LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. LB wni %p ^IJM^y l^J Shelf ..iAa- UNITED ST4.TES OF AMERICA. ^ Mother Truth's MELODIES COMMON SENSE FOR CHILDREN. A KINDERGARTEN, MRS. Er^P. MILLER, AUTHOR OF "A FATHER'S ADVICE: A BOOK FOR EVERY BOY," AKD "A mother's advice: a BOOK FOR EVERY GIRL." ll^ 450 Illustrations. NEW AND ENLARGED EDITION. /^^cOP'^RiO^iJ^^V ^ CHICAGO: FAIRBANKS & PALMER PUBLISHING CO. 1SS7. Lb/n.y .447 COPYRIGHT BY Fairbanks & Palmer Publishing Co. 1881 & 1887. To all who love the Children, This book, IKSCRIBED, I bring — Thus reaching forth to draw you Within my charmed ring, Where seeds and germs we'll 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 knozving 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 falsehood and false ideas. The putting of facts in such form as to attract the atten- tion 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 illustrations 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 altogethei", 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 Kitten, my Kitten, WiNKUM, WiNKUM, Baby's Bell, , Willy-nilly, Baby's Record, Sleep, Little Sweetey, . 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, Whiskum, The Jack-Horse, Hi-diddle diddle, The Rain, Feed the Birdies, Rock-a-bye, The Snowball, Little Bo-peep The Tea Party, Tell it Again, Mother, Little Jack Horner, Little Boy Blue, Miss Velvet Paws, . PAGE. 13 14 15 16 17 iS 19 20 22 23 24 26 30 31 32 33 34 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 49 50 51 52 54 55 56 lO Contents. V\G\. Polly Hopkins, -S7 A, B, C, 5S C-A-T Spells Cat, . . 64 The Kitten. ....... C7 Dolly Dimple, ..... 70 If You Please, ...... 75 The Poor Little Chick-a-Dees, • 76 Heigh-ho, Daisies and Buttercups, . 80 The Pony, Si Baby's Reckoning, ...... 86 Two Little Pink Shoes, .... S8 Baby Pearl, 90 My Valentine, 91 Fee-fi-fo-fum ....... 92 The Oxen, 100 The Broken Pitcher, ...... 104 The Elephants, ...... . 105 The Wind, the Fog, the Rain, the Snow, . 106 Truth, no Hl-DIDDLE, Ho-DiDDLE . . . . . 112 What is the Axis, ...... 116 Heat and Cold, ....... 119 Harley's Dream, 120 Our Language Key, ...... 123 The Speech Family, ..... . 124 Number and Gender, ...... 126 One Little Chicken, ..... . 127 Letters, ........ 12S Words, ........ 129 A Smile, ........ 131 Twinkle, Twinkle, ...... 132 Old Sol in a Jingle, 134 "Robert of Lincoln," ..... ■ 137 Li.mpy-dimpydingle, ...... 13S Castle Wonderful, . 140 The Rattle of the Bones, . . . . , 148 Contents, 1 1 PAGE. Wholly Hole-y, • '53 The Breath o' Life, ....... 156 Three Little Girls, ....... 157 Temperance Child, ....... 158 Listen, Children, ........ 159 TiCK-TocK, Tick-tock, i6o Curious Trees; the Cow-Tree, the Sugar-Pine, the Butter-Tree, the Bread-fruit Tree, the Clove- Tree, 161 The Tree Village, .... . . 166 No Eyes, 168 The Mammoth Cave, ....... 170 The Camels, 172 Key Notes, i77 The Bears, 178 The Bear, a Blessing, ...*.. 181 Fruits, .... ..... 1S3 The Raccoon, ........ 184 The Bank Swallows, ....... 190 The Mocking Bird, 194 The Busy Bees, 196 Honey Sweet, ........ 205 What They Say 208 Britain's Rulers, • 215 Our Land, . . . . . . . . .218 Signs of the Zodiac, 220 Grapho, . . . 223 The Stop Family, 226 Little Mischief, ........ 229 Grandma's Canary, 233 Baby's Faith, 236 The Meadow Quails, 238 The Little Housewife, ....... 240 Mother-Love, ........ 242 It Snows! It Snows! 244 An Old Saw, 247 12 Contents. The Dandelion Blossom, Sunshine, Our Ethel, Little Girl's Letter to God, Granx)ma's Lessons, My Little Four Year Old, Handsome Dick, Bessie's Kisses, The Dinner Pot, Nanny's Play, Nanny's Lesson, Nanny's Ridk, The Race, Our Kenneth, My Ten Year's Old, Dare to Say No, Ask Mother; Tell Mother, Don't Tell a Lie, Little Moses, . The Children's Railroad, . The Phcebe's Nest in the Old Well Mabel's Snow-Feathers, Forest Trees, , . . . Childhood Fancies, Lizzie and the Angels, Child Memories, .... Nelly and Ned, .... The Clamberers, The New White Jattet, Remember the Poor, The Little Street Sweeper, The Here, There and Everywhere Family, Quirks, ....... Somebody's Boy, ...... The Laddie- and Lassie Birds, The Great Watch full I. . Wheel, PAGE. 24S 250 250 2CO 261 266 267 26S 272 276 283 284 287 28S 291 292 294 298 304 306 310 312 317 324 326 329 330 331 332 338 345 366 34S 352 MOTHER TRUTHS MELODIES. WHY FLY A WA Y, MOTHER GOOSE ? " Mother Goose, Mother Goose, Why fly away ? " " Because Mother Truth is W A-coming to-day. She'll tell you funny things. But they'll be true ; She'll bring you pictures So charming and new ; She'll sing you Melodies, helping to show How, to true women and men, you may grow." 14 Toss the Baby. TOSS THE BABY. Toss the baby high in air ; Catch him though, with special care Lest his Httle back be strained, Lest his little joints be sprained, Lest his bones be bent or broken ; Lest through life he bear some token ( / Of a careless toss or fall, That for sympathy shall call, -siifeC And that must forever be Painful to our memory. Pat-a-cake, Pat-a-cake. 15 PAT-A-CAKE, PAT-A-CAKE. Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, Mamma'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 Hey^ My Kittoi, My Kitten. HE V, MY KITTEN, MY KITTEN. Hey, my kitten, my kitten, Hey, my kitten, my deary; ould feed him too n, never could be so cheery, go up, up, up. And here we go down, down, down-y. If we never feed baby too much, He never will give 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. Win kill n, Winkiun. 17 WINKUM, WINKUM. WiNKUM, $^i:s^ 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 birdie soon will be Sleeping with the chick-a-dee. For with only half a try, Winkum, winkum, shuts her eye. i8 Babys Bell. 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 with play, And is getting cross, don't try To jingle bells, but hush-a-bye ; All so still, how crooning low, Lull-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 ; — Willy-Nilly. See, he sleeps, and in his dream Yours may hand of angel seem, Raveling out the tangled ills, Knitting up with restful thrills." 19 WILLY-NILLY. WiLLY-xiLLY, 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 Babys Record. 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; ^ A Fists in mou*h 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. Babys Record. 21 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. 22 Sleep, Little Sweet ey. SLEEP, LLTTLE SWEETEY. LEEP now, my sweetey, Dear one, and pretty ! Weary with playing, Weary with straying, Stop little thinkers. Shut little 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 sweetev, 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 ! Never Tell a Fib. 23 NEVER TELL A TLB. 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 Hn mpty-Du inpty HUMPTY-D UMPTY. HuMPTY-DuMPTY, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is crying, why doesn't he stop ? What docs 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 ai-e a-cold ; — No wonder such things should make baby scold. Hiunpty-Diunpty. 25 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. 26 HusJi-a-byc. HUSH-A-BYE. HusH-A-BYE, baby, On Grandmother's lap ; Hush-a-bye, baby, And take a nice nap ; Hush-a-byc, 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 The little gums ache, And little nerves quake, Till little lips quiver, and babies must fret. Hush-a-bye, baby, We'll cool his hot gums, Hush-a-bye, baby. With tiny ice-crumbs; Hush-a-bye, baby, We'll rub hard and long With icy-cold finger, — See him list to my song ! Hush-a-byc. Ah, babies are sweet If their wants we but meet, 27 So why should we blame them when fretful and cross? Let us find what is wrong, And remove it ere long, And we'll see that time thus spent is never a loss. Hush-a-bye, baby, What more can we do, Hush-a-bye, baby, That will comfort you? Hush-a-bye, baby, We'll lay you down flat. On your stomach, dear baby, On Grandmother's lap. 28 HusJi-a-bye. 