UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 00022094859 .. ■ Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://www.archive.org/details/weeweesongsforouOOIeel Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, by Henry V. Degen, in the Clerk's office of the District Court for the District of Massachusetts. PREFACE. Should an apology be needed for issuing a book of poetry so very simple as «« Wee- Wee Songs," it may be found in the article entitled "Mother Goose," on page 7th. The desire expressed by Willie's mother, " That those who love Jesus Would oftener read The sweet words he uttered, My lambs, ye must feed." has ever found a warm response in the heart of Leila. F©1 QUE LITTLE FIT MOTHER GOOSE. " Mamma/' said our Sue, "You sent me to-day, Up stairs with the nurse And Willie to play. " And I told her I thought It was wicked and silly, To say things like these To our dear little Willy— " < Oh, hi-diddle, Diddle, The cat has the Fiddle, The cow has jumped Over the moon, The little dog laughed To see all the sport, And the dish ran away With the spoon.' 8 WEE-WEE SONGS. " Nurse says she has found The book of great use, For children are pleased To hear Mother Goose. (t Now, is it not wrong To tell them a lie ? If not, I am sure I cannot see why." " I think you are right," Her mother replied ; " Nurse must try to amuse him With something beside. " But babies are pleased With the jingle of rhyme, And old Mother Goose Has been used a long time. " We must find Wee-Wee Songs, That are not quite so silly, And buy them for nurse, To amuse little Willy. a "yy e gi ve him, each day, Fresh milk and sweet bread, And his dear little mind Must be properly fed. WEE- WEE SONGS. 9 * ' ' T is not easy to find Sweet thoughts, good and true, In nursery rhymes ; I wish, my dear Sue, That those who love Jesus Would oftener read Those sweet words he uttered, My lambs ye must feed ! * " For this beautiful world, So joyous and bright, Has so many things Of which poets might write. " The blue sky above us, The flowers and the trees, The warbling of birds, And the hum of the bees. " These bright thoughts would give Our darling great pleasure, If written in simple, And sweet-flowing measure. * Lovest thou me ? Feed my lambs. — John xxi. 10 WEE- WEE SONGS. SLEEP, DOLLY! Do, Miss Dolly, Shut your eye ; I will wake you By and by. Wee-Wee Songs I want to read ; You must go To sleep indeed. You 're my little Pet, 'tis true, But I can not Read to you ; For you never Seem to hear, Tho' I read quite Loud and clear. Little songs are Not for you ; Mind, I 've told you What to do ! So, Miss Dolly Shut your eye ; I will wake you By and by. WEE-WEE SONGS. 11 WAKE, DOLLY! Wee-Wee Songs Are put away ; Dolly, wake, 'T is time to play S You have been - So good to-day I am sure You ought to play. Dolly, now You must obey ; Wake, I say, And come and play ! Do n't you hear me When I say, Dolly, wake, 'T is time to play ? Do you dare To disobey When I call, Come out to play ? Are you deaf, My pet, to-day ? Then I '11 lead you Out to play. 12 WEE - W E E SONGS. ELLA AND THE ROSES. " Whit beautiful roses ! Oh do, dear mamma, Just pick one or two ere we go ; If the gardener were here he would not refuse To give us some flowers, I know." WEE-WEE SONGS. 13 " The gardener 's not here" her mother replied ; He asked us to see his sweet flowers ; " I trust, my dear child, you would not wish to steal, — These roses, you know, are not ours. " Their beautiful fragrance you now can inhale, Their lovely, bright colors enjoy, Should you steal but one rose you 'd be happy no more, You would lose all this innocent joy." " O no ! dear mamma, I should not wish to steal, So I '11 bid these sweet roses adieu ! Now, Kover," said Ella, "we 're ready to play, And I will be happy with you." IDA MAY. No little girl More bright and gay, Or happier Than Ida May As she ran off To school one day, And passed the store Of Mr. Gray, 14 WEE-WEE SONGS. Where, near the door, Some ripe plums lay, And Satan whispered, Ida May — Take but one plum, Then run away ; You '11 not be seen By Mr. Gray. Oh, had she thought One prayer to say, She 'd not have sinned, Poor Ida May ! She caught one up, Then ran away, And was not seen By Mr. Gray. Ah, sinful child, To disobey The Word of God — Hear, Ida May ! " Thou shalt not steal ! " Now hear Him say, And you have stolen From Mr. Gray. WEE- WEE SONGS. 15 The voice of God Will you obey ? It whispers now. Stop ! Ida May, — 'T is not too late, Go back, you may Return the plum To Mr. Gray. Then lift your heart To God, and pray, « Forgive the sin Of Ida May." That still, small voice She did obey, And ran with haste To Mr. Gray, And told him all Without delay ; The good man pitied Ida May. He gently wiped Her tears away ; And when she left, Kind Mr. Gray 16 WEE-WEE SONGS Said to the child, " One moment stay ■ I '11 give some plums To Ida May." ie I could not eat A plum to-day ! " Said Ida, then, To Mr. Gray. She went to school And all the way God saw the heart Of Ida May "Was sweetly raised To Him, to pray That He would wash Her sins away- — For Jesus' sake. And God that day, Freely forgave Dear Ida May. WEE- WEE SONGS. IT THE PEACOCK. Is it right, Mr. Peacock, to strut about so ? Your plumage is fine 't is allowed ; And had you but painted that beautiful tail, You would then, with some reason, feel proud. Many bright little flowers, as pretty as you, Are found in some shady retreat. Go learn of the rose-buds and violets, too, Their modesty renders them sweet. 18 WEE- WEE SONGS. God gave you the plumage we so much admire ; God painted the butterfly's wing ; God deck'd the green fields with flowers so gay, And taught the dear birds how to sing. Many things in this beautiful world He has made To look quite as pretty as you ; So please, Mr. Peacock, don't feel quite so proud, As your gay, brilliant plumage we view ! minnie's faithfulness. " Brother, may I unpack your trunk ? " said little Minnie Bell. " O yes, my dear ; how glad I am to get home safe and well ; I 've been in California for more than three long years, But I 'm safely home at last, in spite of mother's fears." " Yes, Alfred, it has seemed, to dear mamma and me, A long, long time, and we are glad your happy face to see ; — WEE- WEE SONGS. 19 Morning and evening, do you know ? when we knelt down to pray, Mamma has asked, that God would bless and guard you while away. " And God has kindly heard her prayer, and kept you safe and well." She worked awhile, — at length, she said, " Dear Alfred, please to tell Where you have put your Bible ? I 've unpacked the trunk with care, And I have laid upon the bed most all the clothes you wear. " I 've looked at every article, and yet I have not seen A Bible or a Testament ; brother, what can it mean ? I fear that you have been without a Bible all the way ; Is k in California, or have you lost it, — say ? " " You little chatter-box, do see the presents I have brought ; This for mamma, and that for you ; "Why ! really I had thought 20 WEE-WEE SONGS. The beautiful new dress I bought would please my sister well ; How do you like this India fan, I ask you, Minnie Bell ? " " O, it is very beautiful ! I thank you, Alfred, dear ; But yet you have not told me, what most I wish to hear." " Well, Minnie," said her brother, " if really you must know, When I sailed for California my Bible did not g°« " I know 't was wrong to leave it out, for never have I seen A Bible or a Testament in any place I 've been; We did not often think of God when we were digging gold ; That is the truth ; now, Minnie dear, pray do n't begin to scold." " Forgotten God for three long years ! Alfred, can this be true ? Dear brother, were you not afraid of God's forgetting you ? " WEE- WEE SONGS. 21 y 1 He took the clear child in his arms , and bursting into tears, " My conduct has been wrong, " he said, "how sinful it appears ! " Just then his mother entered, with her heart quite full of joy And gratitude to God above, whc > hac . kept her darling boy ; She had been alone to thank him, and offer up a prayer That God who had preserved her son, would keep him in his care. " Dear mother, will you pray,' ' said he, "and read in God's own Word That story of the Prodigal, which I have often heard ; For I have wandered far away, but now desire to come And love and serve that Being who hath safely brought me home ? " Her prayer was heard ; and Alfred Bell is now a Christian man, Serving his God with faithful] ness, and doing all he can WEE-WEE SONGS. That those who go to distant lands, to search for mines of gold, May find within God's holy Word a mine of wealth untold. ^.v THE PULSIFER CHILDREN. Oh, Mother ! said little Ruth Greenwood one day, Please come to the window this moment, I pray, For two little children are here, by the door, They are weary and cold, and they look very poor. WEE-WEE SONGS. 23 The Pulsifer children, I see, said her mother, 'Tis dear little Ella, and Harry, her brother Run, call them in quickly ! their mother, I know Returned to this village a few days ago. I sent them, this morning, a cart-load of wood, And fear that they now may be suffering for food; We '11 fill up their baskets with bread and with meat, And give the dear children a plenty to eat. Their mother is proud, and she cannot endure The neighbors should know they are now very poor; But since we 've " a will," we must find out " a way," To help this poor widow — we must not delay. Her father 's a drunkard, her husband is dead, And she is too ill to hold up her head ; The wretched old man now reels thro' the street, And never provides them a mouthful to ea Ruth ran to the door, and called them both in ; Their feet were most naked, their garments were thin, 24 WEE- WEE SONGS. Too thin to go out in this cold wintry weather ; Here Ruth and her sister both whispered together. O, yes, sister Mary, those stockings you've knit, Just the thing, and so warm ! I am sure they will fit ; We '11 make up a bundle, and stow it away In the baskets they've left in the entry to-day. Little Ella and Harry were grateful indeed, That God had provided such friends in their need ; Their baskets were filled with biscuit and meat, And warm shoes and stockings to cover their feet. The Greenwood's oft drew from their plentiful store, And quietly sent to the poor widow's door Such things as she needed. Her proud heart -was melted : She welcomed their visits, and soon was con- tented WEE-WEE SONGS. 25 To let little Harry and Ella go where They could hear of the Saviour, and his ten- der care, Of dear orphan children — the story, to day, You may read in a book called " A Will and A Way " * MORNING SONG AND MORNING PRAYER. MOTHER. Awake, my daughter, come and see This Robin red-breast on the tree ; Open your drowsy eyes ! Spring up from bed and see her now, She 's lighting on the highest bough, Come quick, before she flies 1 LILLIE. Yes, dear mamma, I see the bird,' And sweeter notes I never heard Than she is warbling now ; I hope she will not fly away, But sit and sing the live-long day, On this, her favorite bough. • Vol. iv. « Casket Library." Published by II. V. Degen, 22 Cornhill. 