ForourSelveswillalwaysdoprettywellifwedon’tpaythemtoomuchattention。OurSelvesarelikesomelittlechildrenwhowillbehappyenoughsolongastheyarelefttotheirowngames，butwhenwebegintointerferewiththem，andmakethempresentsoftooniceplaythings，ortoomanysweetthings，theybeginatoncetofretandspoil。
　　“Why，Diamond，child！“saidhismotheratlast，“you’reasgoodtoyourmotherasifyouwereagirl——nursingthebaby，andtoastingthebread，andsweepingupthehearth！Ideclareabodywouldthinkyouhadbeenamongthefairies。”
　　CouldDiamondhavehadgreaterpraiseorgreaterpleasure？
　　YouseewhenheforgothisSelfhismothertookcareofhisSelf，andlovedandpraisedhisSelf。OurownpraisespoisonourSelves，andpuffandswellthemup，tilltheyloseallshapeandbeauty，andbecomelikegreattoadstools。ButthepraisesoffatherormotherdoourSelvesgood，andcomfortthemandmakethembeautiful。
　　Theyneverdothemanyharm。Iftheydoanyharm，itcomesofourmixingsomeofourownpraiseswiththem，andthatturnsthemnastyandslimyandpoisonous。
　　Whenhisfatherhadfinishedhisbreakfast，whichhedidratherinahurry，hegotupandwentdownintotheyardtogetouthishorseandputhimtothecab。
　　“Won’tyoucomeandseethecab，Diamond？”hesaid。
　　“Yes，please，father——ifmothercansparemeaminute。”answeredDiamond。
　　“Blessthechild！Idon’twanthim。”saidhismothercheerfully。
　　Butashewasfollowinghisfatheroutofthedoor，shecalledhimback。
　　“Diamond，justholdthebabyoneminute。Ihavesomethingtosaytoyourfather。”
　　SoDiamondsatdownagain，tookthebabyinhislap，andbeganpokinghisfaceintoitslittlebody，laughingandsingingallthewhile，sothatthebabycrowedlikealittlebantam。Andwhathesangwassomethinglikethis——suchnonsensetothosethatcouldn’tunderstandit！butnottothebaby，whogotallthegoodintheworldoutofit:——
　　baby’sa-sleepingwakeupbabyforalltheswallowsarethemerriestfellowsandhavetheyellowestchildrenwhowouldgosleepingandsnorelikeagabydisturbinghismotherandfatherandbrotherandalla-boringtheirearswithhissnoringsnoringsnoringforhimselfandnootherforhimselfinparticularwakeupbabysitupperpendicularharktothegushingharktotherushingwherethesheeparethewoolliestandthelambstheunruliestandtheirtailsthewhitestandtheireyesthebrightestandbaby’sthebonniestandbaby’sthefunniestandbaby’stheshiniestandbaby’sthetiniestandbaby’sthemerriestandbaby’stheworriestofallthelambsthatplaguetheirdamsandmother’sthewhitestofallthedamsthatfeedthelambsthatgocrop-croppingwithoutstop-stoppingandfather’sthebestofalltheswallowsthatbuildtheirnestoutoftheshiningshallowsandhehasthemerriestchildrenthat’sbabyandDiamondandDiamondandbabyandbabyandDiamondandDiamondandbabyHereDiamond’skneeswentoffinawilddancewhichtossedthebabyaboutandshookthelaughteroutofhiminimmoderatepeals。
　　Hismotherhadbeenlisteningatthedoortothelastfewlinesofhissong，andcameinwiththetearsinhereyes。Shetookthebabyfromhim，gavehimakiss，andtoldhimtoruntohisfather。
　　BythetimeDiamondgotintotheyard，thehorsewasbetweentheshafts，andhisfatherwasloopingthetraceson。Diamondwentroundtolookatthehorse。Thesightofhimmadehimfeelveryqueer。
　　Hedidnotknowmuchaboutdifferenthorses，andallotherhorsesthantheirownwereverymuchthesametohim。Buthecouldnotmakeitout。ThiswasDiamondanditwasn’tDiamond。
　　Diamonddidn’thanghisheadlikethat;yettheheadthatwashangingwasveryliketheonethatDiamondusedtoholdsohigh。
　　Diamond’sbonesdidn’tshowthroughhisskinlikethat;buttheskintheypushedoutofshapesowasverylikeDiamond’sskin;
　　andthebonesmightbeDiamond’sbones，forhehadneverseentheshapeofthem。Butwhenhecameroundinfrontoftheoldhorse，andheputouthislongneck，andbegansniffingathimandrubbinghisupperlipandhisnoseonhim，thenDiamondsawitcouldbenootherthanoldDiamond，andhedidjustashisfatherhaddonebefore——
　　puthisarmsroundhisneckandcried——butnotmuch。
　　“Ain’titjolly，father？”hesaid。“Wasthereeveranybodysoluckyasme？DearoldDiamond！“
　　Andhehuggedthehorseagain，andkissedbothhisbighairycheeks。
　　Hecouldonlymanageoneatatime，however——theothercheekwassofaroffontheothersideofhisbighead。
　　Hisfathermountedtheboxwithjustthesameair，asDiamondthought，withwhichhehadusedtogetuponthecoach-box，andDiamondsaidtohimself，“Father’sasgrandaseveranyhow。”Hehadkepthisbrownlivery-coat，onlyhiswifehadtakenthesilverbuttonsoffandputbrassonesinstead，becausetheydidnotthinkitpolitetoMr。Colemaninhisfallenfortunestolethiscrestbeseenupontheboxofacab。OldDiamondhadkeptjusthiscollar;
　　andthathadthesilvercrestuponitstill，forhismasterthoughtnobodywouldnoticethat，andsoletitremainforamemorialofthebetterdaysofwhichitremindedhim——notunpleasantly，seeingithadbeenbynofaulteitherofhisoroftheoldhorse’sthattheyhadcomedownintheworldtogether。
　　“Oh，father，doletmedriveabit。”saidDiamond，jumpingupontheboxbesidehim。
　　Hisfatherchangedplaceswithhimatonce，puttingthereinsintohishands。Diamondgatheredthemupeagerly。
　　“Don’tpullathismouth。”saidhisfather。“justfeel，atitgentlytolethimknowyou’rethereandattendingtohim。
　　That’swhatIcalltalkingtohimthroughthereins。”
　　“Yes，father，Iunderstand。”saidDiamond。Thentothehorsehesaid，“GoonDiamond。”AndoldDiamond’sponderousbulkbeganatoncetomovetothevoiceofthelittleboy。
　　Butbeforetheyhadreachedtheentranceofthemews，anothervoicecalledafteryoungDiamond，which，inhisturn，hehadtoobey，foritwasthatofhismother。“Diamond！Diamond！“itcried;
　　andDiamondpulledthereins，andthehorsestoodstillasastone。
