LB I Ho CORNELL UNIVERSITY LIBRARY Gift Of S. H. Burnham DATE DUE ' '^r- f Cornell University Library LB1177 .M64 1880 Mother Truth's melodies : olin 3 1924 030 585 677 The original of tiiis book is in tine Cornell University Library. There are no known copyright restrictions in the United States on the use of the text. http://www.archive.org/details/cu31924030585677 ' X cr?^^5>®=»?aKi ^^m^ MOTHER TRUTH'S MELODIES. w^^^'^-¥% ^^^^^^^^s MOTHER TRUTH'S MELODIES. COMMON SENSE FOR CHILDREN, A. KINDERGARTEN. BY MRS. E. P. MILLER, mv.^:, AUTHOR OF "A father's ADVICE : A BOOK FOR EVERY; BOY," AND "A MOTHER'S ADVICE : A BOOK FOR EVERY GIRL." NEARLY 400 ILLUSTRATIONS. NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. CHICAGO : FAIRBANKS, PALMER & CO. ST. LOUIS : K.. S. Peale. BOSTON : Martin Gahrison & Co. CLEVELAND: C. C. Wick & Co. SAN FRANCISCO: J. B. Hill. FOND DU LAC, WIS. : G. L. Benjamin. 1880. . Ho eg ■ IB _ AfjiciptP' COPYRIGHT BV FAIRBANKS, PALMER & CO. iSSo, ■3,U Chicago: blakelv, brown & marsh, printers, iSS and IS7 Dearborn Street. To all -wno love the Children, Thio book, INSCRIBED, I bring,— Thuo reaching forth to draw you Within my charmed Ring ; Where seeds and germs we '11 nurture In babies, children, youth. Till every plant shall blossom, And bear the fruits of TRUTH. INTRODUCTION. Since little ones are geese no more, But knowing have become, It ill beseems that "Mother Goose" Should dwell in every home. So "Mother Truth" in "Melodies" For Babes, here lifts her voice, Assured that parents, children, all, Will welcome and rejoice. NOTE, ET no one suppose that the Author of these " Melodies " considers them poetry. They are simply rhymes, the jingle of which may be music in the children's ears, and the illustrations a delight to eager eyes. The Truths presented, even if not fully understood at first, will leave their im- press, and in so far as they fill the little minds, will keep out falseTiood and false ideas. The putting of facts in such form as to attract the at- tention of the little ones, and be readily fixed in their memory, was first suggested to the writer of these rhymes by a valued friend, the well-known philanthropist. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, and her interest in the " Melodies " is such that she has generously assisted in procuring illus- trations for the same. Thus "Mother Truth's Melodies" are introduced with the hope that this effort to entertain children with rhyming reason will meet with the approval of every lover of the young and of Truth. 8 Note. Poetry is the language of the imagination, while "facts are stubborn things," and, in the mass, refuse utterly to be poetized. Yet, even facts may be presented pleasingly and melodiously, and in such way that they will be easily im- pressed upon the minds of children. This the author of "Mother Truth's Melodies" sought to do, when the little book was first given to the public. Now, however, in the revising and enlarging of the book, she has given wider play to the imagination, has enlarged the range of subjects, has embodied lessons for children of older growth, and feels that altogether it will meet more fully the demands which its already large sales warrant her in believing to exist. She can ask no more favorable reception than was first met ; but, hoping for a continuance of the same, she trusts that as it becomes more widely distributed, its truths and teachings will be impressed upon household after household, till throughout the land, the little ones, and larger too, shall be influenced thereby. Mrs. E. p. M. Why Fly Away, Mother Goose, Toss THE Baby, Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake, Hey, my Kittex, my Kittex, V/lXKUM, WlNKUM, Baby's Bell, . . . . Willy-nilly, Sleep, Little Sweetey, Baby's Record, Never Tell a Fib, HuMPTY-DuMPTY, hush-a-bye, Don't Make me Laugh, Bye baby-bunting. To Bed with the Chickens, . Dive me Sudar, Tause I'm Tross, The New Book, Whiskum, Whiskvm, Thr Jack-Horse, . Hi-diddle-diddle, The Rain VAGE, 13 14 15 16 17 iS 19 20 21 -4 26 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 3S 39 40 lo Contents. PAGE. Feed the Birdies, -4' RocK-A-BVE, 42 Little Bo-peep, 49 Mama, Panky me, 50 Little Jack Horner, 52 Little Boy Blue, 53 Miss Velvet Paws, 54 Polly Hopkins, 55 A, B, C 56 C-a-t spells Cat 62 The Kitten, 65 Dolly Dimple, 68 If You Please, -73 The Poor Little Chick-a-Dees, 74 Heigh-ho Daisies and Buttercups, 78 The Pony, 79 Two Little Pink Shoes, 84 Remember the Poor, . 86 The New White Jattet, 87 Fee-fi-fo-fum, . 88 The Ox;en, 96 The Broken Pitcher, 100 The Elephants, loi The Wind, the Fog, the Rain, the Snow, ... 102 Truth, . 106 Hi-diddle, Ho-diddle, . 108 What Is the Axis, 112 Heat and Cold, 115 Harley's Dream, 116 Our Language Key, 119 The Speech Family, 120 Number and Gender, 122 Letters 123 Words, 124 One Little Chicken, 127 Twinkle, Twinkle, j28 Contents. 1 1 PAGE. Old Sol in a Jingle, 130 "Robert OF Lincoln," 133 limpy-dimpy-dingle, i34 The Rattle of the Bones, 136 Wholly Hole-y, 141 The Breath o' Life, 144 The Three Little Girls, 145 Temperance Child 146 Listen, Children, 147 TiCK-TOCK, Tick-tock, . 148 Curious Trees : the Cow-Tree, the Sugar Pine, the Butter-Tree, the Bread-fruit Tree, the Clove- Tree, 149 No Eyes, 154 The Mammoth Cave, .156 The Camels, 158 Key-notes, ....... . 163 The Bears, . ■ 16^ The Bear, a Blessing 167 The Raccoon, 170 The Bank Swallows, ■ 176 The Mocking Bird, 180 The Busy Bees, 182 Honey-Sweet, . ^ i9' What They Say, 194 Britain's Rulers, 201 Our Land, 204 Signs of the Zodiac, 206 Grapho, . 209 The Stop Family, .212 Little Mischief, 215 Grandma's Canary, 219 The Meadow Quails, 222 The Little Housewife, 224 Mother-Love, 226 It Snows ! It Snows ! 228 1 2 Contents. PAGE. Grandma's Lessons, 230 Handsome Dick, " • -232 The Dinner-Pot, • ■ 237 Dare to Say No, 238 Ask Mother ; Tell Mother, 241 Don't Tell a Lie, 243 Little Moses, . . 244 The Children's Rail-Road, .... 248 The Phceee's Nest in the Old Well Wheel, 254 Mabel's Snow-Feathers, . . . . -256 Forest Trees, . . . ... 260 Childhood Fancies, . . . . ... 26: Lizzie and the Angels, . ... .267 Child Memories, ... -274 The Little Street Sweeper, . ... 276 The Here, There, and Everywhere Family, . 2S2 Somebody's Boy, .... 289 Quirks, ....... .291 The Great Watch-full I, . . . 292 The Laddie and Lassie-Birds, 293 MOTHER TRUTH'S MELODIES. IVMY FLY AWAY, MOTHER GOOSE? PJ^ " Mother Goose, Mother Goose, Why fly away ? " " Because Mother Truth is A-coming to-day. She'll tell you funny things, But they '11 be true ; She '11 bring you pictures -^=^'^.- So charming and new ; She '11 sing you Melodies helping to show How, to true women and men, you may grow. 14 Mother Trut/is Melodies. TOSS THE BABY. Toss the baby high in air ; Catch him though with special care, Lest his Httle back be strained, Lest his httle joints be sprained, Lest his bones be bent or broken, Lest through life he beai some token Of a careless toss oi fall, That for sympathy shal call, And that must forevei be Painful to our memory. RlotJier TrtU/is Melodies. 15 PA T- A- CAKE, PA T-A-CAKE. Pat-a-CAKE, pat-a-cake, Mama's boy, Laughing and crowing, And jumping with joy ; Roll it and pick it and mark it with B, And toss in the oven for Baby and me. Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, Papa's girl, Springing in baby-glee. Shaking her curl ; Roll it and pick it and mark it with G, And toss in the oven for Girly and me. i6 Mother Truth's Melodies. HEY, MY KITTEN, MY KITTEN. Hey, my kitten, my kitten, Hey, my kitten, my deary ; If Mama should feed him too often, ., He never could be so cheery. Here we go up, up, up. And here we go down, down, down-y, If we never feed baby too much \ Heneverwillgive us a frown-y. Hey, my kitten, my kitten, Hey, my kitten, my deary ; We'll put him to bed with the birdies, And that will make him so cheery ! Here we go up, up, up, And here we go down, down, down-y ; If we give him nothing but smiles. He will give us never a frown-y. jMotlio- Truth' s Melodies. n IVINKUM, WINKUM. \ " , • '•" /^. WiNKUM, '^^^ winkum, shut your eye, Sweet, my ■''*^ baby, lullaby ; For the dew is falling soft, Lights are flickering up aloft, And the head-light 's peeping over Yonder hill-top capped with clover ; Chickens long have gone to rest, Birds lie snug within their nest, And my birdy soon will be Sleeping with the chick-a-dee. For with only half a try, Winkum, winkum, shuts her eye. i8 Mother Truth's Melodies. BABY'S BELL. INGLE ! jingle ! baby's bell ;— What a tale its tongue might tell. Could it speak it sure would say, " When the baby 's tired w i play, And is getting cross, don't tr; To jingle bells, but hush-a-bye ; All so still, now crooning low, LuU-a-bye, bye-o, bye-o, — Quiet down his quaking nerves, Soothe him as his state deserves ; — Passing hand from head to feet, Sl-o-w-l-y, softly, loving, sweet. As to smooth the feathers down, Rumpled from your birdling's crown ; — Mother Triitlis Melodies. E5 See, he sleeps, and in his dream Yours may hand of angel seem, Ravelling out the tangled ills, Knitting up with restful thrills." WILL Y-NILL Y. Willy-nilly, birdy sings, For he's running over With the music that he flings To his sweet bird-lover ; — Willy-nilly, baby laughs, Gay and glad and gleeful ; Brimming over high with health, She is always playful. 20 Mother Truth's Melodies. SLEEP, LITTLE SWEETEY. LEEP now, my sweetey, Dear one, and pretty Weary with playing, Weary with straying. Stop Httle thinkers, Shut Httle winkers ; Sleep, little sweetey. Precious and pretty ! Sleep now, my sweetey, Dear one, and pretty ! Stop little thinkers. Shut little winkers, Angels a-watching. Sleep-doors unlatching; Slip in, my sweetey. Precious and pretty! Sleeping, my sweetey. Dear one, and pretty ! Stopped, little thinkers, Shut, little winkers, Angels a-watching. Sleep-doors, are latching ; Slipped in, my sweetey. Precious and pretty ! Mother Truth's Melodies. 21 BABY'S RECORD. New-born baby, soft and pink, Of the two worlds on the brink. One month old, — eat and sleep ; Precious little human heap. Two months old, — tear and smile ; Fists in mouth and eyes the while. Three months old, — "goo- a-goo," Windows wide where soul looks through. Four months old, — finds his toes, Tries to fix them on his nose. 22 Mother Truth! s Melodies. Five months old, — first wee pearl ; All the household in a whirl. Six months old, — sits alone ; Wishes swaddling-clothes were gone. Seven months old, — creep and crawl. Wonder-eyed, a charm to all. Eight months old, — confiscate Pussy's tail and papa's pate. Nine months old, — roguish eyes Deepening daily; wilful, wise. Ten months old, — witching ways Wind us in ; the baby pays ! Eleven months old, — finger-tip Guides the elfin on his trip. Year old, — lots of mischief done ; Walking, talking, just for fun. Mother Truth's Melodies. 23 NEVER TELL A FIB. If mamma says she'll punish, She must do it, or she tells A fib, as sister Annie Told " a story " 'bout the bells ; And if mamma tells a fib, Then surely children will. And what a fearful thing, Our home with fibs to fill ! 24 Mother Trutii s Melodies. HUMP r Y-D UMP T Y. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is crying, wliy doesn't he stop ? What does he cry for ? his clothing is tight ; — No wonder such things make baby a fright. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop. Baby was crying, but now he will stop ; What did he cry for ? his clothing was wet ; — No wonder such things should make babies fret. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop. Baby is crying, oh, when will he stop ? What does he cry for ? his feet are a-cold ; — No wonder such things should make baby scold. illothcr Truth's Melodies. ; Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is crying, but soon he will stop ; What does he cry for ? he had too much food ; — No baby in this way can ever be good. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is laughing and scarcely will stop ; What does he laugh for ? Oh, when he feels well. He always is happy, — 'tis thus we can tell. Mother Truth's Melodim. HUSH-A-BYE. HUSH-A-BYE, baby, On Grandmother's lap ; Hush-a-bye, baby, And take a nice nap ; Hush-a-bye, baby. What is it you say ? Your " teeth are a-coming," You're " ten months to-day"? Well, babies must cry, And Grandmothers must try To comfort and hush them, but never forget That little gums ache. And little nerves quake, Till little lips quiver, and babies must fret. Hush-a-bye, baby. We '11 cool his hot gums, Hush-a-bye, baby. With tiny ice-crumbs ; Hush-a-bye, baby. We' 11 rub hard and long With icy cold finger, — See him list to my song ! .}/ot/icr Truth's Melodies. Ah, babies are sweet It their wants we but meet. So why should we blame them when fretful and cross ? Let us find what is wrong, And remove it ere lon^,', And we '11 see that time thus spent is never a loss. Hush-a-bye, baby, What more can \\t do, Hush-a-bye, baby, That will comfort you ? Hush-a-bye, baby, We '11 lay you down flat, On your stomach, dear baby, On Grandmother's lap. 28 Motke}^ Truth's Melodies. Nor trot you a mite, No matter how slight, But, sure that your clothing is all dry and neat, We'll loosen each band. And with soft and warm hand, Gently rub you all over from head to your feet. Hush-a-bye, baby. We will not forget, Hush-a-bye, baby. That hands may be wet, Hush-a-bye, baby, And soothe you sometimes. When dry hands -won't do it, Hush, list to my rhymes ! Mother 2\iitk' s Melodies. 29 And now we '11 not nurse Till the nursing 's a curse ; Nor dose you, nor drug you, nor feed with sweet-meats ; Nor to soothe, will we try, With old " Dame Winslow" by, For our hopes for the babies, she ever defeats. Hush-a-bye, baby. We '11 quiet his nerves, Hush-a-bye, baby. The truth it deserves — Hush-a-bye, baby — Even here to be known : We will quiet his nerves ^y just calming our oivu I And our baby will feel The sweet hush o'er him steal. That brings with it soothing and comfort and rest ; And to slumber so soft. His spirit we'll waft. And then lay him away in his own baby nest. 3° Mother Truth's Melodies. DON'T MAKE ME LAUGH. Dear Mama, I've been laughing For Uncle Ben and Pa, And then for sister Lizzie I talked " ar-g-o-o " and " gar ; " And then a " little story " For Dick and Cousin Jane, — And now you. Mama, want me To laugh and talk again. I'd like to do it, Mama, but if I even try, I am so weary with it, I'm sure I'd onh' cry ! Don't let them try, dear Mama, to make me laugh and crow, I'll do it when I'm able, for babies always do. Mother Truth's Melodies. B YE- BAB Y-B UN TING. Bye-baby-bunting, The Indians live by hunting, And bring home many a beaver- To wrap the httle pappoose in. And mother-squaw the baby '11 tie Fast on a board, and swinging high, Will hang it up among the trees To rock-a-bye with every breeze ; But our dear baby, snug and warm, i Shall rock-a-bye on mo- _j^_ _-—_ ^^=^. .^ ther's arm. '"IJl[!!'J!'w Mother Truth's Melodies. TO BED WITH THE CHICKENS. Oh, put me in my bed, Mama, When chickens go to rest, For I'm your little chick-a-dee, So put me in my nest. Yes, when the birds forget to sing, And lambs forget to play. You '11 put your birdy in his nest. Your lamb you '11 fold away. Mother Truth' s Melodi:s. Papa, when you dive me taiidy, Di\-e me only white, — 'Tause there 's poison in the tolored. Which my health will blight ; But \-riu better dive me sudar, Let the tand}' be, — 'Tause I shall not want so much, And that is best for me. 34 Mother Truth's Melodies. TAUSE I'M TROSS. Mama, 'tause I'm tross don't whip me ; I tan't help it, not a bit ! 