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 ! HusJi-a-Byc. 29 And now we'll 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'll quiet his nerves, Hush-a-bye, baby. The truth it deserves — Hush-a-bye, baby — Even here to be known : We will quiet Jus nerves ^y just calming our own ! 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, ;\nd then lay him away in his own baby nest. 50 Dont Make Mc Laugh. DON' T MAKE ME LA UGH. Dear Mamma, I've been lauo-hinsr 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, Mamma, want me To laugh and talk again. I'd like to do it. Mamma, but if I even try, I am so weary with it, I'm sure I'd only cry ! Don't let them try, dear Mamma, to make me laugh and crow, I'll do it when I'm able, for babies always do. Bye-Baby-Bunting. 31 B YE-BABY-BUNTING. Bye-baby-bunting, The Indians live by hunting, And bring home many a beaver-ski To wrap the little pappoose in. And mother-squaw the baby'U 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, "^: Shall rock-a-bye on ^-' mother's arm. 32 To Bed with The CJiickeiis. TO BED WITH THE CHICKENS. Oh, put me in my bed, Mamma. When chickens go to rest. For I'm your little chick-a-clee, So put me in my nest. Yes, when the birds forget to sing, And lambs forget to play, You'll put your birdy in his nest, Your lamb ygu'U fold away. Dive Me Stidar. 33 DIVE ME SUDAR. Papa, when you dive me tandy, Dive me only wiiite, — 'Taiise there's poison in the tolored, Which my health will blight ; But you better dive me sudar, Let the tandy be, — 'Tause I shall not want so much, And that is best for me. 34 ' Tansc Fni Tross. 'TAUSE FM TROSS. Mamma, '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 ; ' Taiisc I 'in Tross. 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 The Ncxv Book. THE NEW BOOK. CoCK-A-DOODLE-DOO, A picture-book for you, — Keep it nice, and in a trice Sino^ Cock-a-doodle-doo. Whiskum, Whiskum. 37 WHISKUM, WHISKUM. ¥/■■ ■ ^^^l^^^^P'"'^--^- Whiskum, whiskum, over the house. Scud the cloudlets, still as a mouse ; Whiskum, whiskum, by-and-by They'll pour rain-drops from the sky. 38 The Jack-Horse. THE JACK-HORSE. We will i:ide our Jack-horse All the meadows across; Oh no, do not whip him, But feed him, my dear ! A handful of grass In his mouth as we pass, Will make him trot gaily. And give us good cheer ! Hi-diddle -diddle. 39 HI-DIDDLE-DIDDLE. Hl-DIDDLE-DIDDLE, Mother 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 TJie Rain. THE RAIN. Come, rain, come, ^^^Z That the water may run, That the meadow grass may grow ; 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 wheat, And corn so sweet. When it turns the old mill-wheel. Feed the Birdies. 41 FEED THE BIRDIES. Feed the birdies, darling, When the snow is here. When there are no berries On the bushes, dear; — Scatter food out for them, And they'll quickly come, Hopping, singing, chirping "Thank you for the crumb. 42 Rock-a-bye. ROCK-A-BYE, RocK-A-BYE, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll soon have him wel Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't tremble with fear. For that tends to make His slight illness severe. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby. Don't coax him to nurse, For urging to eat Only makes matters worse. Rock-a-bye. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling- is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll 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'll soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't rattle the papers Nor whisper around. Little nerves cut such capers. 44 Rock-a-bye. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby We'll soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, Whatever is wrong. Attend to his bowels, Neglected too long, Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll 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'll soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, There is cough with unrest, So we'll wring out hot flannels, And cover his chest. Rock-a-Bye. 45 Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill; Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll soon have him well; — Rock-a-bye, baby, He's perspiring, to pour ! We will keep up this treatment A full hour more. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby. Now dry him off neat, And wrap him up warm. And to-morrow, repeat. 46 Rock-a-Byc. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling- is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll 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'll soon have him well; — Rock-a-bye, bab}'. He is moaning witli pain, And rolling his head. And we pet him in vain. Rock-a-bye, baby. Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby. We'll soon have him well ; — ■ Rock-a-bye, baby. We will wring out from ice. Linen cloths for his head. All so coolinof and nice. Rock-a-Bye. 47 Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby. We'll soon have him well ; Rock-a-bye, baby. If cold don't relieve. Use hot and then cold, And then hot, you perceive. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll see that his feet Are kept warm all the time. And his clothes dry and neat. 48 Rock-a-Bye. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling- was ill Rock-a-bye, baby, But now he is well; Rock-a-bye, baby, No drugs, not a dose ! i^et he's over it finely, Just hear how he crows* TJie Snozvbnll. 49 Have ever you seen how a wee bit of snow, To a big- bouncing ball, just by rolling, will grow? 'Tis thus our wee sins, children, let to roll on, Will grow big, bigger, biggest, till Satan has won. 4 50 Little Bo-Pcep. LITTLE BO-PEEP, Co' Nan, co' Nan, says little Bo-peep, Co' Nan, co' Nan, up come the sheep ; They jump the ditch and scale the wall. Where one sheep goes, they follow, all. Co' dea', co' dea', sa3^s little Bo-peep, Co' dea', co' dea', I'll shear my sheep ; Their wool so fine will make my coat. My blankets and my hose to boot. y^fe^LM. The Tea-Party. 51 THE TEA-PARTY. jV , I- '^mm^im^^''' Ah ! little ones, I'm sure there's not A drop of tea in your weeny pot. For water bright and milk so pure, Alone will bring you health, be sure; And health is beauty, health is cheer, Health is happiness so dear. 52 Tell It Again, Mother. TELL IT AGAIN, MOTHER. "Tell it again, Mother, Tell it again," — No matter what stor}' she told- We children, would cry, In the days gone by. Before our years were old. " Tell it again, Mother, Tell it again," — No matter how weary and worn, For we children knew naught Of the care we brought. Before our sense was born. Tell It Again, Mother. " Tell it again, Mother, Tell it again," — And she, patient, and kind, and wise, The tale would repeat. Or the song so sweet. And 'twas ever a glad suiprise. 53 . " Tell it again. Mother, Tell it again," — Ah ! you children, when children no more, Will go back to the days Of sweet babyhood lays. And Mother's sage sayings con o'er. 54 Little Jack Horner. LITTLE JACK HORNER. ^J !! 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 little 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." Little Boy Blue. 55 LITTLE BOY BLUE. ITTLE Boy Blue, may I go with you now ? " " Yes, down to the pasture to drive up the cow." A nice cup of milk as ever " Little bo}' blue, what then may I have ? " cow gave. " 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'll 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." 