndtheMasteron'isirongrey;sheisn'tmuchtolook,ButIseed'erdocleantwentyfootacrossthe'eathlybrook.

There'sCaptainKanean'McIntyrean''alfadozenmore,Andtwoorthreeare'untin'whomIneverseedafore;Likely-lookin'chapstheybe,wellgroomedand'orsedanddressed-Iwishtheycould'aseenthepackwhenitwasatitsbest.

It'sacheck,andtheyaredrawin'downthecoppiceforascent,

Youcanseeasthey'vebeenrunnin',forthe'orsestheyarespent;I'lllaythefoxwillbreakthisway,downwindassureasfate,An'ifhedoesyou'llseethefieldcomepoundin'throughourgate.

But,Maggie,what'sthatslinkin'besidethecover?--See!Nowit'sinthecloverfield,andgoin'fastan'free,It's'im,andtheydon'tsee'im.It's'im!'Alloo!'Alloo!Mybrokenwindwon'truntoit--I'llleavethejobtoyou.

TherenowI'earthemusic,andIknowthey'reonhistrack;Oh,watch'em,Maggie,watch'em!Ain'ttheyjustalovelypack!I'venursed'emthroughdistemper,an'I'vetrainedan'broke'emin,An'my'eartitjustgoesouttothemasiftheywasmykin.

Well,allthings'asanendin',asI've'eardtheparsonsay,The'orseiscast,an'the'oundispast,an'the'unter'as'isday;Butmydaywasyesterday,solaymedownagain.Youcandrawthecurtain,Maggie,rightacrossthewinderpane.

MASTER


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Masterwenta-hunting,Whentheleaveswerefalling;Wesawhimonthebridlepath,Weheardhimgailycalling.'Ohmaster,master,comeyouback,ForIhavedreamedadreamsoblack!'Aglintofsteelfrombitandheel,Thechestnutcanteredfaster;Aredflashseenamidthegreen,Andsogood-byetomaster.

Mastercamefromhunting,Twosilentcomradesborehim;Hiseyesweredim,hisfacewaswhite,Themarewasledbeforehim.'Oh,master,master,isitthusThatyouhavecomeagaintous?'Iheldmylady'sice-coldhand,Theyborethehurdlepasther;Whyshouldtheygososoftandslow?Itmattersnottomaster.

H.M.S.'FOUDROYANT'

[BeinganhumbleaddresstoHerMajesty'sNavaladvisers,whosoldNelson'soldflagshiptotheGermansforathousandpounds.]

WhosaystheNation'spurseislean,Whofearsforclaimorbondordebt,WhenallthegloriesthathavebeenArescheduledasacashasset?

Iftimesareblackandtradeisslack,Ifcoalandcottonfailatlast,We'vesomethinglefttobarteryet-Ourgloriouspast.

There'smanyacryptinwhichlieshidThedustofstatesmanorofking;There'sShakespeare'shometoraiseabid,AndMilton'shouseitspricewouldbring.WhatfortheswordthatCromwelldrew?WhatforPrinceEdward'scoatofmail?WhatforourSaxonAlfred'stomb?They'reallforsale!

AndstoneandmarblemaybesoldWhichservenopresentdailyneed;There'sEdward'sWindsor,labelledold,AndWolsey'spalace,guaranteed.St.ClementDanesandfiftyfanes,TheTowerandtheTemplegrounds;Howmuchforthese?Justpricethem,please,InBritishpounds.


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Youhucksters,haveyoustilltolearn,Thethingswhichmoneywillnotbuy?Canyounotreadthat,coldandsternAswemaybe,therestilldoeslieDeepinourheartsahungryloveForwhatconcernsourislandstory?Wesellourwork--perchanceourlives,Butnotourglory.

Gobartertotheknacker'syardThesteedthathasoutliveditstime!SendhungrytothepauperwardThemanwhoservedyouinhisprime!ButwhenyoutouchtheNation'sstore,Bebroadyourmindandtightyourgrip.Takeheed!AndbringusbackoncemoreOurNelson'sship.

AndifnomooringcanbefoundInallourharboursnearorfar,Thentowtheoldthree-deckerroundTowherethedeep-seasoundingsare;There,withherpennonflyingclear,Andwithherensignlashedpeakhigh,

Sinkherathousandfathomssheer.Thereletherlie!

THEFARNSHIRECUP

ChristopherDaviswasupuponMavisAndSammyMacGregoronFlo,JoChauncyrodeSpider,therankestoutsider,ButHE'Dmakeawoodenhorsego.

TherewasRobinandLeahandBoadicea,AndChesterfield'sSonoftheSea;AndIrishNuneaton,whoneverwasbeaten,Theybackedheratseventothree.

Thecoursewasthedevil!Astartonthelevel,Andthenastiffbreatheruphill;Abankatthetopwithafour-footdrop,Andabullfinchdownbythemill.AstretchofstraightfromtheWhittleseagate,Thenupanddownandup;AndthemountsthatstaythroughFarnshireclayMaybidfortheFarnshireCup.

