A bold ride and a long ride! But they were taken at last; They had almost reached the river by galloping hard and fast; But the boys in blue were upon them ere ever they gained the ford, And Morgan, Morgan the raider, laid down his terrible sword. Well, I kept the boy till evening--kept him against his will-- But he was too weak to follow, and sat there pale and still; When it was cool and dusky--you'll wonder to hear me tell-- But I stole down to the gully, and brought up Kentucky Belle. I kissed the star on her forehead--my pretty, gentle lass-- But I knew that she'd be happy, back in the old Blue-Grass: A suit of clothes of Conrad's, with all the money I had, And Kentucky, pretty Kentucky, I gave to the worn-out lad. I guided him to the southward, as well as I knew how: The boy rode off with many thanks, and many a backward bow; And then the glow it faded, and my heart began to swell; And down the glen away she went, my lost Kentucky Belle! When Conrad came in the evening, the moon was shining high, Baby and I were both crying--I couldn't tell him why-- But a battered suit of rebel gray was hanging on the wall, And a thin old horse with drooping head stood in Kentucky's stall. Well, he was kind, and never once said a hard word to me, He knew I couldn't help it--'twas all for the Tennessee; But, after the war was over, just think what came to pass-- A letter, sir, and the two were safe back in the old Blue-Grass. The lad got across the border, riding Kentucky Belle; And Kentuck she was thriving, and fat, and hearty, and well; He cared for her, and kept her, nor touched her with whip or spur; Ah! we've had many horses, but never a horse like her! CONSTANCE FENIMORE WOOLSON. Moses was a camel that traveled o'er the sand. Of the desert, fiercely hot, way down in Egypt-land; But they brought him to the Fair, Now upon his hump, Every child can take a ride, Who can stand the bumpity-bump. PROPHECIES. Little blue egg, in the nest snug and warm, Covered so close from the wind and the storm, Guarded so carefully day after day, What is your use in this world now, pray? "Bend your head closer; my secret I'll tell: There's a baby-bird hid in my tiny blue shell." Little green bud, all covered with dew, Answer my question and answer it true; What were you made for, and why do you stay Clinging so close to the twig all the day? "Hid in my green sheath, some day to unclose, Nestles the warm, glowing heart of a rose." Dear, little baby-girl, dainty and fair, Sweetest of flowers, of jewels most rare, Surely there's no other use for you here Than just to be petted and played with, you dear! "Oh, a wonderful secret I'm coming to know, Just a baby like me, to a woman shall grow."