56 Miss Velvet-Paw. MISS VELVET-PAWS. Little Miss Velvet-paws, Look out for velvet paws, Raveling- out her yarn. Do not trust them far, Catches mice, in a trice, For velvet paws cover claws In everybody's barn. That will leave a scar. Polly Hopkins. 57 POLL V HOPKLNS. 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. 58 A, B, C. A, B, C. Stands for Alligator, Stands for Ball, Stands for Cat in a cream-pot, Stands for Doll. A, B, C. 59 Stands for East, or Ellen. Stands for Fay, Stands for Goat, a Pen in. Stands for Hay Stands for Indig-estion, 6o A, B, C. Stands for Jar, Stands for King^, or Keepsake, Stands for La, ^ Stands for Man, or i"" Thousand, looo Stands for Nail, A, B, C. 6i Stands for Oaken bucket, Stands for Pail, Stands for Queen, or Question. Stands for Rose, Stands for Christ- mas Stocking, 62 A, B, C. Stands for Toes, Stands for Urn, or Ulster, B^ Stands for Vane, Stands for West, or Winter. A, B, C. 63 Stands for Ten. Stands for Yoke, '|- (with Oxen). Stands for Zero. -4 -4 II when you've learned your LETTERS, You'll be a Hero. 64 C-A-T Spells Cat. 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 ; O-X spells the Ox, That's bigger, yes, by half. C-A- T Spdls Cat. 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 ring. B-O-O-K, Book, In which we learn to read ; C-O-O-K, Cook, Supplies the food we need. 65 66 C-A-T Spc//s Cat. S-E-E-D, Seed, From which we raise the plant ; S-I-N-G, Sing, Just hear the children chant. B-A, BA, 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. TJic Kitten. 67 777^ KITTEN. One, two, (1, 2,) Here's a kitten for you ;- Three, four, (3, 4,) vShe will open the cloor,- FiVE, six, (5, 6,) And 3'our cream she will mix,- 68 The Kitten Hi '1 |V-^ .^fU^-yr^^ [f Seven, eight, (7, 8,) If you are too late, — Nine, ten, (9, lo,) To cover the pan ; Eleven, twelve, (ii, 12,) And then you must delve,- Thirteen, fourteen, (13, 14,) To cover her sporting ; Fifteen, Sixteen, (15, 16,) But while you are fixing,- 69 Seventeen, eighteen, (17, 18.) Remember I'm waiting, — Nineteen, twenty, (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. 70 Dolly Di)nple, DOLL V DLMPLE. Dolly Dimple, just for fun, Stands to show us she is One. Dolly and her sister Sue Show that One and One make Two. Dolly Dimple. 71 Dolly, Sue, and Nanny Lee, Show that One with Two make Three. Doll, Sue, Nan, and little Noah, Show that One with Three make Four. 72 Dolly Dimple. Doll, Sue, Nan, Noah, and Ben Brive Show that One with Four make Five. Now all these with Jenny Hicks Show that One with Five make Six. Dolly Dimple 73 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. 74 Dolly Dimple. All these eight, with Adahne Show that One with Eight make Nine. Now with these put Dick, and then You'll see that One with Nine make Ten. If You Please, 7S IF YOU PLEASE. I 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, 76 The Poor Little Chick-a-dees. THE POOR LITTLE CHICK-A-DEES. EN little chick-a-dees clinging to a vine- A speckled snake charmed oiu\ then there were but nine. Nine little chick-a-dees, — one without a mate, — A Sparrow-hawk caught one, then there were but EIGHT. TJie Poor Little CJiick-a-dees. 77 Eight little chick-a dees, by a 'possum driven, — He caught one and slaughtered it, then there were but SEVEN. Seven little chick-a-dees hopping round the ricks, — A Weasel came and captured one, then there were but SIX. '^):^>4)iti^& Six little chick-a-dees watching Rover dive, — He sprang ashore and seized one, then there were but FIVE. 78 The Poor Little CJiick-a-dccs. 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-decs dabbling in the dew, — A stone fell and crushed oiu\ then there were but TWO. The Poor Little Chiek-a-dees. 79 Two little chick-a-dees peeping- just for fun, — A hungry Kite caught one, then there was but One. One little chick-a-dee, mourning all alone, Flew away to find a mate, and then there was None. 8o HeigJi-Jio, Daisies and Butter-Cups. HEIGH-HO, DAISIES AND BUTTER- CUPS. EIGH-HO, daisies and but- ter-cups Grow in the meadows for children to gather ; But cattle will shun them, And farmers will burn them, Because in their fields they are only a bother. -ho, red-top and clover- bloom, ng the air with their sweetness and beauty, yield without measure, r wealth of rich treas- ure, the farmer for doino[- his The Pony. THE PONY. 8i 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, — 82 TJie Po7iy. Five 2s are 1 0, Till he 's trained by the men Six 2s are 1 2, Before trusting ourselves, — TJie Pony. Seven 2s are 14, To ride him out sporting ; Eight 2s are 1 6, But we can be fixing — 83 Nine 2s are 1 8, 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 — Twelve 2s are 24, Us who feed and pet him more. -»!^K i Mb i'«^«f The Pony. 85 86 Babys Rcckonuig. BABY'S RECKONING. One little head, Ah ! but what does it hold ? No matter, — it's worth its whole weight in pure gold. Two big brown eyes, soft with Heaven's own dew ; No diamonds so precious, so sparkling, so true. Baby's Reckoning. 87 Three cunning dimples, one deep in her chin, And one in each cheek — Ah! they're just twin and twin. Four little fingers to clutch mamma's hair, — But sweeter than honeycomb, even when there. Five, we may call it, with little Tom Thumb, And that fist in her mouth is as sweet as a plum. Six wonderful pearls her bright coral lips hide, And the Kohinoor's nothing these pure pearls beside. Seven brown wavelets are ever in motion, And silken floss to them is naught, to our notion. Eight little giggles run over with glee — And more if you call them, so merry is she. Nine songs, (they're Greek tho' to all but mamma), Make us think she is destined, an Opera Star. Ten toddling steps, but to us full of grace, For our babe in our hearts ever holds the first place. Two Little Puik Shoes. TWO LITTLE PINK SHOES. Two little pink shoes standing by the head Of OLU- Nanny sleeping in the trundle-bed ; On the little table, waiting for the morn, Two little pink shoes, our Nanny to adorn. Two Little Pink Shoes. 89 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 Nancy 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. 90 Baby Pearl. BABY PEARL. Now listen while I tell you, child. That I am quite a grown-up girl, For I can read, and spell my name, While you, — why, you're just Baby Pearl. I help mamma to "house-keep," t(Jo, Although she says I make a whirl ! But I can wipe the forks and spoons. While you. Ah, you're just Baby Pearl. And then I dress myself, 3^ou see. And comb my hair when not in curl, And I can make my dolly's clothes, While you, — you're only Baby Pearl. ]\Iy Valentine. 91 'Tis true, mamma says I must, be "A ver}^ pattern little girl," Just all for you, and I shall try Because, — because, — you're Baby Pearl. ATY VALENTINE. Dearest little lover mine, Sweetest, pertest valentine ; ' Desht I'm two years old," he says, — Blessings on his pretty w^ays, — " 'Tan't I be your valentine?" Yes forever, lover mine, Shalt thou be my valentine. 92 Fcc-Fi-Fo-Fum. FEE-FI-FO-FUM, Fee-fi-fo-fum, Spruce-tree comes the e the turpentine, md pitch, timber which oice and fine. Fee-fi-fo-fum, How from Spruce- tree comes the gum ? Solt enough ; — the sticky stuff, From seam and cleft, Both right and left, Flows out, and hard ens, rough. Fee-Fi-Fo-Fum , 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. 93 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. 94 Fce-Fi-Fo-Fuin. Fee-fi-fo-fap, We tap the Maples, and the sap is;^:^-: ~x^^< We find as sweet as sugar-beet,- Then boiling hard, Our sure reward, The maple-sug-ar treat. Fce-Fi-Fo-Fu m 96 Fee-Fi-Fo-Funi. 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. Fec-Fi-Fo-Funi. 97 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. 