He told a homely tale

He told a homely tale And spotted it with tears -- Upon his infant face was set The Cicatrice of years --

All crumpled was the cheek No other kiss had known Than flake of snow, divided with The Redbreast of the Barn --

If Mother -- in the Grave -- Or Father -- on the Sea -- Or Father in the Firmament -- Or Brethren, had he --

If Commonwealth below, Or Commonwealth above Have missed a Barefoot Citizen -- I've ransomed it -- alive --