'Tis the tandy hurts my stomat. And that mates me whine and fret. Sometimes, too, I'm whipped for trossness When the trossness tomes from meat ■ ■Mother Truth's Melodies. Thint how tiders drowl and drumble, And then dive me food to eat 35 That will mate me well and happy, — Wheat and oat-meal, rice and fruit, These will mate me dood and gentle, 'Stead of mating me a brute. 36 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE NEW BOOK. COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO, A picture-book for you, — Keep it nice, and in a trice, Sing Cock-a-doodle-doo. Mother Truth' s Melodies. Z7 WHISK UM, WHISKUM. Whiskum, whiskum, over the house, Scud the cloudlets, still as a mouse ; Whiskum, whiskum, by-and-by They '11 pour rain-drops from the sky. 38 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE JACK-HORSE. ....^•^^^-r We will ride our Jack-horse All the meadows across ; Oh no, do not whip him, But feed him, rhy dear ! A handful of grass In his mouth as we pass. Will make him trot gayly. And give us good cheer ! Mother Trulli s illc/odics. 39 HI-DIDDLE-DIDDLE. Hl-DIDDLE-DIDDLE, ?iIotlier duck s in the middle, Her baby- ducks swimming around ; With bills like a ladle, And feet like a paddle, No danger that they will be drowned. 40 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE RAIN. fc^g^T^ - Come, rain, come, ~- " That the water may run, That the meadow grass may tjrow ; That the fruit and grain, O'er hill and plain, May greet us as we go. Come, rain, come, That the water may run, That the mill may make our meal ; — 'Twill grind our Avheat, And corn so sweet, When it turns the old mill-wheel. Mather Trtitfi s Melodies. 41 FEED THE BIRDIES. Feed the birdies, darling. When the snow is here, Wlicn tlicre are no berries. On the bushes, dear ; — Scatter food out for them, And they '11 quickly come. Hopping, singing, chirping, " Thank you for the crumb.' 42 Mother Truth's Melodies. ROCK-A-BYE. ROCK-A-BYE, baby, Our darling is ill, Rocka-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't tremble with fear. For that tends to make His sliciht illness severe. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby. We '11 soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't coax him to nurse. For urging to eat Only makes, matters worse. Mother Truth's Alelodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby, No company 'round. Not even the dear ones. To make a loud sound. 43 Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby. We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby. Don't rattle the papers Nor whisper around. Little nerves cut such capers. 44 Mother Truth's Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby. We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-byc, baby, Whatever is wrong, Attend to his bowels. Neglected too long. Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby. We '11 soon have him well ; — • Rock-a-bye, baby, If he is too hot. Undress him and bathe him ; But, ah ! he is not. Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby. There is cough with unrest, So we '11 wring out hot flannels And cover his chest. JMothcr Truili s JSIclodics. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby. We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby. He 's perspiring, to pour ! We will keep up this treatment A full hour or more. 45 Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby, Now dry him off neat. And wrap him up warm. And to-morrow, repeat. 46 Mother Truth's Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, 'Tis not in his chest ? Then place the hot flannels Where he feels the unrest. Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, ■We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, He is moaning with pain, And rolling his head, And we pet him in vain. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — = Rock-a-bye, baby, We will wring out from ice, Linen cloths for his head, All so cooling and nice. Mother Trntlis Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, ^^'e '11 soon have him well ; — ■ Rock-a-bye, baby. If cold don't relieve. Use hot and then cold, And then hot, you perceive. 47 Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 see that his feet Are kept warm all the time. And his clothes dry and neat. 48 Mother Truth's Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling was ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, But now he is well •, Rock-a-bye, bab}'. No drugs, not a dose ! Yet he 's over it finely, Just hear how he crows] Mother Tr2Uh's Melodies. 49 LITTLE BO-PEEP Co' Nan, co' Nan, says little Bo-Peep, Co' Nan, co' Nan, up come the sheep ; The}' jump the ditch and scale the wall, Where one sheep goes, they follow, all. Co' dea', co' dea', says little Bo-peep, Co' dea', co' dea', I '11 shear my sheep ; Their wool so fine will make my coat, My blankets and my hose to boot. 50 Mother TriitJis Melodies. MAMA, PANKY ME. See the baby run and tumble 'Cross his mother's knee, While his merry voice is shouting, " Mama, panky me ! " Hundred times he '11 run and tumble Thus in childish glee, Bursting forth in joyous laughter, " Mama, panky me." Kut if she should " pank " in earnest, Half as hard as now, Quick would come in place of sunshine, Clouds upon his brow. Mother TrutJi s 2IcIodies. 51 Ves, if she should " pank " in earnest, Little eyes would fill, Little lips v/ould curl and quiver, Little shout be still. Till the little heart no longer Could contain its woe, Then burst forth in cries of anguish. Such as babies know. 52 Mother Truth's Melodies. LITTLE JACK HORNER. Little Jack Horner Sat in the corner, Eating a morsel of nice brown bread ; " Have some pie, or some cake " ? " Nay, not I," with a shake And a toss of his wise Httle head. " For this bread will make bone. And white teeth like a stone, That will neither grow soft nor decay ; But rich cake and rich pie Sure will break, bye and bye, My good health, and that never will pay." Mother Truth's Melodies. 53 LITTLE BOY BLUE. ?s ITTLE Boy Blue, may I go with you now ? " " Yes, down to the pasture to drive up the cow." " Little boy blue, what then may I have ? " (if. A nice cup of milk as ever Little boy blue, the milk must be set ; " Yes, for 'tis thus the nice cream we shall get." Little boy blue, what will we do then ? " We '11 skim it and dash it, with ' churn, butter, churn.' " Little boy blue, what else can we make ? " O, cheese, tempting cheese, and the dainty cheese- cake." Little boy blue, is there anything more ? " O, yes, puddings, custards, and dainties, a store." Little boy blue, shall we eat of all these ? " Simple food is far better for us, if you please ? " 54 Mother Truth's Melodies. MISS VELVET-PAWS. Little Miss Velvet-paws. Ravelling out her yarn, Catches mice, in a trice, In everybody's barn. Look out for velvet paws, Do not trust them far, For velvet paws cover claws That will leave a scar. Mother Truth' s Melodies. 55 POLL Y HOPKINS. Now little Polly Hopkins Must surely know great A, And B, and C, and D, and E, F, G, H, I, J, K; And L, and M, and N, and O, And P, and Q, R, S, And T, U, V, and W, X, And Y, & Z, I guess. 56 Mother Truth's Melodies. A., B, C. Stands for Alligator, Stands for Ball, Stands for Cat in a cream-pot. Stands for Doll. Mother Truth's Melodies. 57 Stands for East, or Ellen, Stands for Fay, Stands for Goat, a Pen in, <:^S Stands for Hay. Stands for Indigestion, 5« Mother Trtith's Melodies. Stands for Jar, Stands for King, or Keepsake, Stands for La. Stands for Man, or Thousand, Stands for Nail, 10Q$ Mother Truth's Melodies. 59 Stands for Oaken bucket, Stands for PaiL Stands for Queen, or Question, Stands for Rose, Stands for Christmas Stocking, 6o Mother Truth's Melodies. Stands for Toes. / Stands for Urn, or Ulster, Stands for Vane, *I>*=^ Stands for West, or Winter, ^^ Mother Truth's Melodies. 6i Stands for Ten. Stands for Yoke (with Oxen), Stands for Zero, I' when you 've learned your LETTERS, You '11 be a Hero. 62 Mother Truth's Melodies. C-A-T SPELLS CAT. ,( C-A-T spells Cat, That brought the kittens here ; D-O-G spells Dog, That does, the puppies, rear. C-O-W, Cow, The mother of the calf ; 0-X spells the Ox, That's bigger, yes, by half. Mother Trtcth's Melodies. 6t, B-O-Y spells Boy, That 's little brother Lou ; G-I-R-L, Girl, And that is sister Sue. B-I-R-D, Bird, Just hear canary sing ; G-O-L-D, Gold, That makes a handsome rinc B-O-O-K, Book, In which \ve learn to read ; C-O-O-K, Cook, Supplies the food we need. 64 Mother Truth's Melodies. S-E-E-D, Seed, From which we raise thi. plant ; S-I-N-G, Sing, Just hear the children chant. B-A, i;a, B-Y, by, And that spells Baby, love; L-A, LA, D-Y, DY, And that spells LADY, dove. M-A, Ma, R-Y, ry, And that spells MARY, child, E-D, Ed, D-Y, dy, That's Eddy, sweet and mild. Alother Trutli s JMclodics. 65 THE KITTEN. One, two, (1, 2,) Here 's a kitten for you ; — Three, four, (3, 4,) She will open the door, — Five, six, (5, 6,) And your cream she will mix,- 66 Mother Trutlis Melodies. itfet^SP ft Seven, eight, (7, 8,) If you are too late, — Nine, ten, (9, 10,) To cover the pan ; Eleven, twelve, (11, 12,) And then you must delve, - Thirteen, fourteen, (13, 14,) To cover her sporting ; Fifteen, sixteen, (15, 16,) But while you are fixing, — Mother Trutlis Melodies. 6? Sevexteex, eighteen, (17, 18,) Remember I'm waiting, — Nineteen, tw-enty, (19, 20,) For butter, a plenty. To those who serve you, children, all. Be gentle and polite, — For thus are gentle-women known, Or gentle-men, at sight. 68 Mother Truth's Melodies. DOLLY DIMPLE. Dolly Dimple, just for fun. Stands to show us she is One. Dolly and her sister Sue Show that One with One make Two. Mother Trutlis Melodies. 69 Dolly, Sue, and Nann}'' Lee Show that OXE with Two make T11RE5. Doll, Sue, Nan, and little Noah Show that One with Three make Four. 70 Mother Trutli s Melodies. Doll, Sue, Nan, Xoah, and Ben Brive Show that OxE with FoUR make FiVE. Now all these with Jenny Hicks Show that One with FiVE make Six. Mother Trut/is Melodies. 71 One more, Ned, a baby even, Shows that One with Six make Seven. With these girls and boys, put Kate, And the One with Seven make Eight. 72 Mother Truth's Melodies. All these Eight, with Adaline Show that One with Eight make Nine. Now with these put Dick, and then You '11 see that One with Nine make Ten. iMoihcr TriitlL s Melodies. 7o IF YOU PLEASE. 1 HOPE my children never will Say, " Give me " this or that, — But, " If you please," I'd like a bun, Or, " Thank you " for a pat. 74 Mother Tridlis Melodies. THE POOR LITTLE CHICK-A-DEES. EN little chick-a-dees clinging to a vine, — A speckled snake charmed one, then there were but NINE. Nine little chick-a-dees, — one without a mate, — A Sparrow-hawk caught one, then there were but EIGHT Mother Truilis Melodies. 75 Eight little chlck-a-dees, by a 'possum driven, — He caught one and slaughtered it, then there were but SEVEX. Seven little chick-a-dees hopping round the ricks, — A Weasel came and captured one, then there were but SIX. Six h'ttle chick-a-dees watching Rover dive, — He sprang ashore and seized one, then there were but FIVE. 76 Mother Truth's Melodies. Five little chick-a-dees pecking at the door, — Kitty-cat caught one, then there were but FOUR. Four little chick-a-dees full of birdy-glee, — One was tangled in a net, then there were but THREE. Three little chick-a-dees dabbling in the dew, — A stone fell and crushed one, then there were but TWO. Mother Trittlis Melodies. 77 Two little cliick-a-dees peeping just for fun, — A hungry Kite caught one, then there was but 0,\E. /CTp C" One little chick-a-dee, mourning all alone, Flew away to find a mate, and then there was NONE. 78 Mother Trtct/i's Melodies. HEIGH-HO, DAISIES AND BUI TEK- CUPS. EIGH-HO, daisies and but ter-cups Grow in the meadows fo children to gather ; But cattle \\W\ shun them And farmers will burr them, Because in their fields the> are only a bother. ^eigh-ho, red-top and clovi bloom, Filling the air with their svve( ness and beauty, Will j-ield without measure, Their wealth of rich treasure, |f Rewarding the farmer for doing his dut; Mother Truilis Melodies. 79 THE PONY. Once 2 is 2, Here 's a pony for you ; Two 2s are 4, But be careful the more, — Three 2s are 6, For perhaps pony kicks ; Four 2s are 8, And if so we must wait, — 8o Mother Trutfi s Melodies. Five 2s are 10, Till he 's trained by the men, Six 2s are 12, Before trusting ourselvea,- jMothcr Trutli s Melodies. Seven 2s are 14, To ride him out sporting ; Eight 2s are 16, But we can be fixing — 8l Nine 2s are 18, His food while we 're waiting ; Ten 2s are 20, Oh, yes, give him plenty, — Eleven 2s are 22, For then he will be gentle to^ 82 Mother Truth's Melodies. Twelve 2s are 24, Us who feed and pet him more. Mother TriUKs Melodic :s. 83 84 Mother Truth's Melodies. TWO LITTLE PINK SHOES. Two little pink shoes standing by the head Of our Nanny sleeping in the trundle-bed ; Gn the little table, waiting for the morn, Two little pink shoes, our Nanny to adorn. Mother Truth's Melodies. 85 Two little bright eyes, peeping open wide, Spied the little table, and the pink shoes spied. Two little fat hands climbing up to catch ; Two little fat feet following to match. Two little fat arms hug them to her breast ; Two little fat legs run to show the rest. Never more a treasure can our Nanny choose, That will give such pleasure as these two pink shoes. In your work or your play, When you read, talk, or write, Sit always, my child. With your back to the light. 86 Mother TrutJis Melodies. REMEMBER THE POOR. " Sweet, my darling, come and see What mamma has brought for thee ; Garments soft and ribbons bright, Hat and coat, a pretty sight ; Sweet, my child, what shall we. do With the old, now you've the new ? " " Why, mamma, this frock and frill. These are good and pretty still. But as they are quite too small, Give them, please, to Lillie Ball In the cottage by the hill, She'll be glad, I know she will ; For mamma, they're very poor, And/tis cold to cross the moor In their tattered garments few ; Mamma, may I give the new ? " " No, my child, and yet you may Sometimes give new things away. Keep your pennies, and they'll be Dollars, by and by, two, three ; Thus you nov/ and then may have Something new and fresh to give." Mother TrtdJis Melodies. 87 THE NEW WHITE JATTET. I never seen such naughty dirls As Susy Jones and Ellen ; They laughed, O desht as hard's they tould When I twipped up and fell in' The old toal-hole. And see, mamma, I tore my new white jattet ; And when I twied, they laughed and laughed, And said, " O, what a wattet ! " The bid dirls tailed them most untind, And said they surely knew it, The teaching of the Dolden Wule, And then how tould they do it ! I duess they'd twy if they was me, — I duess they'd mate a wattet. If they should fall in a toal-hole, And tear their new white jattet. 88 Mother Truth's Alelodics. FEE-FI-FO-FUM. Fe?:-fi-fo-fum, From the Spruce-tree comes the gum; From the Pine the turpentine, Tar and pitch, And timber which Is very choice and fine. Fee-fi-fo-fum, How from Spruce tree comes the gum? Soft enough; — the sticky stuff. From seam and cleft. Both right and lef:, Flows out, and hard- ens, rough. Alothcr Truth's Melodies. Fay-fi-fo-fee, Nut-galls grow on the Oak-tree ; By tiny worms the nut-gall forms, Like little ball ; And from Nut-gall The Gallic Acid comes. 89 Fee-fi-fo-fade, From Nut-galls, too, the Tannin 's made ; While Acorns grow in group or row ; — And Live-oak long, Makes ship-knees, strong, That round the world may go. 90 Mother Truth's Melodies. Fee-fi-fo-fap, We tap the Maples, and the sap c.:^^^.. We find as sweet as sugar-beet, - Then boiling hard, Our sure reward, The maple-sugar treat. Mother Truth's Ahlodies. 