26 WEE-WEE SONGS. MOTHER. The birds must build their nests in Spring, They have to work as well as sing ; To their Creator's praise, Since early dawn, dear Lillie, she Has warbled out, from yonder tree, Her very sweetest lays. Now tell me, who has kindly kept My little daughter while she slept ; Who heard her evening prayer, And gently closed the weary eye, Nor suffered danger to come nigh, But kept her in his care ? LILLIE. I laid me down, mamma, and slept, Because the Lord sustained and kept His child thro' all the night ; And now I lift my heart and pray, O, God, I thank thee for this day, That I may see its light ! When all my friends were fast asleep, Thou didst my soul in safety keep, And took kind care of me ; WEE-WEE SONGS. 21 Father in Heaven, 0, hear me now, As at thy feet I humbly bow, To ask a gift of thee. Give me thy spirit from above, That I may learn to know and love My best and dearest Friend, — The Savior, who hath died for me, That I his little lamb may be, Lord thy spirit send ! And now, be with me all the day, That whether I 'm at work or play, 1 may remember, then, The eye of God is still on me, Oh, help me thy dear child to be, For Jesus' sake, — Amen. PLAY-TIME. LlLLIE, put Your work away, ISTow 'tis time To go and play. You have been So good to-day, You '11 be happy When you play. „ J BABY S FIRST STEPS. Baby, darling, Do not fear, Move those little Feet, my dear ; Do n't stand waiting- There so long ; You are growing Very strong. Here he comes, Oh, that 's the wav ! Nurse, I know Mamma will say, WEE- WEE SONGS. 29 When she comes home, Why, how you talk ! Is baby learning how to walk ? Try again, Little pet, You have not Fallen yet ; Here she comes ; Look, nurse, look! All alone, Three steps she took. When papa Comes home to-night, It will give him Great delight ; And he will say, Why, how you talk ! Are you sure the child can walk ? Nurse, I love Our baby so, I must teach her All I know. That 's not much, Papa would say, He laughs at me Most every day, 30 WEE- WEE SONGS. Because I 'm old Enough to read, Oh dear ! that 's very Hard indeed. But, baby, we will not stop to talk, We are going out doors to teach you to walk. CONVERSATION UPON ICE. MOTHER AND DAUGHTER. " Come, dear," said Mrs. Jones one day, To Jane, her little daughter, " Come, look at this large block of ice, Now floating in the water ! " You could not lift it from the ground, If you should try all day, And yet, like a mere feather, now, You see it float away." " Oh, yes, mamma, it does seem strange, That it should never sink, Why that large block of ice should float, I 'm sure I cannot think. " How very kind it is in God To freeze the waters so, That on the top the ice remains And cannot sink below ! WEE- WEE SONGS. 31 " For, while our winters are so cold, How short a time 'twould take To form one solid mass of ice, In river, pond, or lake ! " And thus, from year to year, mamma, Winter would ever reign, For such a mass could never melt When summer came again. " But tell me how the ice is formed, And what can make it float Upon the surface of the lake, Just like a little boat ? " u Our Heavenly Father, Jane, has filled With bubbles full of air, Each lump of ice — and we may see His goodness everywhere. u The air expands within the ice, Just as its Maker pleases, And rarifies to make it light, Whene'er the water freezes. " Thin cakes thus form in layers, Jane, As you may often see One ring within another, round The body of a tree, 32 WEE- W E E SONGS. " And thus 't is piled from week to week, While Jack Frost is about, Until the men with horses come, To float the treasure out." " And what a luxury, mamma, These large ice blocks will be When summer comes, and we again Such sultry weather see \ " Last August, I remember well, When I came home from school, How good the water used to taste, With ice to make it cool. " And then, you know, we used to hare Our butter hard and nice, Our cake kept cool, and fish, and meat, Preserved with lumps of ice." " Yes, dearest, God is ever kind — How constant is his care ! He gives not only food and drink, And clothes for us to wear, — u But happy homes with luxuries filled, And this bright world of ours Is stored with precious gifts of love, Abundant fruits and flowers, WEE- WEE SONGS. 33 " To gratify the taste of man, And fill his heart with joy ; Then, should not grateful thoughts of God Each passing hour employ 1 " " Yes, dear mamma, for warbling birds Send up their sweetest lays, To thank Him for his gifts of love, And we should offer praise " To the great God, our dearest friend, Who lives and reigns above ; Will you not pray to Him, mamma, To fill my heart with love ? " HAPPY DOLLY. Happy at night, Happy by day ; Happy at home, Happy away ! Dolly darling, Never, never, Are you cross, But happy ever ! 1 V- MB w&£ u WEE-WEE SONGS. ■--\l\*2^ You ought to see our pleasant home, Dear Jennie, then you would not say, That I, from this dear, happy group, Could often wish to be away. Sometimes, he brings us home a book, Then, after supper, down we sit, He reads to us, while dear mamma Takes out her work to sew or knit. Then he will read some wondrous tale, How mighty nations rose and fell, And sometimes lay aside the book, And some amusing story tell. 92 WEE-WEE SONGS. How some have climbed the highest hill, And yet have murmur 'd all the way, While others walk along the vale, As pleasant as a summer's day. " My children," he will often say, c ' You know I cannot give you wealth ; But you have riches dearer far, And these are innocence and health. " While thus you live in peace and love, Contented with the blessings given, And grateful to your God, I trust He '11 fit you for the joys of heaven." Then, ere we go to bed at night, We kneel together while he prays That God would fill our hearts with love, And help us serve him all our days. But see ! while I stand talking here, The cars are in — papa has come ! Now you may go and dance at balls, But I '11 enjoy myself at home. WEE-WEE SONGS. 93 willie's feaes. PART I. Willie was nicely tucked in bed One cold December night, When he began to scream ' ' Mamma, Come quick, and bring a light ! " Oh, I 'm so frightened, dear mamma ; What is that noise ? Do hark ! Please do not take the candle off And leave me in the dark." " I hear no noise," his mother said ; ( ' What makes my boy so silly ? And what good can the candle do, My darling little Willie ? •' Who did you ask to care for you, When you knelt down to pray, Before I put you into bed, And took the light away ? " Remember, love, you prayed to God, And all the long night through, He will keep watch around your bed, And take good care of you. 94 WEE-WEE SONGS. " What could it be, my little son, That gave you such a fright ? "When you are safe in bed, you know, I always take the light." " I know you do, but Biddie told A story yesterday That frightened me ; please, dear mamma Don't take the light away." " I '11 leave the light with you to-night ; Since Biddie was so silly ; Now think, my dear, your Father 's near, To guard his little Willie." WILLIE'S FEARS. PART II. MOTHER. Come, Willie, and tell me, my dear, What made you so foolish, last night ; I am waiting this morning to hear The cause of your terrible fright. WILLIE. Biddie said that a wolf would come out And catch me if I was not good ; That is what I was thinking about When I screamed just as loud as I could. WEE-WEE SONGS. 95 MOTHER. And where would a wolf come from, pray ; Biddy could not find one, should she try. 'T was a wicked thing for her to say, — She knew she was telling a lie. Examine your chamber, my dear ; Look carefully round before night, And if you can find a wolf here, I will certainly leave you a light. WILLIE. Mamma, you are laughing at me, There 's no wolf anywhere to be found ; I know there is nothing to see If I take all the day to look round. MOTHER. Then I hope you will not be afraid ; Now tell me, my son, if you 're able, Of what mamma's candles are made, You see one stand there on the table. WILLIE. Of tallow and cotton, mamma ; The candles are run in a mould. I went up one day with papa To the factory where they are sold. 96 WEE- WEE SONGS. MOTHER. Can tallow and cotton, my son, Protect you from harm thro' the night, When into a mould it is run, And made in a candle to light ? WILLIE. The candle could not see or hear, And I '11 try to remember to-night, That God my kind Father is near, Then, mamma, I '11 not ask for a light. "CREATE in me a clean heart, o god!" Savior, keep me near thy side, Take my hand within thine own, I would be thy little child, Leave me not to walk alone. <( Suffer little ones to come," Thou didst say, when here on earth ; Let my feet no longer roam, I w T ould know thy heavenly birth. Take my wicked heart away, Make me holy like thy Son; Leave me not from thee to stray, Leave me not to walk alone. WEE-WEE SONGS 97 THE HELEN MARIA. With sails all set To catch the breeze, This noble ship Now ploughs the seas. May God in safety Kindly keep Our loved ones while Upon the deep ! THE YOUTHFUL KING. How much God's holy Book was prized By King Josiah in his youth ! At eight years old his reign began, When no one served the Lord in truth. 98 WEE-WEE SONGS. His ancestors were wicked men, And walked not in God's holy ways, But filled Jerusalem with sin, And worshipped idols all their days. The youthful king desired to know How to avoid the ways of sin ; He wished to live as David did, And have his heart made pure within. Go to the Book of Kings, and learn What joy he felt when Shaphan brought From God's high priest his holy law, And how he had his people taught That precious Book to understand, And take it for their daily guide ; To love the Lord with all their hearts, And serve no other gods beside. Make thou that precious Book, O Lord, A light to guide me all the way ; May it direct my steps at night, And safely lead me through the day. I love to read those precious words, Sweet truths I meet on every page ; Oh, may they be my hope in youth, And my support in hoary age. WEE- WEE SONGS. 99 THE LITTLE BOY S REQUEST. Sent to the Fulton Street Prayer Meeting in the summer of 1858. I am a little boy of twelve, and always tell the truth ; O pray for me, that I may love the Savior in my youth. Thus from the sunny South that precious message came To those who meet in Fulton street to pray in Jesus' name. Dear little boy in Georgia, oh write once more, and say That you "stand up for Jesus," that you have found the way, — The narrow way that leads to Heaven ; then we once more in prayer Will thank our heavenly Father, who hath sweetly brought you there. THE INFANT SAVIOR. CHILD. Mamma, 'tis strange that God most high Could come to earth to live and die ; 'T is wonderful that he could be Just such a little child as me ! 