　　“Husband。”saidhismother，comingup，“you’renevergoingtotrusthimwiththereins——ababylikethat？”
　　“Hemustlearnsomeday，andhecan’tbegintoosoon。Iseealreadyhe’saborncoachman。”saidhisfatherproudly。“AndIdon’tseewellhowhecouldescapeit，formyfatherandmygrandfather，that’shisgreat-grandfather，wasallcoachmen，I’mtold;soitmustcomenaturaltohim，anyonewouldthink。Besides，yousee，oldDiamond’sasproudofhimasweareourownselves，wife。Don’tyouseehowhe’sturningroundhisears，withthemouthsofthemopen，forthefirstwordhespeakstotumblein？He’stoowellbredtoturnhishead，youknow。”
　　“Well，but，husband，Ican’tdowithouthimto-day。Everything’sgottobedone，youknow。It’smyfirstdayhere。Andthere’sthatbaby！“
　　“Blessyou，wife！Inevermeanttotakehimaway——onlytothebottomofEndellStreet。Hecanwatchhiswayback。”
　　“Nothankyou，father;notto-day。”saidDiamond。“Motherwantsme。
　　Perhapsshe’llletmegoanotherday。”
　　“Verywell，myman。”saidhisfather，andtookthereinswhichDiamondwasholdingouttohim。
　　Diamondgotdown，alittledisappointedofcourse，andwentwithhismother，whowastoopleasedtospeak。Sheonlytookholdofhishandastightasifshehadbeenafraidofhisrunningawayinsteadofgladthathewouldnotleaveher。
　　Now，althoughtheydidnotknowit，theownerofthestables，thesamemanwhohadsoldthehorsetohisfather，hadbeenstandingjustinsideoneofthestable-doors，withhishandsinhispockets，andhadheardandseenallthatpassed;andfromthatdayJohnStonecroptookagreatfancytothelittleboy。Andthiswasthebeginningofwhatcameofit。
　　Thesameevening，justasDiamondwasfeelingtiredoftheday’swork，andwishinghisfatherwouldcomehome，Mr。Stonecropknockedatthedoor。Hismotherwentandopenedit。
　　“Goodevening，ma’am。”saidhe。“Isthelittlemasterin？”
　　“Yes，tobesureheis——atyourservice，I’msure，Mr。Stonecrop。”
　　saidhismother。
　　“No，no，ma’am;it’sI’mathisservice。I’mjusta-goingoutwithmyowncab，andifhelikestocomewithme，heshalldrivemyoldhorsetillhe’stired。”
　　“It’sgettingratherlateforhim。”saidhismotherthoughtfully。
　　“Youseehe’sbeenaninvalid。”
　　Diamondthought，whatafunnything！Howcouldhehavebeenaninvalidwhenhedidnotevenknowwhatthewordmeant？But，ofcourse，hismotherwasright。
　　“Oh，well。”saidMr。Stonecrop，“IcanjustlethimdrivethroughBloomsburySquare，andthenheshallrunhomeagain。”
　　“Verygood，sir。AndI’mmuchobligedtoyou。”saidhismother。
　　AndDiamond，dancingwithdelight，gothiscap，puthishandinMr。Stonecrop’s，andwentwithhimtotheyardwherethecabwaswaiting。
　　HedidnotthinkthehorselookednearlysoniceasDiamond，norMr。Stonecropnearlysograndashisfather;buthewasnone，thelesspleased。Hegotuponthebox，andhisnewfriendgotupbesidehim。
　　“What’sthehorse’sname？”whisperedDiamond，ashetookthereinsfromtheman。
　　“It’snotanicename。”saidMr。Stonecrop。“Youneedn’tcallhimbyit。Ididn’tgiveithim。He’llgowellenoughwithoutit。
　　Givetheboyawhip，Jack。InevercarriesonewhenIdriveold——“
　　Hedidn’tfinishthesentence。JackhandedDiamondawhip，withwhich，byholdingithalfdownthestick，hemanagedjusttoflackthehaunchesofthehorse;andawayhewent。
　　“Mindthegate。”saidMr。Stonecrop;andDiamonddidmindthegate，andguidedthenamelesshorsethroughitinsafety，pullinghimthiswayandthataccordingaswasnecessary。Diamondlearnedtodriveallthesoonerthathehadbeenaccustomedtodowhathewastold，andcouldobeythesmallesthintinamoment。Nothinghelpsonetogetonlikethat。Somepeopledon’tknowhowtodowhattheyaretold;
　　theyhavenotbeenusedtoit，andtheyneitherunderstandquicklynorareabletoturnwhattheydounderstandintoactionquickly。
　　Withanobedientmindonelearnstherightsofthingsfastenough;
　　foritisthelawoftheuniverse，andtoobeyistounderstand。
　　“Lookout！“criedMr。Stonecrop，astheywereturningthecornerintoBloomsburySquare。
　　Itwasgettingduskynow。Acabwasapproachingratherrapidlyfromtheoppositedirection，andDiamondpullingaside，andtheotherdriverpullingup，theyonlyjustescapedacollision。
　　Thentheykneweachother。
　　“Why，Diamond，it’sabadbeginningtorunintoyourownfather。”
　　criedthedriver。
　　“But，father，wouldn’tithavebeenabadendingtorunintoyourownson？”saidDiamondinreturn;andthetwomenlaughedheartily。
　　“Thisisverykindofyou，I’msure，Stonecrop。”saidhisfather。
　　“Notabit。He’sabravefellow，and’llbefittodriveonhisownhookinaweekortwo。ButIthinkyou’dbetterlethimdriveyouhomenow，forhismotherdon’tlikehishavingovermuchofthenightair，andIpromisednottotakehimfartherthanthesquare。”
　　“Comealongthen，Diamond。”saidhisfather，ashebroughthiscabuptotheother，andmovedofftheboxtotheseatbesideit。
　　Diamondjumpedacross，caughtatthereins，said“Good-night，andthankyou，Mr。Stonecrop。”anddroveawayhome，feelingmoreofamanthanhehadeveryethadachanceoffeelinginallhislife。
　　Nordidhisfatherfinditnecessarytogivehimasinglehintastohisdriving。OnlyIsuspectthefactthatitwasoldDiamond，andoldDiamondonhiswaytohisstable，mayhavehadsomethingtodowithyoungDiamond’ssuccess。
　　“Well，child。”saidhismother，whenheenteredtheroom，“you’venotbeenlonggone。”
　　“No，mother;hereIam。Givemethebaby。”
　　“Thebaby’sasleep。”saidhismother。
　　“Thengivehimtome，andI’lllayhimdown。”
　　ButasDiamondtookhim，hewokeupandbegantolaugh。
　　Forhewasindeedoneofthemerriestchildren。Andnowonder，forhewasasplumpasaplum-pudding，andhadneverhadanacheorapainthatlastedmorethanfiveminutesatatime。
　　Diamondsatdownwithhimandbegantosingtohim。
