Page:The Glugs of Gosh (C. J. Dennis, 1917).djvu/61

Rh So the argument ran; but one bright Spring day Sym settled it all in his own strange way. "'Tis a tramp," he announced, "I've decided to be; And I start next Monday at twenty to three . . ." When the aunt recovered she screamed, "A tramp? A low-lived, pilfering, idle scamp. Who steals people's washing, and sleeps in the damp?"

Sharp to the hour Sym was ready and dressed. "Young birds," sighed the father, "must go from the nest. When the green moss covers those stones you tread, When the green grass whispers above my head, Mark well, wherever your path may turn. They have reached the valley of peace who learn That wise hearts cherish what fools may spurn."

So Sym went off; and a year ran by, And the father said, with a smile-masked sigh, "It is meet that the young should leave the nest." Said the aunt, "Don't spill that soup on your vest! Nor mention his name! He's our one disgrace! And he's probably sneaking around some place With fuzzy black whiskers all over his face."