Thetipstersweretouting,thebookieswereshouting'Barone,barone,barone!'WithaglintandaglimmerofsilkenshimmerThefieldshonebrightinthesun,WhenFarmerBrowncameridingdown:'Ihain'tmuchtimetospare,ButI'veenteredhername,soI'llplayoutthegame,Onthebacko'myoldgraymare.


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'Youneverwouldthink'erathoroughbredclinker,There'sneverajudgethatwould;Eachlegbe'ind'asasplint,you'llfind,Andtheforearenonetoogood.Sheroarsabit,andshedon'tlookfit,She'smoulted'alf'er'air;But--'Hesmiledinawaythatseemedtosay,Thatheknewthatoldgraymare.

Andthebookieslaughedandthebookieschaffed,'Whobacksthemare?'criedthey.'Ahundredtoone!''It'sdone--anddone!''We'lltakethatpriceallday.''Whatifthemareissheddinghair!Whatifhereyeiswild!WereadherworthandherpedigreebirthInthesmilethatherownersmiled.'

AndthewhispergrewandthewhisperflewThatshecameofIsonomystock.'Fiftytoone!''It'sdone--anddone!Lookatherhaunchandhock!Ill-groomed!Whyyes,butonemayguessThatthatisherowner'sguile.'

Ah,FarmerBrown,thesharpsfromtown,Havereadyoursimplesmile!

They'veweighedhimin.'Nowloseorwin,I'vemoneyatstakethisday;Gee-long,mysweet,andifwe'rebeat,We'llbothdoallwemay!'Hejoinstherest,theylineabreast,'BackLeah!Mavisup!'Theflagisdippedandthefieldisslipped,FullsplitfortheFarnshireCup.

ChristopherDavisisleadingonMavis,

SpideriswaitingonFlo;BoadiceaisgainingonLeah,IrishNuneatonlieslow;Robinistailing,hiswindhasbeenfailing,SonoftheSea'sgoingfast:Socrackonthepaceforit'sanyone'srace,Andthewinner'sthehorsethatcanlast.

Chestnutandbay,andsorrelandgray,Seehowtheyglimmerandgleam!Bendingandstraining,andlosingandgaining,Silkjacketsflutterandstream;Theyareoverthegrassasthecloudshadowspass,

Theyareuptothefenceatthetop;It's'heythen!'andover,andintotheclover,Therewasn'toneslipatthedrop.

Theyareallgoingstill;theyareroundbythemill,TheyaredownbytheWhittleseagate;Leah'scomplaining,andMavisisgaining,AndFlo'scatchingupinthestraight.Robin'sgonewrong,buttheSpiderrunsstrong,Hestickstotheleaderlikewax;


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Anutteroutsider,butlookathisrider-JoChauncy,thepickofthecracks!

Robinwastailingandpeckedatapaling,Leah'sgoneweakinherfeet;Boadiceacamedownattherailing,SonoftheSeaisdeadbeat.Leathertoleather,they'repoundingtogether,Threeofthemallinarow;AndIrishNuneaton,whoneverwasbeaten,IslevelwithSpiderandFlo.

It'sintothestraightfromtheWhittleseagate,Cleangallopingoverthegreen,ButfourfoothighthehurdleslieWithasunkenditchbetween.'Tisabitofatestforabeastatitsbest,Andthedevilandallatitsworst;Butit'sclearruninwiththeCuptowinForthehorsethatisoveritfirst.

Sotryit,mybeauties,andflyit,mybeauties,Spider,Nuneaton,andFlo;Withatripandablunderthere'soneofthemunder,

Harktoitcrashingbelow!Isitthebrownorthesorrelthat'sdown?Thebrown!ItisFlowhoisin!AndSpiderwithChauncy,thepickofthefancy,Isgoingfullsplitforawin.

'Spideriswinning!''JoChauncyiswinning!''He'swinning!He'swinning!Bravo!'Thebookiesareraving,theladiesarewaving,TheStandisallshoutingforJo.Thehorseiscleandone,buttheracemaybewonBytheNewmarketladonhisback;Forthefireoftheridermaybringanoutsider

Aheadofathoroughbredcrack.

'Spideriswinning!''JoChauncyiswinning!'Itswellsliketheroarofthesea;ButJohearsthedrummingofsomebodycoming,Andseesaleanheadbyhisknee.'Nuneaton!Nuneaton!TheSpiderisbeaten!'Itisbutaspurtatthemost;Forloseitorwinit,theyhavebutaminuteBeforetheyareupwiththepost.

Nuneatonisstraining,Nuneatonisgaining,Neitherwillfalternorflinch;

Whipstheyareplyingandjacketsareflying,They'refairlyabreasttoaninch.'Crackemup!Let'emgo!Wellridden!Bravo!'Gameronesneverwerebred;JoChauncyhasdoneit!He'sspurted!He'swonit!'Thefavourite'sbeatbyahead!