　　babybabybabbingyourfather’sgonea-cabbingtocatchashillingforitspencetomakethebabybabbingdanceforoldDiamond’saducktheysayhecanswimbuttheduckofdiamondsisbabythat’shimandofalltheswallowsthemerriestfellowsthatbaketheircakewiththewatertheyshakeoutoftheriverflowingforeverandmakedustintoclayontheshiniestdaytobuildtheirnestfather’sthebestandmother’sthewhitestandhereyesarethebrightestofallthedamsthatwatchtheirlambscroppingthegrasswherethewaterspasssingingforeverandofallthelambswiththeshakingesttailsandthejumpingestfeetbaby’sthefunniestbaby’sthebonniestandheneverwailsandhe’salwayssweetandDiamond’shisnurseandDiamond’shisnurseandDiamond’shisnurseWhenDiamond’srhymesgrewscarce，healwaysbegandancingthebaby。
　　Somepeoplewonderedthatsuchachildcouldrhymeashedid，buthisrhymeswerenotverygood，forhewasonlytryingtorememberwhathehadheardtheriversingatthebackofthenorthwind。
　　CHAPTERXVII
　　DIAMONDGOESON
　　DIAMONDbecameagreatfavouritewithallthemenaboutthemews。
　　Somemaythinkitwasnotthebestplaceintheworldforhimtobebroughtupin;butitmusthavebeen，fortherehewas。
　　Atfirst，heheardagoodmanyroughandbadwords;buthedidnotlikethem，andsotheydidhimlittleharm。Hedidnotknowintheleastwhattheymeant，buttherewassomethingintheverysoundofthem，andinthetoneofvoiceinwhichtheyweresaid，whichDiamondfelttobeugly。Sotheydidnotevensticktohim，nottosaygetinsidehim。Henevertookanynoticeofthem，andhisfaceshonepureandgoodinthemiddleofthem，likeaprimroseinahailstorm。Atfirst，becausehisfacewassoquietandsweet，withasmilealwayseitherawakeorasleepinhiseyes，andbecauseheneverheededtheiruglywordsandroughjokes，theysaidhewasn’tallthere，meaningthathewashalfanidiot，whereashewasagreatdealmoretherethantheyhadthesensetosee。
　　Andbeforelongthebadwordsfoundthemselvesashamedtocomeoutofthemen’smouthswhenDiamondwasnear。Theonewouldnudgetheothertoremindhimthattheboywaswithinhearing，andthewordschokedthemselvesbeforetheygotanyfarther。
　　Whentheytalkedtohimnicelyhehadalwaysagoodanswer，sometimesasmartone，ready，andthathelpedmuchtomakethemchangetheirmindsabouthim。
　　OnedayJackgavehimacurry-combandabrushtotryhishanduponoldDiamond’scoat。Heusedthemsodeftly，sogently，andyetsothoroughly，asfarashecouldreach，thatthemancouldnothelpadmiringhim。
　　“Youmustmakehasteand，grow“hesaid。“Itwon’tdotohaveahorse’sbellycleanandhisbackdirty，youknow。”
　　“Givemealeg。”saidDiamond，andinamomenthewasontheoldhorse’sbackwiththecombandbrush。Hesatonhiswithers，andreachingforwardasheatehishay，hecurriedandhebrushed，firstatonesideofhisneck，andthenattheother。
　　Whenthatwasdoneheaskedforadressing-comb，andcombedhismanethoroughly。Thenhepushedhimselfontohisback，anddidhisshouldersasfardownashecouldreach。Thenhesatonhiscroup，anddidhisbackandsides;thenheturnedaroundlikeamonkey，andattackedhishind-quarters，andcombedhistail。
　　Thislastwasnotsoeasytomanage，forhehadtoliftitup，andeverynowandthenoldDiamondwouldwhiskitoutofhishands，andoncehesentthecombflyingoutofthestabledoor，tothegreatamusementofthemen。ButJackfetcheditagain，andDiamondbeganoncemore，anddidnotleaveoffuntilhehaddonethewholebusinessfairlywell，ifnotinafirst-rate，experiencedfashion。
　　Allthetimetheoldhorsewentoneatinghishay，and，butwithanoccasionalwhiskofhistailwhenDiamondtickledorscratchedhim，tooknonoticeoftheproceeding。Butthatwasallapretence，forheknewverywellwhoitwasthatwasperchedonhisback，andrubbingawayathimwiththecombandthebrush。Sohewasquitepleasedandproud，andperhapssaidtohimselfsomethinglikethis——
　　“I’mastupidoldhorse，whocan’tbrushhisowncoat;butthere’smyyounggodsononmyback，cleaningmelikeanangel。”
　　Iwon’tvouchforwhattheoldhorsewasthinking，foritisverydifficulttofindoutwhatanyoldhorseisthinking。
　　“Ohdear！“saidDiamondwhenhehaddone，“I’msotired！“
　　AndhelaidhimselfdownatfulllengthonoldDiamond’sback。
　　BythistimeallthemeninthestableweregatheredaboutthetwoDiamonds，andallmuchamused。Oneofthemliftedhimdown，andfromthattimehewasagreaterfavouritethanbefore。
　　Andifevertherewasaboywhohadachanceofbeingaprodigyatcab-driving，Diamondwasthatboy，forthestrifecametobewhoshouldhavehimoutwithhimonthebox。
　　Hismother，however，wasalittleshyofthecompanyforhim，andbesidesshecouldnotalwayssparehim。Alsohisfatherlikedtohavehimhimselfwhenhecould;sothathewasmoredesiredthanenjoyedamongthecabmen。
　　Butonewayandanotherhedidlearntodriveallsortsofhorses，andtodrivethemwell，andthatthroughthemostcrowdedstreetsinLondonCity。Ofcoursetherewasthemanalwaysonthebox-seatbesidehim，butbeforelongtherewasseldomtheleastoccasiontotakethereinsfromoutofhishands。Foronethinghenevergotfrightened，andconsequentlywasneverintoogreatahurry。
　　Yetwhenthemomentcamefordoingsomethingsharp，hewasalwaysreadyforit。Imustoncemoreremindmyreadersthathehadbeentothebackofthenorthwind。
　　Oneday，whichwasneitherwashing-day，norcleaning-daynormarketing-day，norSaturday，norMonday——uponwhichconsequentlyDiamondcouldbesparedfromthebaby——hisfathertookhimonhisowncab。
　　Afterastrayjobortwobytheway，theydrewupintherowuponthestandbetweenCockspurStreetandPallMall。Theywaitedalongtime，butnobodyseemedtowanttobecarriedanywhere。
　　ByandbyladieswouldbegoinghomefromtheAcademyexhibition，andthentherewouldbeachanceofajob。
　　“Though，tobesure。”saidDiamond’sfather——withwhattruthI
　　cannotsay，buthebelievedwhathesaid——“someladiesisveryhard，andkeepsyoutothebaresixpenceamile，wheneveryoneknowsthatain’tenoughtokeepafamilyandacabupon。Tobesureit’sthelaw;butmayhaptheymaygetmorelawthantheylikesomedaythemselves。”
