The Junior Classics — Volume 6 - Old-Fashioned Tales by Unknown
page 69 of 518 (13%)
page 69 of 518 (13%)
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liberty-colors flashed full in Rebel faces, as the broken lower
fragment went clattering to the stage. All depended on the one instant action and expression. These were perfect. The very spirit of Barbara stirred her representative. The curtain began to descend slowly, and the applause broke forth before the reading ended. But a hand, held up, hushed it till the concluding lines were given in thrilling tones, as the tableau was covered from sight. "Barbara Frietchie's work is o'er, And the Rebel rides on his raids no more. "Honor to her! and let a tear Fall, for her sake, on Stonewall's bier. "Over Barbara Frietchie's grave, Flag of Freedom and Union, wave! "Peace and order and beauty draw Round thy symbol of light and law; "And ever the stars above look down On thy stars below in Frederick town!" Then one great cheer broke forth, and was prolonged to three. "Not be Barbara Frietchie!" Leslie would not have missed that thrill for the finest beauty-part of all. For the applause--that was for the flag, of course, as Ginevra Thoresby said. The benches were slid out at a window upon a lower roof, the curtain |
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