Under the window is a man
Playing an organ all the day--
Grinding as only a cripple can,
In a moody, vague, uncertain way.
His coat is blue and upon his face
Is a look of high-born, restless pride--
There is somewhat about him of martial grace
And an empty sleeve hangs at his side.
“Tell me, warrior, bold and true,
In what carnage, night or day,
Came the merciless shot to you,
Bearing your good right arm away?”
Fire dies out in the patriot’s eye,
Changed my warrior’s tone and mien--
Choked by emotion, he makes reply--
“Kansas--harvest--threshing machine.”
In October, 1881, Mr. Field commenced the publication of the Denver
Tribune Primer, which he abandoned as soon as it began to be generally
imitated. Samples of his primer style are appended: