ington's own room. Here at the Cragie House Longfellow made his home for the rest of his life. For, after living there as a lodger for six years, he married Miss Frances Appleton; and the bride's father bought the place and presented it to the Longfellows as a wedding present.

Longfellow was twenty-nine when he began his work in Harvard. Thoroughly cultured, sincere, and pleasant, he soon became one of the best-liked professors in that famous college. He continued in this work for nearly twenty years, making a third trip to Europe in 1842.

During these years at Bowdoin and Harvard, Longfellow did considerable writing, both prose and poetical. In 1839 he published his first volume of poems. Among others it contained "The Reaper and the Flowers," "Footsteps of Angels, "The Light of Stars," and "Psalm of Life." These poems were widely read and admired, and made Longfellow famous as a poet. The "Psalm of Life" is a favorite not only in America but throughout the world, having been translated into many languages.

Longfellow's first long poem was "Evangeline, a story in verse, which you will read next year. The pathetic story of Evangeline was told to Longfellow by Hawthorne. It appealed to Longfellow and he expressed a desire to use it for a poem if Hawthorne did not want it for a story. The latter cheerfully gave it up. The beautiful poem won the hearts of the American people, and it has ever since been considered the poet's masterpiece.

The next long poem was "Hiawatha," known and loved by all children. The quaint Indian legends are so simply and beautifully told that many critics consider "Hiawatha" Longfellow's finest work.

"Evangeline" and "Hiawatha" were so well-received that the poet was encouraged to write another long poem dealing with American life and scenery. This was "The Courtship of Miles Standish," which we have just finished studying. We

have been interested in Longfellow's special reason for writing this delightful story.

Longfellow's children, however, meant far more to the poet than did his famous Pilgrim ancestors. Five children, two sons and three daughters, came to the Longfellow home. These children loved their father dearly, for he was always their best friend and chum. He was a very busy man with his teaching and writing. But in that poem we all love, "The Children's Hour," we are shown that Longfellow had time for a daily romp with the children. Longfellow's home life was very happy until the sad death of his wife, who was fatally burned in 1861.

Previous to this time, Longfellow had resigned his position in Harvard that he might have more time for his literary work. His poems had made him so well-known that he had many visitors. Ofttimes they came when he was very busy, but he was always kind and courteous. A great many children also came to see the poet, and he wrote his name in their albums. His poem "Children" proves that he truly loved them. Perhaps that is why Longfellow is best liked by the children. He has been called "the children's poet."

The children of Cambridge finally thought out a way to show their love for the kind old poet. You will remember "The Village Blacksmith," wherein are described a real Cambridge blacksmith and his shop. At last the "spreading chestnut tree" had to be cut down. The children had a fine arm-chair made from the wood, and on Longfellow's seventy-second birthday they presented it to him with their love. The poet greatly appreciated the gift and the spirit that prompted it. In return he wrote the children a poem entitled "From My Arm-Chair."

His life was drawing to its close. Like his poetry his life had been pure and sweet, simple and beautiful. The dreams of his youth had all been realized. He was acknowledged to be the most popular American poet. On his seventy-fifth

birthday (February 27, 1882) all the schools of the country held exercises in his honor, the pupils reciting or singing some of his best-loved poems. His old friend Whittier described the day in his charming poem "The Poet and the Children. few days later Longfellow passed away.

-Leroy E. Armstrong

A

Questions: Where and when was Longfellow born? In what poem does he refer to the city in which he was born? From what college was he graduated? At what age? Name a classmate of Longfellow's who later became famous. What position was offered Longfellow soon after graduation? Why did he then make a trip to Europe? What countries did he visit? How long was he gone? How many years did Longfellow teach in Bowdoin? Why did he leave? What was the purpose of his second trip to Europe? How old was Longfellow when he began his work at Harvard? Name four of the poems in the first volume published by Longfellow. Which one of these is Longfellow's best-known poem? Name Longfellow's most popular long poem. Name two other long poems of his that deal with American subjects. In what beautiful poem are the poet's children mentioned? Why did Longfellow resign his position in Harvard? What brought many visitors to Cambridge? How were they always treated at the Longfellow home? How did the poet please the many children who came to see him? How did the children of Cambridge show their love for Longfellow? On what occasion? How did the children of the country show their regard for the poet? On what occasion? What poem refers to the celebration? Name the author. Where and when did Longfellow die? What is his rank among the poets of America? Make a list of the poems of Longfellow with which you are familiar.

THE SKELETON IN ARMOR

(Soon after Longfellow began teaching at Harvard, some workmen unearthed a skeleton near Fall River, Massachusetts. Longfellow's interest was greatly aroused because there was a thin plate of brass over the chest of the skeleton, and a belt of brass tubes around its waist. As the North American Indians have never been known to wear armor, Longfellow concluded that this must be the skeleton of one of the Norse rovers who visited our shores hundreds of years before Columbus came. Longfellow thought if the skeleton could only speak, what a wonderful story it might tell! Then in poetic imagination Longfellow fancies that the skeleton appeals to him to listen to its story, and commands him to tell it in verse. The poet complies, and we have one of the finest ballads ever written.)

"SPEA

PEAK! speak! thou fearful guest!
Who, with thy hollow breast

Still in rude armor drest,

Comest to daunt me!
Wrapt not in Eastern balms,
But with thy fleshless palms
Stretched, as if asking alms,

Why dost thou haunt me?"