100 WEE-WEE SONGS. That he should need a mother's care, For food to eat and clothes to wear ; — How did the Virgin Mary know That he was Lord of all below ? MOTHER. His coming, Lillie, was foretold By many holy men of old, And angels had been sent to tell That this dear child she loved so well Should be her Savior, Christ the Lord, And she believed his precious Word ; Mary oft pondered in her heart Those things the angels did impart. CHILD. How could they be so very poor, When Christ was Lord of all ? I 'm sure, I should have thought that he would come To live in some delightful home. He could have had the sweetest spot In all the world, — why did he not ? Why did the infant Savior lie In a poor stable ? Tell me why He did not have a home like ours, With a nice garden, full of flowers WEE-WEE SONGS. 101 And trees, where lovely birds should sing, To cheer the infant Savior King ? MOTHER. When Jesus came to save our race, He meant to show such wondrous grace, That rich and poor alike might see He condescends their Friend to be. The poorest child may never fear To pour its wants into his ear, For Jesus, though a king above, Looks down with sympathy and love. He knows exactly what we need, And he will be our Friend indeed, Will kindly listen to our prayer, And all our little sorrows share. THE TWO COUSINS. Two wee-bit cousins went out to ride, Their carriages rolling side by side; The air was not damp, or chilly, or raw, But as bright a day as ever you saw. Two prettier babies one seldom sees ; Nurse often was stopped with remarks like these 102 WEE-WEE SONGS. " What beautiful children ! Whose can they be ? Do stop those nurses and let us see ! " The beauty of each the ladies compare : " This one is so lovely ! do see how fair Her little round face, so plump and sweet ! I must kiss the child though it is in the street." " No, — her little cousin is prettier far ; I like a brunette; she will be a bright star." The nurses move on, well pleased, I fear, Such flattering remarks from the ladies to hear. Had they seen these children in Water street, In ragged garments and naked feet, They would not have stopped them on the way, And flattered them so, I think, to-day. n r* s They descry ' «A> When Trenton Falls I What a sight Y Meet their eve ! WEE- WEE SONGS 103 PRECIOUS BIBLE. How many nations Ne'er have heard The precious truths Of God's own Word ; That the dear Savior Came to die, That we might dwell With him on high. If you had never Heard of God, Nor ever read His Holy Word, 104 WEE- WEE SONGS. How very thankful You would be, A copy of God's Book to see ! Then, save your pennies, Children dear, That all, these precious Truths may hear. THE SACRIFICE. How hard it was for Abraham To say, God's will be done, When he was called to offer up His dear, — his only son. " Take Isaac, now, thine only son," (This was the Lord's command,) " And offer him a sacrifice, To die by thine own hand." But Abraham believed that God, His Father, always knew Just what was right, and could not toll Him a wrong thing to do. He did not stop to question God, But rose at early dawn, WEE-WEE SONGS. 105 Saddled his ass, and called his son, To go that very morn A three days journey to a spot Which God to them would show ; And Isaac, with the two young men, At once prepared to go. At length the Mount appeared in sight, And Abraham told his men, " I yonder go to worship God, And will come back again." Much Isaac wondered what it meant, But he obeyed his sire, And took the wood upon his arms, To build his funeral pyre. Upon the mountain now they stand, And Isaac meekly cries, " Behold the fire and wood ! but where 's The lamb for sacrifice ? " When they had reached Moriah's top, The father told his son, — And Isaac willingly was bound, That God's will might be done. 106 WEE-WEE SONGS. Upon the altar, then, the wood Was all in order laid, And Abraham took the knife in hand, — That knife with naked blade. Then quick an angel of the Lord Was sent from heaven above, To gladden faithful Abraham's heart With these sweet words of love. " Lay not thy hand upon the lad, For now, indeed, I see Thou fearest God, nor hast withheld Thine only son from me. "And now in blessing I will bless Thee and thy numerous seed ; All those who have thy simple faith Shall be my friends * indeed. " When I shall give mine only Son To die on Calvary, The Lamb of God for sinners slain, Thine offspring he shall be." And has " Our Father " sent his Son, His only Son, from heaven To die for us that we might live And have our sins forgiven ? * " The seed of Abraham my friend." — Isaiah, xli : 8. WEE- WEE SONGS. 107 Lord, help me, then, to read thy Word, Believing all it saith ; For I may be a friend of God, If I have Abraham's faith. "remember the sabbath day, to keep it holy." I love the Sabbath day, Of all the days the best ; Thy sacred hours are sweet to me, Oh, day of holy rest ! I love the Sabbath bell, It says, " Do not delay ; Hasten, dear children, from your homes ; Come, worship God to-day. I love the Sabbath School ; Oft, as I take my seat, I pray that early I may learn To sit at Jesus' feet. Oh, blessed Sabbath day, Thou best of all the seven ; Thy precious hours I would improve, To fit my soul for heaven ! WEE-WEE SONGS. 109 CHARLIE AND HIS YOUTHFUL TEACHER. " Come, now, my dear boy, confess what you 've done, To your loving, kind Father on high ; You cannot conceal from the All-seeing One The fact that you 're telling a lie." So said the young teacher of Birmingham school, To Charlie, when no one was nigh ; She grieved that her pupil had broken a rule, Still more that he 'd told her a lie. His face, once so joyous, was then very sad, His heart was too full to reply, As Miss Mary pressed home on the dear little lad The fact of his telling a lie. i( Oh come, now in penitence tell me, dear boy, The whole truth, and then we will try And ask the dear Savior his grace to employ, To guard you from telling a lie." But, though the child wore a sad look of distress, 110 WEE-WEE SONGS. No penitent tear dimm'd his eye ; All arguments failed; — Charlie would not confess That he had been telling a lie. The teacher stood there, with her heart raised in prayer To One whom she felt ever nigh ; Oh how could she bear that her pupil should dare To grieve him by telling a he. "Dear Father, I know not what course to pursue ; Oh guide me/' she said, with a sigh ; " I am young and too helpless to know what to do With a child who is telling a lie. " Leave not this dear child to perish, I pray, Oh listen, and hear my sad cry ! What more can I say ? I must send him away, He will not repent of this lie." A change soon was wrought, when Miss Mary was taught By God, her kind Father on high, That his Word must be brought, and thence must be sought His threatenings to those who will lie. WEE-WEE SONGS. Ill Charlie reads of trie joys of the ransomed above, And learns that this home in the sky Forever is closed by our Father in love, From those who on earth learn to lie. To that Heavenly City, so good and so fair, The Lamb will a welcome deny, And no little child can e'er hope to go there, "Who loveth and maketh a lie."* The Bible has conquered ! The teacher with j°y Sees that tears are now filling his eye, She kneels and implores for her penitent boy Forgiveness for telling a lie. THE SAILOR AND THE MONKEYS, Once, in the hope of honest gain From Afric's golden store, A brisk young sailor cross'd the main, And landed on her shore. And leaving soon the sultry strand, Where his fair vessel lay, He travell'd o'er the neighboring land, To trade in peaceful way. * Kev. xxii: 15. 112 WEE-WEE SONGS. Full many a toy had he to sell, And caps of scarlet dye, All such things as he knew full well, Would please the native's eye. But as he travell'd through the woods, He longed to take a nap, And opening there his pack of goods, Took out a scarlet cap, And drew it on his head, thereby To shield him from the sun, Then soundly slept, nor thought an eye Had seen what he had done. But many a monkey dwelling there, Though hidden from his view, Had closely watched the whole affair, And longed to do so too. And while he slept did each one seize A cap to deck his brows, Then climbing up the highest trees, Sat chattering on the boughs. The sailor wak'd, his caps were gone, And loud and long he grieves, Till, looking up with heart forlorn, He spied at once the thieves. WEE-WEE SONGS. 113 With cap of red upon each head, Full fifty faces grim, The sailor sees amid the trees, With eyes all fixed on him. He brandish'd quick a mighty stick, But could not reach their bower, Nor yet could stone, for every one Was far beyond his power. Alas ! he thought, I 've safely brought My caps far over seas, But could not guess it was to dress Such little rogues as these. Then quickly down he threw his own, And loud in anger cried, " Take this one too, you thievish crew, Since you have all beside." But, quick as thought the caps were caught From every monkey's crown, And, like himself, each little elf Threw his directly down. He then with ease did gather these, And in his pack did bind, Then through the woods convey'd his goods And sold them to his mind. 114 WEE-WEE SONGS. THE MORNING WALK. The sun is up, the air is clear, The flowers are blooming all around, The dew-drops glitter on the grass, And pretty daisies deck the ground. How sweet it is to go abroad, And breathe this lovely morning air, So fragrant with perfume of flowers, While everything seems fresh and fair. The busy insects flitting round, The warbling birds on every tree, WEE-WEE SONGS. 115 Each blade of grass, each opening flower, All seem to speak, great God, of thee. Dear Father, thou hast kindly kept Thy child from danger all the night, And now, my heart is filled with joy, As I behold the morning light. And I would speak of all thy love ; Oh, fill my heart with grateful praise, And may I for these bounteous gifts, Both love and serve thee all my days. STRAWBERRY GIRL. EMILY. Mamma, do hear Eliza cry ! She wants a piece of cake, I know, She will not stir to school without ; Do give her some, and let her go. MOTHER. Oh no, my dear, that will not do, She has behaved extremely ill ; She does not think of minding me, And tries to gain her stubborn will. This morning, when she had her milk, She gave her spoon a sudden twirl 116 WEE- WEE SONGS. And threw it all upon the floor ; Oh, she 's a naughty, wicked girl ! And now, forsooth, she cries for cake, But that, my dear, I must refuse, For children never should object To eating what their parents choose. That pretty little girl who came To sell the strawberries here to-day, Would have been very glad to eat What my Eliza threw away ; Because her parents are so poor That they have neither milk nor meat, But gruel and some Indian cake Is all the children have to eat. They have beside three little girls, — Mary 's the oldest of them all, — And hard enough she has to work To help the rest, though she 's so small. As soon as strawberries are ripe, She picks all day and will not stop To play, nor eat a single one Till she has filled her basket up. Then down she comes to sell them all, And lays the money up to buy WEE- WEE SONGS. 