nd food, and liberty, and the love of those
who own them. They basked in the sun; they were busy with sport, fretted
by no cares; kind words directed them. They lived in the midst of
illusions, like princes, or fairies, or spirits,--like _children_. They
followed about with processions, training in the rear of every
train-band, keeping time with the march of the happy Sunday-schools,
when they had their celebrations. Young Silas could be trusted with the
care of Columbia, and hand in hand, like brother and sister, they went.
Especially were they proud, if the procession carried one of Dexter's
flags. Silas, no doubt, had suggested a point of the device, or Columbia
had worked a corner.

When Dexter would go on board ship, or to some lodge, with the flags
which had been ordered of him, in anticipation of voyages and
processions, the children often accompanied him. I see them walking
shyly in the rear, and looking up to the father of the little girl with
the reverence he deserved. By-and-by would they grow wise and feel
ashamed of this? Will you see the fair Columbia, whom the captain pats
so kindly on the head, smiling broadly when he hears her name, will you
see her, a woman grown, attending her father on such errands? And if you
see her not, will the reason be such as proves her worthy to be old
Dexter's daughter? Will you hear her saying to her friends, as now,
"Guess who worked those flowers," while the target-shooters march past,
carrying their blue silk banner, royal with red roses? She and Silas
often run panting in the wake of great processions; they would not for
the world miss seeing the wide, fluttering folds of the Stars and
Stripes, or it might be the conquering St. George, or the transparencies
they were all so busy over a day or two ago. Their speed will soon
abate, and why?

Human beings are not children forever. Maturity must not manifest itself
as childhood does. Ah, but "Principles, not Men"! Is any truth involved
in that beyond what Silas recognizes in his trade? Is there another
reason which shall have power to make Columbia some day stand coolly on
the sidewalk, while her heart is beating fast,--which shall induce her
to point out the mottoes on the banners, and the various devices, to
another, without trembling in the voice or tears in the eye? If ever she
shall glide along the streets, she whose early race-course was Salt
Lane, if ever like a lady she shall walk there, will it be at the price
of