University of Virginia Library

“That suits me, Esther,” Minta said. “You know
I am Minerva's lady half the year;
That is to say, I deal out learning's pap
To country babes, in District Number Three,
Under Chocorua's shadow. In plain words,
I am a schoolma'am in the summer-time,
As now I am a Lady of the Loom.
Come up and see me, girls! I'll give you bread
White as that Juno-woman's in the song,

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Made with my own hands, too. And you may feast
Your eyes on stones,—our mountain-peaks,—besides;
All you down-country folks are fond of them.”