Clara Barton: A Centenary Tribute to the World's Greatest Humanitarian: Founder of the American Red Cross Society, Author of the American Amendment to the International Red Cross Convention of Geneva, Founder of the National First Aid Association of AmericaYoung, Charles Sumner
History
Clara Barton: A Centenary Tribute to the World's Greatest Humanitarian: Founder of the American Red Cross Society, Author of the American Amendment to the International Red Cross Convention of Geneva, Founder of the National First Aid Association of America
Young, Charles Sumner
Barton, Clara, 1821-1912
A dog is a real philanthropist, his whole existence is living for
others. The best “war-scout” known is the Red Cross dog, wearing the
insignia. In a dog Miss Barton found a congenial spirit. Her first
ownership was a dog, and known by the name of “Button.” He was
medium-sized, very white, with silky ears, sparkling black eyes, and a
very short tail. “Button” was Clara Barton’s guardian in the cradle, her
playmate in childhood.
Some little dogs are very good,
And very useful too:—
“Button” would try to pick her up when she fell down, sympathize with
her in her troubles,—ever unselfish, helpful, loyal.
Clara Barton’s second individual ownership was “Billy.” “Billy” was a
horse. She said he was high stepping; in color, brown; of Morgan
ancestry, with glossy coat, slim legs, pointed ears, long black mane and
tail, and weighing nearly nine hundred pounds.
Ownership endowed “Billy” with wonderful characteristics. He could trot,
rack, pace, single-foot,—a Bucephalus worthy of world fame. “Like beads
upon a rosary” she would count and recount the joys of memory, memory of
her saddle horse, and she on his back, riding like mad, at ten years of
age. He had many characteristics, doubtless, that she didn’t recount. As
a horse is known to be “a vain thing for safety” “Billy” could probably
run away, get frightened at a shadow, senselessly “kick up” and
“smash-up,” as do other horses. But fun is in the danger; the greater
the danger to life and limb the greater the fun. “Billy” would not stand
over her to guard her, nor help her up when she fell down, but was
useful and gave her pleasure. “The true, living love is love of soul for
soul,” hence mankind loves, in return for love, only what gives love;
but mankind also pretends to love what it can force to serve man’s
purpose. The dog spirit and the horse spirit satisfy the longings of
human nature—all the world loves a dog and assumes to love a horse.
In hearing of the cannon’s roar one afternoon, an officer galloped up
asking, “Miss Barton, can you ride?” “Yes sir.” “But you have no
saddle—could you ride mine?” “Yes sir, or without it, if you have
blanket and surcingle.” “Then you can risk an hour.” An hour later the
officer returned at breakneck speed—and leaping from his horse said:
“Now is your time Miss Barton; the enemy is already breaking over the
hills.”
Oh! not all the pleasures that poets may praise,—
Not the wildering waltz in the ballrooms blaze,
Nor the chivalrous joust, nor the daring race,
Nor the swift regatta, nor the merry chase,
Nor the sail heaving waters o’er,
Nor the rural dance on the moonlight shore,—
Can the wild and fearless joy exceed
Of a fearless leap on a fiery steed.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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