91 92 Mother Trutlis Melodies. Fee-fi-fo-fap, Hark and hear the Hemlock snap ; — Little spine so full of wind, Heated, hops. And jumping, pops, And makes the bright eyes shine. <«» Fee-fi-fo-fur, See the curious chestnut-burr ; Green and round, then turning brown. Frost opens wide Each prickly side And out the chestnuts bound. Mother Truth' s Melodies. Fee fi-fo-fay, Now the farmer makes his hay ; Grasses grow, which workmen mow, — Toss every-wise, Till sunshine dries. Then into stacks, they stow. 95 Fay-fee-fi-fo, See the farmer wield his hoe. Lettuce, greens, then corn and beans, With pumpkin-vines Along the lines, Where many a weed o'er-leans. 94 Mother Trut/is Melodies. Fee-fi-fo-fog, See the wriggling poUywog, — * With funny tail ; but without fail This poUywog Will grow a frog, And lose his wiggle-tail. Fee-fi-fo-faint, Colors, seven, the Rainbow paint; Violet bright is first in sight — Then indigo, Blue, green, yellow. Orange and red, — the seven, WHITE. Common name for pollywig, or tadpole. Mothci- rruth's Melodies. 95 fo, "What makes ow ? " my darling one, ough the rain, and plain, — auty 's flown ! Fay-fi-fo-fear, Don't you understand it, dear ? Raindrops fall, Sun shines through all. Reflects beyond, This beauteous wand Which we, the Rainbow, call. q6 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE OXEN. The oxen are such clever beasts, - They '11 drag the plough all day ; They 're very strong and tug along Great loads of wood or hay. C'^M^r'h They feed on grass, when green or Their flesh is beef, for food; Their lungs are " lights," their stomach, " tripe," ^'^SS^ Their skin for leather 's good. Their hair men use in mortar, too, — Lime, water, sand, and hair. They nicely mix and smoothly fix, For plastering, so fair. Mother Tnct/is Melodies. 97 For making soap their bones are used ; Their horns for combs we group ; Their feet are boiled for " neat's-foot-oil,' Their tails for ox-tail soup. Their heart-case forms a money-bag ; Their tallow, candles, white ; Their intestine, gold-beater's skin, With which gold-leaf we smite. Thus every part is useful made ; The same is true of cows, — Except their ilk gives luscious milk Instead of dragging ploughs. 98 Mother TrutJts Melodies. Oxen and cows are " cattle " called ; They go in " herds," when wild ; But when they 're tame, by other name,— A " drove," en masse, they're styled. Their little ones are "calves," — and cows' Rich milk produces Cream, Which butter makes, and nice cheese-cakes, With curd, whey, and caseine. And now 'tis funny, but 'tis true. Some children young and mazy. Have thought their eyes were used some-wise, To make the. ox-eyed daisy ! Mother Truth' s Melodies. 99 This can not be, yet creatures' bones Placed round trees, plants, and bowers. Will serve to feed just what they need, To grow fine fruits and flowers. loo Mother Truth's Melodies. THE BROKEN PITCHER. " Sweet, my love, I'm sorry That you did not tell, When you broke the pitcher Coming from the well." " Oh, I thought you 'd whip me, Just as Betty did ; Then when she would ask me, I would tell a fib." . " Sweet, my child, I never Punish any one M , For an accidental Thing that may be done. " Tell me always, darling. Everything you do ; This will help to make you Thoughtful, brave, and true." Mother Truth's JMclodies. lOI THE ELEPHANTS. The ivory for our combs, From elephants' tusks is made ; The handles, too, for many a knife, And for paper-knives, the blade. The elephant knows a friend, — And well remembers, too, A kindly act, — but ne'er forgets The teasing of a foe. 102 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE WIND. J^ HAT is the wind. Mam- ma"? " 'Tis air in motion, child ; " "Why can I never see the wind That blows so fierce and wild ? " " Because the Gases, dear, Of which the air is made. Are quite transparent, that is, we See through, but see no shade." ND what are Gases, Ma ? " " Fluids, which, if we squeeze In space too small, will burst with force ; " — " And what 2.xq. fluids, please?" *' Fluids are what will flow, — And gases are so light That when we give them room enough, They rush with eager flight." Mother Truth's Melodies. 103 HAT gases, dear Mamma, Make up the air or wind ? '' " 'Tis Oxygen and Nitrogen That chiefly there we find ; And when the air is full Of Oxygen we 're gay, But when there is not quite enough. We 're dull or faint away." THE J-U(;. HAT is the Fog, Mamma? " " Sometimes the air is light And cannot bear up all the mists, And then 'tis foggy, quite ; But when air heavier gro^\^., The fog is borne abo\ e. And floated off, the cloudy stuff, — Just see it, graceful, move." I04 Mother Trutlis Melodies. THE RAIN. HAT makes the rain, Mamma ? ' " The mists and vapors rise From land and stream and roll- ing sea, Up toward the distant skies ; And there they form the clouds, Which, when they 're watery, dear. Pour all the water down to earth, And rain afar or near." THE SNOW. HAT makes the Snow, Mam- ma ? " " When very cold -)S. above. The mists are frozen high in air. And fall as snow, my love." Mothei- Truth! s Melodies. " And Hail ? " " 'Tis formed the same ; Cold streams of air have come And frozen all the water-drops, And thus the hail-stones form. 105 OW do not question m.ore, Dear child, but run, and play,- I '11 tell you of the Water, Fire, And Light, another day." Oh yes, and, dear Mamma, Of Thunder, Lightning, too, For I shall want to know it all, So tell me. Mama, do." [o6 Mother Truth's Melodies. TRUTH. Do not let " Mother Truth " find a falsehood all over,— Amongst all her children, no, never a lie ; Stand for Truth, ye wee babies, for Truth, ye who 're older, For Truth while you live, and for Truth till you die. All ye myriads of children this little book talks to. Form now in each household a band for the Truth ; Do not let even a " white lie," and still less a " whopper," Find a place in your hearts, nor your heads, nor your mouth. You know God is Truth ; — and as you are His children, You want to be like Him as near as you can ; Speak the Truth, live the Truth, be the Truth with Him, And Heaven will have come, as Christ taught in his plan. io8 Mother Trutli s Melodies. HI-DIDDLE, HO-DIDDLE. Hl-DIDDLE, HO-DIDDLE, Pop-diddle-dee, This Earth of ours, on which we live, Is round as it can be. Pray, then, what is a Mountain, valley, hill ? They are but like little warts, And pores, on orange-peel. Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, — Our Earth is swinging in the air, As you can plainly see ; — Mother Truth' s jSIclodies. Pray, then, what keeps it Hanging up in space ? The Sun, my child, attracts the Earth And holds it in its place. 109 Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, — A lovel)' ]\Ioon is shining for This Earth of ours, you see, — - Held in its cradle Ever since its birth. Because our globe attracted it, As the Sun attracts the Earth. Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, What I mean by globe, child, You 're wondering now, I see. I lo Mother Truth's McCadies. A globe or a ball, dear, Is what is round and true, And that is why I'm calling it, — This Earth, — a globe, to you. Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, Instead of globe I might have said A sphere for you and me ; For all the same, in truth. Are sphere and globe and ball. And hemi 's half— so half this Earth, A Jiemispliere, we call. Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, 'T was once supposed the Earth stood still, While Sun went round it, free ; — But now we've learned it well, That 't is the earth doth turn Upon its Axis, as it 's called ; And also round the Sun. Mother TrtUlis Melodies. Ill Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, Our Earth, in turning round, How long may she be ? She turns on her axis In a day and a night, But to go around the Sun Takes a year for the flight. 112 Mother Truth's Melodies. WHA T IS THE AXIS ? W-idCr-^ Now you ask " What is the Axis ? " With an apple I will show ; Place your thumb upon the stem-place, And your finger at the blow ; — Now we '11 just suppose the apple Has a stem that passes through, And this stem would be the Axis ; Now we '11 whirl the apple, true, Holding fast 'twixt thumb and finger, — That 's the way the Earth goes round On its Axis, as we call it, Though no real stem is found. Mother Truth's Melodies. And the two ends of the Axis Have been called the Poles, my dear ; Yes, the North Pole and the South Pole, Where 'tis very cold and drear. Now we '11 hold a bigger apple At a distance, for the Sun ; Tip the smaller one a little, And then slowly wheel it round, 7VU around the larger apple, And it represents the Earth Circling round the Sun that holds it. Ceaseless, in its yearly path. Wondrous is the strong attraction Of the Sun which holds in place. All the Planets in their turnings. All the Stars that see his face ; But more wondrous far the power That created Sun and us, And that gave a form and being, To this mighty Universe. "The Universe ! " now you exclaim ; " By the Universe, what do you mean ? " 113 1T4 Mother Truth's Melodies. 'Tis the Sun and the Planets and everything That we call by this Universe name. Now the " Planets," you ask, " What are Planets ? " They 're globes, Some larger, some smaller than Earth, — Which are swinging in space. And are all held in place, By the God-power that first gave them birth. Mother TridKs Melodies. 115 HE A T AND COLD. Our earth has a North Pole, Where 'tis very cold ; It also has a South Pole, That's just the same, we're told. But half-way between, And all the way around. We call it the Equator, And heat doth there abound. For there the sun shines always. Though it goes north or south Some twenty-three degrees (23°) or more, And sometimes causes drouth. The sun goes north, we call it, But 'tis the earth instead. That tips, and makes it seem the sun Comes higher overhead. And when the sun is northward 'Tis summer here you see ; And when it's to the southward 'Tis there in same degree. ii6 Mother Truth's Melodies. HARLEY'S DREAM. I know a little brown-eyed boy, His name is Harley Hart ; And with a naughty boy or girl, Our Harley has no part. He cons his lessons o'er and o'er, And once he fell asleep, With finger marking A, B, C, As 'twere the place to keep. And then he dreamed a funny dream The page jumps up to dance. The letters laugh, and by and by, Like imps they leap and prance. Mother TrtitKs Melodies. 1 1 7 Now Harley oft had wondered whence The letters first had come ; And I'm afraid he sometimes wished They all had stayed at home, Instead of teasing him with quirks, And bothering him with names That seemed to help him hardly more In learning words than games. One little imp squeaked : " I am A ; You could not be a mrtn Without me." Then another cried : " I'm E" and quickly ran, Exclaiming : " and without us both You could not have a h^ad." Another says : " You'd have no h'mbs If /were lost or dead." Then 0, " You'd have no nose nor t(?es, If it were not for me ; " "And what is more, were I not here," Says U, " yo?^ could not be." 1 1 8 Mother Truth! s Melodies. And thus they each and all lay claim To parcel and to part Of what he was, or what should do With hand, or head, or heart. They hung a ladder 'gainst the tree. And clambered up and down ; They played a thousand pranks as wi As any gipsey clown. They whispered that they came from And that if rightly placed. They'd serve our Harley with a feast A king would joy to taste. So when he woke and knew they war The little mystic keys That open Learning's gates so wide. He loved his A, B, C's. Alothcr Trutlis Melodies. OUR LANGUAGE KEY II We are small, and we are few, But we 're wondrous mighty, too,- For no word can language wear, Save in it we iiold a share. One of us in May is met, — One is caught in e\'ery net ; One is in the clambering vine, One, in Moon, must ever shine ; One 's in you, — and all so shy, The last is hiding in your eye. I20 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE SPEECH FAMIL Y. The name of everything we know, as slate, or book, or toy. Is called a Noun. All names are nouns ; remember this, my boy. A word that means to be, to act, or to be acted on, Is called a Verb ; as is, or cat, or sing, or he is gone. Mother Truth's Melodies. 12 1 A word that tells the color, form, or quality of things, Is called an Adjective ; as, bright, or round, or softest wings. A word that tells how things are done, as quickly, bravely, -well. Is called an Adverb ; and I'm sure you many more can tell. A word that 's used in place of nouns, a Prononn we may call ; As, /for mother ; you, for James ; this, that, for hoop or ball. A Preposition 's placed before a noun, and serves to show Relation to some other word ; as. Rover 's if! the snow. And then Conjunctions join two words or sentences together ; As, man and boy, or birds will fly and winds blow o'er the heather. Wc-tt. Interjections, Oh! a.nd Ah / Behold! and many another. Express surprise, delight, dismay, far more than every other. 122 Mother Truth's Melodies. And these the Parts of Speech we call ; Eight parts as you may tell ; And all the language you will know, when these you've studied well. NUMBER AND GENDER. A noun or name that means but one, Is called in the singular nmnber ; But when it stands for more than one, 'T\s plural, child, remember. A noun that is the name of males. As ox, or horse, or father. Is masculine in gender, dear ; While cow, and mare, and mother. And all the names of females, child, h.xQ feminine, 'tis true ; Now tell me all the names you know. And tell their gender, too. But you will find there's many a noun Not male, nor female either, As chair, and book ; and such we call In neuter gender — neither. Mother Truth's Melodies. 123 LETTERS. E, I, O, U, The vowels we may call ; W, Y, are vowels too, Whene'er they chance to fall To the end of syllable or word. And this we well may know That all the rest are consonants ; Just nineteen in a row. P, and T are called the mutes. Because they interrupt All voice or sound ; while B and D Can only intercept ; Hence these are partial mutes, my child ; And H is aspirate ; And ih, too, in //nnk and ///rone, But vocal in this, that. 124 Mother Truth's Melodies. Then lip-letters, or labials, And dentals, or tooth-letters, With palatals and sibilants Seem wondrously like fetters. But, ah ! instead of prisoning, They open wide the way That leads to Learning's loftiest heights ; Press on, and win the day. WORDS. ELL me the name of something, dear ; As book, or ball, or kite ; Now tell some quality of each, As big, or round, or light. And now some word that means to be, Yes, is, my child, you're right. The ink is black, The snow is white, The ice is hard — is cold : The sky is blue, The air is light, Sometimes the child is bold. Mother Trutlis Melodies, 125 And thus let names of everything Afar or near be told ; And qualities of each and all Let memory infold. OW give one name, and tell me all Its qualities as well ; As, coal is black, and coal is hard, And coal's inflammable. And now, you children should be taught That we need not repeat The name, with every word that tells Its qualities complete. Coal's black, hard, and inflammable, We say ; but all so fast, A comma follows after each, With and before the last. And now use iron, chalk, and clay. Use water, snow, and ice. Use thread and needle, pin and pen, Use every word that's nice. — 126 Mother Truth's Melodies. NOTHER lesson now attend— We'll find some quality- Embraced by several different things, As you will plainly see. Snow is cold, ice is cold, Salt is cold as well ; Snow, ice, and salt are cold, my child. As every one can tell. A SMILE. HE smiled on me, she smiled on me ! " In ecstacy exclaimed A little waif in tattered gown, With form so halt and maimed. Remember, even a smile may cheer, A cup of water, bless ; A kindly word, sow seeds of joy. Whose fruit is happiness. Mother Truths Melodies. 