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, imprinted swift --[^a1]divided with
When hurrying to the town[^a2]The Redbreast of the Barn --

[^a1: imprinted swift -- | imprinted swift --]

[^a2: When hurrying to the town | When hurrying to the town]

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

If Commonwealth below,
Or Commonwealth above
Have lost[^a3]missed a Barefoot Citizen --
I've ransomed it -- alive --

[^a3: lost | lost]