　　Asitwasveryhot，Diamond’sfathergotdowntohaveaglassofbeerhimself，andgiveanothertotheoldwaterman。HeleftDiamondonthebox。
　　Asuddennoisegotup，andDiamondlookedroundtoseewhatwasthematter。
　　Therewasacrossingnearthecab-stand，whereagirlwassweeping。
　　Someroughyoungimpshadpickedaquarrelwithher，andwerenowhaulingatherbroomtogetitawayfromher。Butastheydidnotpullalltogether，shewasholdingitagainstthem，scoldingandentreatingalternately。
　　Diamondwasoffhisboxinamoment，andrunningtothehelpofthegirl。
　　Hegotholdofthebroomatherendandpulledalongwithher。
　　Buttheboysproceededtoroughermeasures，andoneofthemhitDiamondonthenose，andmadeitbleed;andashecouldnotletgothebroomtomindhisnose，hewassoonadreadfulfigure。
　　Butpresentlyhisfathercameback，andmissingDiamond，lookedabout。
　　Hehadtolooktwice，however，beforehecouldbesurethatthatwashisboyinthemiddleofthetumult。Herushedin，andsenttheassailantsflyinginalldirections。ThegirlthankedDiamond，andbegansweepingasifnothinghadhappened，whilehisfatherledhimaway。WiththehelpofoldTom，thewaterman，hewassoonwashedintodecency，andhisfathersethimontheboxagain，perfectlysatisfiedwiththeaccounthegaveofthecauseofhisbeinginafray。
　　“Icouldn’tletthembehavesotoapoorgirl——couldI，father？”
　　hesaid。
　　“Certainlynot，Diamond。”saidhisfather，quitepleased，forDiamond’sfatherwasagentleman。
　　Amomentafter，upcamethegirl，running，withherbroomoverhershoulder，andcalling，“Cab，there！cab！“
　　Diamond’sfatherturnedinstantly，forhewastheforemostintherank，andfollowedthegirl。Oneortwootherpassingcabsheardthecry，andmadefortheplace，butthegirlhadtakencarenottocalltillshewasnearenoughtogiveherfriendsthefirstchance。
　　Whentheyreachedthecurbstone——whoshoulditbewaitingforthecabbutMrs。andMissColeman！Theydidnotlookatthecabman，however。
　　Thegirlopenedthedoorforthem;theygavehertheaddress，andapenny;shetoldthecabman，andawaytheydrove。
　　Whentheyreachedthehouse，Diamond’sfathergotdownandrangthebell。Asheopenedthedoorofthecab，hetouchedhishatashehadbeenwonttodo。Theladiesbothstaredforamoment，andthenexclaimedtogether:
　　“Why，Joseph！canitbeyou？”
　　“Yes，ma’am;yes，miss。”answeredhe，againtouchinghishat，withalltherespecthecouldpossiblyputintotheaction。
　　“It’saluckydaywhichIseeyouoncemoreuponit。”
　　“Whowouldhavethoughtit？”saidMrs。Coleman。“It’schangedtimesforbothofus，Joseph，andit’snotveryoftenwecanhaveacabeven;butyouseemydaughterisstillverypoorly，andshecan’tbearthemotionoftheomnibuses。Indeedwemeanttowalkabitfirstbeforewetookacab，butjustatthecorner，forashotasthesunwas，acoldwindcamedownthestreet，andIsawthatMissColemanmustnotfaceit。Buttothinkweshouldhavefallenuponyou，ofallthecabmeninLondon！
　　Ididn’tknowyouhadgotacab。”
　　“Well，yousee，ma’am，Ihadachanceofbuyingtheoldhorse，andIcouldn’tresisthim。Thereheis，lookingatyou，ma’am。Nobodyknowsthesenseinthatheadofhis。”
　　Thetwoladieswentneartopatthehorse，andthentheynoticedDiamondonthebox。
　　“Why，you’vegotbothDiamondswithyou。”saidMissColeman。
　　“Howdoyoudo，Diamond？”
　　Diamondliftedhiscap，andansweredpolitely。
　　“He’llbefittodrivehimselfbeforelong。”saidhisfather，proudly。“Theoldhorseisa-teachingofhim。”
　　“Well，hemustcomeandseeus，nowyou’vefoundusout。
　　Wheredoyoulive？”
　　Diamond’sfathergavetheladiesaticketwithhisnameandaddressprintedonit;andthenMrs。Colemantookoutherpurse，saying:
　　“Andwhat’syourfare，Joseph？”
　　“No，thankyou，ma’am。”saidJoseph。“Itwasyourownoldhorseastookyou;andmeyoupaidlongago。”
　　Hejumpedonhisboxbeforeshecouldsayanotherword，andwithapartingsalutedroveoff，leavingthemonthepavement，withthemaidholdingthedoorforthem。
　　ItwasalongtimenowsinceDiamondhadseenNorthWind，oreventhoughtmuchabouther。Andashisfatherdrovealong，hewasthinkingnotabouther，butaboutthecrossing-sweeper，andwaswonderingwhatmadehimfeelasifheknewherquitewell，whenhecouldnotrememberanythingofher。Butapicturearoseinhismindofalittlegirlrunningbeforethewindanddraggingherbroomafterher;andfromthat，bydegrees，herecalledthewholeadventureofthenightwhenhegotdownfromNorthWind’sbackinaLondonstreet。Buthecouldnotquitesatisfyhimselfwhetherthewholeaffairwasnotadreamwhichhehaddreamedwhenhewasaverylittleboy。Onlyhehadbeentothebackofthenorthwindsince——therecouldbenodoubtofthat;forwhenhewokeeverymorning，healwaysknewthathehadbeenthereagain。
　　Andashethoughtandthought，herecalledanotherthingthathadhappenedthatmorning，which，althoughitseemedamereaccident，mighthavesomethingtodowithwhathadhappenedsince。HisfatherhadintendedgoingonthestandatKing’sCrossthatmorning，andhadturnedintoGray’sInnLanetodrivethere，whentheyfoundthewayblockedup，anduponinquirywereinformedthatastackofchimneyshadbeenblowndowninthenight，andhadfallenacrosstheroad。
　　Theywerejustclearingtherubbishaway。Diamond’sfatherturned，andmadeforCharingCross。
　　Thatnightthefatherandmotherhadagreatdealtotalkabout。
　　“Poorthings！“saidthemother。“it’sworseforthemthanitisforus。Youseethey’vebeenusedtosuchgrandthings，andforthemtocomedowntoalittlepokyhouselikethat——
　　itbreaksmyhearttothinkofit。”
　　“Idon’tknow“saidDiamondthoughtfully，“whetherMrs。Colemanhadbellsonhertoes。”
　　“Whatdoyoumean，child？”saidhismother。
　　“Shehadringsonherfingers，anyhow。”returnedDiamond。
　　“Ofcourseshehad，asanyladywould。Whathasthattodowithit？”
