Following feebly in the track
Pulled upon his straining halter,
Groaned and fell beneath his pack.


23

Vain were all the kind entreaties,
Vain the simple nursing done
To relieve his palsied weakness--
Poor old Simon's course was run.
Billy spent the night beside him,
But with next day's early dawn,
With the east's first flush of scarlet,
Simon's faithful soul passed on.
Then, with hands outstretched before him,
Half remembering what was said
When a child he saw the sexton
Sprinkle earth upon the dead--
"Dust to dust, and then to ashes--
I forget the other part--
I can't say the words I want to,
I can't think--all's in my heart.


24

"Over twenty years, old pardner,
We have been companions true;
You have always kept your end up