Page:Traits and Trials.pdf/126

120

"Our father is a soldier, and in some distant war 	He too might be a prisoner in foreign lands afar." Her dark eyes filled with tear-drops, and she could say no more— But Henry had already unbarr'd the wicker door. He threw the window open, and placed the cage below, And to the ash-tree coppice he watch'd the linnet go.

That evening when the sunset flung around its rosy light, And the air was sweet with summer, and the many flowers were bright; They took their walk together, and as they past along, They heard from that old ash-tree the linnet's pleasant song. It was like a sweet thanksgiving; and Henry, thus spoke he, "How glad I am, my sister, I set the linnet free."