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. 98 Fee-Fi-Fo-Fu ;;/ . Fee-fi-fo-fog, See the wriggling poUywog,*- With funny tail ; but without fail This pollywog 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 poll} wig, or tadpole. Fec-Fi-Fo-Fum. 99 Fay-fee-fi-fo, Now you ask, " What makes Rainbow?" It is the sun, my darling one, Shines through the rain, O'er hill and plain,— ^ But see, the beauty'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. lOO The Oxen. THE OXEN. The oxen are such clever beasts, They'll drag the plough all day ; They're very strong and tug along Great loads of wood or hay. 5jt-^j^ r''<^#'^' %> T h e y feed on t?#tw-i(|^ grass, when green or dry ; eir flesh is beef, for food ; Their lungs are " lights," their stomach, " tripe," 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. The Oxen. lOI 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. I02 TJie Oxen. 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! TJic Oxen. 103 This cannot be, yet creatures' bones Placed round trees, plants and bowers, Will serve to feed just what they need, To grow fine fruits and flowers. I04 The Broken Pitcher. 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 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." The ElepJiants. 105 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. io6 TJie Wind. THE WIND. HAT is the wind, Mam- ma ? " " 'Tis air in motion, child ;" "Why can 1 never sec 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 ViXQ fluids, please?" "Fluids are what will flow, And gases are so light That when we give them room enough. They rush with eager flight." The Wind. 107 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 FOG. )srv 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 grows, The fog is borne above, And floated off, the cloudy stuff, — ■ Just see it, graceful, move." io8 TJie Wind. THE RAIN. HAT makes the rain, Mam- ma?" "The mists and vapors rise From land and stream and rolling sea, Up toward the distant r^ 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, Mamma? " "When very cold above, The mists are frozen high in air, And fall as snow, my love." The Wind. "And Hail?" " 'Tis formed the same ; Cold streams of air have come And frozen all the water-drops, And thus the hail-stones form. 109 o\v do not question more, Dear child, but run and plav, I'll 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, Mamma, do." I lo Truth. 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. 112 Hi-diddle, Ho-diddle. 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 ; — Hi-diddlc, Ho-diddle. Pray, then, what keeps it Hanging up in space ? The Sun, my child, attracts the Earth And holds it in its place. 113 Hi-diddle, ho-diddle, Pop-diddle-dee, — A lovely Moon 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. 114 Hi-diddle, Ho-diddle. A globe or a ball, clear, 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 hcini 's half — so half this Earth, A hemisphere, 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. Hi-diddle, Ho-diddle. 115 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. ii6 IV/tat is the Axis? WHA T IS THE AXIS? 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'll just suppose the apple Has a stem that passes through, And this stem would be the Axis ; Now we'll 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. W/iat is the Axis? 117 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'll hold a bigger apple At a distance, for the Sun ; Tip the smaller one a little, And then slowly wheel it round All 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?" ii8 W/ia^ is tlie Axis? 'Tis the Sun and the Planets, and everything known, 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 arc all held in place. By the God-power that first gave them birth. Heat and Cold. 1 19 HEA 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, I20 Hurleys Dnam. BARLEY'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. Harlcys Drcaui. 121 Now Harle}' oft had wondered whence The letters first had come ; And I'm afraid he sometimes wished They all had staid 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 m^n Without me." Then another cried : " I am ^," 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 O, " You'd have no nose, nor toGS, If it were not for me; " " And what is more, were I not here," Says U, ''you could not be." 122 Harlcys Dream. 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 wild As any gipsey clown. They whispered that they came from Rome, 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 were The little mystic keys That open Learning's gates so wide, He loved his A, B, C's. Our Language Key. OUR LANGUAGE KEY. 123 We are small, and we are few, But we're wondrous mighty, too,- For no word can language wear, Save in it we hold a share. One of us in May is met, — One is caught in every 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. 124 The Speech Family. THE SPEECH FAMILY. 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 eat, or sing, or he is gone. The Speech Family. 125 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 qjdckljy 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 Pronoun 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 in the snow. And then Conjunctions join two words or sentences together ; As, man and boy, or birds will ffy and winds blow o'er the heather. Then Interjections, Oh! and Ah! Behold! and many another, Express surprise, delight, dismay, far more than every other. 126 Number and Gender. 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 siiigiihir nnudu'r ; But when it stands for more than one, 'T'l?, plnral, child, remember. A NOUN that is the name of males, As ox, or horse, or father, Is viascnline in gender, dear ; While cow, and mare, and mother, And all the names of females, child. Are 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 nenter gender — neither. One Little Chicken. ONE LITTLE CHICKEN. 127 One little chicken, two little chickens, three little chickens, dear ; Don't you see we add s, when more than one is here? And this we do with almost all the nouns that may appear. One little birdy, two little birdies, ihree little birdies soar; The J/ is changed to i-e-s for birdies two or more ; And this, when a word shall end in j with -A-consonant before. One little donkey, two little donkeys, three little donkeys bray. But here the j/ remains unchanged, and s is called in play ; And this, when a word shall end in y, where a vozvel leads the way. 128 Letters. LETTERS, I, O, U, The voivcls 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 tli, too, in ///ink and ///rone, But vocal in this, that. Words. 129 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. I30 Words. 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. — A Smile. 131 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 smil^ may cheer, A cup of water, bless; A kindly word, sow seeds of joy, Whose fruit is happiness. 132 Twinkle, Twinkle, 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. Tzvinkle, Tzvinkle. 133 Some of us are Nebulce, — 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" 134 Old Sol in a Jingle. 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. 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, MERCURY. Comes Sccojid,io join in the fun. VENUS. 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. MARS. Swings around to be counted the Fourth. 136 Old Sol in a Jingle. 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, lUPITER. 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 car.