Don'ttellmeofluck,foritsjudgmentandpluckAndacouragethatneverwillshirk;Togiveyourmindtoitandknowhowtodoit


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Andputallyourheartinyourwork.Sohere'stotheSpider,thewinningoutsider,WithlittleJoChauncyup;Maytheystaylife'scourse,bothjockeyandhorse,AstheystayedintheFarnshireCup.

Butit'spossiblethatyouarewonderingwhatMayhavehappenedtoFarmerBrown,AndtheoldgraycrockofIsonomystockWhowasbackedbythesharpsfromtown.Sheblewandshesneezed,shecoughedandshewheezed,Sherantillherkneesgaveway.ButneveragrumbleattriporatstumbleWasheardfromherjockthatday.

ForsomebodylaidAGAINSTthegray,Andsomebodymadeapile;AndBrownsayshecanmakefarmingpay,Andhesmilesasimplesmile.'Themsharpsfromtownwereriled,'saysBrown;'ButIcan'tseewhy--canyou?ForIsaidquitefairasIknewthatmare,AndIprovedmywordswastrue.'

THEGROOM'SSTORY

Tenmileintwentyminutes!'Edoneit,sir.That'strue.Thebigbay'orseinthefurtherstall--theonewot'snexttoyou.I'veseensomebetter'orses;I'veseldomseenawuss,But'e'oldsthebloomin'record,an'that'sgoodenoughforus.

Weknewasitwa'sin'im.'E'sthoroughbred,threepart,Webought'imfortorace'im,butwefound'e'adno'eart;

For'ewassadandthoughtful,andamazin'dignified,Itseemedakindo'libertytodrive'imortoride;

For'eneverseemeda-thinkin'ofwhat'e'adtodo,But'isthoughtswasseton'igherthings,admirin'oftheview.'Elookedapuffeckpictur,andapictur'ewouldstay,'Ewouldn'tevenswitch'istailtodrivethefliesaway.

Andyetweknew'twasin'im,weknewas'ecouldfly;Butwhatwecouldn'tgitatwas'owtomake'imtry.We'dalmostturnedthejobup,untilatlastonedayWegotthelastyardoutof'iminamostamazin'way.

Itwasallalongo'master;whichmaster'asthenameOfareg'lartruebluesportman,an'alwaysactsthesame;Butweall'asweakermoments,whichmaster'e'adone,An''ewentandboughtamotor-carwhenmotor-carsbegun.

Iseeditinthestableyard--itfairlyturnedmesick-Agreasy,wheezyengineascanneitherbucknorkick.You'veascrewtodriveitforrard,andascrewtomakeitstop,Foritwasfoaledinasmithystovean'bredinablacksmithshop.


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Itdidn'twantnostable,itdidn'tasknogroom,Itdidn'tneednonothin'butabito'standin'room.Justfillitupwithparaffinan'itwouldgoallday,WhichthesameshouldbeaginthelawifIcould'avemyway.

Well,mastertook'ismotor-car,an'moted'erean'there,Afrightenin'the'orsesan'apoisonin'theair.'Eworeabloomin'yachtin'cap,butLor'!wotDID'eknow,Excep'thatifyouturnascrewthethingwouldstoporgo?

An'thenonedayitwouldn'tgo.'Escrewedandscrewedagain,Butsomethin'jammed,an'there'estuckinthemudofacountrylane.It'urt'ispridemostcruel,butwhatwas'etodo?Soatlast'ebademefetcha'orsetopullthemotorthrough.

Thiswasthe'orsewefetched'im;an'whenwereachedthecar,Webraced'imtightandpropertothemiddleofthebar,Andbuckledup'istracesandlashedthemtoeachside,While'e'eld'is'eadso'aughtily,an'lookedmostdignified.

Notbadtempered,mindyou,butkindofpainedandvexed,And'eseemedtosay,'Well,bli'me!wotWILLtheyaskmenext?I'veputupwithsomeliberties,butthiscapsallbyfar,

Tobeassistantenginetoacrockymotor-car!'

Well,master'ewasinthecar,a-fiddlin'withthegear,Andthe'orsewasmeditatin',an'Iwasstandin'near,Whenmaster'etouchedsomethin'--whatitwaswe'llneverknow-Butitsorto'spurredtheboilerupandmadetheenginego.

''Old'ard,oldgal!'saysmaster,and'Gentlythen!'saysI,Butanenginewon't'eedcoaxin'an'itain'tnousetotry;Sofirst'epulledalever,an'then'eturnedascrew,Butthethingkeptcrawlin'forrardspiteofallthat'ecoulddo.

Andfirstitwentquiteslowlyandthe'orsewentalsoslow,

But'e'adtobuckupfasterwhenthewheelsbegantogo;Forthecarkeptcrowdin'on'imandbuttin''imalong,Andinlessthan'alfaminute,sir,that'orsewasgoin'strong.

