FREDERICK came, and he said, "Maybe You'll say what you happen to want with me?" "Wronged boy," said PALEY VOLLAIRE, "I will, But don't you fidget yourself--sit still. * * * * * "'Tis now some thirty-seven years ago Since first began the plot that I'm revealing. A fine young woman, wed ten years or so, Lived with her husband down in Drum Lane, Ealing, Herself by means of mangling reimbursing, And now and then (at intervals) wet-nursing. "Two little babes dwelt in her humble cot: One was her own--the other only lent to her: _Her own she slighted._ Tempted by a lot Of gold and silver regularly sent to her, She ministered unto the little other In the capacity of foster-mother. "_I was her own._ Oh! how I lay and sobbed In my poor cradle--deeply, deeply cursing The rich man's pampered bantling, who had robbed My only birthright--an attentive nursing! Sometimes, in hatred of my foster-brother, I gnashed my gums--which terrified my mother. [Illustration] One darksome day (I should have mentioned that We were alike in dress and baby feature) I _in_ MY cradle having placed the brat, Crept into his--the pampered little creature! It was imprudent--well, disgraceful maybe, For, oh! I was a bad, black-hearted baby! "So rare a luxury was food, I think There was no wickedness I wouldn't try for it. _Now_ if I wanted anything to drink At any time, I only had to cry for it! _Once_, if I dared to weep, the bottle lacking, My blubbering involved a serious smacking! "We grew up in the usual way--my friend, My foster-brother, daily growing thinner, While gradually I began to mend, And thrived amazingly on double dinner. And every one, besides my foster-mother, Believed that either of us was the other. "I came into his wealth--I bore his name, I bear it still--his property I squandered-- I mortgaged everything--and now (oh, shame!) Into a Somers Town shake-down I've wandered! I am no PALEY--no VOLLAIRE--it's true, my boy! The only rightful PALEY V. is _you_, my boy! "And all I have is yours--and yours is mine. I still may place you in your true position: Give me the pounds you've saved, and I'll resign My noble name, my rank, and my condition. So for my sin in fraudulently owning Your vasty wealth, I am at last atoning!" * * * * * FREDERICK he was a simple soul, He pulled from his pocket a bulky roll, And gave to PALEY his hard-earned store, A hundred and seventy pounds or more [Illustration] PALEY VOLLAIRE, with many a groan, Gave FREDERICK all that he'd called his own,-- Two shirts and a sock, and a vest of jean, A Wellington boot and a bamboo cane.