The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1869-02-12
Ghuifs 2netru.
THE DAPPLE MARE.
An Ancient Legend Versined and Diversified


"oncs on n time" as ancient tales declare
There lived farmer in n quiet dell
In Massachusetts; but exactly when
Or where is really more than can tell,
Except that, quite above the public bounty,
lie lived within his means and Bristol county,
BY patient labor and unceasing care
He earned and 80 enjoyed, his daily bread
Contented always with frugal fare,
Ambition TO be rich ne'er vexed his head
And thus, unknown TO envy, want or wealth.
lie 1ourshed long in comfort, peace and health.
The gentle partner of his humble lot,
The JOY and jewel of his welded life,
Discharged the duties Of his humble cot
Like a true woman and faithful wife;
Her mind improved by thought and useful read
Ing,
Good manners and nine children showed her
breeding.
Grown old at last, the farmer called his son.
The youngest (nnd the favorte suppose,)
And said:"I long have thought my darling John,
'Tis time to bring my laburs to a close
80 now to toll I mean to bid adcu,
And decd, my son, the homestead farm to you"
Tho boy embraced the boon with vast delight,
And promised while their precious lives re-
malned;
He'd till and tend the farm from morn till night,
And sec his parents handsomely maintained
God help him, he would never fail to love, nor
Do aught TO grleve his generous old govno
The farmer said "well. let us now proceed,
(You know there's always danger In delayD
And get Squire Robinson to write the deed;
Come--where's my STAFF ?--well soon be on the
way"
But John replied, with tender. fllial care,
You're old and weak-Il catch the Dapple
Mare"
The mare was saddled, and the man got on;
Tho boy on foot trudged cheerfully along
The while, to cheer his sire, the duteous son
Beguiled the weary way with talk and song,
Arrived at length they found the Squire at home,
And quickly told him wherefore they had come.
The deed was writ in proper form Of law,
With many q "foresa i'd" "therefore," !" and "the
same"
And made throughout without mistake or flaw,
To show that John had now a legal claim
To all his fathers land-conveyed, given, sod
Quit-claimed, ot cetera-to have and hold.
Their business done, they left the lawyers door,
Happier. perhaps, than when they entered
there;
And started ofias they had dc ne before
The son on foot, the father on the mare.
But ere the twain q single mile had gone
a brilliant thought occurred to Master John.
Alas for truth ALAS for filial duty!
Alas that Satan, in the shape Of Pride,
(liis most bewitching form save that OF beauty }
Whispered the lad: "NIy boy, you ought TO
ride!"
"Get orr! exclaimed the younker; "tisnt fair
That you should always rite the Dapple Mare"
The son was lusty, and the sire was DID,
And so, with many an oath and many frown,
The hapless farmer did as he was told;
The man got off the steed, and the boy got on,
And rode away as fast as he could trot,
And left his sire to trudge 1t home on foot
That night, while seated round the kitchen fire
The household sat; cheerful as If no word
Or deed provoked the injured fathers ire,
Or aught to make him sad had e'er occurred
Thus spoke he to his son: 1--WE quite forgot,
| think, tinclude that little turnip lot!
"1'm very sure, my son, 1t wouldn't hurtit."
Calmly observed the medtative sire,
| ITO take the deed, my lad, and Just insert it,
Here the old chap inserts it-in the IRE!
| Then cries aloud, with most triumphant air,
"lFhO notc, my son, shall ride the Dtpplc Mare ?"