Atfirst'ewalkedquitedignified,an'then'e'adtotrot,Andthen'etriedacanterwhenthepacebecametoo'ot.'Elooked'isvery'aughtiest,asif'edidn't'emind,Andallthetimethemotor-carwaspushin''imbe'ind.

Now,masterlost'is'eadwhen'efound'ecouldn'tstop,And'epulledavalveorsomethin'an'somethin'elsewentpop,An'somethin'elsewentfizzywiz,andinaflash,orless,Thatblessedcarwasgoin'likealimitedexpress.

Master'eldthesteerin'gear,an'kepttheroadallright,Andawaytheywhizzedandclattered--myaunt!itwasasight.'Eseemedthefinestdraught'orseaseverlivedbyfar,ForallthecountryJugginsthought'twas'imwotpulledthecar.

'Ewasstretchin'likeagrey'ound,'ewasgoin'all'eknew;Butitbumpedan'shovedbe'ind'im,forallthat'ecoulddo;Itbutted'iman'boosted'iman'spanked'imona'ead,Till'ebroketheten-milerecord,sameasIalreadysaid.


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Tenmileintwentyminutes!'Edoneit,sir.That'strue.Theonlytimeweeverfoundwhatthat'ere'orsecoulddo.Somesayitwasn't'ardlyfair,andthepapersmadeafuss,But'ebroketheten-milerecord,andthat'sgoodenoughforus.

Youseethat'orse'stail,sir?Youdon't!Nomoredowe,Whichreallyain'tsurprisin',for'e'asnotailtosee;Thatengineworeitoff'imbeforemastermadeitstop,Andalltheroadwaslitteredlikeabloomin'barber'sshop.

Andmaster?Well,itcured'im.'Ealteredfromthatday,Andcomebackto'is'orsesinthegoodold-fashionedway.Andifyouwantstogitthesack,thequickestwaybyfarIsto'intas'owyouthink'eoughttokeepamotor-car.

WITHTHECHIDDINGFOLDS

ThehorseisbeddeddownWherethestrawliesdeep.

Thehoundisinthekennel;Letthepoorhoundsleep!AndthefoxisinthespinneyBytherunwhichheishaunting,AndI'lllayanevenguineaThatagooseortwoiswantingWhenthefarmercomestocounttheminthemorning.

Thehorseisupandsaddled;Girththeoldhorsetight!ThehoundsareoutanddrawingInthemorninglight.Nowit's'Yoick!'amongtheheather,

Andit's'Yoick!'acrosstheclover,Andit's'Tohim,alltogether!''HykeaBertha!HykeaRover!'Andthewoodlandssmellsosweetlyinthemorning.

'There'sTermaganta-whimpering;Shewhimpersso.''There'sayounghoundyapping!'Lettheyounghoundgo!Buttheoldhoundiscunning,Andit'shimwemeantofollow,'Theyarerunning!Theyarerunning!Andit's'Forrardtothehollo!'

Forthescentislyingstronglyinthemorning.

'Who'sthefoolthatheadshim?'Holdhard,andlethimpass!He'soutamongtheoziersHe'sclearuponthegrass.Yougriphisflanksandsettle,Forthehorseisstretchedandstraining,Here'sagametotestyourmettle,Andasporttotryyourtraining,


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WhentheChiddingfoldsarerunninginthemorning.

We'reupbytheCoppiceAndwe'redownbytheMill,We'reoutupontheCommon,Andthehoundsarerunningstill.Youmusttightenontheleather,Forweblunderthroughthebracken;Thoughyou'reoverhocksinheatherStillthepacemustneverslackenAsweracethroughThursleyCommoninthemorning.

WearebreakingfromthetangleWeareoutuponthegreen,There'sabankandahurdleWithaquicksetbetween.Youmuststeadyhimandtryit,Youareoverwithascramble.Here'sawattle!Youmustflyit,Andyoulandamongthebramble,Forit'sroughish,toughishgoinginthemorning.

'WarethebogbytheGroveAsyoupoundthroughtheslush.

Seethewhip!Seethehuntsman!Wearecloseuponhisbrush.'Waretherootthatliesbeforeyou!Itwilltripyouifyoublunder.'Warethebranchthat'sdroopingo'eryou!YoumustdipandswervefromunderAsyougallopthroughthewoodlandinthemorning.

Therewerefiftyatthefind,Therewerefortyatthemill,Thereweretwentyontheheath,Andtenaregoingstill.Somearepounded,someareshirking,

AndtheydwindleanddiminishTillawearypairareworking,Spentandblowing,tothefinish,Andweheartheshrillwhoo-oopinginthemorning.

ThehorseisbeddeddownWherethestrawliesdeep,Thehoundisinthekennel,Heisyappinginhissleep.ButthefoxisinthespinneyLyingsnuginearthandburrow.AndI'lllayanevenguineaWecouldfindagainto-morrow,

Ifwechosetogoa-huntinginthemorning.