117 Her stockings and her shoes to wear When cold and wintry storms are nigh. Then Mary has to trudge away, And gather wood thro' piles of snow, To keep the little children warm, When the frost bites and cold winds blow. Oh, then, as she comes home at night, Hungry and tired, with cold benumb'd, How would she jump to find a bowl Of bread and milk all nicely crumb'd. But she, dear child, has no such thing ; Of gruel and some Indian cake, Whether she chooses it or not, Poor Mary must her supper make. And now, my child, will you behave So ill again another day, Be cross, and pout, and cry for cake, And throw your breakfast all away ? ELIZA. Oh never, never, dear mamma, T 'm sorry that T gave you pain ; Forgive me, and I never will Be such a naughty girl again. 118 WEE-WEE SONGS. ENVY. MELINDA. I wish I had a coach, mamma ; 0, how I should delight to ride, Like Jennie Wright, where'er I pleased, And have a servant at my side. The other day. as Ann and I Were walking down the meadow lane, With John and Mary Anna Smith, Who should go by but little Jane ! WEE-WEE SONGS. 119 The man drove slow, that Miss might view The charming prospect all around ; How proud she felt that she could ride, While we were walking on the ground ! We all ran off and left the coach, But while we gathered flowers for you, Mamma, the servant followed us, For Miss must have some daisies too. She seemed resolved to let us know That she could have just what she pleased, Then the new coach whirled off, and so I really hope her mind was eased. What was it, ma, that vexed me so And spoiled the pleasure of the day ? I should have had a charming walk If that old coach had kept away. MOTHER. 'T was envy, child, an odious sin, That springs from ignorance and pride ; You grieved to see another taste Enjoyments to yourself denied. That little Miss you envied so Lived six long months in constant pain, 120 WEE-WEE SONGS. Then the disorder seized her feet, And she will never walk asrain. I chanced to be at Mr. Wright's That very day, when Jane came home ; Her brother took her in his arms, And brought her sobbing to the room. Her mother tenderly enquired What made her weep. " Alas ! " she cried, " Why, mother, will you urge your child To seek for pleasure in a ride ? " At first, I looked with some delight On the sweet fields so green and gay, When happy children passed along, As merry as the birds in May. " They laughed, they jumped, they climbed the hedge, For flowers their pretty wreaths to twine, And then they wandered through the fields, To gather blackberries from the vine. o l " I wept, that with such joyous sports I never more could take a part ; Kind Peter saw how sad I felt, And tried to cheer my heavy heart. WEE-WEE SONGS. 1£1 ' ' He brought me berries from the vine, He gathered daisies nice and sweet ; But on the flowers I could not look, The blackberries I could not eat. et Oh, turn, I said, and drive me home, Each object gives my heart a pain, And let me in my chamber hide, And never see a coach again." Now, dear Melinda, do you wish That you was Jennie Wright, to ride In a new coach whene'er you please, And have a servant at your side ? MELINDA. Oh, no, indeed ; for now, mamma, I see how wicked I have been ; You spoke most truly when you said That envy was an odious sin. Poor Jennie Wright ! how very strange That I should think her proud or vain ; Plow wicked and unkind it was For me to envy little Jane. I shall feel thankful I can walk Whene'er I chance a coach to meet ; Nor envy those again who ride, So long as I can use my feet. n oft • 2 Mi WEE-WEE SONGS. 123 REMEMBER THE POOR. "The poor ye have always with you, and when ye will ye may do them good." — [Words of Jesus. God's blessing on those Who remember the poor ! If I had been born In the Five Points, I 'm sure I should have been grateful For work and for food ; And this House of Industry Must do them great good. Our hearts should be filled With pity for those Who suffer in winter For want of warm clothes. Who suffer with hunger For want of nice bread, While we from God's bounty Are constantly fed. Then let us remember How much they endure, — Those dear little children So wretched and poor, 124 WEE- WEE SONGS. And do what we can To provide them with food, For all our spare pennies Would do them great good. HOLIDAY GIFT. MOTHER. My children, I am glad to see Your holidays have come ; For much it does delight my heart To see you all at home. And that you have behaved so well, Gives me still greater joy ; For greatly does your happiness Your mother's thoughts employ. The promise that I gave you all Most strictly I regard, And dearly do I love to give My children their reward. So here is a guinea, Charles, for you, To buy that pretty sword, Which, when you asked me for last spring, I could not then afford. And, Emma, one for you and Ann, Between you to divide ; WEE-WEE SONGS. 125 As Charles is older than yourselves, I hope you 're satisfied. EMMA. Oh yes, mamma, 'tis quite enough, We could not wish for more ; We never in our lives have had One half as much before. CHARLES. Mamma, you seem to be perplexed With some unpleasant care ; You smile, but then 't is not the smile That I have seen you wear. Pray, tell me is it anything That I have said or done ? I hope, mamma, I never shall Be an ungrateful son. MOTHER. Oh, no, my child ; you ever have Been dutiful and kind, But still, there is a circumstance That has perplexed my mind. You know that worthy family That lived up on the hill, — 11* J ] 26 WEE-WEE SONGS. Poor Mr. Smith, the clever man, That used to tend the mill. Last spring, his wife and little ones Were very sick, you know ; When they recovered, he was seized, And died a week ago. This very morning, Mrs. Smith Came here to ask relief; Poor woman ! she looked pale and thin, And overwhelmed with grief. " Dear madam, I am grieved to come And trouble you," she said ; u But new afflictions seem to fall In torrents on my head. " Some time before my husband died, We owed a quarter's rent, He laid it up, and would, no doubt, Have paid it — every cent. " But when our earnings all were stopp'd, And we so long were ill, I was obliged to take it all, To pay the doctor's bill. WEE- WEE SONGS. 127 " This very morn our landlord came, And sternly bade me pay ; I told him all, and begged he 'd wait A little longer day. " ' Wait longer ? No, indeed I wont ; Too long I have waited now ; So pay, or you '11 march out of doors, And I shall take your cow.' " The widow wept, and then she said, " I am willing to be poor, — But yet to lose my only cow Seems too' much to endure." CHARLES. Here, take this money, ma, and pay As far as it will go ; I had rather never have a sword Than she should suffer so. EMMA AND ANN. And ours, mamma ; do take it all, To pay that cruel man ; And pray make haste before he comes To frighten them again. MOTHER. Come to my arms, my precious ones. I only meant to see 128 WEE- WEE SONGS. Whether vo-ur little hearts were warmed if With sweet humanity. I '11 take your money for this debt, — And never did I pay A sum away with such delight, As I shall do this day. Come, then, my children, let us go ; It is a bless'd employ To cheer the widow's heart and fill The fatherless with joy. Oh, do not neglect Your practice, my dear ; Papa will expect Some good music to hear ; For he has been absent Almost a whole year. WEE- WEE SONGS. 129 NURSERY CIIILDREN NEEDING HOMES. " Two orphan children, under five, With pleasant, sunny faces, Brother and sister, much attached, Are candidates for ( places.' ' : Thus writes a lady from the Home ; And Fred has asked papa, 130 WEE- WEE SONGS. To take them both, and let them live With him and dear mamma. Papa replies : " My dear, I think We Ve boys enough already ; But we will take the little girl — A play-mate for our Freddy." O, must these little orphans part ? What will the poor boy do ? He hesitates a moment, then He says, " we '11 take the two ! " For 't would be very hard, to part The sister from her brother ; Poor little friendless ones, who now So dearly love each other. " Mamma will not consent, I 'm sure, These orphans thus to part, There 's room enough to hold them both, In her warm, loving heart." Fred runs at once to ask mamma, If she will be a mother To this dear little girl and boy — The sister and the brother. WEE- WEE SONGS. 131 She prays her Savior, then, to guide, And teach her what to do ; Fred soon returns to tell papa, — " Yes ; we must take the two ! " For while she knelt in earnest prayer, The Savior seemed to say, In sweetest accents to her heart, " Work, while 't is called to-day. u Take these dear little orphans home — Go, feed these lambs for me, And I will care for you and yours, I will your Savior be." Oh, will not other parents hear, The Savior sweetly plead, For my sake, take these orphans home, And be my friends indeed. ALMIRA AND MINNIE. MOTHER. i Almira, go and get your work, And sit with me, my dear ; And, Minnie, you may read to us, We will with pleasure hear. Two little misses thus employed Is a delightful sight ; 132 WEE-WEE SONGS. Then after tea the time 's your own, And you may play till night. Minnie, why do you look displeased ? Do n't you approve my plan ? Well, alter it yourself, my dear ; Improve it if you can. MINNIE. I 'm tired of sitting here alone, Mamma, with only you ; I 'm tired of work, indeed I am, I 'm tired of reading, too. And only just Almira here, And Fido now to play ; If I 'd my will I 'd go abroad Most gladly every day. MOTHER. Minnie, do you know Peggy Hill, That little, modest child, Who sometimes comes on errands here ? She lives with Mrs. Wild. She came the other day when you Was sitting here with me ; Almira sewed, you had a book, And read quite prettily. WEE-WEE SONG'S. 133 She tried to do her errand twice ; But when she came to speak, I saw her turn aside and wipe A tear from off her cheek. I thought it strange, and led her out ; " What ails you, child," said I ; " Pray have you hurt yourself, or what Can thus have made you cry ? " " Oh, no," she said, " I am not hurt ; I am to blame, I fear; But such a tender sight as this Will always force a tear. " For I had tender parents once, — Affectionate and kind ; But they are dead ; they both have gone, And left their child behind. " I had a little sister, too, And many a pleasant day We with our mother worked and read The cheerful hours away. " But when we lost our parents, ma'am, Our living all was fled ; And we were placed in strangers* hands, To earn our daily bread. 12 134 WEE-WEE SONGS. u My sister could not long support The hardship of her fate ; She left this miserable world And sought a happier state. " Since then I have mourn'd my heavy lot ,* Alone, without relief, — I have no friend to pity me Or listen to my grief. " My mistress lives in wealth and ease, From want and sorrow free ; She never knew what labor was, Nor can she feel for me. " I work from morn till night, and try To please her all the while, And think sometimes I 'd give the world Just for one pleasant smile. "But every day I give offence, In spite of all my care ; And cruel words from day to day, It is my lot to bear." MINNIE. Oh, how I pity Peggy Hill ! Her case is sad indeed ; WEE-WEE SONGS. 