12; ONE LITTLE CHICKEN. ne little chicken, two little chickens, three littk chickens, dear ; on't you see we add an s, when more than one is here r nd this we do with almost all the nouns that ma}. appear. ne little birdy, two little birdies, three little birdies soar ; lej is changed to ies for birdies two or more ; nd this, when a word shall end in y with ^ consonant before. le little donkey, two little donkeys, three little don- keys bray. it here the y remains unchanged, and s is called in play; id this, when a word shall end in y, where a vowel leads the way. 128 Mother Truth's Melodies. TWINKLE, TWINKLE. " Twinkle, twinkle, little star," Up above the world so far, Whisper now and tell me, pray, What you are, and how you stay. " Some of us away so far, Planets like your own Earth, are ; And we shine with borrowed light, Borrowed from the Sun, so bright. " Some of us are silvery moons, Shining all the nightly noons ; Some of us are jelly, soft, Shooting, falling, from aloft. Mother Trutlis Melodies. I20 " Some of us are Nebulae, — Faint and misty stars we be ; — Some are Suns to other worlds ; Here and there a Comet whirls. Having each our time and place, Swinging in the wondrous space ; Held in line by Him who planned, And who holds you in His hand." I30 Mother Truth's Melodies. OLD SOL IN A JINGLE. Hl-DIDDLE-DIDDLE, The Sun 's in the middle, And planets around him so grand, Are swinging in space, Held forever in place, In the Zodiac girdle or band. MERCURY. Hi-diddle-diddle, The Sun 's in the middle, And Mercury 's next to the Sun ; While Venus, so bright. Seen at morning or night. Comes Second, to join in the fun. EARTH. Hi-diddle-diddle, The Sun 's in the middle. And Third in the group is our Earth ; While Mars with his fire, So warlike and dire. Swings around to be counted the Fotirth. MARS. Mother TrutJis Melodies. 131 [32 ' Mothc7 Trulh's Melodies. Hi-diddle-diddle, The Sun 's in the middle, While Jupiter 's next after Mars, — And his four moons at night Show the speed of the light ; Next, golden-ringed Saturn appears. JUPITJiR. SATURN. Hi-diddle-diddle, The Sun 's in the middle, After Saturn comes Uranus far ; — And his antics, so queer, Led Astronomers near To old Neptune, who drives the last cat D D URANUS. NEPTUNE. * Other planets are as yet too little known to claim place Mother Truth' s Melodies. U2, "ROBERT OF LINCOLN.' ROB-O-LINK, bob-0-link, reed-bird, butter-bird, All through the country his jingle is gayly heard ; Revelling in rice -fields he sweeps through the South, While wheat, corn, and barley-fields welcome him North And Bobby is wild with his singing and chatter. So saucily calling with rattle and clatter, Bob-o-link, bob-olink, Tom-denny, Tom-denny, Come-now-and-pay-me-that-two-shillings-one-penny,— No,-ril-not-wait-for-a-day-nor-a-minute, So-pay-me-up-quick-or-you '11-get-your-foot-in-it ; — Chink-a-chee, chink-a-chee, chink-a-chee, chin-it, Yes,-])ay-me up-quick, -or-you '11-get-your-foot-in-it." 134 Mother Truth's Melodies. LIMP Y-DIMP V- DINGL E. LiMPV-DlMPY-DlNGLE, chicky-bid would stray- To the trap that had been set for weasels, man Limpy-dimpy-dingle, chicky-bid walked in, And the trap, its teeth shut up, on chicky- biddy's sh Limpy-dimpy-dingle, chicky-bid is brought, And her leg, so sore and big, we bathe with water h Limpy-dimpy-dingle, here's a broken bone. All so rough, — but close enough, we bring the ei right soon. Alothcr Triitlis 21clodics. 135 Limpy-dimpy-dingle, strips of paste-board cut, We will place with care and grace, from thigh to trem- bling foot. Limpy-dimpy-dingle, softest cotton, too. Just within the paste-board thin, to fit around so true. Limpy-dimpy-dingle, now with tape or band. Neatly wind, and closely bind, with deft and skilful hand. Limpy-dimpy-dingle, nature '11 do the rest. And soon will knit the bone to fit, as good as very best. 136 Mother Trutlts Melodies. THE RATTLE OF THE BONES. OW many bones in the human face ? Fourteen, when they 're all in plac< How many bones in the human head Eight, my child, as I 've often said. How many bones in the human ear ? Three " in each; and they help to he How many bones in the human spine ? ^ Twenty-six ; like a climbing vine. How many banes of the human chest ? Twenty-four ribs, and two of the rest How many bones, the shoulders, bind ? Two in eacli ; one before, one behind. How many bones in the human arm ? In each arm, ONE ; TWO in cacIi fore-arm. * Standard cintliorities give thrce^ though latest works S'a.y foui'. 138 Mother Trtt-tlis Melodies. How many bones in the human wrist ? Eight in each, if none are missed. How many bones in the palm of the hand? i'lVE in eacli^ with many a band. Mother Trutlis Melodies. How many bones in the fingers ten ? Twenty-eight, and by joints they bend. I3Q I''' How many bones in the human hip ? One in each ; — hke a dish they dip. How many bones in the humaa thigh ? •'■ \^& One in cacli, — and deep they he. How many bones in the liuman Icnecs f f One in each, — the knee-pan, please. How many bones in the leg from the knee ? T\V(J in cacli, — we can plainly sec. How many bones in the ankle strong? Seven in each, — but none are long. I40 Mother Truth's Melodies. How many bones in the ball of the foot ? Five in each ; as in palms were put. How many bones in the toes half-a-score ? Twenty-eight, — and there are no more. And now, all together, these many bones, fix, And they count in the body TWO HUNDRED and s: And then we have, in the human mouth. Of upper and under, thirtv-two teeth. And we now and then have a bone, I should think That forms on a joint, or to fill up a chink, — A Sesamoid bone, or a Wormian, we call. And now we may rest, for we 've told them ; " Mother Truth' s Melodies. 141 WHOLLY HOLE-Y. Seven million little openings, God has made upon your skin ; Mouths of tiny little sewers That run everywhere, within. And along these numerous sewers All impurities must go, That are not by other outlets. Carried off with active flow. 142 Mother Truth's Melodies. When these many little openings, We call PORES, get shut quite close. Through your frame the poison wanders, Making you feel dull and cross. It will make your lungs grow tender, And they 'II soon be sore, and cough ; It will make your stomach feeble, And your head ache hard enough. Then your heart can not be joyous, And your other organs, too. Will get weak, and be unable For the work they ought to do ; Quaking nerves will groan and quiver. Weary bones be racked with pain. And you '11 all the time be saying : " How can I be well again ? " Heat and bathing widely opens All the pores, when discords dire. Quick flow out in perspiration. Quenching all the fever-fire. Ravelling out the tangled tissues. Setting free the life-blood's flow, Pouring forth the pent-up poisons. Wakening thus a healthful glow. 144 Mother Trut/is Melodies. THE BREATH O' LIFE. Our lungs are formed of curious cells, And tubes to draw in air, — And if we breathe quite deep and full And take our needful share, 'T will keep our bloodso red and pure, Our health so fiiin and true, We scarce shall know what suffering means, But joyous feel, and new. But if we wear our clothing tight, The little cells will close. And then they cannot do their work, And thus our health we lose ; — Or if we breathe the air impure, 'T will give us tainted blood, While plenty, pure, sun-ripened air Will make us glad and good. Mother Truth's Melodies. 145 THE THREE LITTLE GIRLS. ree little girls with their sun-bonnets on, A'^andered out for a walk in the dew ; d they tip-toed about, full of frolic and fun, A'^hile their aprons around them they drew. t their little wet feet brought the fever and cough, \nd their little red lips grew so thin ; d their little round faces were haggard enough, — ), I'm sure they'll not do it again ! t do it, I mean, without boots that shall guard "heir ankles and feet from the wet ; ■ the care of the health brings a joyous reward. — "he neglect, brings us pain and regret. 146 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE TEMPERANCE CHILD. Mamma, if you'd have me Be a temperance cbild, You must give me only Food that's pure and mild. Highly-seasoned dishes Make the stomach crave Stronger things ; and often Lead to drunkard's grave. Mother Truth's Melodies. 147 LISTEN, CHILDREN! Listen, children ! when your head aches, Do not eat, but wait a meal ; This will oftentimes relieve you, Making you right joyous feel. Listen, children ! when your stomach Rolls and tumbles, wait awhile ; Do not eat, but drink warm water, And you'll soon be glad and smile. Listen, children ! in hot water Put your feet when you've " a cold ; " Into bed now, wrapped in blankets. And you'll soon be well, we're told. Listen, children ! perspiration Is a saving from much sin ; Wash and rub, and dry well after ; Thus we quell disease within. Listen, children ! when you're hungry Do not stuff you like a pig, But eat slowly and chew thorough, Lest your teeth your grave shall dig. hs Mother Truth's Melodies. TICK-TO CK, TICK- TO CK, Tick-tock, tick-tock, Sings the pretty cuckoo clock ; Tick-tack, tick-tack, Time flies on, but ne'er comes back. Tick-tock, tick-tock, Sings the dainty crystal clock ; Tick-tack, tick-tack, Work and wait, and never lack. Tick-tock, tick-tock, Sings the old grandfather's clock ; Tick-tack, tick-tack. Take and keep, the better track. Mother Truth's Melodies. 149 CURIOUS TREES. THE COW-TREE. South America's soil Yields the towering Cow- tree, With sweet milk in its cells For you or for me ; Its sap is the Mil Cut the tree and it flows ; Like leather its leaves, .-s?iAnd its branches like bows. 150 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE SUGAR-PINE. Then, too, my dear children, The sweet Sugar-pine, On Pacific's wild coast, In our own soil we find ; Cut or scoop out the trunk, And the juices ooze forth, And harden, for sugar. Like icicjes. North. THE BUTTER-TREE. And, funny enough, There's a Butter-tree, too ; Its seeds, when boiled down, Will make butter for you. In India and Afric The Butter-tree grows, With coffee and spices, As every one knows. Mother Truth's iMe todies. 151 THE BREAD-FRUIT TREE. And listen, dear children, In hot countries too, The Bread-fruit tree grows, Most dehcious for you ; Its great roasted nuts, Like soft, sweet loaves of bread, Form most of the food On which natives are fed. 152 Mother Trutfi s Melodies. And further, its fibres Of bark, will make cloth ; Its wood, boats and houses ;- Its leaves are not loath To be used for a towel, A table-cloth, napkin ; Its juice will make bird-lime, And tinder, its catkin. THE CLOVE-TREE. And, children, one more, Here's a spicy Clove-tree, Growing forty feet high, Ornamental, you see ; The little round drop, Fixed the four prongs be- tween. Forms the blossom or flower. When it's not picked too green. Now list, while I tell you, — Clove-trees will not grow Except in hot climates, Moluccas, or so. Mother Triitli s Melodies. Where they bloom the }-ear round, In the sunshine or storm, With their trunks straight and smooth, And their pyramid form. And lastly, dear children, Clo\-e-trees never flower Till a half-dozen _\-ears They have grown, maybe more ; Then the buds, picked by hand, And dried quickly, are best ; — Trees a hundred )-ears old Often yield with the rest. 153 154 Mother TrutJis Melodies. NO EYES. Those Creatures that live in the dark, And have no use for eyes, Are made without these organs bright. Which we so highly prize. The fish in the Mammoth cave, — Some species of the Ant, — Have only a trace where eyes should be. Vet never know the want. Alothcr Truili s Melodies. Who knows but girls and bo_\-'^, Kept always in the dark, Might come to have but little sight. And finally not a spark. '55 God meant us to live in the light Mc has poured it all about , Oh, let Lis not ourselves destroy. By shutting His sunshine out. 156 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE MAMMOTH CAVE. What Is the Mammoth Cave ? " I hear the children say, Where fishes have no eyes nor sight, And where 'tis dark by day ? You all have seen a ledge Of big rocks piled, or stone ? — Now just suppose a door-way made, Or entrance to go in. Mother' TrutJis Melodies. 157 And when you 're in, a path Leads on, right under ground, And by-and-by you come to a place Like a room with walls around. 'Tis jagged and rough and rude, 'Tis dark and damp as a grave, But whether 'tis large or small. 'Tis always called a cave. Now, Mammoth means monstrous big. And the Mammoth Cave, we claim — As the largest known in the world. And that 's what gives the name. And it has many a room, Quite large and wondrous grand, And it has springs and streams and lakes. All dark, you understand. And here are fishes, too. Yes, fishes with no eyes, That have lived in the dark for ages past, As learned men surmise. 158 Mother Trztth' s Melodies. THE CAMELS. The Camels live in desert lands ; Their feet are made to walk on sands ; They carry burdens far and near, Where neither grass nor trees appear ; Where there 's no rain, no rivers, brooks, No water anywhere for folks ; — But God has made in Camels' chest, Peculiar sacs, for He knew best What they must do, and that they 'd die. If He did not their drink supply. Before they start they drink and drink. Till every sac is full I think, — And at the mouth of every sac, A muscle strong, but loose and slack, Will tighten up when it is filled. So that no drink can e'er be spilled. And when on journey, last or first. The camel wants to slake his thirst, A bag-string loosens, and out-pours Enough to satisfy for hours. i6o Mother Truth's Melodies. The laden camels, in a row, Are called a Caravan, you know ; — Sometimes a caravan is lost, Being buried deep in sand and dust. A storm of wind, a Simoon named, Will sweep across the desert sand, When camels, men, and every one Must throw themselves their knees upon, And bury faces in the earth. For thus alone they save their breath ; A fearful thing, but 'tis the best That they can do, — now hear the rest. Mother Trutli s Melodies. i6i Sometimes they're buried deep, and find When they dig out they 're almost bhnd And cannot tell which way to go, And thus are lost, — a serious woe ! Sometimes, when lost, the drink for men Gets short ; is gone ; they thirst, and then They kill a camel just for lack Of what he carries in his sac. l62 Mother Truth' s Melodies. In deserts bare and bleak and drear, The sun shines hot through all the year, But many an Oasis is found, Or spot where grass and trees abound. And here is drink, and here they re'st. And take their fill of what is best ; Then travel on in thankful mood. With song and shout ! " Allah is good ! " Mother Trutit s Melodies. 