　　“WhenweweredownatSandwich。”saidDiamond，“yousaidyouwouldhavetopartwithyourmother’sring，nowwewerepoor。”
　　“Blessthechild;heforgetsnothing。”saidhismother。
　　“Really，Diamond，abodywouldneedtomindwhattheysaytoyou。”
　　“Why？”saidDiamond。“Ionlythinkaboutit。”
　　“That’sjustwhy。”saidthemother。
　　“Whyisthatwhy？”persistedDiamond，forhehadnotyetlearnedthatgrown-uppeoplearenotoftensomuchgrownupthattheynevertalklikechildren——andspoiltonestoo。
　　“Mrs。Colemanisnonesopoorasallthatyet。No，thankHeaven！
　　she’snotcometothat。”
　　“Isitagreatdisgracetobepoor？”askedDiamond，becauseofthetoneinwhichhismotherhadspoken。
　　Buthismother，whetherconscience-strickenIdonotknowhurriedhimawaytobed，whereaftervariousattemptstounderstandher，resumedandresumedagaininspiteofinvadingsleep，hewasconqueredatlast，andgavein，murmuringoverandovertohimself，“Whyiswhy？”butgettingnoanswertothequestion。
　　CHAPTERXVIII
　　THEDRUNKENCABMAN
　　AFEWnightsafterthis，Diamondwokeupsuddenly，believingheheardNorthWindthunderingalong。Butitwassomethingquitedifferent。
　　SouthWindwasmoaningroundthechimneys，tobesure，forshewasnotveryhappythatnight，butitwasnothervoicethathadwakenedDiamond。Hervoicewouldonlyhavelulledhimthedeeperasleep。
　　Itwasaloud，angryvoice，nowgrowlinglikethatofabeast，nowravinglikethatofamadman;andwhenDiamondcamealittlewiderawake，heknewthatitwasthevoiceofthedrunkencabman，thewallofwhoseroomwasattheheadofhisbed。Itwasanythingbutpleasanttohear，buthecouldnothelphearingit。Atlengththerecameacryfromthewoman，andthenascreamfromthebaby。
　　ThereuponDiamondthoughtittimethatsomebodydidsomething，andashimselfwastheonlysomebodyathand，hemustgoandseewhetherhecouldnotdosomething。Sohegotupandputonpartofhisclothes，andwentdownthestair，forthecabman’sroomdidnotopenupontheirstair，andhehadtogooutintotheyard，andinatthenextdoor。This，fortunately，thecabman，beingdrunk，hadleftopen。Bythetimehereachedtheirstair，allwasstillexceptthevoiceofthecryingbaby，whichguidedhimtotherightdoor。
　　Heopeneditsoftly，andpeepedin。There，leaningbackinachair，withhisarmshangingdownbyhissides，andhislegsstretchedoutbeforehimandsupportedonhisheels，satthedrunkencabman。
　　Hiswifelayinherclothesuponthebed，sobbing，andthebabywaswailinginthecradle。Itwasverymiserablealtogether。
　　Nowthewaymostpeopledowhentheyseeanythingverymiserableistoturnawayfromthesight，andtrytoforgetit。ButDiamondbeganasusualtotrytodestroythemisery。ThelittleboywasjustasmuchoneofGod’smessengersasifhehadbeenanangelwithaflamingsword，goingouttofightthedevil。ThedevilhehadtofightjustthenwasMisery。Andthewayhefoughthimwastheverybest。
　　Likeawisesoldier，heattackedhimfirstinhisweakestpoint——
　　thatwasthe，baby;forMiserycannevergetsuchaholdofababyasofagrownperson。Diamondwasknowinginbabies，andheknewhecoulddosomethingtomakethebaby，happy;foralthoughhehadonlyknownonebabyasyet，andalthoughnotonebabyisthesameasanother，yettheyaresoverymuchalikeinsomethings，andheknewthatonebabysothoroughly，thathehadgoodreasontobelievehecoulddosomethingforanyother。Ihaveknownpeoplewhowouldhavebeguntofightthedevilinaverydifferentandaverystupidway。
　　Theywouldhavebegunbyscoldingtheidioticcabman;andnexttheywouldmakehiswifeangrybysayingitmustbeherfaultaswellashis，andbyleavingill-bredthoughwell-meantshabbylittlebooksforthemtoread，whichtheyweresuretohatethesightof;
　　whileallthetimetheywouldnothaveputoutafingertotouchthewailingbaby。ButDiamondhadhimoutofthecradleinamoment，sethimuponhisknee，andtoldhimtolookatthelight。
　　Nowallthelighttherewascameonlyfromalampintheyard，anditwasaverydingyandyellowlight，fortheglassofthelampwasdirty，andthegaswasbad;butthelightthatcamefromitwas，notwithstanding，ascertainlylightasifithadcomefromthesunitself，andthebabyknewthat，andsmiledtoit;
　　andalthoughitwasindeedawretchedroomwhichthatlamplighted——
　　sodreary，anddirty，andempty，andhopeless！——thereinthemiddleofitsatDiamondonastool，smilingtothebaby，andthebabyonhiskneessmilingtothelamp。Thefatherofhimsatstaringatnothing，neitherasleepnorawake，notquitelostinstupidityeither，forthroughitallhewasdimlyangrywithhimself，hedidnotknowwhy。Itwasthathehadstruckhiswife。Hehadforgottenit，butwasmiserableaboutit，notwithstanding。AndthismiserywasthevoiceofthegreatLovethathadmadehimandhiswifeandthebabyandDiamond，speakinginhisheart，andtellinghimtobegood。
　　ForthatgreatLovespeaksinthemostwretchedanddirtyhearts;
　　onlythetoneofitsvoicedependsontheechoesoftheplaceinwhichitsounds。OnMountSinai，itwasthunder;inthecabman’sheartitwasmisery;inthesoulofSt。Johnitwasperfectblessedness。
　　Byandbyhebecameawarethattherewasavoiceofsingingintheroom。
　　This，ofcourse，wasthevoiceofDiamondsingingtothebaby——
　　songaftersong，everyoneasfoolishasanothertothecabman，forhewastootipsytopartonewordfromanother:allthewordsmixedupinhisearinagurglewithoutdivisionorstop;forsuchwasthewayhespokehimself，whenhewasinthishorridcondition。
　　ButthebabywasmorethancontentwithDiamond’ssongs，andDiamondhimselfwassocontentedwithwhatthesongswereallabout，thathedidnotcareabitaboutthesongsthemselves，ifonlybabylikedthem。
　　ButtheydidthecabmangoodaswellasthebabyandDiamond，fortheyputhimtosleep，andthesleepwasbusyallthetimeitlasted，smoothingthewrinklesoutofhistemper。
