They reach the gate of Bregenz, 21 Bregenz is saved! Ere daylight That marches on the land. Should endless fame be paid, Bregenz does well to honor The noble Tyrol maid. 22 Three hundred years are vanished, And yet upon the hill To do her honor still. And there, when Bregenz women 23 And when, to guard old Bregenz, When midnight pauses in the skies, He calls the maiden's name! HELPS TO STUDY Notes and Questions Find the Tyrol on your map of Europe. What mountains surround Lake Constance? Where is the town of Bregenz? Read the lines which tell you that the town is very old. Why did the Tyrol maid leave her home? How was she treated in her new home? Read the lines which tell you that she became contented in the Swiss valley. Read the lines which tell that she did not forget her native land. What were the "accents of her childhood''? Why would the "accents of her childhood" rise to her lips when she knelt to pray? "sacred legend" How did she learn that an attack on Bregenz was planned? What did she resolve to do? Why was there need of haste? What river flowed between the Swiss valley and Bregenz? How did the maid cross it? What did the people of Bregenz do when they heard the news which she brought? What happened when the army came to attack the town? What did the people of Bregenz build to honor the maiden? How is she remembered when the watchman makes his rounds at night? How long ago does the poet say the events of this story occurred? Words and Phrases for Discussion "deeds heroic" "endless fame" "heedless of their fields" "battlements are manned" ONE COUNTRY FRANK L. STANTON Frank L. Stanton's home is in South Carolina. He writes for the "Atlanta Constitution, one of the great dailies of the South. His writings are full of his love of country. 1 After all, One country, brethren! We must rise or fall Her glory or her shame: Liegemen to God and fathers of the free! After all 2 Hark! from the heights the clear, strong, clarion call As one on soil and sea— Your country's honor more than empire's worth!" After all, 3 'Tis Freedom wears the loveliest coronal; Her brow is to the morning; in the sod And rises like a wall Against the foes of liberty and God! HELPS TO STUDY To whom is this poem addressed? What is the "Supreme Republic''? What kind of deeds makes the glory of a country? What deeds bring shame upon a country? Of what does the poet say we must be the makers? Why should boys and girls think of these things? From whom do you think the command given in the second stanza comes? Read the lines which give the "command imperious.'' Sidney Lanier (1842-1881) was an American poet. He was born in Georgia and was the poet of the South. He was very musical and could play on the guitar, banjo, violin, and flute. His books for boys have been widely read, especially his "Boys' King Arthur.’’ Long as thine art shall love true love, Thy name shall shine, thy fame shall glow. HELPS TO STUDY How does the poet address his Read the lines which tell you this. How do the eagle and the dove compare in size? In strength? If the eagle represents the United States, what does the dove represent? If we look upon all men as From "The Centennial Cantata." Copyright, 1885, by Charles Scribner's Sons, Publishers. 5 10 15 ABOU BEN ADHEM LEIGH HUNT Leigh Hunt (1784-1859) was an English poet. He was born near London and went to school at Christ's Hospital, the famous Blue Coat School, in London. He wrote both prose and poetry. A monument was erected to his memory in the Kensal Green Cemetery on which is the inscription: "Write me as one that loves his fellow-men. Abou Ben Adhem (may his tribe increase!) Exceeding peace had made Ben Adhem bold, "What writest thou?" The vision raised its head, Answered, "The names of those who love the Lord." The angel wrote and vanished. The next night And showed the names whom love of God had blessed, |