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The legend saith (I know no more than you, Reader of fairy lore with fancy fraught), That humble hearth nor evil fortune knew, Nor discontent. Long time the children sought For tidings of the lost; yet heard they naught; But sometimes, of a winter eventide, When all was bright within, the children thought That, when they called up through the chimney wide, Thence, with a gentle purr, their olden friend replied.