　　AtlengthDiamondgrewtiredofsinging，andbegantotalktothebabyinstead。Andassoonashestoppedsinging，thecabmanbegantowakeup。Hisbrainwasalittleclearernow，histemperalittlesmoother，andhisheartnotquitesodirty。
　　Hebegantolistenandhewentonlistening，andheardDiamondsayingtothebabysomethinglikethis，forhethoughtthecabmanwasasleep:
　　“Poordaddy！Baby’sdaddytakestoomuchbeerandgin，andthatmakeshimsomebodyelse，andnothisownselfatall。Baby’sdaddywouldneverhitbaby’smammyifhedidn’ttaketoomuchbeer。
　　He’sveryfondofbaby’smammy，andworksfrommorningtonighttogetherbreakfastanddinnerandsupper，onlyatnightheforgets，andpaysthemoneyawayforbeer。Andtheyputnastystuffinbeer，I’veheardmydaddysay，thatdrivesallthegoodout，andletsallthebadin。Daddysayswhenamantakesadrink，there’sathirstydevilcreepsintohisinside，becauseheknowshewillalwaysgetenoughthere。Andthedevilisalwayscryingoutformoredrink，andthatmakesthemanthirsty，andsohedrinksmoreandmore，tillhekillshimselfwithit。Andthentheuglydevilcreepsoutofhim，andcrawlsaboutonhisbelly，lookingforsomeothercabmantogetinto，thathemaydrink，drink，drink。That’swhatmydaddysays，baby。Andhesays，too，theonlywaytomakethedevilcomeoutistogivehimplentyofcoldwaterandteaandcoffee，andnothingatallthatcomesfromthepublic-house;forthedevilcan’tabidethatkindofstuff，andcreepsoutprettysoon，forfearofbeingdrownedinit。Butyourdaddywilldrinkthenastystuff，poorman！Iwishhewouldn’t，foritmakesmammycrosswithhim，andnowonder！andthenwhenmammy’scross，he’scrosser，andthere’snobodyinthehousetotakecareofthembutbaby;
　　andyoudotakecareofthem，baby——don’tyou，baby？Iknowyoudo。
　　Babiesalwaystakecareoftheirfathersandmothers——don’tthey，baby？
　　That’swhattheycomefor——isn’tit，baby？Andwhendaddystopsdrinkingbeerandnastyginwithturpentineinit，fathersays，thenmammywillbesohappy，andlooksopretty！anddaddywillbesogoodtobaby！andbabywillbeashappyasaswallow，whichisthemerriestfellow！AndDiamondwillbesohappytoo！
　　AndwhenDiamond’saman，he’lltakebabyoutwithhimonthebox，andteachhimtodriveacab。”
　　Hewentonwithchatterlikethistillbabywasasleep，bywhichtimehewastired，andfatherandmotherwerebothwideawake——
　　onlyratherconfused——theonefromthebeer，theotherfromtheblow——
　　andstaring，theonefromhischair，theotherfromherbed，atDiamond。Buthewasquiteunawareoftheirnotice，forhesathalf-asleep，withhiseyeswideopen，staringinhisturn，thoughwithoutknowingit，atthecabman，whilethecabmancouldnotwithdrawhisgazefromDiamond’swhitefaceandbigeyes。
　　ForDiamond’sfacewasalwaysratherpale，andnowitwaspalerthanusualwithsleeplessness，andthelightofthestreet-lampuponit。
　　Atlengthhefoundhimselfnodding，andheknewthenitwastimetoputthebabydown，lestheshouldlethimfall。Soherosefromthelittlethree-leggedstool，andlaidthebabyinthecradle，andcoveredhimup——itwaswellitwasawarmnight，andhedidnotwantmuchcovering——andthenheallbutstaggeredoutofthedoor，hewassotipsyhimselfwithsleep。
　　“Wife。”saidthecabman，turningtowardsthebed，“Idosomehowbelievethatwuraangeljustgone。Didyouseehim，wife？Hewarn’twerybig，andhehadn’tgotnoneo’themwingses，youknow。Itwuroneo’
　　thembaby-angelsyouseesonthegravestones，youknow。”
　　“Nonsense，hubby！“saidhiswife;“butit’sjustasgood。
　　Imightsaybetter，foryoucanketchholdofhimwhenyoulike。
　　That’slittleDiamondaseverybodyknows，andaducko’diamondsheis！
　　Nowomancouldwishforabetterchildthanhebe。”
　　“Iha’heerdonhiminthestable，butIneverseethebratafore。
　　Come，oldgirl，letbygonesbebygones，andgieusakiss，andwe’llgotobed。”
　　Thecabmankepthiscabinanotheryard，althoughhehadhisroominthis。Hewasoftenlateincominghome，andwasnotonetotakenoticeofchildren，especiallywhenhewastipsy，whichwasoftenerthannot。Hence，ifhehadeverseenDiamond，hedidnotknowhim。
　　Buthiswifeknewhimwellenough，asdideveryoneelsewholivedalldayintheyard。Shewasagood-naturedwoman。ItwasshewhohadgotthefirelightedandtheteareadyforthemwhenDiamondandhismothercamehomefromSandwich。Andherhusbandwasnotanill-naturedmaneither，andwheninthemorningherecallednotonlyDiamond’svisit，buthowhehimselfhadbehavedtohiswife，hewasveryvexedwithhimself，andgladdenedhispoorwife’sheartbytellingherhowsorryhewas。Andforawholeweekafter，hedidnotgonearthepublic-house，hardasitwastoavoidit，seeingacertainrichbrewerhadbuiltone，likeatraptocatchsoulsandbodiesin，atalmosteverycornerhehadtopassonhiswayhome。Indeed，hewasneverquitesobadafterthat，thoughitwassometimebeforehebeganreallytoreform。
　　CHAPTERXIX
　　DIAMOND’SFRIENDS
　　ONEdaywhenoldDiamondwasstandingwithhisnoseinhisbagbetweenPallMallandCockspurStreet，andhismasterwasreadingthenewspaperontheboxofhiscab，whichwasthelastofagoodmanyintherow，littleDiamondgotdownforarun，forhislegsweregettingcrampedwithsitting。Andfirstofallhestrolledwithhishandsinhispocketsuptothecrossing，wherethegirlandherbroomweretobefoundinallweathers。Justashewasgoingtospeaktoher，atallgentlemansteppeduponthecrossing。
　　Hewaspleasedtofinditsoclean，forthestreetsweremuddy，andhehadnicebootson;soheputhishandinhispocket，andgavethegirlapenny。Butwhenshegavehimasweetsmileinreturn，andmadehimaprettycourtesy，helookedatheragain，andsaid:
　　“Wheredoyoulive，mychild？”
　　“ParadiseRow。”sheanswered;“nextdoortotheAdamandEve——
　　downthearea。”
　　“Whomdoyoulivewith？”heasked。
　　“Mywickedoldgrannie。”shereplied。
　　“Youshouldn’tcallyourgranniewicked。”saidthegentleman。
　　“Butsheis。”saidthegirl，lookingupconfidentlyinhisface。
　　“Ifyoudon’tbelieveme，youcancomeandtakealookather。”