16- KEY-NOTES. Lightly flowing liquids, we,- Tethered with our brothers, Make we music, melody, More than all the others ; — Lulling, mellowy, nimble, rare, Revelling in rhythm, Running here and everywhere, Make we merry with 'em. iG4 Mother Truth* s Melodies. THE BEARS. Wild bears are found all over, From Northern lands to South, But largest, strongest, where 'tis cold. And fiercest, farthest North. All bears are fond of honey. Of berries, too, and roots ; They hug or squeeze their prey to death. As this their nature suits. They mate in June-y weather : Their little ones are cubs ; They sadly mourn when mates are killed. You'd almost hear their sobs. They'll try to feed a cub That's lying cold and dead, And will not flee, but stand and take The fatal knife instead. ilf^d, X.)Jrm^ i66 Mother Trutlis Melodies. They sleep through winter-time,— But prowl in wildest storms, With hope to find some creature killed. Or struck with death's alarms. ""ti The bears are white, or black. Or brown, or grizzly gray, — The white, 'mong polar snows are found. Where half the year is day. Their fur is used for robes. For coats, sometimes a muff; — Their meat is prized by some as food, While some would call it " stuff." Mother Trutli s JMclodics. They nimbly climb a tree, But " back down," — for their frame Is made so lungs would forward press, If they, head-foremost, came. 167 THE BEAR A BLESSING. To people of Kamtscliatka, The bear a blessing proves ; His skin forms beds and coverlets, And bonnets, shoes, and gloves. His flesh and fat are dainties, And of his intestine, Is made a mask for warding off The glare of Sun in Spring. 1 68 Mother Trutli s Melodies. 'Tis also used for windows, As substitute for glass ; — Of shoulder-blade a tool is made. That's used for cutting grass. Norwegians think the Bear is More sensible than men ; While Laplands call him " Dog of God," And dare not him offend. Mother Trutlis Melodies. 169 The fruits of the orchard and garden Aie beautiful, luscious, and good, — Partake of them freely, dear children, But eat them at meals with your food. i7o Mother Truth's Melodies. THE RACCOON. Come, child, and see our pet Raccoon, — The Raccoons Hve in the woods, you know. But ours was caught, And caged, and brought From old Virginia, long ago. ^ \ "3 .-^\ » Mother TriUli s Melodies. 171 Oh, no, you need not be afraid, See, he is fastened with a chain ; For ropes enough, He has gnawed off, And he is hard to catch again. He e'en will climb this ten- foot fence. And, careless where his feet may strike, He tumbles, bang ! And there will hang, .His rope being caught by vine or spike. And once the rascal ran away ; Was gone for days, and maybe weeks ; When children came. And charging blame. Said, "Your Raccoon has caught our chicks. 172 Mother Trutli s Melodies. X < Mother Truth's Melodies. 173 So now he 's chained ; yet up he '11 climb The stake to which he 's fastened tight, And mutter low, So pleading, Oh ! 'T would make you sorry for him, quite. Just see his nose, so pointed, sharp, — His ears as keen as keen can be, — His eyes so bright, So full of light. And see him leap right merrily ! His fur, you see, is yellowish gray, — And he is nearly two feet long ; He lives on roots, And nuts and fruits, When he 's his native woods among. But here we give him bread and milk ; He never eats like dogs or lambs, But takes it up From out the cup With his fore-foot, as we use hands 174 Mother Trtti/is Melodies. You 'd laugh to see him, I am sure ; Of strawberries, too, he 's very fond ; Will poke around Till he has found Each one among the hulls out-thrown. Then, too, he's fond of nice clean clothes, — Will spring for sheets hung out to dry ; And children dressed In very best, Are sure to please his dainty eye. \A No matter where his feet have been. He '11 spring and plant them, little pest, On something white, And then will fight To hold, and hide it in his nest. Moiher Truth' s jMclodics. 175 You 've " come again to see our Coon " ? Well, he is gone ; he plagued us so, We sent the " Rac " To Central Park, Where you can see him when you go. Oh yes, they 're glad to get him, there ; They have no clothes hung out to dry ; And children aye Must stand away, For there a keeper 's always nigh. A "Yes " and " No " are common, hard, But " yes'm," " no-sir," choice ; — Let none but sweet and gentle words Flow from your gift of voice. 176 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE BANKS WALLO WS. In a village of Bank-Swallows, You will find so many a nest, "That you scarce can tell their number, Nor which one of them is best." Mother Trittli s Melodies. 177 In the sand-hill, see the openings, Round or oval, odd-shaped, some, Size and form depending often, On how loose the sand become When with their short bills they pecked it,- Clinging fast with claws the while, — Till they made an open door-way. Suiting them in size and style. Once within, they peck and peck it. Sometimes quite a yard or more, — While the nest is snugly builded, Farthest from the outer door. But, so wise are they, this archway From the entrance to the nest. Is inclining ever upward, That no rain within may rest. So the pink-white eggs are laid there. Safe from harm, till baby-birds Chirrup forth to take their places 'Mongst the self-sustaining herds. 178 Mother Truth's Melodies. Smallest of the swallow species, Homeliest, too, yet favorites dear, For their graceful, airy movements, And their simple, social cheer. Found are they from North to South-land, Known of every tribe and race ; — Swift in flight, yet swinging, swaying. Skimming low from place to place. Parent-birds care less for young ones, Than do other swallow-kind ; — Push them off half-fledged and timid, Each his food and home to find. Thus they, many a time, fall prey to Hawks and crows, — their enemies \— Even the nest sometimes is entered By the snakes and fleas and flies. • "Swallows migrate in the Winter, From the cold, to warmer climes, — Flying back as Spring approaches. To the haunts of former times. Alother Truth's Melodu es. 179 " Ne'er one swallow makes a Summer," Is a saying everywhere ; — But when swallows come in mj-riads, Blessed Summer-time is here. 'i-<^J^. Ti&l i8o Mother Truth's Melodies. THE MOCKING-BIRD. The New World boasts the Mocking-bird ; And whether caged or free, His wondrous voice pours forth in songs Of rarest melody. His notes swell out, and die away, As if a joyous soul Were wrought to highest ecstasy, All music to control. Mother Truth's JMelodies. i8i His native notes are bold and full, And then he '11 imitate, Till it would seem the feathered tribe Were all arrayed in state. He'll whistle for the dog or cat, — Will squeak like chicken, hurt, — And cluck and crow and bark and mew, So comical and curt. While blue-birds warble, swallows scream, Or hens will cackle clear, — In robin's song, the whip-poor-will Pours forth his plaint so near. 1 82 Mother TrutK s Melodies. Canaries, hang-birds, nightingales, He echoes loud and long ; While they stand silent, mortified, He triumphs in his song. THE BUSY BEES. Why do the little busy bees So dearly love their queen, And wait upon, and pay respect, With watchful care and mien ? Mother Truth's Melodies. 183 Because the queen lays all the eggs, And mothers all the young, While every father - bee that 's hatched Is nothing but a drone. The working-bees might all be queens. If cared for and well-fed When they are in the larvae state, But they're half-starved instead, — While those intended for young queens Are fattened overmuch, And nursed and petted every hour. That they full growth may reach. For every different kind of egg That makes the different bees, A different kind of cell is made. The queen directing these. For drones or males, six-sided cells. Quite neat, and smooth, and nice ; For working-bees a smaller cell, Uncouth, and rough, and coarse ; 1 84 Mother Truth's Melodies. While those for queens are large and free. And fashioned fine with care, And lined with softest silken shreds, So daintily they fare. The queen-bee lays the worker-eggs, A dozen days, I ween, And then the drones, as many more, Then workers, then the queen. Eggs, two or three, and sometimes four Are laid in worker-cell ; While drones and queens have each but one. As oft is proven well. The bluish eggs so close and warm, Hatch out with three days passed ; Mother 2\utli s Melodies. 185 When larvse, white, as little worms, Are watched and fed and nursed. These larvje, when some six days old, Close in their cells are shut, And there at once begin to weave A silken web about. They turn and twist till all around Themselves 'tis woven quite, And then they rest for twenty days, — 'Tis such a pretty sight, he small cocoons of working- bees. The larger ones of drones, he large and plump and per- fect ones •f all the coming queens. i86 Mother l^uik's Melodies. In twenty days they now burst forth. Equipped from tip to toe, The working-bees and drones, I mean. For queens come forth more slow. The queen cocoons ope from behind, And I will tell you why, 'Tis that the reigning queen may sting The others till they die. If mother-queen leads off a swarm, A young queen they release. And she may take another swarm, And leave the hive in peace. Another queen is then let out, Perhaps a third and fourth, As many as can raise a swarm, To follow them, not loath; Mother Truth's Melodies. 187 But when no more can swarm and go, Because not bees enough. As I have said, the reigning queen Stings all the rest to death. For in each hive and everywhere, One queen alone will reign. And any interloper meets With sure and sharp disdain. Of workers, some are strong to fly, While some are weak and small, Unfitted quite, for load or flight. Or outside work at all. These last complete the larvae-cells. And nurse and feed the young ; They mix the bee-bread, cleanse the hive. And care for every drone. All bees have stings except the drones, And these, when Autumn nears, Are stung to death with furious wrath. As by the book appears. i88 Mother Trut/is Melodies. And now I hope you children all, Will use your wondrous power To " gather honey all the day, From every opening flower." — " V,0V<- • Mother TtjUJi s JMclodies, 189 BBB R YYY B U YY* * Bees are wise ; Be you wise. Mother Truth's Melodies. 191 HONEY-SWEET. *' Ah, but how do bees make honey ? " Now the children, eager, ask ; And we '11 try to give them answer. If we 're able for the task. See, the under-lip is lengthened, Like a trunk or proboscis, Ending by a kind of button, Fringed with tiny, moving hairs. All along its length, too, fringes, Just the same, are growing forth ; And by means of these, the honey Is conveyed from flowers to mouth. Then the bee has two small stomachs, In the first of which is stored All the honey it can gather, But, when home, 'tis quick out-poured. 192 Mother Trut/is Melodies. Bees have six legs ; and in hindmost. There are baskets found, or bags, Into which the pollen gathered. Is brushed off by the other legs. And this pollen, for the bee-bread And as food for young, they use. Mixed with honey and with water,— Swallowed and disgorged like juice By the nurses, who digest it Partly, for the larvae-food, Taking care that each shall have it. Just according to the brood. Mvther Truih's Melodies. Now we '11 watch and see them working ; See them brush off pollen-dust ; See them, too, disgorge the honey, Into cells the sweetness thrust. 193 Children, with your useful fingers, Hands and arms and feet and head, Do not let the bees surpass you, Making honey, nay, nor bread. 194 Mother Truth's Melodies. WHAT THEY SAY. Those creatures that chew the cud, The" Ruminants " we call, From " Rumen," or the stomach-poucti, In which their food doth fall. A " Species " is a kind Of animals or plants ; — Each species has a different name, And differing traits and wants. — And species may unite To form a Race we know, For race from root is always drawn, And roots must spread and grow. Mother Truth's Melodies. 195 That men and women are The race most choice and fine, We plainly see, and sometimes call, The Htiman Race, Di-Cine. 196 Mother. Truth's Melodies. The noble Horse neighs out, " I am the race Equine, And nearest seem, and dear- est to The ' human race, divine.' ' The Ox and Cow l-o-o, l-o-o, ' ' We are the race Bovine ; And we most useful are, unto The ' human race, divine.' " Mother Truth' s Melodies. 197 The Ass and Mule bray out, " Our race is Assinine, And very like us seem some of The ' human race, divine.' " The Dog bow-wows as race Canine, Canine, Canine ; — igS Mother Truth's Melodies. While Tigers, Cats and Catamounts, G-r-o-w-1, growl, as race Feline. • The Lion, king of beasts (Feline), roars ^'Leonine" ; — The Lamb that's to lie down with him. Ba-a, ba-as for race Ovine. Mother Trutlis Melodies. 199 Fishes in lakes or seas Or rivers sport Piscine ; While birds in air, or cages close, Sing" race Aviiic, Aviitc." ^S£>^ All bees in hives or wild, Hum out the race Apine ; 200 Mother Truth's Melodies. And reptiles all rejoicing crawl In race, Reptilian. I've a name that 's made u]) of three letters alone, — That reads backwards and forwards the same ; I speak without sound, — yes, I talk without tongue, - And to beauty I lay the first claim. A word of three syllables, children, now find. That holds the whole twenty-six letters combined.* The B ing m t, John put some : f stand take you to throw taking . my * Alphabet. \ The grate being empty, John put some coal on. X I understand you undertake to overthrow my undertaking. Mother Truth's Melodies. 20I BRITAIN'S RULERS. Old Britain was under the Romans From fifty-five years before Christ, (SS B. C.) To four hundred fifty-five (455) A. D. When her eight States on home-rule insist. 202 Mother Trut/is Melodies. For many a year now they wrangle, Ah ! yes, for quite three seventy-two, Being ruled now by this king, now that one. As each might the former o'erthrow. But ever since eight-twenty-seven (827), Britain's rulers have reigned by descent, From Egbert, first " Monarch of England," To Victoria, daughter of Kent. A score reigned and fell. — Second Harold In ten-sixty-six (1066), proud, usurps. But soon in fierce battle is conquered By William of Normandy's troops. Then came William the Conqueror, a Norman, Then William the Second, his son ; Then Henry and Stephen and Henry, Then Richard (Coeur de Lion), and John. Next Henry the Third, and First Edward, Edward Second and Third, Richard, two (II), Henrys Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth, and Fourth Edward, Fifth Edward, — Third Richard, they rue. Henry Seventh and Eighth, and Sixth Edward, Then Mar)', Bess, James, and Charles First, — Eleven years then with no monarch ; Second Charles, Second James, not the.worst. Mother TrutJi s JMelodies. 203 Then William and Mary, then Anne, Four Georges, Fourth William, until Came Victoria, long live her queenship. For she wields her proud sceptre with skill. 204 Mother Truth's Melodies. OUR LAND. A ship sailed over the blue, salt sea, For a man, Columbus called. Had thought that the world was round, and he Of the old ideas had palled. So, in fourteen hundred and ninety-two, He sailed across from Spain, And found our continent so new — The " land beyond the main." Mother Truth's Melodies. But jealousies and rivalries And bickerings begun, And Christopher Columbus now With grief was overborne. Americus Vespucius soon Our shores came sailing round, And stole the naming of the land Columbus sought and found ; While he, Columbus, lay in chains. And died in sore distress; Yet won for us who tread his land, A lasting blessedness. 205 Young I-know is saucy and pert. And thinks himself wondrously wise ; But I-know, the second, steps in all so curt. And you'd think that each might lose his eyes. 206 Mother Truth's Melodies. SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC. The annual path of the Sun, The Ecliptic is called, as we see, — And. a belt, eight degrees (8°), on each side, The Zodiac ever will be. The principal planets all seem To move in the zodiac lines, While the belt, of itself, is cut up Into twelve equal parts, called the Signs. And these signs were first named, we are told. From, their fancied resemblance to beasts. Which astronomers thought they could see In the stars, from the West to the East. Mother Trutli s Melodies. 