* D URANUS. D NEPTUNE. ♦Other planets are as yet too little known to claim place. Robert of Lincoln. 'ROBERT OF LINCOLNr 137 BoB-O-LiNK, bob-o-link, reed-bird, butter-bird, All through the country his jingle is gaily heard ; Reveling 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-o-link, Tom-denny, Tom-denny, Come-now-and-pa3^-me-that-two-shillingsone-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,-pay-me-up-quick,-or-you'll-get-your-foot-in-it." 138 Limpy-Dmipy-Dingle. LIMPY-DIMPYDINGLE. LiMPY-DlMPY-DiNGLE, chicky-bid would stray To the trap that had been set for weasels, many a day, Lnnpy-dimpy-dingle, chicky-bid walked in, And the trap its teeth shut up, on chicky-biddy's shin. Limpy-dimpy-dingle, chicky-bid is brought, And her leg, so sore and big, we bathe with water hot. Limpy-dimpy-dingle, here's a broken bone, All so rough, — but close enough we bring the ends, right soon. Limpy-Dinipy-Dingle. 1 39 Limpy-dimpy-dingle, strips of paste-board cut, We will place with care and grace, from thigh to trembling 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 skillful hand. Limpy-dimpy-dingle, nature '11 do the rest. And soon will knit the bone to fit, as good as very best. 140 Castle WondcrfiiL CASTLE WONDERFUL. I know a castle, curious, Of lovely form and make ; That we may view the castle through, A hasty peep we'll take. Castle Wonderful. 141 The framework of my castle proud, Is neither wood nor stone, But earthy matter mixed with Hme And hardened into bone. This frame, of oddments is composed, — In mind, the number fix, — Of long and short and thick and thin. Two hundred just, and six. And these are fastened each to each. By hinges, like, or joints. Which, with an oil so soft and pure. The Builder wise, anoints. For garnishing this goodly frame, Quaint cushions, large and small, Are fitly fashioned, each in place. And pliant, one and all. For cushion covers, deftly wrought, A scarf so beautiful, — So pinkish-white, so loose yet tight, So warm and yet so cool ; Upon the smoothly rounded roof Is strewn the finest floss, A filmy veil, as soft as silk, — Or is it fairy moss ? 142 Castle Wonderful. Two windows hath this castle fair, That shut and open wide, With cords 2nd pulleys, curtains fringed, And fixtures fine beside. These wondrous windows even smile And speak and fairly dance, And play at anger, hate, and love, And mischief, too, perchance. These windows, too, are marvelous In that they let the light Both in and out for him who dwells Within, the lordly knight. Two telephones of wondrous make,- A door, with guards and bell, — A ventilator, double-bored, Aye does its duty well. Castle Wonderful. And ah ! within, this castle grand, Is fitted to a T, 143 With everything that's needful there For serving you or me. And strange to tell, this castle builds Itself, if but supplies Be placed within the open door, With watchful care and wise. 144 Castle Wonderful. It clears itself too of the dust And ashes strewed within, If but the alley-ways are free, And outlets all a-kin. And stranger still, this castle comes And goes where'er the will Of him who holds the rule within Shall bid, — his hest to fill. And wondrous more than all beside, This house the temple is. Of Him — the great designer, God, — And "all the earth is his." Castle Wonderful. 145 Now list, and of this castle grand A further tale we'll tell, In language plain, — so plain that all May read and heed it well. The food we eat makes all our blood, And makes us children grow ; And if we eat improper food It harms from top to toe. We all have teeth quite sharp and strong. With which to chew our food, And in the mouth are glands and glands — Yes, quite a numerous brood. These glands pour out saliva, free, To moisten what we eat And then a trap-door at the throat Performs a wondrous feat In guiding all the food along Into the Esophagus, And thence to stomach through a pass Called Cardiac Orifice. And here 'tis mixed with Gastric Juice, And into chyme is churned Then through the gateway. Pylorus, As wiser ones have learned. 146 Castle Wonderful. 'Tis in the Duodeniwn now, Where it is mixed with Bile, And with the Pancreatic juice. Which changes it to Chyle. This Chyle flows on, and all that's fit For nourishment and growth, Is taken up by Lacteals, Or "tubes with many a mouth." These lead to the Thoracic Duct, Which holds a spoonful large. And from this Duct a pipe proceeds Through which it may discharge. Into the great Sub-clavian vein, Which to the Heart doth lead, Whence it is sent into the Lungs, And into good blood made. Then back into the Heart it flows, The muscles there contract. And pump it into Arteries, Which wind to every part. We'd like to tell about the Bones, The Ribs and Vertebrge, The Clavicle, or Collar-bone* Breast-bone, and Scapulse ; Castle Woiiderfnl. 147 Of hinge, and ball-and-socket joints ; Of muscles, tendons, skin. Of lungs and veins and arteries. Of nerves and heart and brain. But, Ah ! we should your patience tire, Were we the whole to tell. So. waiting till another time. We bid you now, farewell. 148 TJie Rattle of tJie Bones. THE RA TTLE OF THE BONES. OW many bones in the human face? Fourteen, when they're all in place. 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 hear. How many bones in the human spine ? T\VENTY-SIX ; like a climbing vine. How many bones of the human chest? TwENTY-FOUR ribs and TWO of the rest. How many bones the shoulders, bmd ? Two in each ; one before, one behind. How many bones in the human arm? In each arm, ONE ; TWO in each fore-arm. *Standard authorities give ihrce, though latest works say /our. W^0 ^4 1 50 The Rattle of the Bones. How many bones in the human wrist ? Eight in eaeh, if none are missed. How many bones m the p:ilm of tlie hand? Five in each, with many a band, TJie Rattle of the Bones. 151 How many bones in the fingers ten ? Twenty-eight, and by joints they bend. How many bones in the human hip ? One in each; — like a dish they dip. How many bones in the human thigh ? One in each, — and deep they lie. How many bones in the human knees ? One in each, — the knee-pan, please. How many bones in the leg from knee? Two in each, — we can plainly see. How many bones in the ankle strong ? Seven in each, — but none are long. 152 TJie Rattle of the Bones. How many bones in the ball of the foot ? Five in each; as in palms were put. How many bones in the toes haif-a-score ? Twenty-eight, — and there are no m.ore. And now, all together, these many bones, fix, And they count in the body two hundred and SIX. And then we have, in the human mouth, Of upper and under, thikty-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 all. Wholly Holc-y. 153 WHOLL y HOLE- K 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. 154 Who I ley Hole-y. 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'll 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'll all the time be saying : " How can I be well again ? " Heat and bathing widely open All the pores, when discords dire, Quick flow out in perspiration, Quenching all the fever-fire. Raveling out the tangled tissues. Setting free the life-blood's flow, Pouring forth the pent-up poisons, Wakening thus a healthful glow. (155) 156 The Breath o Life. THE BREA TH a LIFE. OUK lungs are lonntd of cuiious cells, And tubes to diaw in air, — And if we breathe quite f" v deep and full t£-' p\ And take our needful share, ^vC I 'Twill keep our blood so red and pure. Our health so firm 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. The Girls. THE GIRLS. 