40

THE BOYS’ BROWNING.

“Well,” cried he, “ Emperor, by God’s grace
We've got you Ratisbon !
The Marshal’s in the market-place,
And you'll be there anon
To see your flag-bird flap his vans
Where I, to heart’s desire,
Perched him!” The chief’s eye flashed;
his plans
Soared up again like fire.

The chiefs eye flashed; but presently -
Softened itself, as sheathes
A film the mother-eagle’s eye
When her bruised eaglet breathes; °
“ You’re wounded!” “Nay,” the soldier’s
pride
Touched to the quick, he said:
“Pm killed, Sire!” and his chief beside,
Smiling the boy fell dead.