AHUNTINGMORNING

Putthesaddleonthemare,Forthewetwindsblow;


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There'swinterintheair,Andautumnallbelow.FortheredleavesareflyingAndtheredbrackendying,AndtheredfoxlyingWheretheoziersgrow.

Putthebridleonthemare,Formybloodrunschill;Andmyheart,itisthere,Ontheheather-tuftedhill,Withthegrayskieso'erus,Andthelong-drawnchorusOfarunningpackbeforeusFromthefindtothekill.

Thenleadroundthemare,Forit'stimethatwebegan,Andawaywiththoughtandcare,Savetoliveandbeaman,Whilethekeenairisblowing,Andthehuntsmanholloing,AndtheblackmaregoingAstheblackmarecan.

THEOLDGRAYFOX

WestartedfromtheValleyPride,AndFarnhamwaywewent.Wewaitedatthecover-side,Butneverfoundascent.ThenwetriedthewithybedsWhichgrowbyFrenshamtown,

Andtherewefoundtheoldgrayfox,Thesameoldfox,Thegameoldfox;Yes,therewefoundtheoldgrayfox,WhichlivesonHankleyDown.Sohere'stothemaster,Andhere'stotheman!Andhere'stotwentycoupleOfthewhiteandblackandtan!Here'safindwithoutawait!Here'sahedgewithoutagate!Here'sthemanwhofollowsstraight,Wheretheoldfoxran.

TheMemberrodehisthoroughbred,Doctorhadthegray,TheSoldierledonaroanred,TheSailorrodethebay.SquirewasthereonhisIrishmare,AndParsononthebrown;Andsowechasedtheoldgrayfox,Thesameoldfox,Thegameoldfox,


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AndsowechasedtheoldgrayfoxAcrosstheHankleyDown.Sohere'stothemaster,Andhere'stotheman!&c.&c.&c.

TheDoctor'sgraywasgoingstrongUntilsheslippedandfell;HehadtokeephisbedsolongHispatientsallgotwell.TheMemberhehadlosthisseat,'Twascarriedbyhishorse;Andsowechasedtheoldgrayfox,Thesameoldfox,Thegameoldfox;AndsowechasedtheoldgrayfoxThatearthedinHankleyGorse.Sohere'stothemaster,Andhere'stotheman!&c.&c.&c.

TheParsonsadlyfellaway,Andinthefurzedidlie;ThewordsweheardthatParsonsay

Madeallthehorsesshy!TheSailorhewasseennomoreUponthatstormybay;Butstillwechasedtheoldgrayfox,Thesameoldfox,Thegameoldfox;StillwechasedtheoldgrayfoxThroughallthewinterday.Sohere'stothemaster,Andhere'stotheman!&c.&c.&c.

Andwhenwefoundhimgonetoground,

Theysentforspadeandman;ButSquiresaid'Shame!Thebeastwasgame!Agamerneverran!Hiswindandpacehavegainedtherace,Hislifeisfairlywon.Butmaywemeettheoldgrayfox,Thesameoldfox,Thegameoldfox;MaywemeettheoldgrayfoxBeforetheyearisdone.Sohere'stothemaster,Andhere'stotheman!Andhere'stotwentycouple

Ofthewhiteandblackandtan!Here'safindwithoutawait!Here'sahedgewithoutagate!Here'sthemanwhofollowsstraight,Wheretheoldfoxran.

'WAREHOLES


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[''WareHoles!'istheexpressionusedinthehunting-fieldtowarnthosebehindagainstrabbit-burrowsorothersuckdangers.]

Asportin'death!Myworditwas!An'takeninasportin'way.Mindyou,Iwasn'ttheretosee;Ionlytellyouwhattheysay.

TheyfoundthatdayatShillinglee,An'ran'imdowntoChillinghurst;Thefoxwasgoin'straightan'freeForninetyminutesataburst.

They'adacheckatEbernoeAn'madeacastacrosstheDown,Untiltheygotaview'ulloAn'chased'imuptoKirdfordtown.

FromKirdford'erunBramberway,An'took'emover'alftheWeald.Ifyou'avetriedtheSussexclay,You'llguessitweededoutthefield.

UntilatlastIdon'tsupposeAs'arfadozen,atthemost,CamesafetowherethegrasslandgoesSwitchbackin'southwardstothecoast.

YoungCaptain'Eadley,'ewasthere,AndJimthewhipan'PercyDay;ThePurcellsan'SirCharlesAdair,An'this'eregentfromLondonway.

For'e'adgoneamazin'fine,Two'undredpoundsbetween'isknees;

Eightstonehewas,an'rodeatnine,Aslightan'limberasyouplease.

'Ewasastrangertothe'Unt,Thereweren'tapersonas'eknewthere;But'ecouldride,thatLondongent-'Esat'ismareasif'egrewthere.

Theyseedthe'oundsuponthescent,Butfoundafenceacrosstheirtrack,And'adtoflyit;elseitmeantAturnin'anda'arkin'back.