135 I 'm thankful for my happy home, — Dear mother, let me read. And let Almira get her work ; — Fido, you run away Till after tea, then on the green We '11 run, and jump, and play. *Sl 3 1 V M~^V 136 WEE-WEE SONGS. THE INDIAN AND THE PLANTER. By the door of his house a planter stood, In fair Virginia's clime, When the setting sun had tinged the wood With its golden hue sublime. The lands of this planter were broadly spread, He lacked not gold or gear, And his house had plenty of meat and bread To make them goodly cheer. An Indian came from the forest deep, A hunter in weary plight, Who in humble accents asked to sleep 'Neath the planter's roof that night. To the Indian's need he took no heed, But forbade his longer stay ; " Then give me," he said, " but a crust of bread, And I '11 travel on my way." In wrath the planter this denied, Forgetting the golden rule ; "Then give me, for mercy's sake," he cried, " A cup of water cool. "All day I have travell'd o'er fen and bog, In chase of the bounding deer ; " WEE-WEE SONGS. 137 " Away," cried the planter, " you Indian dog, For you shall have nothing here." The Indian turned to his distant home, Though hungry and travel sore, And the planter enter'd his goodly dome, Nor thought of the Indian more. When the leaves were sere, to chase the deer, This self same planter went, And bewildered stood, in a dismal wood, When the day was fully spent. He had lost his way in the chase that day, And in vain to find it tried, When a glimmering light fell on his sight, From a wigwam close beside. He thither ran, and a savage man Received him as a guest ; He brought him cheer, the flesh of deer, And gave him of the best. Then kindly spread for the white man's bed, His softest skins beside, And at break of day, through the forest way, Went forth to be his guide. 12* 138 WEE- WEE SONGS. At the forest's verge, did the planter urge, His service to have paid, But the savage bold refused his gold, And thus to the white man said : " I came of late to the white man's gate, And weary and faint was 1, Yet neither meat, nor water sweet, Did the Indian's wants supply. " Again should he come to the white man's home My service let him pay, Nor say, again to the fainting man, You c Indian dog, away ! ' " THE INDIAN AND THE BASKET.* Among Rhode Island's early sons, Was one whose orchards fair, By plenteous and well-flavored fruit, Rewarded all his care. For household use they stored the best, And all the rest conveyed To neighboring mill, were ground and press'd, And into cider made. *This circumstance actually occurred as related, soon after the settlement of Rhode Island, at a farm house, still in good preservation. WEE-WEE SONGS. 139 The wandering Indian oft partook The generous farmer's cheer ; He liked his food, but better still His cider fine and clear. And as he quaff 'd the pleasant draught, The kitchen fire before, He longed for some to carry home, And asked for more and more. The farmer saw a basket new Beside the Indian bold, And smiling said, " I '11 give to you As much as that will hold." Both laughed, for how could liquid thing Within a basket stay ; But yet the jest unanswering, The Indian went his way, When next from rest the farmer sprung, So very cold the morn, The icicles like diamonds hung On every spray and thorn. The brook that babbled by his door Was deep, and clear, and strong, And yet unfettered by the frost, Leaped merrily along. 140 WEE-WEE SONGS. The self-same Indian by this brook. The astonished farmer sees ; He laid his basket in the stream, Then hung it up to freeze. And by this process oft renewed, The basket soon became A well-glazed vessel, tight and good, Of most capacious frame. The door he entered speedily, And claim'd the promis'd boon, The farmer, laughing heartily, Fulfilled his promise soon. Up to the basket's brim he saw The sparkling cider rise, And to rejoice his absent squaw, He bore away the prize. Long lived the good man at the farm, The house is standing still, And still leaps merrily along, The much diminished rill. And his descendants still remain, And tell to those who ask it, The story they have often heard About the Indian's basket. WEE- WEE SONGS 141 :i'i kM^M mm GRANDMAMMA S STORY. Oil, tell some tales of ancient times, Dear grandmamma, again ; "When you was young as we are now, Said little Mary Jane. 14£ WEE-'WTEE SONGS. She raised her mild blue eyes, and said, I have a tale to tell, Which once I read, when I was young, And now remember well. My mother bought the book for me, And brought it home one day, When I had been a naughty girl, And passionate at play. Although the tale was very sad, I tell it now, that you May see what very wicked things, An angry child may do. grandmamma's story of the blind CHILD. Some ladies once agreed with me, To give our little ones a sail ; The day was fine, the summer wind Just blew a soft and pleasant gale. We stepped on board a pleasure boat, With gayest colors painted o'er, And in the bosom of the stream, We sweetly sailed along the shore. WEE-WEE SONGS. 143 Our children could not keep their seats, But every sportive girl and boy, With hearts as cheerful as the day, Did skip about the deck for joy ; Except one pretty little girl, Who sat alone with downcast eye, And now and then I saw a tear, And thought I heard a broken sigh. I wondered much that one so young, Should seem so pensively inclined, And asked her mother what it meant ; " Alas ! " said she, " the child is blind. "One day, I never shall forget, She and her brother were at play ; Something she said offended him, And so they had a childish fray. " She turned her head and gave a look, 'T was half a smile and half grimace ; His temper rose, — he caught a fork And threw it in his sister's face. " It struck her eye, the blood gushed out, He screamed, and turn'd as pale as death ; Oh, never shall my memory lose That dreadful scene while I have breath. 144 WEE-WEE SONGS. u For three long, melancholy months, We kept her in a darkened room, With a close bandage round her eyes, Where not a ray of light could come. " The doctors tried their utmost skill To keep her sight, but all in vain ; At length the wounded eyes were healed, But she will never see again. u Her brother's heart is almost broke ; ' Oh, Harriet,' he often cries, ' If I was owner of the world, I 'd give it to restore your eyes. " ' But you will laugh and play no more, Nor your dear parents' faces see, ISTor trees, nor fields, nor blooming flowers, And never will you look on me. " ' Oh, wretched, miserable boy ! What has my wicked temper done ; I 've shut my dear, dear sister's eyes Forever from the cheerful sun ! "' This story, children, made me feel How very wicked I had been ; To lose my temper when at play, I felt to be a grievous sin. WEE-WEE SONGS. 145 And now, my dears, said grandmamma, May this sad tale I 've told to-day Lead you to guard your hearts with care, And ne'er be angry when at play. BLACKBERRY GIRL. PART II. Part I. in " Songs for Little Ones at Home." " What have you in that basket, child ? " " They are blackberries, Miss, all picked to-day ; They 're very nice, and fully ripe ; — Do look at them, and taste them, pray." " Oh, yes, they are very nice indeed ! Here 's four-pence, that will buy a few, Not quite so many as I could eat ; However, I must make them do." " No, Miss ; but you must take the whole." " I can't, indeed, my money 's spent ; I should be glad to buy them all, But I have not another cent. " And if you had a thousand, Miss, I 'd not accept of one from you ; 13 146 WEE- WEE SONGS. Pray take them ! they are all your own, And take the little basket, too. " Have you forgot that little girl You last year gave a bonnet to ? You may, perhaps, but ever will That little girl remember you. " For ever since I 've been to church, — And much do I delight to go, — For there I learned the way to heaven, Which I so long had wished to know. " One day I thought within myself, That pretty basket Billy wove I '11 fill with fruit for that dear Miss, For sure 't will be a work of love. (i And so, this morning, up I rose, "While yet the fields were wet with dew, And picked the nicest I could find, And brought them fresh and sweet to you. " I know the gift is small, indeed, For such a lady to receive ; But yet, I hope you '11 not refuse All that poor Phebe has to give." WEE-WEE SONGS. 147 SUPPER FOR THE ROBINS. These dear little birdies Will not fly away ; They come for their breakfast And supper each day. They come in the morning, At noon, and at night, And always are welcomed With greatest delight. And crumbs in abundance They always have found Just under the window, Spread out on the ground. Now Minnie and Ella Are watching to see Their dear little robins Come clown from the tree, Where they have been warbling A beautiful lay, To charm the dear children At close of the day. WEE- WEE SONGS. 149 BREAKFAST FOR THE ROBINS. When supper is over, The birds fly away, And sing a new song At dawn of the day. These sweet little robins Such lovely notes raise, They seem to be singing Their Creator's praise. Awake, little Minnie! Come, Ella, arise ! The sun is beginning His course in the skies. Your birdies already Are waiting for you To give them their breakfast ; Now what will you do? They rouse from their slumbers, Then kneel down to pray ; — Thus Minnie and Ella Begin the new day. Before their own breakfast Is ready, they go 18* 150 WEE-WEE SONGS. To see if the robins Are waiting below. And there one dear songster Is sure to be found As soon as his breakfast Is spread on the ground. THE WIDOW OF ZAEEPHATH. No rain had descended, the fountains were dry, The streamlets no water afford ; No clouds, thick and heavy, bespoke a supply, When a voice to Elijah descends from on high, And spoke the commands of the Lord. Arise, O Elijah ! to Zion repair, Awhile in Zarephath remain ; A poor widow woman will welcome thee there, To thee of her little a portion will spare, And with food and with water sustain. The Prophet arose at the heav'nly desire, His steps to Zarephath he bound, When lo ! the poor widow in humble attire, And busied with gathering sticks for her fire, At the gates of the city he found. WEE- WEE SONGS. 