157 Three little girls with their sun-bonnets on, Wandered out for a walk in the dew ; And they tip-toed about, full of frolic and fun. While their aprons around them they drew. But their little wet feet brought fever and cough, And their little red lips grew so thin ; And their little round faces were haggard enough, - O, I'm sure they'll not do it again ! Not do it, I mean, without boots that shall guard Their ankles and feet from the wet; For the care of the health brings a joyous reward,- The neglect, brings us pain and regret. 158 The Temperance Child. THE TEMPERANCE CHILD. Mamma, if you'd have me Be a temperance child, 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 grrave. •1*^. U- <««• \ Listen, Cliildren ! 159 LISTEN, CHILDREN! Listen, children ! when your head aches, Do not eat, but wait a meal ; This will oftentimes relieve 3'ou, 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. i6o Tick- Tock, Tick- Tock. TICK-TOCK, TICK-TOCK. TiCK-TOCK, tick-tock, Sings the pretty cuckoo clock ; Tick-tack, tick-tack, Time flies on, but ne'er conies back. \ Tick-tock, tick-tock, Sings tlie daint}' 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. Curious Trees, i6i 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 Milk, — Cut the tree and it flows; Like leather its leaves, «^ And its branches like bows. 1 62 Curious Trees. 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 icicles. 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 Africa The Butter-tree grows, With coffee and spices. As every one knows. Curious Trees. 163 THE BREAD-FRUIT TREE. And listen, dear children, In hot countries too, The Bread-fruit tree grows. Most delicious for you ; Its great roasted nuts. Like soft, sweet loaves of bread. Form most of the food On which natives are fed. 164 Curious Trees. 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, Oiiiamental, 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. Curious Trees. Where they bloom the year round, In the sunshine or storm, With their trunks straight and smooth. And their pyramid form. And lastly, dear children, Clove-trees never flower. Till a half-dozen years They have grown, maybe more; Then the buds, picked by hand. And dried quickly, are best; — Trees a hundred years old Often yield with the rest. 165 i66 The Tree Village. THE ''TREE VILLAGE. TJie Tree Village. 167 In the Solomon Group in the great Southern Sea, And on Isabel Island alone, A tree village is found, up the steep, rocky ground. On the top of a mountain of stone. So gigantic the trees that it is not with ease That the houses of natives are built, For the stems are six score of our feet, maybe more, And you'd think they must live on a stilt. By a ladder facade the ascent must be made, Formed of pliable trees or a creeper Resembling the vine, which the natives entwine, — And the ladder's drawn up by the sleeper ; For these houses are made but to sleep in, 'tis said. When some enemy threatens ; — to guard 'Gainst surprise in the night, they are fortified quite. With great stones, to be thrown at a pard. At the foot of these trees are the day-huts for ease, And for eating and dancing and play, Yet the huts up so high have a goodly supply Of the needful for night or for day. i68 No Eyes. 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, Yet never know the want. No Eyes. Who knows but girls and boys, Kept always in the dark, Might come to have but little sight, . And finally not a spark. 169 God meant us to live in the light, He has poured it all about ; Oh, let us not ourselves destroy, By shutting His sunshine out. I/O The Mainuioth Cave. 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 sco in. The ManunotJi Cave. 171 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 moiistroiis 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. 172 TJic Camels. 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 drmk can e'er be spilled. And when on journc}^, last or first, The camel wants to slake his thirst, A bag-string loosens, and out-pours Enough. to satisfy for hours. 174 The Cajucls. 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. The Camels. Sometimes they're buried deep, and find When they dig out they're almost blind And cannot tell which way to go, And thus are lost, — a serious woe ! 175 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. 176 The Camels. 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 rest, And take their fill of what is best; Then travel on in tiiankful mood, With song and shout ! "Allah is good ! ^;^.( •«^v*? Key-Notes. 177 KEY-NOTES. Lightly flowing liquids, we, — Tethered with our brothers. Make we music, melody. More than all the others ; — Lulling, mellowy, nimble, rare, Reveling in rhythm, Running here and everywhere, Make me merry with 'em. 178 The Bears. 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. i8o The Bears. They sleep through winter-time, — But prowl in wildest storms, With hope to find some creature killed, Or struck with death's alarms. 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." The Bear a Blessing. They nimbly climb a tree, But " back down,"— for their frame Is made so lungs would forward press, If they head-foremost, came. i8i THE BEAR A BLESSING. To people of Kamtschatka, 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. Ib2 The Bear a Blcssins^, 'Tis also used for windows, As substitute for glass ; — Of shoulder-blade a tool is made, That's used for cutting grass. %^i^: '■y\A/ Norwegians think the Bear is More sensible than men ; While Laplands call him " Dog of God," And dare not him offend. Fruits. 183 The fruits of the orchard and garden Are beautiful, luscious and good, — Partake of them freely, dear children, But eat them at meals with your food. 1 84 The Raccoon. THE RACCOON, Come, child, and see our pet Raccoon, — The Raccoons live in the woods, you know; But ours was caught, And caged, and brought From old Virginia, long ago. The Raccoon. 185 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. 1 86 The Raccoon. ia.-^3^5gt, ^.Hyi^-fc.*";;- ^^y.^jstS^. .-a. -,-^ -^ -' ?g^''4f.^,.-^ And children, cause they couldn't go, Set up a grand boo-hoo-ing. She bobbed against a clothes-line, And all the wash went flying ; 2/8 Nanny s Ride. The good dame cried, "A witch ! a witch ! The saints forefend my drying." And next she got en- tangled In the telegraphic wires; And when she jerked away from them, ^^^_ She bumped against the spires. She hit the tallest chimneys, And set the smoke a-curling. Then knocked a flag-pole all awry, The stars and stripes a-whirling. Now, far beyond the city. With mountains in her face, An eagle pounced to catch her, But she quickly won the race. Nanny s Ride. 279 Within a mountain cavelet, Two baby-bears so young, Smiled on her as she passed them, And greetings to her flung. She heard the thunder rolling. And saw the lightning's glare, From clouds away beneath her, While 'round her all was fair. 28o Nanny s Ride. Nanny s Ride. 281 She met a cherub driving A brace of butterflies, While dancing on a gorgeous one, Away in wonder-skies. She saw an angel lighting The stars up one by one, As he balanced on a cloudlet That was left behind the sun. \ \ ^ -^ She heard angelic music, Far up, the blue along, And knew 'twas Mary crooning o'er Her first sweet cradle-song. 282 Nanny s Ride. She saw such wondrous pictures, So beautiful and grand, Such skyscapes and such cloudscapes. Such waterscapes and land. But now the fluttering insects All round her plainly told That she was nearing Mother Earth Far o'er the daisy-wold ; And startled at the distance From home, — the baby screaming And mother still a-mending there, Told Nanny she'd been dreaming. The Race, 283 THE RACE. A HOP, a skip, and a gambol, A run, a tumble, a scramble, An up-and-a-going, A laughing-and-crowing, A weal-and-a-woe-ing, — Yes, a race for a ball Or a toy we may call, This race that is human, — For child, man, or woman, Tis one and the same, A mysterious game That is played by us all, And we each get a fall ; And so many it may be That forever a baby We feel in the race For a name and a place. 