'Ewastheforemostatthefence,Andas'ismarejustclearedtherailHeturnedtothemthatrodebe'ind,Forthreewasat'isverytail.

''Ware'oles!'says'e,an'withtheword,Stillsittin'easyonhismare,Down,down'ewent,an'downan'down,Intothequarryyawnin'there.


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Somesayitwastwo'undredfoot;Thebottomlayasblackasink.Iguessthey'adsomeuglydreams,Whoreinedtheir'orsesonthebrink.

'E'donlytimeforthatonecry;''Ware'oles!'says'e,an'savesallthree.Theremaybebetterdeathstodie,Butthatone'sgoodenoughforme.

Formindyou,'twasasportin'end,Uponarightgoodsportin'day;Theythinkadealof'imdown'ere,ThatgentwhatcamefromLondonway.

THEHOME-COMINGOFTHE'EURYDICE'

[Lost,withhercrewofthreehundredboys,onthelastdayofhervoyage,March23,1876.ShefounderedoffPortsmouth,fromwhichtownmanyoftheboyscame.]

Upwiththeroyalsthattopthewhitespreadofher!Pressheranddressher,anddrivethroughthefoam;TheIsland'stoport,andthemainlandaheadofher,HeyfortheWarnerandHaylingandHome!

Bo'sun,OBo'sun,justlookatthegreenofit!Lookattheredcattledownbythehedge!Lookatthefarmsteading--allthatisseenofit,Onelittlegableendovertheedge!'

'Lord!thetonguesofthemclattering,clattering,AllgrowingwildatapeepoftheWight;

Aye,sir,aye,ithassetthemallchattering,Thinkingofhomeandtheirmothersto-night.'

Spreadthetopgallants--oh,laythemoutlustily!Whatthoughitdarkeno'erNetherbyCombe?'Tisbutthevalleywind,puffingsogustily-OnfortheWarnerandHaylingandHome!

'Bo'sun,OBo'sun,justseethelongslopeofit!Culveristhere,withthecliffandthelight.Tellus,ohtellus,nowisthereahopeofit?Shallwehaveleaveforourhomesforto-night?'

'Tut,theclackofthem!Steadily!Steadily!Aye,asyousay,sir,they'relittleonesstill;Onelongreachshouldopenitreadily,RoundbySt.Helensandunderthehill.

'TheSpitandtheNabarethegatesofthepromise,Theirmotherstothem--andtousit'sourwives.I'vesailedfortyyears,and--ByGodit'suponus!Downroyals,Downtop'sles,down,down,foryourlives!'


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Agreyswirlofsnowwiththesquallatthebackofit,Heelingher,reelingher,beatingherdown!Agleamofherbendsinthethickofthewrackofit,Aflutterofwhiteintheeddiesofbrown.

Itbrokeinonemomentofblizzardandblindness;Thenext,likeafoulbat,itflappedonitsway.Butourshipandourboys!GraciousLord,inyourkindness,Givehelptothemotherswhoneeditto-day!

Givehelptothewomenwhowaitbythewater,WhostandontheHardwiththeireyespasttheWight.Ah!whisperitgently,yousisterordaughter,'Ourboysareallgatheredathomeforto-night.'

THEINNERROOM

Itismine--thelittlechamber,Minealone.Ihaditfrommyforbears

Yearsagone.YetwithinitswallsIseeAmostmotleycompany,AndtheyoneandallclaimmeAstheirown.

There'sonewhoisasoldierBluffandkeen;Single-minded,heavy-fisted,Rudeofmien.Hewouldgainapurseorstakeit,Hewouldwinaheartorbreakit,Hewouldgivealifeortakeit,

Conscience-clean.

AndnearhimisapriestStillschism-whole;Helovesthecenser-reekAndorgan-roll.Hehasleaningstothemystic,Sacramental,eucharistic;AnddimyearningsaltruisticThrillhissoul.

There'sanotherwhowithdoubtsIsovercast;

IthinkhimyoungerbrotherTothelast.Walkingwarystridebystride,Peeringforwardsanxious-eyed,SincehelearnedtodoubthisguideInthepast.

And'midthemall,alert,Butsomewhatcowed,Theresitsastark-facedfellow,


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Beetle-browed,WhoseblacksoulshrinksawayFromalawyer-riddenday,AndhasthoughtshedarenotsayHalfavowed.

Thereareotherswhoaresitting,Grimasdoom,Inthedimill-bodingshadowOfmyroom.Darklingfigures,sternorquaint,Nowasavage,nowasaint,ShowingfitfullyandfaintThroughthegloom.

Andthoseshadowsaresodense,TheremaybeMany--verymany--moreThanIsee.TheyaresittingdayandnightSoldier,rogue,andanchorite;AndtheywrangleandtheyfightOverme.

Ifthestark-facedfellowwin,Alliso'er!IfthepriestshouldgainhiswillIdoubtnomore!Butifeachshallhavehisday,IshallswingandIshallswayInthesameoldwearywayAsbefore.

