But the spirit it awakened

Still is living ever young;
And when we greet the smiling sunlight
On the Fourth of each July,
We will ne'er forget the bell-man
Who, betwixt the earth and sky,
Rung out loudly, "Independence;"
Which, please God, shall never die!

HELPS TO STUDY

Historical: In June, 1776, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia offered a resolution in Congress, "that these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent states." This motion was seconded by John Adams of Massachusetts and carried on July 2.

John Adams, Thomas Jefferson of Virginia, Benjamin Franklin of Pennsylvania, Roger Sherman of Connecticut, and Robert Living ston of New York were chosen to draw up a declaration which should contain this resolution. The Declaration of Independence was written by Thomas Jefferson' and adopted by Congress July 4, 1776.

The old State House, Philadelphia, in which Congress met, is now known as Independence Hall.

Notes and

Where did the events related in

this story take place? What city is meant by the

"quaint old Quaker town''? Where were the people of the city gathered?

Why were they so excited?

To what is the pressure of the
people against the building
compared?

How many people are represented
as speaking in the third stanza?
How do you know this?
Why are the sentences in this
stanza so short?

Why are Adams and Sherman

Questions

mentioned by the people?
What reason had the people for
thinking that the nation's life
was "at hazard", that is, in
danger?

What portal is referred to in the
fourth stanza?
What is a patriot?

Who were the Spartans?
For what did they fight?
What did the ringing of the bell

tell to the people?

How did they show their joy! Why should we remember the bell-man on the Fourth of each July''?

66

"Spartan"-a native of Sparta, one of the states of ancient Greece. At the battle of Thermopyla three hundred Spartans under Leonidas held a narrow pass against a large Persian army, until every Spartan was slain.

"Phoenix”—a bird which the ancient Egyptians believed visited their country once in several hundred years. They thought this bird burned itself to death and from its ashes sprang a new Phoenix.

THE OLD OAKEN BUCKET

SAMUEL WOODWORTH

Samuel Woodworth (1785-1842), an American poet and editor, was born in Scituate, Massachusetts. He was a printer by trade. He wrote patriotic songs, but of all his writings the "Old Oaken Bucket" is best liked.

1

How dear to my heart are the scenes of my childhood,
When fond recollection presents them to view!
The orchard, the meadow, the deep tangled wild-wood,
And every loved spot which my infancy knew;
The wide-spreading pond, and the mill that stood by it;
The bridge and the rock where the cataract fell;
The cot of my father, the dairy-house nigh it,

And e'en the rude bucket which hung in the well:
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,

The moss-covered bucket which hung in the well.

2

That moss-covered vessel I hail as a treasure;

For often, at noon, when returned from the field,
I found it the source of an exquisite pleasure,

The purest and sweetest that nature can yield.
How ardent I seized it, with hands that were glowing,
And quick to the white-pebbled bottom it fell;
Then soon, with the emblem of truth overflowing,
And dripping with coolness, it rose from the well:
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,

The moss-covered bucket arose from the well.

3

How sweet from the green mossy brim to receive it,
As poised on the curb, it inclined to my lips!
Not a full blushing goblet could tempt me to leave it,
Though filled with the nectar which Jupiter sips;
And now, far removed from thy loved situation,
The tear of regret will intrusively swell,

As fancy reverts to my father's plantation,

And sighs for the bucket which hangs in the well:
The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,
The moss-covered bucket which hangs in the well.

"blushing goblet❞—a goblet filled with wine which would give a red color to the glass.

"Jupiter"-The Romans believed in many gods and goddesses. The chief of all their gods was called Jupiter.

"nectar"—the name given by the Greek poets to the drink of the gods. It was supposed to resemble red wine.

WOODMAN, SPARE THAT TREE

GEORGE P. MORRIS

George P. Morris (1802-1864) was born in Philadelphia. He was an editor and a poet and was connected with a number of newspapers in New York City. His poems and songs are particularly pleasing.

1

WOODMAN, spare that tree!

Touch not a single bough;

In youth it sheltered me,
And I'll protect it now.
'Twas my forefather's hand
That placed it near his cot;
There, woodman, let it stand;
Thy ax shall harm it not:

2

That old familiar tree,

Whose glory and renown