Excerpt from The Gleaner, Vol. 3: June, 1903 (Classic Reprint)
On't you please relate a story? Asked the little brown — eyed Nell, As she climbed her grandpa's arm-chair, To the place she loved so well.
Something 'b0ut the ghosts or goblins, And of queens and princes, too; Or of witches, giants and fairies, Or how George the dragon slew.
Yes, do, grandpa, chimed in Bessie, As she took his wrinkled hand; Tell us of the days Of knighthood, Of King Arthur and his band.
Or 'bout some historic battle, And how men of valor fought; How they saved the flag of glory, And the negroes' freedom sought.
Ah, my children, said the old man, As he fondly smoothed their curls, You must firstly make the promise That you won't be naughty girls; That you'll be real still and listen Carefully to what I say, While I take a backward journey To the years long passed away.