He told a homely taleAnd spotted it with tears --Upon his infant face was setThe Cicatrice of years --All crumpled was the cheekNo other kiss had knownThan flake of snow, imprinted swift --imprinted swift --divided withWhen hurrying to the townWhen hurrying to the townThe Redbreast of the Barn --If Mother -- in the Grave --Or Father -- on the Sea --Or Father in the Firmament --Or Bretheren, had he --If Commonwealth below,Or Commonwealth aboveHave lostlostmissed a Barefoot Citizen --I've ransomed it -- alive --