151 He said; " I have travelled a wearisome way ; From Cherith to-day I have hied ; I have passed by no fountain my thirst to allay, Then fetch me a draught of cold water, I pray, Lest I perish with thirst at thy side." She turned, and again to the woman he spoke, " A stranger am I in the land, And since in compassion my thirst thou wilt slake, Remember I also am hunger'd, and take A morsel of bread in thy hand." She answered, "As liveth thy Maker and Lord, No bread for thy hunger have I ; Of oil but a little my cruise can afford, But an handful of meal in my barrel is stor'd, And from none can I ask a supply. " For fuel to dress this small portion, to-day, To the gates of the city I hie, And now with these sticks I return on my way, That my son and myself may our hunger allay, Then calmly resign us to die." 152 WEE-WEE SONGS. Then answered Elijah, " As thou hast begun, Go on till thy home shall appear ; Make cakes of thy meal, and first bake for me one, Then after another for thee and thy son, And your hunger allay without fear. "For thus saith thy Maker, the meal shall not waste, And the oil in the cruise shall not fail, But thou and thy household his bounty shall taste, Till the day when his wrath and his anger is past, And showers of plenty prevail." No need had Elijah the words to repeat, — To the house of the widow he went ; Many days he sojourned in the quiet retreat, And she, and her son, and the prophet did eat, And the oil and the meal were not spent. Yet more would you hear how this widow was bless'd, How her son from the dead was restored, Go turn to the Book where the tale is express'd, Of Elijah, beloved of the Lord. WEE- WEE SONGS. 153 SKATING. Do not fear To venture out, Tho' Jack Frost May be about. Come, enjoy This bracing air ; Ice is solid Everywhere. It is safe To skate or slide ; See how swiftly Now we glide ! O'er the pond, All together ; — Oh, what healthy, Charming weather ! 154 WEE- WEE SONGS. TO MY INFANT NEPHEW. Is this new life so sweet to thee, my little baby boy, That thus thy minutes seem to be a constant course of joy ? I gaze upon thy laughing face, I hear thy joyous tone, Till the glad feeling of thy heart oft passes to my own. No titled infant for whose brow a coronet shines fair Is blest with better health than thou or nursed with tenderer care ; And be it prince or peasant's child, the station high or low, These blessings are the only ones its earliest days can know. I would not damp thy present joy with tales of future care, Nor paint the ills of life, dear boy, which thou must feel and bear ; The early dew is fair to view although it vanish soon, And lovely is the morning flower that withers when 'tis noon. WEE-WEE SONGS. 155 Thy heavenly Father, by whose will a living soul is thine, By his good Spirit visits still this heritage divine, And children who in innocence the path of life hath trod, Hear often in their tender minds the indwelling voice of God. As reason dawns, as mind expands, in childhood's opening day, Thou oft wilt hear his high commands, to shun the evil way ; And every evil thought resigned to this divine control, Will bring a sweetness to thy mind, a blessing to thy soul. Dear as thy welfare is to me, I cannot frame a thought, I cannot breathe a wish for thee with happiness more fraught, Than that this heavenly Friend may prove the Ruler of thy way, And thy young heart incline to love, to hearken, and obey. 156 WEE -WEE SONGS. SLEEP, LITTLE BIRDIE ! Hush, little birdie, I '11 sing you a song, One that is sweet, And not very long ; Peep ! peep ! Go to sleep ! Lullaby, birdie ! While taking your rest, — Nothing shall harm you, You 're safe in your nest. Peep ! peep ! Go to sleep ! THE WOUNDED FOOT. The children are grieved, for the poor little boy Has wounded his foot with a thorn ; And Willie and Fred have left their play, And both of them have gone To ask mamma to run to the spot, And try to relieve the pain ; She will help the dear boy, but he must not run Without stockings and shoes again. 158 WEE-WEE SONGS. little ellen's request. " I do not like this dress of mine/' Said little Ellen to her mother ; (i The girls at school are dressed so fine, — I wish that I could have another. "Do buy me one that 's very gay, And a new bonnet trimmed with lace, — Unless I look as smart as they I feel ashamed to show my face." Her mother said, i{ Ellen, my dear, Your clothes, I 'm sure, are very good ; Nor would I wish you to appear So fine and gaudy if you could. " I try to dress you neat and plain, That I may buy you useful books ; And if you 're neither proud nor vain, I 'm sure our friends will like your looks. " Whene'er I dress you, I must say, "Would God be pleased with things like these ? For, Ellen, we must seek each day In all we do our God to please. WEE-WEE SONGS. 159 MILKING THE COWS. 'T was near the close of day, yet bright The sun shone o'er the hill, And pour'd a flood of golden light On every object still. With hat in hand, and reeking brows, Did little Thomas come, For he had helped to bring the cows From distant pasture home. Now, seated on the gray stone wall Which all the yard surrounds, His eye attentive noted all That passed within its bounds. With snow-white pail, the dairy's pride, Each milker seated low, Rested his head against the side Of every gentle cow. From Brown and Pied, from Black and Red, The milk with care was drawn ; But Brindle fiercely shook her head And raised her pointed horn. Away she ran ; but boy and man Soon overtook and tied her, 160 WEE-WEE SONGS. And sturdy Ben, to milk her then, Sat closely down beside her. So ! So ! they cried, stand steady now. But all would not avail, For with her foot the restless cow Soon overthrew the pail. On dirt and sward the milk was pour'd By Brindle's luckless blow, And in a pen they put her then Till she could gentle grow. The rest were sent, the milking done, To graze in grassy field, Till summon'd by the rising sun Their morning's milk to yield. LOST CHILD. In Newport, through the silent street At midnight came a hum Of voices and of passing feet, And loudly-beaten drum. A child was lost, — none could be found In alley, street, or lane ; His friends in sorrow searched around, But search was all in vain. WEE-WEE SONGS. 161 Though many a lantern lent its aid And torches beamed on high, In vain the mournful party stray 'd Till morning lit the sky. Then by the water's side they came, And there, oh, sad to say ! All cold and wet, his lifeless frame Upon the sea-weed lay. That morning, when he strayed from home, Poor little Johnnie plann'd Along the water's edge to roam, Among the yellow sand. And, as he sported free from care The slippery rocks around, The rising tide surprised him there, And there the boy was drowned. They bore him home, a mournful sight, Then, speedily arrayed, His little form in spotless white Was in a coffin laid. Next came his friends, a mournful band, To form the funeral throng, Where many children hand in hand Walked silently along. 14* 162 WEE- WEE SONGS. In grave-yard green may now be seen O'er Johnnie's grave a stone, And letters fair engraven there His name and age make known. GOD, THE GREAT CREATOR. "Dear mother/' one morning a little boy said, " Pray tell me by whom this fine country was made ; At home in our town, where the houses are thick, I know how they make them of timber and brick. " I have seen how the mason and carpenter, too, With trowel and hammer their labors pursue ; But not half so fine do their works all appear As doth the fair covering that 's everywhere here. " How lovely this grass with the flowers so sweet ! Nor do I remember a house in the street So high as that tree where the little bird sings ; Did God, dearest mother, make all these fine things." WEE- WEE SONGS. 163 " He did, my dear boy," did his mother reply ; " Our Father in heaven, who dwells in the sky, Made all these fine things, — the wide earth and seas, The hills and the mountains, the rocks and the trees. " This carpet of grass with its blossoms so fair, The beasts of the wood and the fowls of the air, — All my dear boy has seen in sunshine or shade, His heavenly Father in kindness has made. " And life, health, and strength he has given to thee, And hearing, and eye-sight these beauties to see ; O, give him thine heart, then, in grief and in He will love thee and make thee his own little boy; Will guard thee in safety thro' life, and will even Take thee with him to dwell in his beautiful heaven. \'.m WEE-WEE SONGS. 165 TIBBY AND HER KITTEN. Kit has not a sister, Nor has she a brother ; And she is the darling Of Tibby, her mother. She stands there and purrs With motherly pride, While dear little kitty Is close by her side. T 'is pleasant to watch them — Now they are at play, With a round ball between them Just rolling away. If puss could not play 'T would be a great pity ; 'T is only one year Since she was a kitty. How funny it seems, That she is a mother ; 'Tis only one year Since she and her brother Were found in the stable One warm summer day, 166 WEE- WEE SON GS . Where old Spot had hid them So snugly away. Such wee bits of kitties You never did see, And one was for Willie And one was for me. But one of those kitties Strayed off from his mother, Then my little Tibby Had no more a brother. Now she and old Spot Scarce notice each other, For Tibby, though young, Is now a fond mother. While grandmother Spot Is roaming about Not one rat or mouse Will dare to come out. i And Tibby 's a mouser, — She '11 soon teach her kitty To chase them about Without any pity. 1 ■ -1 WEE- WEE SONGS. 167 Just look at her now, With kit at her side, And see how she watches With motherly pride Her one little darling Who has not a brother Or sister to share The love of her mother. Our Father has taught them To care for each other ; He teaches our Tabby To be a fond mother. He teaches our kitty To gambol and play, And cares for them kindly By night and by day. Each creature that lives And moves on the earth, Our dear heavenly Father Has kept from its birth. And he loves to see them So joyous and gay, And makes them so happy They all love to play. 168 WEE-WEE SONGS. I 'm glad that they have Such love for each other, I 'm glad that my kitty Does love her dear mother. HAPPY CAT. In eighteen hundred and eighteen, In pleasant time of Spring, The pretty kitten first was seen, Whose history I sing. And first her pedigree to tell, — She came, I understand, Of parents as respectable As any in the land. Tib she was always called, for why? It was her mother's name, And lively was the kitten's eye, And active was her frame. The soft, warm coat that covered her, Was goodly to the sight, For spots of grey and yellow fur Shone 'mid the milky white. She quickly learned both rat and mouse To combat and surprise, , WEE- WEE SONGS. 169 For these abounded in the house Where first Tib oped her eyes. One half the year she tarried here, And then went to reside With Mrs. H., who lived quite near, (Her cat had lately died.) There play'd she many a youthful trick, Which gain'd her great applause ; The rolling ball she 'd follow quick, And seize between her paws. The floating feather she would chase, And with a spring attain ; Nor buzzing fly could rest in peace About the window pane. But one mischievous trick of puss I mention to her shame ; To see the mistress of the house A gentle lady came. Tib saw the bonnet of the guest Most carefully laid down, Then quickly comes to take her rest Within the satin crown. 15 170 WEE- WEE SONGS. Miss Tibby's head, and tail, and ears, Into this quiet station Are drawn, and not a hair appears To common observation. At length the lady took her hat, — And how they all did stare And laugh to see a sleeping cat So snugly nestled there. Six years rolled smoothly like the first, From every evil free, And many a kitten had she nurs'd The prettiest that could be. A most unusual sound one night Was heard, and Tib thereby Was roused at once from slumbers light, To hear a baby cry ! No sound like this had met her ears Within that ancient dome In all the many quiet years That this had been her home. Straight up the stairway did she spring, And there beheld the elf, — A cunning, little, helpless thing, No bigger than herself. WEE-WEE SONGS. 