BEN And ME (6)

BEN And ME (6)

One night in the summer of 1776 I was awakened by a voice calling my name.

Who could it be at that hour ?
I wondered.

Sleepily I staggered out of bed and through the mousehole in the vestry paneling.

There on his knees was the great man, Ben Franklin himself.

" Amos, I've come to ask you to come back. " he said, as humbly as you please.

I was pleased and touched, but I could not let him see it.
" Out of the question, " I said, and turned to go.

" Please, Amos. Consider your country, " he begged.

" I have many big decisions to make, and I can't make them alone. You just must come back, Amos."

" On my own terms ? " I asked.
" If I draw up an agreement, will you sign it ? "

" I'll sign it, Amos. I'll sign any agreement you draw up. " he vowed.

So I went back, having spent the night writing out our agreement by candlelight.

Ben was glad to see me the next morning, you may be sure.

He took my hat and coat.
He made me some tea.

But I was not to be put off my course.

I gave him, at once, my agreement to sign.

" Of course, of course, " he said.
" Do you mind if I read it ? "

" If you wish, " I said.

That was when the knocking came at the door.

It was Thomas Jefferson.
You see, he was one of the leaders of the colonies, too.

(つづく　6/7)