207 There is Aries, the Ram, —then the Bull, Which is Taurus, — then Gemini, Twins ; — Then Cancer, a Crab, — and then Leo, A Lion, — and Virgo, Vir- gin. Next Libra, the Bal- And Scorpio, a Scor- Sagittarius, the Ar ance or Scales, pion (with sting), — cher or Arrow, — Capricomus, a Goat's ^^^HKj^ horn, we bring 208 Mother Truth' s Melodies. Aquarius, the Bearer And Pisces, or Fish of Water ,- from the sea,— All together make twelve,^ — and a wonder It is, that these fancies should be. Mother Truth's Melodies. 209 GRAPHO. HILDREN, you ought to know That Grapho can but mean To picture out, or tell about, Some object or some thing. Now Geo means the earth; And so Geograph)- Means picturing out or telling about This earth of ours, you see. As Phono means a sound, Phonography so terse, Just pictures out or tells about The sounds of the human voice. 2IO Mother Truth's Melodies. As Pliato means the ligJit, Photography must mean A picturing of the light that falls Upon a thing, I ween. Now Astro means the stars ; And hence Astrography Means to describe or tell about The stars we all may see. And then Astronomy Tells all the various laws That govern or relate to stars ; Of their motions tells the cause. Now Bios means a life ; And so Biography Means writing out the life of one, Which we may often see. Zoos means animal ; And your Zoography Describes the animals that live On land or in the sea. Mother Truth's Melodies. Then there's Stenography, A writing narrow, small, Or, as so many call it now, " Short-hand," which tells it all. And then X}-lography — Engraving upon wood ; And Crystallography as well. That tells of crystals good. But these are ographies Enough for now, you think ; Yet when you're older, wiser, grown, You many more will link. 211 212 Mother Truth's Melodies. STOP FAMILY. with a quirk," whispers little Miss Comma, " And you'll please not to pause long for me." " I'm a dot over Comma," says Miss Semicolon, " And you'll pause twice as long where I be." "I am a dot over dot," Master Colon speaks out, "You'll pause longer for me than they say : " " I am one dot alone," Period says with a tone That means : " Stop when you see me — obey ! " Mother Truth's Melodies. 213 I'm a hook over dot," says Dame Interrogation, " I ask questions ; but answer ? O, nay ! " ' I'm a splash over dot," says old Sir Exclamation ; "I show wonder, delight, or dismay ! " ' I'm a line east and west," says Miss Dash, " and I'm best At changing of subjects, you know." — 'I am Dash's small sister," says Hyphen, and kissed her ; " I unite words, or syl-la-bles, so." Then said Marks of Parenthesis, (carefully curved), ■ We inclose what you well may omit ; iut we're often displaced by Miss Dash, (in your haste). Whom you sadly mistake for a wit. " low Apostrophe, Caret, Quotation, exclaimed : " We are corr^mas and,hyphens combined ; Ve leave out, or put in, or reveal to your kin What you've said, when their backs you're behind." 'hen Star, Daggers, Parallels, Paragraph too. Started up, staring wildly about. 214 Mother Truth's Melodies. With "We rise to explain on the margin, 'tis plain, Or to point a new paragraph out." Of the whole Punctuation, each knew his own station, Each did his own duty, we see ; If we do ours as well, and of their's, too, can tell, We shall soon learn good readers to be. "All is not gold that glitters ; " Yet think not, children mine. That all that glitters is not gold ; The true must ring and shine. Mother TrittJis Melodies. 215 LITTLE MISCHIEF. Little Master Mischief Lives in Nellie's eye, Sitting in the corner, Peeping out so sly ; Now he's crossed the snow-ground And in chamber blue, Thinking he is hidden. Peek-a-boos at you. Now he drops the curtain, Sure that he is hid, But you see him dancing Even on the lid. Now, the curtain lifting. You can see he's crept To the inner chamber, Where the love-light slept. Watching now his moment He pops out, and see Mama's spools and thimble Quickly disagree. '••S^ -as^f^ Mother Tritt/i's Melodies. Shall we punish Mischief? Better teach the child How to hold and lead him, Running now so wild. Would she like her playthings Scattered here and there, When she had arranged them ? Would she think it fair ? Would she like her puzzle Portions of it, lost ? Would she like her dishes Everywhere uptossed ? W^ould she like her apron With a missing string, Mama hunting, meanwhile, Thread and everything? Nellie, learn the lesson : Be to others true, — Always do as j'ou would Have them do to you. 2l8 Mother Truth's Melodies. This the dear Lord's precept, — This the Golden Rule,— This the highest lesson In our Nellie's school. gentle and loving, — e kind and polite ; Be thoughtful for others, Be sure and do right. Mother Triitli s Melodies. 2I( GRANDMA'S CAXARY. :^^t^^ Grandma loves her birdy, And when he gayly sings, She will laugh and chat with him, At which he hops and springs. Fearing though that birdy Might not understand, Grandma from the toy-shop, Brought a whistle grand. Tuning now the whistle. To his sweet bird-note, He in singing back to her, Nearly burst his throat. 220 Mother Truth' s Melodies. Birdy, free outflying, Often comes to light On Grandma's tip-of-finger, Or chair- back, pretty sight ! From her hand she feeds him, And he oft will take From her mouth the sugar, With a merry shake. Yester-morn the window Being open wide, Birdy thought it brighter On the outer side. Grandma mourning sadly, Shed of tears a few. Then she prayed the Father, " Show me what to do," Soon she set his cage out On the window^sill, Saying " Birdy '11 come now, Oh, I'm sure he will ! " Mother TrittJi s Melodies. Then she, hopeful, praying " Bring my birdy home," Took the sweet bird-whistle, Playing " Birdy, come." And the birdy hearing, Quickly came and lit On the cage, and shortly Flitted into it. Thankful now was Grandma, To the dear Lord, who. Listening to her prayer, Taught her what to do. 221 222 Mother TrutJiS Melodies. THE MEADOW QUAILS. Over in the meadow where the men make hay, In an elm-tree shadow on a bright summer day, Tw6 speckled quails ponder as to what will be best, Should the stout mower blunder on their pretty home- nest. But a cloud in a minute from her great white bed, Threw a big silver bonnet o'er the sun's golden head; And the quails, though they wondered would their home be beset. Cried aloud, and it thundered: "More wet! more wet ! " Mother Truth's Melodies. 223 Then the great sturdy yeoman coming close to the nest, With the heart of ^ true man beating soft in his breast, Saw the parent quails watching, with what fear who can tell ? Saw the baby-quails hatching, hardly out of the shell. And who knows but he thought of his own precious baby — His dear little daughter in her mother's arms, maybe? For he quickly made over that portion of meadow With the sweetest of clover and the softest of shadow, * To the quails who all summer lived alongside the lane. Ever warning the farmer of the forthcoming rain ; For long ere it thundered — and I hear the cry yet — They would call as they wandered, " More wet ! More wet ! " Didn't-think is a heedless lad And never takes the prize ; Remember-well wins every time. For he is quick and wise. 2 24 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE LITTLE HOUSEWIFE. This little girl knows how to make A batch of bread, or loaf of cake ; She helps to cook potatoes, beets, To boil or bake the fish and meats. She knows to sweep and make a bed ; Can hem a handkerchief for Ned ; s In short, a little housewife she, As busy as the busy bee. Mother Truth's Melodies, 225 Let every girl learn how to do All things that help to make life true ; That serve to keep the home-hearth bright ; That o'er life's burdens throw a light. And then if she may never need Herself to labor, she may lead Her household in the better way. That eft shall bring a brighter day. The boys, too, let them learn to know Of household duties, and to sew ; For oft a button, oft a rip, By sewing, they may save a " fip." Yes, let them know that " woman's work " With many a turn and many a quirk. Is not " a play with straws," as some Would seem to think. 'Tis making home. ^^^^i^ 226 Mother Truth's Melodies. MOTHER-LOVE. " Ar-g-o-o, ar-g-o-o," is the song of songs, To the loving mother's ear ; "Ar-g-o-o, ar-g-o-o," these baby notes Fill all the house with cheer. The baby's laugh, the baby's coo, The baby's every move. Is music, joy, and grace to her. Who is rich in mother-love. Mother Truth's Melodies. 227 The precious pearl that is first unlocked By Nature's mystic key, From out the baby's jewel-box, Makes mamma's jubilee. The day of baby's mastership To raise himself upright, An era marks along the way, By mother-love made light. Her mother-voice lures on his step. Her care protects from harm ; While deeper into her heart he glides. With every opening charm. j^.,nd when he " ma-ma " sweetly says, Or "pa-pa," in her breast His throne is fixed forevermore, — This prince of babes confessed. When threads of thought begin to spin. And webs of mind to weave. When kindling soul looks out at eyes That know not to deceive, — The mother's holiest task to keep Her darling pure and true ; Her constant care, her watchful prayer, Alone can guide him through 228 Mother Truth's Melodies. The maze his youthful feet must tread, And if perchance he fall, Her baby still in him she sees, Her love can cover it all. O, the wondrous love the baby brings, Is far beyond our ken ! We only know that the fount once ope'd Can never be dry again. IT SNO WS ! IT SNO WS ! It snows ! yes, it snows ! and the children are wild, At thought of the fun in the snow-drifts up-piled ; The boy with his first new boots is in sight. And the wee baby-girl, with her mittens so bright ; They are tramping and tossing the snow as they run. And laughing and shouting, so brimful of fun ; While the ten-years-old twins, in a somersault mood. Have measured their length from the barn to the wood, A dozen times, yes, or it may be a score. Till their cheeks are as red as the roses, and more ; Then the elfin of twelve and the boy of fifteen. Are pelting each other with snowballs so keen, That we, who are older, forget to be staid, Mother Truth's Melodies. 229 And shout, each with each, as the youngsters, arrayed In feathery garments, press on or retreat, Determined to win, nor acknowledge defeat. But the children at length, tired out with their play. And stamping the snow from their feet by the way, Come slipping and stumbling and scrambling along, While the big brother catching the baby-girl's song, " Oh, my finders are told ! " gives her now a gay toss. The golden hair streaming like distaff of floss ; — And so cheery the group that is ranged round the board. That for snow, blessed snow we all thank the good Lord. 230 Mother TruWs Melodies. GRANDMA'S LESSONS. " 'Tis guilt to wear the garb of sin, Tliough all be innocent within," These little girls heard grandma say. Mother Truth's Melodies. 23] And wondered if 'twere half in play. But when they're older, wiser grown, And when the world to them is known. They'll learn to shun even seeming ill ; They'll learn with grace their lives to fill, And thank dear grandma o'er and o'er. For this, and many lessons more. " 'Tis guilt to wear the garb of sin. Though all be innocent within." " If you do well by others' ills. You'll do right well," she said, When we would come and tell about The naughtiness of Ned. "Now, children, if you shun the bad You may in others find, And never let yourself be rude. Or naughty, or unkind. You'll learn to do by others' ills Right well," dear grandma said ; " And in the way that's good and true, Your youthful feet shall tread. " 232 Mother Truth's Melodies. HANDSOME DICK. Elzie's kitty, white as snow, Loves his little mistress so, That he '11 come at her command, Lift his paw to shake her hand, Bow his head and kneel to her, Rumpling all his milk-white fur ; — Many another pretty trick, Too, he 's learned, our Elzie's Dick. Mother Truth's Melodies. 233 Well, the Church-Fair coming on, Elzie thought, " What can be done By a little girl like me, In, the cause of charity ? " Mam'a told her she would show Her some fancy work to do, Which a half-a-dozen dimes Sure would bring ; — so, many times Elzie made her fingers fly Neat and nice to form the " tie." Now our Elzie, large and fine. Looks like twelve, though only nine — And the " tie " when quite complete, Was so small, though choice and neat. That it could not be denied, Elzie was not satisfied. So she shook her curly head. As with curious smile she said : " If I were a little girl. Like Nannette or Cousin Pearl, This wee ' tie ' might then appear Just the thing, — but now, I fear. Looking at the ' tie ' and me. We shall seem* to disagree. — ^34 Mother Truth's Melodies. Now, Mamma, don't answer quick ; Stop and think, — my snowy Dick, At the Fair might win some pence, By his wise obedience And his pretty winsome ways Being shown through all the days ; — And, dear Mama, then I should Feel I'd done the best I could." Quickly Mama took the thought. And a royal cage was brought ; Cushion made of scarlet bright, — For our Dicky, pure and white, Thus was wont to perch and sit, — And a collar blue we fit To his neck, when loyalj true. He presents red, white, and blue. Soon the cage is placed within A sly corner, free from din, And with tickets, five cents each, Elzie sought her end to reach. Mother Truth's Melodies. 235 " Handsome Dick ! weight fifteen pounds" — Whispers Elzie, on her rounds ; " What is ' Handsome Dick ' ? " they say ; " Come and see, please, — ^step this way ; " And once seen they 're glad to tell Others of white Dick, as well ; — Por the cat, as knowing' now He must make his courtliest bow, Did his best to help along Elzie's plan, the friends among. 236 Mother Truth's Melodies. Upon his cushion he would stand, Or sit, as Elzie might command ; Then down upon his blanket lie And be wrapped up like. baby-bye ; • Would lap his milk, or dainty, sip, And shake his pretty under-lip, Thus showing teeth as white as pearl, — Then round and round would quickly whirl, Till each one seeing, cheerful, said : ■" For that five cents, I'm sure we 're paid." Thus the three days passing by, Which the Fair must occupy — Dollars ten — ah, yes ! and more, Elzie holds within her store ! Dues for cage and tickets met, And the ten is Elzie's yet, — Which unto the Fair she gave With an air so joyful-grave, That it seemed a spirit bright. Nestled in her heart so light ; — And a happier child than she, We may never hope to see. Mother Triitlis Melodies. 237 THE DINNER-POT. The homeliest things are highest worth, The dinner-pot s a treasure Compared with diamonds, chains, and rings. Which serve alone for pleasure ; — Enwreathe the dinner-pot with flame. And fill it with love's mixings. And it possesses charms beyond All gold or fancy fixings. And then, our bony frame-work, too. So stiff and hard and homely, Will serve when plumpness all is gone. And lost is all that 's comely. Fling beauty, grace, and sweetness round. Festoon your lives with flowers. But ne'er forget that plainest things Are life's most precious dowers. 238 Mother Truth's Melodies. DARE TO SA V NO. Dear children, you are sometimes led To sorrow, sin, and woe, Mother Truth's Melodies. 