171 Tib loved the baby from that day, And oft would rub her head Against him in a friendly way, Or sit beside his bed. When puss was old, the baby Tom Had grown a stately boy, And since her feeble days had come, He would his time employ In nursing the poor, feeble cat, With bread and milk to feed, Or give her meat, both lean and fat, According to her need. 172 WEE-WEE SONGS. TIBBY S DEATH. It now becomes us to relate The time of Tibby's death ; In eighteen hundred and twenty-eight She drew her latest breath. . Old age and slow disease conspired This faithful cat to slay, And in the garden she expired, About the last of May. Her's was a happy life indeed ; So quiet and secure, From all the persecutions freed That many cats endure. Though duly fed with milk and bread, At morn and evening, too, No man, or youth, — or child, in truth, A better mouser knew. The closet door oft stood ajar, Each shelf with viands crown'd, Yet not the worse for honest puss Were e'er the dishes found. If Tib, a cat, such praise could gain For honest, faithful deed, Oh, how much more should those attain Who think, and speak, and read. WEE-"WEE SONGS. 173 SPRING. The beautiful spring-time, — the beautiful spring, Has come with its treasure of flowers 174 WEE-WEE SONGS. And dear robin red-breasts again come to sing In this beautiful garden of ours. Spring, summer, and autumn, and winter, I know, Each in turn fill our hearts with great pleasure ; But spring, lovely spring-time, you certainly bring The greatest abundance of treasure. up! up! away! At dawn of the day, When I 'm wishing to sleep, My dear little birdie This carol will keep, — Up! Up! Away! See ! See ! 'T is day ! At dawn of the day It is so hard to wake ; But I '11 listen and hear, For my dear birdie's sake ; Up ! Up ! you '11 say, See ! See ! 'T is day ! WEE-WEE SONGS. 175 THE SABBATH BREAKER. One pleasant morn, o'er hill and plain The sunbeams brightly fell, And loudly o'er the steepled fane Rung out the Sabbath bell. And they who loved the day of rest, Went forth with one accord, — Each in the way he deemed the best, To wait upon the Lord. But not with these, in lane or street. Was Henry seen that day ; He had not learned to turn his feet To wisdom's pleasant way. But he God's holy day would take With wicked boys to rove In search of walnut trees to shake Throughout the woody grove. With basket o'er his shoulders thrown, His garments soiled and torn, Young Henry sauntered from the town This pleasant Sabbath morn. His widowed mother, sick and poor, Had taught him better things ; 176 WEE-WEE SONGS. And thus to see him leave her door, Her heart with sorrow wrings. She tried God's holy Book to heed, As it before her lay ; But while she sought the words to read, Her thoughts were far away. The sun his parting radiance shed, — Each hour increased her care, When stranger steps with heavy tread Came up her narrow stair. And in their arms her son they bore, Insensible and pale, While many a stain of crimson gore Revealed the hapless tale. He 'd spent the day amid the wood In happiness and glee, And, just at eve, triumphant stood Upon a lofty tree. The bough, the very topmost bough, Beneath his weight gave way, And on the rocks quite senseless now The wretched sufferer lay. With mangled flesh, and laboring breath, And sadly fractured limb, WEE-WEE SONGS. 177 For many a week he lay till death. A mercy seemed to him. Yet, ere its bonds the spirit burst, Deep penitence was given ; And thus, for Jesus' sake, we trust, He found a home in heaven. MY SON, GIVE ME THINE HEART. Time is flying, dearest children, Come and give your hearts away ; Come to Jesus ! Come to Jesus ! He will teach you how to pray. Time is flying — do not linger, Listen to his voice to-day ; Come to Jesus ! Come to Jesus ! He will teach you how to pray. Time is flying — quickly flying, Precious one do not delay, Come to Jesus ! Come to Jesus ! He delights to hear you pray. Time is flying now, dear children, Come and give your hearts away ; Come to Jesus ! Come to Jesus ! He will teach you how to pray. 178 WEE- WEE SONGS. VISIT TO THE COUNTRY. A little boy one morning rose, And from his chamber high, Saw with delight the sun was bright And beautiful the sky. For with his mother and his aunt, That day full well he knew } WEE- WEE SONGS. 179 Was plaDiied for him a pleasant jaunt Across the waters blue. And soon from head to foot complete The little boy was dressed ; But yet no breakfast could he eat, So full of joy his breast. Ere ten o'clock their trunks were packed, And all were in array, Nor yet a piece of sake they lacked To eat upon the way. Oh, had you seen the pretty boat With mast and sail and oar, In which the happy party float The peaceful billows o'er. By pebbly shore and island green, Where thick the bushes grew, Each little girl and boy, I ween, Had longed to be there too. But soon they reached the island where Their cousin kind had come With greeting fair to meet them there, And take them to his home. 180 WEE-WEE SONGS. His good brown horse drew wagon bright, In which was room enough, For better far than chaises light Are these when roads are rough. The good horse trotted with his load, — The whip he did not need, And o'er the high and rugged road Our travellers bore with speed. I cannot tell each charming sight That on the dear boy's view Arose to fill him with delight, For all to him was new. Here swam a flock of gabbling geese In waters bright and still, Nor did the sheep the gambols cease About the verdant hill. The cattle from their grassy meal Raised up a heavy eye, And many a pig sent forth, its squeal As rolled the wagon by. And now the house appear'd in view That they should tarry in, — Then barking out the house-dog flew And out came all their kin. WEE-WEE SONGS. 181 They kindly welcome gave each guest, And full refreshment brought ; Then evening came, and needful rest Each weary traveller sought. LITTLE LYDIA AND THE RAZOR. " This box little Lydia may put in its place," Said her uncle, " for I am quite lame ; My razor is nicely shut up in its case, Be careful, my dear, of the same." But Lydia had seen this razor so bright In the hands of her uncle display'd, And when she was once fairly out of his sight, She open'd the box, and saw with delight The beautiful handle and blade. She met her young sister ; " Dear Abby," she said, " This beautiful thing only see ; Sit down here directly, and hold up your head, I '11 shave you as nice as can be." Her sister consented, and now they begin Their dangerous play with delight ; But,lo ! the first stroke brings blood from her chin, And both scream aloud with affright. At the sound of these voices their mother appear'd And well might such figures amaze her ; 1G 182 WEE-WEE SONGS. For one little girl was with blood all besmeared, The other was holding a razor. Now Abby was washed, and a plaster they bring For the cut on her face most befitting ; And Lydia was told what a terrible thing, She 'd been on the point of committing. They were warned for the future such play- things to shun, And I trust they remember their warning ; For I 've heard of no mischief these children have done, Since that most unfortunate morning. NATURE SPEAKS OF GOD. How beautiful this world, O Lord ! On every side thy hand I see ; The earth is with thy bounties stored, All nature seems to speak of thee ! Oh, teach a little child to know And love that God who made them so ! Each fowl that swiftly wings the air, And warbling birds on every tree, All claim our heavenly Father's care, And they, too, seem to speak of thee. Oh, teach a little child to know And love that God who made them so ! WEE- WEE SONGS. 183 The air, the ocean, and the land Are full of life as they can be, And all from thy kind, bounteous hand Receive supplies of food from thee. Oh, teach a little child to know That glorious God who loves them so ! And thou, my Father, dost provide A happy home and friends for me ; My daily wants are all supplied, And all proceeds alone from thee. Oh teach a little child to know That glorious God who loves him so ! 184 WEE- WEE SONGS. BABY HAS GOT A TOOTH. " Papa, I have glorious news to tell ! " Said a bright-eyed little boy, As his father alighted from the stage, And greeted his son with joy. WEE- WEE SONGS. 185 They had rattled away in the stage ail day, Those passengers crowded together, And some had to fret because it was wet, And all were quite tired of the weather. But now shouts of laughter arose from the stage, All lost their ill-humor in truth, As they heard that dear boy tell the glorious news, " Our baby has just got a tooth ! " Ocean steamers Come and go Very frequently, You know. Once it took A month, or more, To cross the sea From shore to shore. 16» WEE- WEE SONGS. 187 BIBLE STORIES AND HYMNS. Solomon's choice. " Be strong, and shew thyself a man ! " Said David to his youthful son, " I die ! keep thou the charge from God, And in his ways and precepts run ! " So David slept — and Solomon Desired to do just what was right, And God spoke to him in a dream, " What shall I give thee ? Ask to-night." " Oh, God," he said, " Thou hast been kind To place me on king David's throne ; Yet, I am but a little child, I am not fit to go alone. " An understanding heart I want, To guard thine Israel, Lord, from sin — This mighty people ! Teach me, Lord, How to go out — how to come in." " Thy choice is good ! " the Lord replied, " An understanding heart I give ; No monarch yet has ever reigned So well. No king so wise shall live." 188 WEE- WEE SONGS. " 'T is well that thou hast sought this thing, And hast not asked long life and health, Riches or honors, — yet I give To thee and thine abundant wealth ! " " Ask what thou wilt " in prayer, dear child God promises to give it thee, And shouldst thou heavenly wisdom seek, All other things shall added be. SOLOMON S JUDGMENT. " And all Israel heard of the judgment, and they feared King Solomon, for they saw that the wisdom of God was in him." — Kings iii: 28. No King e'er reigned like Solomon, So good was he and wise ; When distant nations heard his fame, It filled them with surprise. And all the people feared to do, Unjust and wicked things ; They feared the secret he would learn From God the King of kings. For they all knew at Gibeon, God made the heart rejoice, When in the silence of the night, He made that happy choice. * * Kings, 2d chapter. WEE-WEE SONGS. 