284 Our Kenneth. OUR KENNETH. Written for our pet, as indicative of what he should he but is not. Know ye our little black-eyed boy? His name is Kenney Stone ; Now listen, for he always speaks In such a gentle tone. He never says " I will ! " " I wi'n't ! " He's never rough nor rude, But always bows with, " Thank you ; please ; " And tries to be so good. Our Kenneth never kicks nor strikes, Nor makes an ugly face ; He never slides down banisters, Nor puts things out of place. He never says a naughty word, Nor tells a big, big story ! O, no, nor even a little one, To make us all so sorry. Our Kenneth. 285 286 Our Kenneth. Our Kenneth is a gentleman, He will not scratch nor bite ; He never speaks to any child, A word that is not right. Our Kenneth never slams the doors, Nor stamps along the halls ; ■ He goes away when he is told, And comes when mamma calls. Our Kenneth, everybody loves. Because he's so polite, — Our darling little black-eyed boy. Our Kenney Stone so bright. MAKS HAY WHILB THE SUN MUl To My Tcn-Vcars Old. 287 TO Jl/V TEN-YEARS-OLD. Ox thy cheek the roses lie ; Lilies, on thy forehead fair; Violets blue, in each bright eye, Sunbeams, in thy golden hair. Pearls, within thy coral lips, Ears and nostrils, crystal-clear, Dainty, sea-shell finger- tips. Form, a sylph might love to wear. Yet no beauty, thou, my child, Save as filled with inward grace ; Save a spirit, undefiled, Warm thy heart and wreathe thy face. 288 Dare to Say No. DARE TO SA Y NO. Dear children, you are sometimes led To sorrow, sin, and woe, Dare to Say No. 289 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 mamma savs, or if You think 'tis wrong, say No. Be always gentle, but be firm, And 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 both brave and true, And firmly tell them. No. Sometimes a thing that's not a sin. You might be asked to do, — But when you think it is not best, Don't yield, 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. 2go Dare to Say No. 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 3'ou 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. Ask Mother. 291 ASK MOTHER, Yes, MY DARLING, when you question, I will answer, simple, plain, Just the Truth ; — and when 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'll know what's wrong, And she will be your guide. 292 Dont Tell a Lie. DON'T TELL A LIE. ^■^^:iw^.:.u Don't tell a lie, dear children, No matter what you do, — Dont Tell a Lie. 293 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 mamma And papa, too, will tr}^ 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. 294 Little Moses. LITTLE MOSES. '-'"f"TLEMOS£.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. Little Moses. 295 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." 296 Little Moses. 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. Little Moses. 297 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, 298 The CJiildreris Railroad, THE CHILDREN'S RAILROAD. 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'll come to a meadow. Where two tracks mark the way. But they'll run close up alongside For many and many a day. And one is strewn with roses. While one looks bleak and bare, With now and then a berry-bush, And a violet here and there: — The CJiildrcjis Railroad. 299 On one you'll find companions Who but for pleasure seek, While friends along the other, Will words of wisdom speak. Be careful in your choosing, For if you take the Right, You will travel in the shadow Of the Rock that shields at night ; 'T will lead through greenest pastures Where softest brooklets flow, And land you at a Station That is full of cheer and glow. 300 The Children s Railroad. 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'll find the bridges broken. And the road-bed washed away ; And when 3'ou near the Station, You'll 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 your wild folly. And will gladly help you back, If at any curve or turning You seek the trusty track. The CJiildrens Railroad. 301 But ah ! the scars you're wearing, From thorns that pierced you sore, — 302 TJie Childreiis Railroad. And the ditches in which youVe 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 traveled The wa}' that leads to death ; You will wish 3'ou had never reveled In the viper's venomed breath. So beware which track you follow ; And again I say, beware ! T\\Q 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, The Children s Railroad. To Truth then, children, listen, An( 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 will help you choose the road That leads to endless day. 303 304 The Phcebes Nest in The Old Well-Wheel. THE PHCEBES NEST IN THE OLD WELL- WHEEL. " Phoe-be, phoe-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, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," both on the garden gate, "Phoe-be , phoe-be," loving now they trill. Planning to build a nest in the old well-wheel. " Phoe-be, phoe-be," now the nest is begun; " Phoe-be, phoe-be," now it is nearly done ; " Phoe-be, phoe-be," how will the birdies feel, When the tgg is dropped down, with turn of the wheel. " Phoe-be, phoe-be," children are sorry now, " Phoe-be, phoe-be," birds are all a-worry now, " Phoe-be, phcB-be," laying eggs day by day, While the turn of the wheel ever drops them away. The Phcebes Nest in The Old Well-Wheel. 305 " Phoe-be, phce-be," never the lesson learned, " Phoe-be, phoe-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, phoe-be, yet not in vain you wrought, Phoe-be, phoe-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. \o6 Mabels Snoiv-Fcaihcrs. MABELS SNOW-FEATHERS. 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 gaily, " Mamma, mamma, come and see ! Come and see the feathers, mamma, Soft and white as they can be! " Mabels Snozu-Feathers. 307 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 are going to. Then go gaily 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 ! " 3o8 MabcVs Snow-Feathers. 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. Now she listens for the jingle Of the sleigh-bells they will bring ; Now she sees the flying horses, Prancing gaily at their ring. Lovely are these fleecy feathers, Dainty in each rare device ; All unHke our ducklet feathers, — White and soft, but cold as ice. Mabel 's Snow-Feathers. 309 Yet they cover, warmly cover Mother Earth so bleak and brown ; Cover her with feathery mantles, Comforters of eider-down. 3IO Forest Trees. 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, little 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? Forest Trees. 3 1 1 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. 312 Childhood Fancies. CHILDHOOD FANCIES. \ \ \ >^'l)\;u^^'if/a^rfi^.iU^^Ji:l^At^sl:^^^i 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. ChildJiood Fancies. 313 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 wings are hanging On every shrub, across ; Their seats are dainty cushion-beds Of green and springy moss. 314 Childhood Fancies. 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 disiies, acorn cups ; The ant-hills are their barracks high ; Their cannon, " hemlock 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 slide. Childhood Fancies. 315 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. 