THEIRISHCOLONEL

Saidthekingtothecolonel,'Thecomplaintsareeternal,ThatyouIrishgivemoretroubleThananyothercorps.'

Saidthecoloneltotheking,'Thiscomplaintisnonewthing,Foryourfoemen,sire,havemadeitAhundredtimesbefore.'

THEBLINDARCHER

LittleboyLovedrewhisbowatachance,Shootingdownattheballroomfloor;Hehitanoldchaperonewatchingthedance,Andoh!buthewoundedhersore.'Hey,Love,youcouldn'tmeanthat!


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Hi,Love,whatwouldyoubeat?'Nowordwouldhesay,Butheflewonhisway,Forthelittleboy'sbusy,andhowcouldhestay?

LittleboyLovedrewashaftjustforsportAtthesoberestclubinPallMall;Hewingedanoldveterandrinkinghisport,Anddownthatoldveteranfell.'Hey,Love,youmustn'tdothat!Hi,Love,whatwouldyoubeat?Thiscannotberight!It'sludicrousquite!'Butit'snousetoargue,forLove'soutofsight.

Asad-facedyoungclerkinacellallapartWasplanningacelibatevow;Buttheboy'srandomarrowhassunkinhisheart,Andthecellisanemptyonenow.'Hey,Love,youmustn'tdothat!Hi,Love,whatwouldyoubeat?Heisnotforyou,Hehasdutiestodo.''ButIAMhisduty,'quothLoveasheflew.

Thekingsoughtabride,andthenationhadhopedForaqueenwithoutrivalorpeer.Butthelittleboyshot,andthekinghaselopedWithMissNo-oneonNothingayear.'Hey,Love,youcouldn'tmeanthat!Hi,Love,whatwouldyoubeat?WhatanimpudentthingTomakegameofaking!''ButI'Makingalso,'criedLoveonthewing.

LittleboyLovegrewpettishoneday;'Ifyoukeeponcomplaining,'heswore,

'I'llpackbothmybowandmyquiveraway,AndsoIshallplagueyounomore.''Hey,Love,youmustn'tdothat!Hi,Love,whatwouldyoubeat?Youmayruinourease,Youmaydowhatyouplease,Butwecan'tdowithoutyou,youdearlittletease!'

APARABLE

Thecheese-mitesaskedhowthecheesegotthere,Andwarmlydebatedthematter;TheOrthodoxsaidthatitcamefromtheair,AndtheHereticssaidfromtheplatter.Theyargueditlongandtheyargueditstrong,AndIheartheyarearguingnow;Butofallthechoicespiritswholivedinthecheese,Notoneofthemthoughtofacow,


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'Ihavewaitedon,Butstillyoubidebelow;Yousaidthatyouwouldcome,Andoh,Iwantyouso!

'Forhalfmysoulishere,Andhalfmysoulisthere,WhenyouareontheearthAndIamintheair.

'Butonyourdressing-standThereliesatriplekey;UnlockthelittlegateWhichfencesyoufromme.

'Justonelittlepang,Justonethrobofpain,AndthenyourwearyheadBetweenmybreastsagain.'

InthedimunhomelylightOftheearlymorningtide,Hetookthetriplekey

Andhelaiditbyhisside.

Apistol,silverchased,Anopenhuntingknife,AphialofthedrugWhichcurestheilloflife.

Helookeduponthethree,Andsharplydrewhisbreath:'Nowhelpme,ohmylove,ForIfearthiscoldgreydeath.'

Shebentherfaceabove,

Shekissedhimandshesmiled;ShesoothedhimasamotherMaysoothafrightenedchild.

'Justthatlittlepang,love,Justathrobofpain,AndthenyourwearyheadBetweenmybreastsagain.'

Hesnatchedthepistolup,Hepressedittohisear;Butasuddensoundbrokein,Andhisskinwasrawwithfear.

Hetookthehuntingknife,Hetriedtoraisetheblade;Itglimmeredcoldandwhite,Andhewassoreafraid.

Hepouredthepotionout,Butitwasthickandbrown;Histhroatwassealedagainstit,Andhecouldnotdrainitdown.


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Helookedtoherforhelp,Andwhenhelooked--behold!HislovewastherebeforehimAsinthedaysofold.

Hesawthedroopinghead,Hesawthegentleeyes;HesawthesameshygraceofhersHehadbeenwonttoprize.

Shepointedandshesmiled,Andlo!hewasawareOfahalf-litbedroomchamberAndasilentfigurethere.

AsilentfigurelyingA-sprawluponabed,Withasilver-mountedpistolStillclottedtohishead.

Andashedownwardgazed,Hervoicecamefullandclear,Thehomelytendervoice

Whichhehadlovedtohear:

'Thekeyisverycertain,Thedoorissealedtonone.Youdidit,oh,mydarling!Andyouneverknewitdone.

'Whenthenetwasbroken,Youthoughtyoufeltitsmesh;YoucarriedtothespiritThetroublesoftheflesh.

'Andareyoutremblingstill,dear?

