he thought so old,
Full forty lives had saved;

When, suddenly, with kindling eye,
Up sprang the old dog there,
As from afar a child's shrill cry
Rung through the frosty air.

In haste the monks unbarred the door,
Rugs round the mastiffs threw;
And as they bounded forth once more,
Called, "Blessings be with you!"

II.

They hurried headlong down the hill,
Past many a snow-wreath wild,
Until the older guide stood still
Beside a sleeping child.

He licked the little icy hand
With his rough, kindly tongue;
With his warm breath he gently fanned
The tresses fair and long.

The child looked up, with eyes of blue,
As if the whole he guessed;
His arms around the dog he threw,
And sunk again to rest.

Once more he woke, and wrapped him fast
In the warm covering sent;
The dogs then with their charge, at last,
Up the steep mountain went.

III.

The fire glowed bright with heaped-up logs,
Each monk brought forth a light;
"Good dogs!" they cried, "good dogs, good dogs!
Whom bring you here to-night?"

In, with a joyous bound, they come--
The boy awoke and smiled:
"Ah me!" the stranger cried, "some home
Mourneth for thee, fair child!"

With morning light, the monks and boy
Sought where the village lay--
I dare not try to paint the joy
Their coming gave that day.

"If sweet," the brethren said, "to see
Such gladness shed around,
What wondrous joy in Heaven must be,
When a lost child is found!"

[Illustration]

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BOB'S SCHOOL DAYS.
SLEEPING BEAUTY.
PUMPKIN HOUSE.
DIAMONDS AND TOADS.
RED-RIDING HOOD.
NELLIE'S CHRISTMAS EVE.
TEN LITTLE NIGGERS.
NINE NIGGERS MORE.
BABY.
PUTNAM.
POCAHONTAS.
THREE BEARS.
TOM THUMB.
VISIT TO THE MENAGERIE.
HOME GAMES FOR BOYS.
HOME GAMES FOR GIRLS.
YANKEE DOODLE.
ROBINSON CRUSOE.
WHITE CAT.
HEY DIDDLE DIDDLE.
HARE AND TORTOISE.
PUSS IN BOOTS.
MY MOTHER.