3i6 Childhood Fancies. All these and myriad fancies That never can be told, My childhood da)^s 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." ,J\ ASTE not, want not," be your motto, — Little things bring weal or woe ; y& Save the odds and ends, my children, Some one wants them, if not you. Lizzie and the Angels. 317 LIZZIE AND THE ANGELS. Little \azz\q, thoughtful, earnest, Springing up at break of day, Thinks she heard the angels whisper Softly, as she knelt to pray. 3 1 8 Lizzie and tJic A iigcls. " 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 )^ou ; And they told me ' even Jesus Said, ' Thy will, not mine, be done,' And that if I grew 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, Lizzie and the Angel. 319 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. 320 Lizzie and the A ngel. " 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 wour 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 bear 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,' Lizzie and the Angel. 32 1 '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, — 322 Lizzie and the Angel. Do not hesitate to tell them You cannot their ways approve. Do not yield to their enticements ; Tell them • No ! ' with firmness, love. " Do not ever let a smgle Word unkind, nor coarse, impure. Pass your lips ; for these will lead you Toward the bad, 3^ou 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, Liz:;ie and the Angel. 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 3'our guide ; Learn to trust Him, for He's walking Ever loving at your side." 323 324 Child-Memories. CHILD-MEMORIES. ^jM*f^ 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 ? Child-Memories. 325 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 ! 326 Nelly and Ned, NELLY AND NED. " I'm twelve years old to-day," says Ned, " And wish I were twelve more, sir, — And Nelly Warner's almost twelve, So we'd be twenty-four, sir." " 'And what of that ! ' Why, Nelly 'n' I Have always played together; And then I draw her on my sled, To school in stormy weather. " And all the goodies that we get, We share them half and half, sir ; And O, we have such lots of fun, I'm sure 'twould make you laugh, sir! " Now Nelly lives in Cottage Square, While I live 'round the corner, And all the boys would laugh and shout, * Ned Jarrett loves Nell Warner.' (3*7) 328 Nelly and Ned. " I didn't care for this, you know, But O, I couldn't bear it When they began to laugh at her, And say, ' Nell loves Ned Jarrett! " And so I thought I'd have to fight,- And though I was the smallest Of all the party, I's so mad I'd easy beat the tallest. " But Nelly coaxed and comforted, And said, ' Why would I do it, When they had only told the truth, And everybody knew it ! ' " The Clambcrcrs. 329 THE CLAMBERERS, LL you babies Perched in air, Careful how you Caper there ! Careful lest the Little feet Or the little Hands so sweet, Lose their hold And babies fall, — Careful, careful, Babies all. 330 The New White Jattet. THE NEW WHITE JATTET. I NEVER seen such naughty dii Is As Susy Jones and Ellen ; They laughed, O desht as hard's they tould When 1 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. Kcincmbcr The Poor. 331 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 now and then may have Something new and fresh to give." 332 Tkc Little Strcct-Szveeper. THE LITTLE STREET-SWEEPER. ) imA-M ^ — ' // il///f, k\ •^ ^ K\y. ',\\ 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 'raongst 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. The Little Street-Sweeper. 333 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 toy whip. And now from her port-monaie gives 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 ! always 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 muddy and stormy. Watch, now, her quick smile of such pleased recog- nition : — To win it I oft come this way on my mission. But see, she draws back as I offer the penny, 334 The Little Street-Sweeper. 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 1 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, a 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 The Little Street-Sweeper. 335 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 ? " " O, we want her ourselves ! And the good Lord, through you, 33^ The Little Street-Sweeper. 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 starving When I found them a few months ago, were now halving Their food and their home with this waif and with Benny — For he was an orphan child left by his granny, Who died in an 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 ! TJic Little Street-Siueeper. 337 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 some 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. 338 The Here, There and EveryiuJiere Family THE HERE, THERE AND EVERYWHERE FAMILY. I AM alwa3'S 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. The Here, There and Everywhere Family. 339 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 for- ever 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 me in the grave. I live in the urn, but not in the vase; I always can run, but I never can race. I tumble and jump, but I can't hop nor skip ; 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 ; 1 hide in the boy's first pair of boots, Nor pass his mittens by. 340 The Here, There and Everywhere Family. 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 in both 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. The Here, There ami Everyivhere Family. 341 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 and sorrow, and I come to you in love, And you will 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 the nun ; I was in the beginning, yes, double and treble, And wherever's an end I am always in the middle. I, too, live in the moon, yet I ne'er saw the sun ; I ne'er blessed 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 every lullaby, I'm out in every squall ; I ring in every shilling piece. And roll in every ball. 342 The Here, There and Everywhere Family. \l\l 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 in dove ; and I'm always in luck. I'm 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 perhaps 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, or 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. The Here, There and Everywhere Family. 343 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 grey, 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. 344 T^^'-'-^ Here, There and Everyzvhere Family. 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 bend the boy's bow, And the bugle I blow. Till I wake the Kamtchatcadale 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. You 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 ; That I'm chief among my fellows, you all must agree. Quirks. 345 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; 'Tis true 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. 34^ Soiiuiwdys Boy. 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. Somebody s Boy. 347 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 somebod3''s boy We may watch for, and snatch from the death- trodden way, — Yes, somebody's boy. 348 TJie Laddie- and-Lassie Birds. THE LADDIE- AND-LASSIE BIRDS. L\y* 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. The Laddie- and-Lassie Birds. 349 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 says, "And I, this floss." 350 The Laddie- and- Lassie Birds. The laddie-bird says, "And we'll 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 The Laddie- and-Lassie Birds. 351 And the music that flows When the love-light glows, Will never, no, never be hushed. 352 Time and Rtcr)iity. US *The great watchful I is over US through TIME and ETERNITY. --1/ V jr%. i"~H ';•: 't^^^^^A'^M:^^