Thenletmetakeyourhand;AndIwillleadyououtwardToasweetandrestfulland.

'YouknowhowonceinLondonIputmygriefsonyou;ButIcancarryyoursnow-Mostsweetitistodo!

'Mostsweetitistodo,love,AndverysweettoplanHowI,thehelplesswoman,Canhelpthehelpfulman.

'ButletmeseeyousmilingWiththesmileIknowsowell;Forgettheworldofshadows,Andtheemptybrokenshell.

'Itistheworn-outgarmentInwhichyoutorearent;Youtosseditdown,andcarelesslyUponyourwayyouwent.


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'ItisnotYOU,mysweetheart,Foryouareherewithme.ThatframewasbutthepromiseofThethingthatwastobe-

'AtuningofthechoirEretheharmoniesbegin;AndyetitistheimageOfthesubtlethingwithin.

'There'snotatrickofbody,There'snotatraitofmind,Butyoubringitoverwithyou,Ethereal,refined,

'Butstillthesame;forsurelyIfwealteraswedie,Youwouldbeyounolonger,AndIwouldnotbeI.

'Imightbeanangel,Butnotthegirlyouknew;Youmightbeimmaculate,

Butthatwouldnotbeyou.

'AndnowIseeyousmiling,So,darling,takemyhand;AndIwillleadyououtwardToasweetandpleasantland,

'Wherethoughtisclearandnimble,Wherelifeispureandfresh,WherethesoulcomesbackrejoicingFromthemud-bathoftheflesh

'Butstillthatsoulishuman,

Withhumanways,andsoIlovemyloveinspirit,AsIlovedhimlongago.'

SowithhandstogetherAndfingerstwiningtight,ThetwodeadloversdriftedInthegoldenmorninglight.

Butagrey-hairedmanwaslyingBeneaththemonabed,Withasilver-mountedpistolStillclottedtohishead.

THEFRANKLIN'SMAID(From'TheWhiteCompany')

Thefranklinhehathgonetoroam,Thefranklin'smaidshebidesathome;


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Butsheiscold,andcoy,andstaid,Andwhomaywinthefranklin'smaid?

TherecameaknightofhighrenownInbassinetandciclatoun;Onbendedkneefulllongheprayed-Hemightnotwinthefranklin'smaid.

Therecameasquiresodebonair,Hisdresswasrich,hiswordswerefair.Hesweetlysang,hedeftlyplayed-Hecouldnotwinthefranklin'smaid.

Therecameamercerwonder-fine,Withvelvetcapandgaberdine;Forallhisships,forallhistrade,Hecouldnotbuythefranklin'smaid.

Therecameanarcherboldandtrue,Withbracerguardandstaveofyew;Hispursewaslight,hisjerkinfrayed-Haro,alas!thefranklin'smaid!

Oh,somehavelaughedandsomehavecried,

Andsomehavescouredthecountryside;Butofftheyridethroughwoodandglade,Thebowmanandthefranklin'smaid.

THEOLDHUNTSMAN

There'sakeenandgrimoldhuntsmanOnahorseaswhiteassnow;Sometimesheisveryswift

Andsometimesheisslow.Butheneverisatfault,ForhealwayshuntsatviewAndherideswithoutahaltAfteryou.

Thehuntsman'snameisDeath,Hishorse'snameisTime;Heiscoming,heiscomingAsIsitandwritethisrhyme;Heiscoming,heiscoming,AsyoureadtherhymeIwrite;Youcanhearthehoofs'lowdrumming

Dayandnight.

YoucanhearthedistantdrummingAstheclockgoestick-a-tack,AndthechimingofthehoursIsthemusicofhispack.YoumayhardlynotetheirgrowlingUnderneaththenoondaysun,ButatnightyouhearthemhowlingAstheyrun.


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AndtheynevercheckorfalterFortheynevermisstheirkill;Seasonschangeandsystemsalter,Butthehuntisrunningstill.Hark!theeveningchimeisplaying,O'erthelonggreytownitpeals;Don'tyouhearthedeath-houndbayingAtyourheels?

Whereisthereanearthorburrow?Whereacoverleftforyou?Ayear,aweek,perhapsto-morrowBringstheHuntsman'sdeathhalloo!Daybydayhegainsuponus,AndthemostthatwecanclaimIsthatwhenthehoundsareonusWediegame.

AndsomewheredwellstheMaster,Bywhomitwasdecreed;Hesentthesavagehuntsman,Hebredthesnow-whitesteed.Thesehoundswhichrunforever,

Hesetthemonyourtrack;Hehearsyouscream,butneverCallsthemback.

Hedoesnotheedoursuing,Weneverseehisface;Hehuntstoourundoing,Wethankhimforthechase.Wethankhimandweflatter,Wehope--becausewemust-Buthavewecause?Nomatter!Letustrust!

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Songs of Action by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930

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Transcript of Songs of Action by Doyle, Arthur Conan, Sir, 1859-1930