189 And asked an understanding heart, — The wisdom he should need To guide the people, and that God Would be his friend indeed. They knew that God approv'd his choice, And gave him such a name, For wisdom and integrity, That all would hear his fame. One day a mother came to him, To claim an only son, An infant only nine days old, And thus in tears begun : — " My lord, O king, behold and see, This woman by my side ! She had a son the age of mine, But in the night he died. " No one was with us in the house, So she was not afraid To place her dead child, while I slept, Where my dear boy was laid. " And when I woke, at early dawn, To nurse my little son, I thought my darling dead, but soon I saw what she had done." 190 WEE-WEE SONGS. " It is not so," the woman cried, " The dead boy let her bring, That is her child, the living one "Belongs to me, O king ! " " Bring in a sword ! " said Solomon, " Now cut the child in two ! We '11 give the other woman half, One half belongs to you." Joyful the wicked woman spoke, " But half the babe is thine ; O righteous king divide the boy, And let one half be mine." Her bowels yearning for her son, The mother quick replied, "No, take the living child for thine, Give me the one that died. " king, in pity, spare my boy, And let him not be slain ! Thy handmaid then will hasten home, Nor trouble thee again." " In nowise slay or hurt the babe," King Solomon replied, '• The mother's heart shall plead for her, Give her the living child ! " WEE-WEE SONGS. 191 Solomon's wisdom. And Solomon's wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the east country, and all the wisdom of Egypt." — Kings ir. In Solomon's most peaceful reign What happiness was felt ! Under his vine and fig tree, then. Each man in safety dwelt. Israel and Judah lived secure, In Canaan's fruitful land, And God enlarged the Monarch's heart, And made him understand All wisdom Eastern sages learn'd, And those of Egypt, too ; Of trees of Lebanon he wrote, — All living plants he knew. Of beasts, — of fowl, — of creeping things, And fish the king could write, And in his Songs and Proverbs still All nations take delight. • Silver, and gold, and precious stones, Were sent him day by day, And camels laden with rich goods, From regions far away. 192 WEE-WEE SONGS. So prosperous a reign as this, God's people ne'er had known, And mighty kings oft came to see The monarch on his throne. Thus God had said,* " Since thou dost choose To walk in wisdom's ways, Thou shalt be rich, and wise, and great, Before me all thy days. SOLOMON AND THE QUEEN OF SHEBA. '• And when the Queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon she came to prove him with hard questions. And she gave the king of gold and of spices a very great store, and precious stones." — Kings x. Uttermost parts of the earth Had heard the wondrous fame Of Solomon's most mighty acts, — The greatness of his name. Thence came the Queen of Sheba down With camels bearing gold, And precious stones, and spices sweet, — Their worth has ne'er been told. Arabian spices — such a store Was never seen again ♦Kings iii: 12. WEE- WEE SONGS. 193 Within the Holy Land as then The queen brought in her train. Communing with King Solomon Of what was in her heart, With questions hard she led the king His wisdom to impart. Then said the queen, " In mine own land Of thy great name I heard, The wisdom and prosperity God had on thee conferred. " The fame of thy most mighty acts So filled me with surprise That I resolved to venture down And see with mine own eyes, " And bring a present from the East, — Spices, and gems, and gold ; O king ! I heard a true report, Yet half has ne'er been told. " Thrice happy are thy men, great king, And these thy servants, too, Who wait before thee all the day, And see what thou dost do. 17 194 WEE -WEE SONGS. " And blessed be the Lord thy God, Who takes delight in thee ; Because the Lord loved Israel well, Thy wisdom now they see. " Then of his royal bounty he Gave what the queen liked best, And thus King Solomon dismissed His pleased and grateful guest. KING OF TYRE. " Hiram, King of Tyre, was ever a lover of David." — Kings v. King Solomon his servant sent To Hiram, King of Tyre, To say, " thus saith King David's son Thy servant doth desire " To build a temple for the Lord, And he would buy of thee, Cedars of Lebanon, and firs, To be sent down by sea." And Hiram heard these words, and. said, " My servant shall convey All thou dost need from Lebanon ; Blessed be the Lord this day ! WEE-WEE SOXGS. 195 " David, thy father, was my friend, I love thy people, too ; And I rejoice that God doth give Wisdom and grace to you. " Now, therefore, let us make a league Of friendship and of peace ; All thou shalt need, I will supply, Until the work shall cease." Thousands of men were thus employed, Sidonians, Tyrians, Jews, To cut the timber and the stones, For Solomon to use. No sound of hammer, axe, or tool, Around God's house was heard, — All was prepared in Lebanon, According to his word. The temple was magnificent, Most wondrous to behold ! The ark and house were overlaid With pure and beaten gold. And God was pleased, that Solomon Urged on the work with speed, He promised still to dwell with him, And be his friend indeed. 196 WEE-WEE SONGS. Christ's love. " Behold thy Son ! Then saith he to the disciple, Behold thy mother ! And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home." — John xix. Jesus, my Lord, when here on earth, Was always an obedient child, Yielding his mother filial love, And ever humble, meek, and mild. Loving his mother ; Jesus sought A strict obedience to her will, And when upon the cross he hung, He loved his tender mother still ; And left her to the watchful care Of loving John, his dearest friend, That in that dear disciple's home, She her remaining days might spend. My mother, I would yield to thee, The warm affection of my heart, Nor ever false or wayward prove, Or from thy precepts e'er depart. Help me to serve my mother's God, And bear his image on my heart ! Then, when these scenes of earth are o'er, We '11 meet in heaven no more to part. WEE- WEE SONGS. 197 ON FAITH. How sweet it is my child, To live by simple faith, Just to believe that God will do Exactly what he saith. Does faith mean to believe That God will surely do Exactly what he says, Mamma, Just as I know that you Will give me what I ask, Because you love me well, And listen patiently, to hear Whatever I may tell ? Yes ; you may trust in God, Just as you trust in me ; Believe, dear child, he loves you well, And will your father be. Eor, when you sought his love, Your Father up in heaven, Looked kindly down, for Jesus' sake, And has your sins forgiven. And now, to pray in faith, Is simply to believe 198 WEE-WEE SONGS. That what you ask in Jesus' name, You surely shall receive. Go with your simple wants, And tell him all you need ; Go put your trust in Christ alone, Such faith is sweet indeed. BE LIKE JESUS. " Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." To be like Jesus ! O how sweet ; Living on earth as Jesus did — Never to speak one angry word, But always do as one is bid. To be like Jesus ! he, dear child, With God and man in favor grew, Never was known to tell a lie, But always spoke just what was true. To be like Jesus ! When, O Lord, Thou givest a holy heart to me ; Never shall I delight to sin, But always try to be like thee. To be like Jesus ! pure in thought, And word, and deed ; O help me, Lord, WEE- WEE SONGS. 199 Never thy Spirit more to grieve, But always love thy holy Word. To be like Jesus ! O, how sweet ! When I go home to heaven above Never shall I forget thee more, But always dwell with thee in love. SABBATH HYMN. Little traveller, Zionward Turn thy willing steps to-day, Haste thee to the house of God, Lift thy youthful heart and pray. May this Sabbath be the best — Happiest day of all the seven, Day of sweet and sacred rest, Emblem of the rest of heaven. Little pilgrim, keep thy feet From the devious ways of sin ; Go, where Christians love to meet, Go, where Jesus oft hath been. Seek his presence and his love, On this holy Sabbath day, Lift thy heart, and voice above, In his temple praise and pray ! £00 WEE-WEE SONGS. Little lamb, mayest thou be seen Far from dangerous paths to roam, In thy shepherd's pastures green — In his bosom find a home. Never wander from his side ; Trust thy tender shepherd's love ; He thy wayward steps will guide Safely to his fold above. FEED MY LAMBS. " He shall feed his flock like a shepherd — he shall gather the lambs •with his arm, and carry them in his bosom." — Isaiah xl: 11. " Forbid them not," the Savior says, " But suffer them to come, For children in my arms of love, There always has been room." Those who would win the Savior's love, And be his friend indeed, Must not neglect the little ones — These dear lambs they must feed, And lead them to the quiet streams Where they may sweetly rest, Till the Good Shepherd calls them home And folds them to his breast. CONTENTS. Almira and Minnie, .... 131 Baby has got a tooth, 184 Baby's first steps, 28 Be like Jesus, 198 Bible sold by weight, 36 Blackberry girl, 1 45 Breakfast for the robins, 149 Cbarlie and his youthful teacher, 109 Christ's love, 196 Close of the day, 76 Conversation upon ice, 30 Cooking in old times, 73 Create in me a clean heart, God, 96 Cross girl, 39 Cross girl, 65 Dolly's name, 71 Eddie in the country, 34 Ella and the roses, 12 Envy, 118 Faithful Fido, 83 Feed my lambs, 200 God the Creator, 162 Grandmamma's story, 141 Granite hills in winter, 56 Happy cat, 168 Happy Dolly, 33 Holiday gift, 124 Ida May 13 Jane's questien, 44 John Mason and his sled, 47 King of Tyre, 194 L 202 CONTENTS. Little Eddie, 80 Little Ellen's request, 156 Little Lydia and the razor, 181 Little Mary and her wicked father, , 84 Lost child, ICO Milking the Cows, 159, Minnie's faithfulness, 18 Morning song and morning prayer, 25 Mother Goose, 7 My son give me thine heart, 177 Nature speaks of God, 182 Nursery children needing homes, 129 Ocean steamers, 185 Oh spare the birds, 38 On faith, 197 Papa's request, 43 Playtime, 27 Precious Bible, 103 Pulsifer children, 22 Remember the poor, 123 Remember the Sabbath day to keep it holy, 107 Ride to school in winter, 48 Sabbath hymn, 199 Sallie M , 87 Shun the swearer, 59 Skating, 153 Sleep, Dolly, 10 Sleep, little birdie, 156 Solomon and the Queen of Sheba, 192 Solomon's choice, ': 187 Solomon's judgment, 188 Solomon's wisdom, 191 Spring, 173 Strawberry girl, 115 Succotash, 74 Supper for the robins, 147 CONTENTS. 203 The falls, 60 The first theft, 68 The Helen Maria, 97 The Indian and the basket, 138 The Indian and the planter, 136 The infant Savior, 99 The kind brother, 53 The Lake, Isles and White Mountains, 58 The little boy's request, 99 The morning walk, 114 The peacock, 17 The proud girl, 89 The sabbath breaker, 175 The sacrifice, 104 The sailor and the monkeys, Ill The stolen pen-knife, 63 The tell-tale, 60 The two cousins, 101 The widow of Zarephath, 150 The wounded foot, 156 The youthful king, 97 Tibby and her kitten, 165 Tibby's death 172 To my infant nephew, 154 Trenton Falls, 41 Up! up! away! 174 Visit to the country, 178 Wake, Dolly, 11 Willie's fears. Part T, 93 Willie's fears. Part II, 94 Wonderful instinct of the ant, 78 =J I I f; Jaiiif ■ •j''!'-j-!M|lH : ' jjiiili-.j i j ■ " 1 1 : :| j ! ■ ,1