239 Because you have not courage quite, And dare not answer, No. When playmates tell you this, or that Is " very nice to do," See first what mama says, or if You think 'tis wrong, say No. Be always gentle, but be firm, x\nd wheresoe'er you go, If you are asked to do what's wrong, Don't fear to answer, No. False friends may laugh and sneer at you, — - Temptations round you flow. But prove yourself right brave and true, And firmly tell them. No. Sometimes a thing that's not a sin, You may be asked to do, — But when you think it is not best, Don't 5'ield, but answer. No. True friends will honor you the more, Ah, yes, and false ones too. When they have learned you're not afraid To stand and answer. No. 240 Mother Truth's Melodies, And when temptations rise within, And plead to " come," or " go," And -do a wrong for "just this once," Be sure you answer, No. For when you once have done a Wrong, The Right receives a blow, — And Wrong will triumph easier now, So haste and answer. No. There's many a little boy and girl, And man and woman too, Have gone to ruin and to death For want of saying, No ! So, young or old, or great or small, Don't fail, whate'er you do. To stand for Right, and nobly dare To speak an honest No. Mothei' Truth' s Melodies. 241 ASK MOTHER. Yes my darling, when you question, I will answer, simple, plain, Just the Truth ; — and when a playmate Tells you anything again. Come to Mother, she will tell you. Yes, and tell you always true. For she knows what 's low and sinful, And what 's right and wrong for you. TELL MOTHER. 'Tis wrong, my dear, to do a thing That mother must not know ; — And when your playmates, old or young, Shall tell you thus to do, Leave them at once, and quickly come To your dear Mother's side. And tell her,— for she '11 know what 's wrong, And she will be your guide. 242 Mother TrutKs Melodies. DON'T TELL A LIE. Don't tell a lie, dear children, No matter what you do, — Mother Trtitlis Melodies. 243 Own up, and be a hero, Right honest, brave, and true. You d better have a whipping Each day than tell a lie, — No, not a " white one," even, They lead to blackest dye. The rod but hurts your body. While lies deform your soul ; — Don't mind the present smarting, Keep the spirit pure and whole. But I am sure that mama And papa, too, will try To help you children tell the Truth, Nor drive you to a lie. They will not punish harshly. Nor when they 're angry, quite ; « Nor promise, and then fail to do, — But always lead you right. 244 Mother Truth's Melodies. LITTLE MOSES. LiTTLEMOSE.s In the Talmud you will find it, — In the quaint and curious lore Of the ancient priests, or Rabbins, Whom the people bowed before ; Find the story of an infant Sitting on the kingly knee ; " Little Moses," Pharaoh calls him, — Crowing loud in baby glee. Mother TrutKs Melodies. 245 And the banqueters were cheering, When the infant with a spring, Reached and caught the crown that rested Upon Pharaoh's head, as king. Caught the crown, and quickly placed it On his own unwitting head ; But the king and all his princes. In the deed a meaning read. Then spake Balaam, the magician, " Not because the child is young, Hath he done this thing unknowing ; — He hath mocked thee, he hath flung " In thy face thy kindly dealings ; Such hath ever been the way Of his people ; a usurper — Let his blood be spilled this day." But the winsome baby-fingers Toying with the kingly beard, Won the edict : " Call the judges ; Let their counselings be heard." 246 Mother TrutJis Melodies. So the judges and the wise men Came with Jethro, Midian's priest, Who, with wish to save young Moses, Thus his majesty addressed : " If it to the king be pleasing. Fetch two plates, and we will hold Them before the babe, a-brimming. One with fire, and one with gold. " If the child shall grasp the golden, He hath done this knowingly ; He will trample on thy statutes ; For thine honor he must die. " But if he shall grasp the other. Know, O King, he knoweth nought Of a royal crown or scepter, — And his life with fire is bought." These wise words, the king approving, Plate of fire and plate of gold. Courtiers brought, and screams of anguish Soon the'childish choosing told. Mother Truth's Melodies. 247 For he, baby-like, had thrust it In his mouth ; and though he flung Quick the coal, he ever after Spake with slow and stammering tongue.* harming 'tis to see hildren who agree ; haste, and choice, and cheery, himing in so merry, hildlike, ever ; hurlish, never. hampioning the good ; hallenging the rude. hary as the dove ; hief in Jesus' love. * Ex. iv. 10. 248 Mother Truth! s Melodies. THE CHILDREN'S RAHROAD. Old Time has built a Railroad, On which you children speed To a land of light and plenty, Or a land of darksome need ; And soon you '11 come to a meadow, Where two tracks mark the way, But they '11 run close up alongside For many and many a day. And one is strewn with roses, ^S While one looks bleak and bare, With now and then a ber- ry-bush, And a violet here and there ; — Mother Truth's Melodies. On one you '11 find companions Who but for pleasure seek, While friends along the other, Will words of wisdom speak. 249 Be careful in )-our choosing, For if you take the Right, You will travel in the shadow Of the Rock that shields at night ; 'T will lead througli greenest pastures, Where softest brooklets flow. And land you at a Station That is full of cheer and glow. 250 Mother Truth's Melodies. On the other track, the roses Are backed by sharpest thorns ; While berries always nourish, And the violet but adorns ; — You will stumble into sluices. And what is worse than all, Your self-respect and conscience Grow weak with every fall. Yes, if you choose the other, That looks so bright and gay. You '11' find the bridges broken. And the road-bed washed away; And when you near the Station, You '11 switch to a fearful leap. That will hurl you into darkness. And bury you in the deep. But those who choose the Right one, Grow manly, womanly, true ; God's love-light shines upon them, And falls as heavenly dew ; — They grieve at yo«ir wild folly. And will gladly help you back, If at any curve or turning You seek the trusty track. Mother Trtctlis jMelodies. ^Sr But ah ! the scars you 're wearing, From thorns that pierced you sore,- 252 Mother Trtith's Melodies. And the ditches in which you 've fallen, That were strewn with roses o'er ; — And the joys you 've lost, unnumbered. That spring from good deeds done ; — ■ And the fruits you 've missed, unmeasured, That by others have been won. Though friends may be indulgent, And loved ones even forget, Yourself can never banish The memories that beset. You will wish you had never travelled The way that leads to death ; You will v/ish you had never revelled In the viper's venomed breath. So beware which track you follow ; And again I say, beware ! The False is strewn with roses, — The True looks bleak and bare ; But this, 't is plain, is only That youthful, artless eyes Are open to show and glamour But see not deep nor wise. ^Mother Truth's Melodies. 253 To Truth then, children, Hsten, And cultivate the seed That in your hearts God planted, To serve your every need ; — Yes, heed the voice within you, And follow it all the way, For it \\ill help you choose the road That leads to endless day. 254 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE "PHCEBE'S" NEST IN THE OLD WELL- WHEEL. " Phce-be, phcE-be," why, 'tis a little bird, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," singing the pretty word ; " Phoe-be, phoe-be," brown feathers cover him, Gray breast, with blackish stripes scattered all over him, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," here comes his little mate, " Phce-be, phoe-be," both on the garden gate, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," lovingly now they trill, Planning to build a nest in the old well-wheel. " Phce-be, phce-be," now the nest is begun ; " Phoe-be, phoe-be," now it is nearly done, " Phce-be, phoe-be," how will the birdies feel. When the egg is dropped down, with the turn of the wheel. ' " Phoe-be, phoe-be," children are sorry now, " Phoe-be, phce-be," birds all a-worry now, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," laying eggs day by day, While the turn of the wheel ever drops them away. Mother Truth's Melodies. 255 " PhcE-be, phce-be," never the lesson learned, " Phoe-be, phce-be," year by year they returned, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," building persistently. Where the turn of the wheel dropped the eggs all away. Phoe-be, phce-be, yet not in vain you wrought, Phce-be, phce-be, for, by your folly taught, Phoe-be, phoe-be, children plan so to build, That no eggs may be lost by the turn of life's wheel. 256 Mother Truth's Melodies. MABEVS SNO W-FEA THERS. Listen, children, while I tell you What our merry Mabel said When she saw the feathery snow-flakes Tumbling down about her head. Clapping hands and dancing gayly, " Mama, mama, come and see ! Come and see the feathers, mama, Soft and white as they can be ! " Mother Truth's Melodies. 257 Standing then a moment, pondering As it were, whence came the snow, Little face so wise and thoughtful, Mabel cried : " Oh, now I know, " There are lots of eider ducklets Up in Heaven, above the blue, And they're dropping off their feathers, — And such downy feathers, too ! " See them frolic with each other ; See them kiss as fast they fly ; See them make believe they're going to, Then go gayly flitting by. " See them, on the Spruce and Balsam, Pile up little soft, fat hands ; See their many plump, white cushions ; See them wave their fairy wands. > " See the.showers of flying feathers Whisking 'round in merry moods ; See, the telegraph their perch is, — Oh, I'm sure they're almost birds ! " 258 Mother Truth's Melodies. Now she fancies she can hear them Whisper of their ducklet birth ;— Hear their soft and wean-y quacklings, As they tumble down to earth. Wow she listens for the jingle Of the sleigh-bells they will bring ; Now she sees the flying horses. Prancing gayly at their ring. Lovely are these fleecy feathers, Dainty in each rare device ; All unlike our ducklet feathers, — White and soft, but cold as ice. Mother T^-utli s JMelodies. # ^ m ,; \A/. -¥ Wy U^ '■S9 Yet they cover, warmly cover Mother Earth so bleak and brown ; Cover her with feathery mantles, Comforters of eider-down. 26o Mother Truth's Melodies. FOREST TREES. HILDREN, have you seen the budding Of the trees in valleys low ? Have you watched it creeping, creeping Up the mountain, soft and slow ? Weaving there . a plush- like mantle, Brownish, grayish, red- dish green, Changing, changing, daily, hourly. Till it smiles in emerald sheen ? Have you watched the shades so varied, From the graceful, lithe white birch, Faint and tender, to the balsam's Evergreen, so dark and rich ? Have you seen the quaint mosaics Gracing all the mountain-sides, Where they, mingling, intertwining, Sway like softest mid-air tides ? Mother Truth's Melodies. 261 Have you seen the autumn frostings Spread on all the leafage bright, — Frostings of the rarest colors, Red and yellow, dark and light ? Have you seen the glory painted On the mountain, valley, hill. When the landscape all illumined, Blazons forth His taste and skill ? Have you seen the foliage dropping. Tender cling, as loth to leave Mother-trees that taught them deftly, All their warp and woof to weave ? Have you seen the leafless branches Tossing wildly 'gainst the blue ? Have you seen the soft gray beauty Of their wintry garments' hue ? Have you thought the resurrection Seen in Nature year by year, Is a symbol of our rising In a higher, holier sphere ? Children, ye are buds maturing; Make your autumn rich and grand, That your winter be a passage Through the gates to Glory-land. ?62 Mother Truth's Melodies. CHILDHOOD FANCIES. The twilight gray is falling, Now list and you shall hear The footsteps of the sylphid fays,- This- is their hour of cheer. List to the gentle patter On each wee blade of grass, As it is bent, and back again, Whene'er the fairies pass. Mother Truth! s Melodies. 263 Upon the tips of grasses They cross the meadows, lawn, And laugh and dance and play and sing, From twilight hour till dawn. They light their myriad lanterns. And hang them in the arch Of blue that canopies o'erhead, And by their light they march. They sometimes miss a fairy, And take a lantern down To search for her, and mortals say : "A fire-fly flits around." On leaves they hang their diamonds, Their pearls in every flower ; Their gauzy veils upon the grass, They spread for fairy bower. Their slender swings are hanging On every shrub, across ; Their seats are dainty cushion-beds Of green and springy moss. 264 Mother Truth's Melodies. Their shrubbery of coral Is gray and scarlet-tipped ; Their hair. upon the maize is hung Each Summer, when 'tis clipped. The mushroom forms their table, Their dishes, acorn-cups ; The ant-hills are their barracks high ; Their cannon, " henrlofck pops." 'Their scarfs of plush are lying On ripening grape and peach ; Their sea-shells 'neath the apple-trees, Each Spring bestrew their beach. They paint the leaves in Autumn ; They make a tiny rink Of every puddle, fen, and dike, And skate from nave to brink. They brown the nuts in forests, The burrs they open wide ; They lure the feathers from the clouds, And pile them up, to sHde. Mother Truth's Melodies. 265 They build along the way-side Their fairy palisades, — The " hoar-frost " some have christened it,- And hold West Point parades. They sketch upon the windows, Such pictures as no power Of man can ever execute, And on them pearl-dust shower. 266 Mother^ Truik's'Meivdies.' All these and myriad fancies That never can be told, My childhood days so new and sweet, In memory infold. But mother softly whispers, " 'Tis not the Fays, my dears, 'Tis old Dame Nature's song of songs. The ' Music of the Spheres.' " List ever for it, children, 'Twill bring you close to God ; Each sound but echoes Him who made, Each motion is His nod." ASTE not, want not," bfe your motto, — Little things . bring weal or woe ; , Save the odds and ends, my children. Some one wants, them, if not you. Moiher Truik's Melodies. 267 LIZZIE AND THE ANGELS. Little Lizzie, thoughtful, earnest, Springing up at break of day, Thinks she heard the angels whisper Softly, as she knelt to pray. 268 Mother Truth's Melodies. " Yes, they whispered to me, mamma, And they told me lots of things, — And they said, ' O Lizzie, Lizzie, 'Tis your temper trouble brings ! ' " Then they said : ' You, child, can never Be a woman good and true, If you let your fiery temper And your own will govern you ; ' And they told me 'even Jesus Said, ' Thy will, not mine, be done,' And that if I grow up wilful. All my life I can but mourn. "And they told me, too, dear mamma, That if I were called to die, I could not be glad in heaven. For no'heaven in me would lie. Now, what shall I do, dear mamma. That I may be good and true ? How shall I my temper govern, And my wicked will subdue ? " "Lizzie, darling, if you listen. You will hear a voice within. Mother Truth's Melodies. 2.69 That will tell you every moment. What is Right, and what is Sin. But you must not disobey it. Or it will grow faint and weak, You must watch to catch its whispers. Hurry when you hear it speak. 270 Mather Truth's Melodies. " For if you should linger, waiting, There's another voice will say : ' Never mind, nobody '11 know it,. Even though you disobey.' And this other voice, this Tempter, Sure will lead you to the wrong, While the voice of the good angel Fills your life with cheer and song. " In your play and in your working. You the Golden Rule must heed ; Do by others as you'd have them Do by you, if in their stead. Better far to i>ear and suffer Than to do a wrong, my child ; Better give up every pleasure, Than to be by sin beguiled. " In your eating, in your drinking, In your clothing, in your talk, You can glorify the Father, Or in wickedness can walk. For your little body, Lizzie, God has said, ' Keep holy^ pure,' Mother Truth's Melodies. 