　　Thewordssoundedrude，butthegirl’sfacelookedsosimplethatthegentlemansawshedidnotmeantoberude，andbecamestillmoreinterestedinher。
　　“Stillyoushouldn’tsayso。”heinsisted。
　　“Shouldn’tI？Everybodycallsherwickedoldgrannie——eventhemthat’saswickedasher。Youshouldhearherswear。There’snothinglikeitintheRow。Indeed，Iassureyou，sir，there’sne’eraoneofthemcanshutmygrannieuponceshebeginsandgetsrighta-going。Youmustputherinapassionfirst，youknow。
　　It’snogoodtillyoudothat——she’ssooldnow。Howshedomakethemlaugh，tobesure！“
　　Althoughshecalledherwicked，thechildspokesoasplainlytoindicateprideinhergrannie’spre-eminenceinswearing。
　　Thegentlemanlookedverygravetohearher，forhewassorrythatsuchanicelittlegirlshouldbeinsuchbadkeeping。
　　Buthedidnotknowwhattosaynext，andstoodforamomentwithhiseyesontheground。Whenheliftedthem，hesawthefaceofDiamondlookingupinhis。
　　“Please，sir。”saidDiamond，“hergrannie’sverycrueltohersometimes，andshutsheroutinthestreetsatnight，ifshehappenstobelate。”
　　“Isthisyourbrother？”askedthegentlemanofthegirl。
　　“No，sir。”
　　“Howdoesheknowyourgrandmother，then？Hedoesnotlooklikeoneofhersort。”
　　“Ohno，sir！He’sagoodboy——quite。”
　　Hereshetappedherforeheadwithherfingerinasignificantmanner。
　　“Whatdoyoumeanbythat？”askedthegentleman，whileDiamondlookedonsmiling。
　　“ThecabbiescallhimGod’sbaby。”shewhispered。“He’snotrightinthehead，youknow。Atileloose。”
　　StillDiamond，thoughheheardeveryword，andunderstoodittoo，keptonsmiling。Whatcoulditmatterwhatpeoplecalledhim，solongashedidnothingheoughtnottodo？And，besides，God’sbabywassurelythebestofnames！
　　“Well，mylittleman，andwhatcanyoudo？”askedthegentleman，turningtowardshim——justforthesakeofsayingsomething。
　　“Driveacab。”saidDiamond。
　　“Good;andwhatelse？”hecontinued;for，acceptingwhatthegirlhadsaid，heregardedthestillsweetnessofDiamond’sfaceasasignofsilliness，andwishedtobekindtothepoorlittlefellow。
　　“Nurseababy。”saidDiamond。
　　“Well——andwhatelse？”
　　“Cleanfather’sboots，andmakehimabitoftoastforhistea。”
　　“You’reausefullittleman。”saidthegentleman。“Whatelsecanyoudo？”
　　“NotmuchthatIknowof。”saidDiamond。“Ican’tcurryahorse，exceptsomebodyputsmeonhisback。SoIdon’tcountthat。”
　　“Canyouread？”
　　“No。Butmothercanandfathercan，andthey’regoingtoteachmesomedaysoon。”
　　“Well，here’sapennyforyou。”
　　“Thankyou，sir。”
　　“Andwhenyouhavelearnedtoread，cometome，andI’llgiveyousixpenceandabookwithfinepicturesinit。”
　　“Please，sir，whereamItocome？”askedDiamond，whowastoomuchamanoftheworldnottoknowthathemusthavethegentleman’saddressbeforehecouldgoandseehim。
　　“You’renosuchsilly！“thoughthe，asheputhishandinhispocket，andbroughtoutacard。“There。”hesaid，“yourfatherwillbeabletoreadthat，andtellyouwheretogo。”
　　“Yes，sir。Thankyou，sir。”saidDiamond，andputthecardinhispocket。
　　Thegentlemanwalkedaway，butturningroundafewpacesoff，sawDiamondgivehispennytothegirl，and，walkingslowerheardhimsay:
　　“I’vegotafather，andmother，andlittlebrother，andyou’vegotnothingbutawickedoldgrannie。Youmayhavemypenny。”
　　Thegirlputitbesidetheotherinherpocket，theonlytrustworthyarticleofdressshewore。Hergrandmotheralwaystookcarethatshehadastoutpocket。
　　“Issheascruelasever？”askedDiamond。
　　“Muchthesame。ButIgetsmorecoppersnowthanIusedto，andI
　　cangetsummatstoeat，andtakebrownsenoughhomebesidestokeepherfromgrumbling。It’sagoodthingshe’ssoblind，though。”
　　“Why？”askedDiamond。
　　“’Causeifshewasassharpintheeyesassheusedtobe，shewouldfindoutInevereatsherbrokenwittles，andthenshe’dknowasI
　　mustgetsomethingsomewheres。”
　　“Doesn’tshewatchyou，then？”
　　“O’courseshedo。Don’tshejust！ButImakebelieveanddropitinmylap，andthenhitchitintomypocket。”
　　“Whatwouldshedoifshefoundyouout？”
　　“Shenevergivemenomore。”
　　“Butyoudon’twantit！“
　　“Yes，Idowantit。”
　　“Whatdoyoudowithit，then？”
　　“GiveittocrippleJim。”
　　“Who’scrippleJim？”
　　“AboyintheRow。Hismotherbrokehislegwhenhewurakid，sohe’snevercometomuch;buthe’sagoodboy，isJim，andIloveJimdearly。IalwayskeepsoffapennyforJim——leastwaysasoftenasIcan——ButthereImustsweepagain，forthembussesmakesnoendo’dirt。”
　　“Diamond！Diamond！“criedhisfather，whowasafraidhemightgetnogoodbytalkingtothegirl;andDiamondobeyed，andgotupagainuponthebox。Hetoldhisfatheraboutthegentleman，andwhathehadpromisedhimifhewouldlearntoread，andshowedhimthegentleman’scard。
　　“Why，it’snotmanydoorsfromtheMews！“saidhisfather，givinghimbackthecard。“Takecareofit，myboy，foritmayleadtosomething。
　　Godknows，inthesehardtimesamanwantsasmanyfriendsashe’severlikelytoget。”
　　“Haven’tyougotfriendsenough，father？”askedDiamond。
　　“Well，Ihavenorighttocomplain;butthemorethebetter，youknow。”
　　“Justletmecount。”saidDiamond。
　　Andhetookhishandsfromhispockets，andspreadingoutthefingersofhislefthand，begantocount，beginningatthethumb。
　　“There’smother，first，andthenbaby，andthenme。Nextthere’soldDiamond——andthecab——no，Iwon’tcountthecab，foritneverlooksatyou，andwhenDiamond’soutoftheshafts，it’snobody。
　　Thenthere’sthemanthatdrinksnextdoor，andhiswife，andhisbaby。”
　　“They’renofriendsofmine。”saidhisfather。
　　“Well，they’refriendsofmine。”saidDiamond。
　　Hisfatherlaughed。
　　“Muchgoodthey’lldoyou！“hesaid。
　　“Howdoyouknowtheywon’t？”returnedDiamond。
　　“Well，goon。”saidhisfather。
