"And wouldst thou know, 'heart-honoured maid! How thrice a thousand-fold repaid My humble gift may be? With cheerful hand and heart unbraid The band thy modest brow that shades, And send, with three kind words convey'd, One little tress to me! "Be this a birthday doubly bless'd! Joy to thine aged mother's breast! And long, caressing and caress'd, May her maternal kiss, While peaceful years melt calm away, Make to thy heart each natal day As joyous e'en as this! "Brave daughter of a sire as brave As ever risked a surging grave, In tides of stormiest swell! Thou that didst share that fearful strife, All joy be to thee, maid or wife! And may'st thou brave the storms of life As fearlessly and well." It may be interesting to the reader to know that the boat which carried Grace Darling and her father to the "Forfarshire," is probably in existence at the present day, It came into the possession of Mr. George Darling, of North Sunderland, who was the brother of Grace; and he took great care of it--this boat, with a history of which so many people had thought with tears in their eyes! He had often been solicited to sell it, and at last did so, to Major Joicey, of Stocksfield-on-Tyne. Pieces of this boat have come in for the affection usually bestowed on interesting relics, for some planks that were taken out for repairs have been preserved as great treasures, and snuff-boxes and other articles have been made from them. But nothing is needed to keep in the hearts of the people of our own and other lands the memory of the gallant deed. Grace Darling is loved still, and we do not forget our beloved ones. These records give some idea of the enthusiasm which had been awakened by the splendid deed which has been related. Cold-hearted critics there were, no doubt, who, never having done an unselfish action in their lives, would not believe in Grace Darling's disinterestedness, and buttoned their pockets closely when asked to contribute towards the testimonial which was presented to her. But these were very few. The greater number who heard of the heroine's name were generous in their praise, so that her name became a household word among them, and they were right, for they learned the blessedness of giving. CHAPTER XIV. A VISIT TO ALNWICK CASTLE. "A young rose in the summer-time Is beautiful to me, And glorious are the many stars That glimmer on the sea; But gentle words and loving hearts, And hands to clasp my own, Are better than the brightest flowers Or stars that ever shone. "The sun may warm the grass to life, The dew the drooping flower, And eyes grow bright, and watch the light Of Autumn's opening hour; But words that breathe of tenderness, And smiles we know are true, Are warmer than the summer time, And brighter than the dew.