"
The Humane Pleader
LINES TO A SEABIRD.
Bird of the stormy wave! bird of the sea!
Wide is thy sweep, and thy course is free;
Cleaving the blue air, and brushing the foam,
Air is thy field of sport, ocean thy home.
Bird of the sea! I could envy thy wing,
O'er the blue waters I mark thy glad spring;
I see thy strong pinions as onward I glide,
Dashed by the foam of the white-crested tide.
M. A. STODART.
THE TRUE HERO.
FOUR WAYS OF LOOKING AT IT.
Four boys were standing at the corner of the street. Bound the next
turn, with a great burst of splendid music, came the regiment on its way
to the troop-ship. Along the street were lines of eager faces, some sad
and anxious, to be sure, but all interested and full of excitement.
"It must be glorious to fight for your country," said George, feeling
his heart beat faster and faster as the regiment drew near. "I'm going
to be a soldier when I grow up."
"I'm not!" said Dick, with a laugh. "It's too hard work, and I don't
care about being shot. I like plenty to eat, and a good bed to sleep in.
Soldiers' fare would never suit me!"
"I'm on your side, George," said the tallest boy of the group, as he
watched the men marching by.
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