　　“Thenthere’sJackandMr。Stonecrop，and，dearyme！nottohavementionedMr。ColemanandMrs。Coleman，andMissColeman，andMrs。Crump。Andthenthere’stheclergymanthatspoketomeinthegardenthatdaythetreewasblowndown。”
　　“What’shisname！“
　　“Idon’tknowhisname。”
　　“Wheredoeshelive？”
　　“Idon’tknow。”
　　“Howcanyoucounthim，then？”
　　“Hedidtalktome，andverykindliketoo。”
　　Hisfatherlaughedagain。
　　“Why，child，you’rejustcountingeverybodyyouknow。Thatdon’tmake’emfriends。”
　　“Don’tit？Ithoughtitdid。Well，buttheyshallbemyfriends。
　　Ishallmake’em。”
　　“Howwillyoudothat？”
　　“Theycan’thelpthemselvesthen，iftheywould。IfIchoosetobetheirfriend，youknow，theycan’tpreventme。Thenthere’sthatgirlatthecrossing。”
　　“Afinesetoffriendsyoudohave，tobesure，Diamond！“
　　“Surelyshe’safriendanyhow，father。Ifithadn’tbeenforher，youwouldneverhavegotMrs。ColemanandMissColemantocarryhome。”
　　Hisfatherwassilent，forhesawthatDiamondwasright，andwasashamedtofindhimselfmoreungratefulthanhehadthought。
　　“Thenthere’sthenewgentleman。”Diamondwenton。
　　“Ifhedoashesay。”interposedhisfather。
　　“Andwhyshouldn’the？Idaresaysixpenceain’ttoomuchforhimtospare。ButIdon’tquiteunderstand，father:isnobodyyourfriendbuttheonethatdoessomethingforyou？”
　　“No，Iwon’tsaythat，myboy。Youwouldhavetoleaveoutbabythen。”
　　“Ohno，Ishouldn’t。Babycanlaughinyourface，andcrowinyourears，andmakeyoufeelsohappy。Callyouthatnothing，father？”
　　Thefather’sheartwasfairlytouchednow。Hemadenoanswertothislastappeal，andDiamondendedoffwithsaying:
　　“Andthere’sthebestofminetocomeyet——andthat’syou，daddy——
　　exceptitbemother，youknow。You’remyfriend，daddy，ain’tyou？
　　AndI’myourfriend，ain’tI？”
　　“AndGodforusall。”saidhisfather，andthentheywerebothsilentforthatwasverysolemn。
　　CHAPTERXX
　　DIAMONDLEARNSTOREAD
　　THEquestionofthetallgentlemanastowhetherDiamondcouldreadornotsethisfatherthinkingitwashightimehecould;
　　andassoonasoldDiamondwassupperedandbedded，hebeganthetaskthatverynight。ButitwasnotmuchofatasktoDiamond，forhisfathertookforhislesson-bookthoseveryrhymeshismotherhadpickeduponthesea-shore;andasDiamondwasnotbeginningtoosoon，helearnedveryfastindeed。Withinamonthhewasabletospelloutmostoftheversesforhimself。
　　Buthehadnevercomeuponthepoemhethoughthehadheardhismotherreadfromitthatday。Hehadlookedthroughandthroughthebookseveraltimesafterheknewthelettersandafewwords，fancyinghecouldtellthelookofit，buthadalwaysfailedtofindonemorelikeitthananother。Sohewiselygaveupthesearchtillhecouldreallyread。Thenheresolvedtobeginatthebeginning，andreadthemallstraightthrough。Thistookhimnearlyafortnight。
　　Whenhehadalmostreachedtheend，hecameuponthefollowingverses，whichtookhisfancymuch，althoughtheywerecertainlynotverylikethosehewasinsearchof。
　　LITTLEBOYBLUE
　　LittleBoyBluelosthiswayinawood。
　　Singapplesandcherries，rosesandhoney;
　　Hesaid，“IwouldnotgobackifIcould，It’sallsojollyandfunny。”
　　Hesang，“Thiswoodisallmyown，Applesandcherries，rosesandhoney;
　　SohereI’llsit，likeakingonmythrone，Allsojollyandfunny。”
　　Alittlesnakecreptoutofthetree，Applesandcherries，rosesandhoney;
　　“Liedownatmyfeet，littlesnake。”saidhe，Allsojollyandfunny。
　　Alittlebirdsanginthetreeoverhead，Applesandcherries，rosesandhoney;
　　“Comeandsingyoursongonmyfingerinstead，Allsojollyandfunny。”
　　Thesnakecoiledup;andthebirdflewdown，AndsanghimthesongofBirdieBrown。
　　LittleBoyBluefoundittiresometosit，Andhethoughthehadbetterwalkonabit。
　　Souphegot，hiswaytotake，Andhesaid，“Comealong，littlebirdandsnake。”
　　Andwavesofsnakeo’erthedampleavespassed，AndthesnakewentfirstandBirdieBrownlast;
　　ByBoyBlue’shead，withflutteranddart，FlewBirdieBrownwithitssonginitsheart。
　　Hecamewheretheapplesgrewredandsweet:
　　“Tree，dropmeanappledownatmyfeet。”
　　Hecamewherethecherrieshungplumpandred:
　　“Cometomymouth，sweetkisses。”hesaid。
　　Andtheboughsbowdown，andtheapplestheydappleThegrass，toomanyforhimtograpple。
　　Andthecheeriestcherries，withneveramiss，Falltohismouth，eachafull-grownkiss。
　　Hemetalittlebrooksingingasong。
　　Hesaid，“Littlebrook，youaregoingwrong。
　　“Youmustfollowme，followme，follow，IsayDoasItellyou，andcomethisway。”
　　Andthesong-singing，sing-songingforestbrookLeapedfromitsbedandafterhimtook，Followedhim，followed。Andpaleandwan，Thedeadleavesrustledasthewaterran。
　　Andeverybirdhighuponthebough，Andeverycreaturelowdownbelow，Hecalled，andthecreaturesobeyedthecall，Tooktheirlegsandtheirwingsandfollowedhimall;
　　Squirrelsthatcarriedtheirtailslikeasack，Eachonhisownlittlehumpybrownback;
　　Householdersnails，andslugsalltails，Andbutterflies，flutterbies，shipsallsails;
　　Andweasels，andousels，andmice，andlarks，Andowls，andrere-mice，andharkydarks，Allwentrunning，andcreeping，andflowing，Afterthemerryboyflutteringandgoing;
　　Thedappledfawnsfawning，thefallow-deerfollowing，Theswallowsandflies，flyingandswallowing;
　　Cockchafers，henchafers，cockioli-birds，Cockroaches，henroaches，cuckoosinherds。
　　Thespiderforgotandfollowedhimspinning，Andlostallhisthreadfromendtobeginning。
　　Thegaywaspforgothisringsandhiswaist，Heneverhadmadesuchundignifiedhaste。
　　Thedragon-fliesmeltedtomistwiththeirhurrying。
　　Themoleinhismoleskinslefthisbarrowingburrowing。
　　Thebeeswentbuzzing，sobusyandbeesy，Andthemidgesincolumnssouprightandeasy。
　　ButLittleBoyBluewasnotcontent，Callingforfollowersstillashewent，Blowinghishorn，andbeatinghisdrum，Andcryingaloud，“Comeallofyou，come！“
　　Hesaidtotheshadows，“Comeafterme;“