271 'Tis His' ' temple ' He has lent you, — Keep its every gate secure. " What you eat and drink makes muscles, Bones and nerves, and brain and thought ; And by food and drink improper, Fearful evils may be wrought. Much of meat and spice and candies, Makes your blood impure, and then All your body's in a jangle, And your temper's wild again. " And your clothes, if tight or heavy. Help to make your blood impure ; Help to make you weak and wicked, Into evil ways to lure. Foul air, too, your blood will poison; Sitting up too late at night ; All these things will make it harder For you, child, to do the right. " Bad companions also lead you To the wrong, and tempt you sore To defy the voice within you. Till it, grieved, will speak no more, — 2 72 Mother Truth's Melodies. Do not hesitate to tell them You can not their ways approve. Do not yield to their enticements ; Tell them ' No !' with firmness, love. " Do not ever let a single Word unkind, nor coarse, impure, Pass your lips ; for these will lead you Toward the bad, you may be sure. Do not let a playmate tell you Anything that must be kept As a secret from your mother ; — Something's wrong, so don't accept. " Always tell a thing precisely As it is ; don't try to make It more fine and entertaining ; Tell the truth for Truth's dear sake. Never lay a finger, darling. On what is not quite your own, Lest temptation overtake you. And your honesty be gone. " In the silence of your chamber. When no human being's nigh. Mother Truth's Melodies Don't forget that God is with you, Watching with all-seeing eye ; Don't forget that He will know it If you do a thing that's wrong ; Keep yourself so pure and perfect, That your life shall be His song. " Now, dear child, the blessed Jesus Always, when you wish it, hears, Giving help to those who ask it, Lightening woes and lessening fears. Follow always His example ; Take His precepts for your guide ; Learn to trust Him, for He's walking Ever loving at your side." 273 2 74 Mother Trutlis Melodies. CHILD-MEMORIES. ^i^rrC? Was ever so sweet the clover, Was ever so clear the brook, As my child-days, over and over. Found fresh in the dear home-nook ? Mother Truths Melodies. 275 Was ever such grace of motion, Or ever such trills of song, As the birds in mid-air ocean, Poured childhood's plays among ? Were ever so bright the noondays, Were ever the skies so blue. Or so soft the slanting moon-rays, As stole my childhood through ? Was ever so dear a mother, Or a child so sweet, I pray. As my blue-eyed baby-brother, In the time so far away ? Was ever so true boy-lover, — O, ever such pictures bright, As my child-days, over and over, Reflect by memory's light ! 276 Mother Truth's Melodies, THE LITTLE STREET SWEEPER. Look at that little girl sweeping the crossing ; See how the mud her bare legs is embossing ! And her feet are so slippered with mud, that it seems As though from the ground she grew up 'mongst the teams ; And why she's not run over surely 's a wonder, Standing there sweeping, the horses' feet under. See her close curls and her bright, beaming eye ; Though fearless, the glance, you perceive, is half shy, Mother Truth's Melodies. ^77 As so lightly she swings her wet broom, and so true, — Let us cross, and we'll give her a penny or two. But wait, now a passer-by hands her a penny ; Just see her bright glance twinkle over to Benny, The little hunchback sitting there on the curb-stone. Close up to the lamp-post, that he may disturb none. His crutches beside him a sorry tale tell ; But see, he's a basket of knick-nacks to sell ; And a lady has bought for her child a to}- whip, And now from her port-monaie gi\"es him the scrip, But refuses the change, — and with tears in his eyes, He thanks her and blesses, with grateful surprise ; — And the glance the boy now flashes over to Jenny, Is as bright as she gave him when she got the penny. O, I've seen them so many times ! ahva}-s together, Always happy and cheery, in bright or dull weather ; For though he makes the most when it 's fair, as they show me, Yet she does the best when it's muddj- and stormy. Watch, now, her quick smile of such pleased recogni- tion ; — To win it I oft come this wa)- on my mission. But see, she dra^vs back as I offer the penny, 2 78 Mother Truth's Melodies. And modestly says, " Madam, please keep the money, For you know 'tis a pleasure to me to be sweeping The path for you, lady ; " and, all the time keeping Her broom just before us to brush the least speck, The sweet smiles in her eyes her whole being be- deck. So I keep it, for she has as good claim as I To the right to do favors — and none will deny That " It is more blessed to give than receive," And her sweep is far more than my pennies to give. But we'll stop and see Benny, and make it up there, For in all that each gets they will both have a share. A nice little bib for my baby at home, — A patent tape-measure, and mother-pearl comb ; And Benny's pale face lightens up with a glow Such as angels rejoice in ; — now, Maud, we must go ; But to Benny : " I'm thinking to-night I may come And bring my friend with me, to see your new home." " O, if you will! " says the child with delight Rippling over his face like a sunbeam — and quite As joyously, Jenny: " O, madam, please do, For we've something at home that we want to show you ! " So when 'tis near night-fall we take the short car JMother Tr7itli5 Melodies. 279 That off through West Fourth Street goes winding afar, And away to the Hudson, almost, we shall find A lone-seeming tenement cuddled behind Huge heaps of fresh lumber so piney and sweet, While everything round there is charmingly neat. — Yes, the children are home and as gay as a lark. While the good mother greets us with pleasure ; — but hark ! A baby-cry comes from the bedroom beyond, And Jenny brings forth a sweet, sunny-haired blonde, Saying: "This is the something we wanted to show you. This two-years-old baby-girl — why, does she know you ? She holds out her hands to go to you so soon ! " "Ah! she feels we are friendly ; -hear now her soft croon. But how came she here, child?" "We found her just over The lumber-yard fence, with a board for a cover. Wrapped up in a blanket marked Bertha." " But why Do you not to the charity mission apply?" "0, we want her ourselves! And the good Lord, through you, 28o Mother Truth's Melodies. Has given us this home, so what else should we do, Than to keep what he sends ? And we're sure he sent Berty, In place of our baby that died, little Myrtie ! " And here these poor people, so poor they were starv- ing When I found them a few months ago, were now halv- ing Their food and their home with this waif and with Benny — For he was an orphan child left by his granny. Who died in the attic just over their room, In the tumble-down house they before-time called home ; — Though they've four of their own, and the eldest is Jenny, The little street-sweep who would not take the penny, Yet they say, " Benny seems quite as much to belong here. And be one of our children, as if he were born here." O, how many rich homes where no child is given. Might be made, for poor orphans, an opening to Heaven 1 Mother Truth's Melodies. 2bi And how many, poorer, might seem to be rich. With a Benny or Bertha to fill up the niche That is left 'neath the hundreds of home-roofs all over. Which the Lord has designed sonje poor orphan shall cover ; For He makes His home where His children are moored, — And brings in His wealth where they live by His word ; And the meal and the oil there shall never be spent ; — What we give to the poor, to the Lord we have lent. A baby to feed, is a baby to love ; A child in the house, " a well-spring " from above, — And never forsaken, and ne'er begging bread, Shall be those who take care that His lambs are well fed. 282 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE HERE THERE AND EVERYWHERE FAMH V. I am always in a buzz, Though I'm never in a fret, But I'm ever with a zealot in his zeal; I am in the zephyr-breath, Yet with zest have often met The zero mark, that brings the ice-man weal. I've to do with the yoke, but not with the ox ; I help every priest in his prayer ; I am new every year, and in four months appear, While I yield to the yeoman a share. I live in a Lexicon, I mark half a score ; I ride with a Mexican, In Texas, for lore. Mother Truths Melodies. 2S3 I am in every wing, yet I'm not in a dove ; I wait in the swing to be tossed up above. I live in the woods, and I perch on the wall ; I am in the wild waves, though I sail in a yawl. I am mingled with your victuals, yet I 'm never in your mouth ; I always lead the van and must forever stem the wave; I grow in every gravel bed, East, West, or North, or South, And although I'm with the living, you will find mc in the grave. I live in the urn, but not in the vase ; I ah\ays can run, but I never can race. I tumble and jump, but I can't hop nor skip ; 'i^' I hide in your mouth, but I ne'er touch your lip. I'm doubled up in a patty-pan. Yet I never saw a pie ; I hide in the boy's first pair of boots. Nor pass his mittens by. 284 Mother Truth! s Melodies. I am always in sadness, yet never know grief; Then, too, I'm in gladness, which gives me relief. I know not the ocean, but swim in the sea. And the stars and the sunshine were not, but for me. I live at both ends of a river, ^ My home is the center of art ; I am found both in arrows and quiver, Yet I quietly rest in your heart. I lead the queen, yet never walk Without you (u) at my heels ; I laugh at every question queer. And joy in piggy's squeals. I perch on every pepper-pod, I peer in every place ; I prance with every palfrey gay, Yet never run nor race. Mother Truth's Melodies. 285 Listen, children, and you'll hear me in the cooing of the dove ; In the lowing of the kine and the crowing of the cocks ; I am in your joy or sorrow, and I come to }'ou in love, And you '11 find me safely hidden in the middle of your box. I live in the moon, yet I visit the sun. I've twice blest the noon, and I've twice kissed a nun ; I was in the beginning, yes, double and treble. And wherever 's an end I am always the middle. I, too, live in the moon, }-et I ne'er saw the sun ; I ne'er blest the noon, and I ne'er kissed a nun. I'm one of the many, and in at each mess. Though I've never a penny, I'm not in distress. I sing in ever)' lullaby, I'm out in every squall ; I ring in every shilling piece. And roll in every ball. 286 Mother Trutlis Melodies. I am baked in a cake, but I never see bread. I can fork hay, and rake, but I can't lie in bed ; I can like, but not love ; though no doe, I'm with the buck ; I'm in kite, but not dove ; and I'm always in luck. I am in a baby-jumper, and with joy I laugh and sing. But I quickly find myself shut up in jail, Where I pass my time in jokes, or per- haps in conjuring, Till I lead the Judge, who says I'm "out on bail." I live in an Inn, yet I never taste beer, I never smoke, chew, nor use snuff; I am seen in high life, yet I'm true to my wife, And now I have told you enough. At the door of a hut I must stand, it is true. Yet of the king's household I'm one ; I revel in heather all wet with the dew, And yet I am never in fun. Mother Trutlis Melodies. -87 I grow in grace, yet gayety Would have no place except for me; I greet the gardener with a grin, E'en though I lie the grave within. I'm with the King, yet shun the Queen ; I walk in gray, ah! yes, in green; I gleam in gold, yet live in gloom. And at a wedding kiss the groom. I am in the farmer's field, I am fresh in all his fruits ; I'm in all his forests wide, But I'm not in his pursuits. Twice told, I'm in Eternity, And yet I live in time ; I eat and sleep in every place. Yet soar in the sublime. I darken your doors and your windows, And if you are deaf, dumb, or blind, You may know I am always quite ready, Your duds or your dainties to find. 288 Mother Truth's Melodies. Though I live in the ocean so blue, Yet I never am seen in the sea ; I can cast a sheet-anchor, 't is true, And captains depend upon me. I grow in the bean, And to beauty I lean, And when buttercups bloom I am there ; I I bend the boys' bow. And the bugle I blow. Till I wake the Kamtchatcadak bear. I lead out the ape, and I'm seen in the glass ; I hide in the grape, and I'm found in the grass. I was there in the garden when Adam was made, Not to help them to sin, though I stood in their shade. \'ou can not have an apple, an orange, a pear. But in each and in all, I must have my full share. You can not eat nor speak, nay, nor hear, without me ; Tliat I'm chief 'mong my fellows, you all must agree. Mother Truth's Melodies. 289 SOMEBODY'S BOY. List to the ring of the midnight song ! 'Tis somebody's boy ; The winds give to every wild echo a tongue, — Yes, somebody's boy ; The witch of the revel has waved her wand Over somebody's boy ; And the spirit of evil has clasped the hand Of somebody's boy. Comes now a yell on the midnight air From somebody's boy ; Reckless, defiant, and devil-may-care. Is somebody's boy. Foul is the bed, madly dark the dank cell, Where somebody's boy Is writhing in torture, the veriest hell, — Yet, somebody's boy. Waiting and watching a mother's eyes weep For somebody's boy ; The vigil, dear Father, O help her to keep ! For somebody's boy. 290 Mother Truth's Melodies. Throw round him, and over, thy Spirit to save, — This somebody's boy. Ere fiends for his lost soul shall hollow the grave Of somebody's boy. Fill with thy Spirit, too, our hearts we pray, That somebody's boy We may watch for, and snatch from the death-trodder way, — Yes, somebody's boy. Mother Truth's Melodies. 291 QUIRKS. A little word of letters five That means bound fast together ; Transpose but two, and you will find A scattering yon and hither. UNITE— UNTIE. And now a word of letters four Five perfect words will make, If you transpose and rightly place ; 'Tistrue, and no mistake. LEVI— LIVE— VILE— EVIL— VEIL. Now five are found. With spring and bound A twist or turn to take. And ere we know. All in a row. Five other words they make. The times are bad. The items sad, The mites must meet their fate ; To smite the rock Emits a shock That hurls us from the gate. TIMES— ITEMS— MITES— SMITE— EMITS. 292 Mother Truth's Melodies. US *The great watchful eye is over us through Time and in Eternity. Mother Truth's Melodies., 293. THE LADDIE- AND LASSIE-BIRDS. L\!V*- Come sit with me in the green-wood bower, While I sing you a song of love ; — 'Tis the song of the birds In the deep, wild woods, 'Tis the song of the sweet ring-dove. The laddie-bird says-, ^' I have come to woo ; " — And the lassie-bird, " Ah ! coo, coo, coo, coo." 294 Mother Truths Melodies. The laddie-bird says, " With a hope to win," — And the lassie-bird, " Coo, coo, that is no sin." The laddie-bird says, " Together we'll dwell," And the lassie-bird says, " In the Linden dell." The laddie-bird says, " And build our nest," And the lassie-bird says, '' In the tree to the West" The laddie-bird says, " And raise our brood," And the lassie-bird says, " In the sweet solitude." The laddie-bird says, " Till they're fit to fly," And the lassie-bird, " Yes, to the blue, blue sky." The laddie-bird says, '* Let us hie away ; " — And the lassie-bird, " Yes, and begin to-day." The laddie-bird says, " I will take this moss," — And the lassie-bird sayg, " And I, this floss." Mother Truth's Melodies. 295 The laddie-bird says, " And we '11 love so true ; " And the lassie-bird, " Ah, yes, coo, coo, coo." 'Tis the old-new song that the birds have sung, Aye, the birds of every race. Since the world was planned, And came forth from the hand Of the Maker, aglow with grace. 'Tis the song they will sing till time is o'er,— Tis the stream that from Paradise gushed ; 296 Mother Truth's Melodies. And the. music that flows When the love-light glows, Will never, no, never be hushed.