edited i'jir-. |p(y§iLii^iiiissi' 257._5tc1tG.5t: r' H TOMMY'S FIRST SPEAKER LITTLE BOYS AND GIRLS. EDITED BY TOMMY HIMSELF. CHICAGO: W. H. HARRISON, Jr., Publisheu. 1886. EDUCATION DEPT COPYKIGHT HV W. H.HARRISON, Jh. ^ . • . 1885. CONTENTS. Angel Court A Bit of Pottery A Babys Fc-et and Hands A I? ly's Dream A Butierrty on Baby's Grave A C )ncert glvim by Mr. Spring A Lawy<'i's Poem to Spring . A Lilile Uov. A Little B "y's Lecture . A Little Girl A Little Girl's Q lestions A Manly, Loving Boy A Mite Song A Thanksgiving Ode A Tribute to an Old Shoe All Things Love Me An E istcr Song An O'd Hen . Baby B by Boy . Baby Louise li il>y Sister . Ba'Ty is a Sdlor B ibya Cradle is Green Biby's Skies Bedlam T«»wn Bessie Bo Peep B aiitv Everyvk^here Be lutifiil Things Bird s Nests Be Kind : a Quartette Be Patient Bonnie Lassies . Page. 66 144 97 131) 20 159 17 85 61 84 142 93 126 74 133 21 52 93 95 1"6 70 141 75 58 49 47 45 19 136 123 64 89 18 m698?4 CONTENTS. Boys Wanted Bright Little Dandelion Cbris'mus Comin' Cleanliness Couniry CliiHren Dear Lads and Lasses . Dickie Bird ! Dickie Bird ! Did Not Pass Do Good Do Your Best Doing Nothing Eabter Greeting Easter Lilies English History in Rhyme Eggs and Birds Every Little Helps Fannie's Mud Pies Fireflies Frowns and Sneers . Funny, Is'nt It ? G tthermg Flowers . Give the Little Boys a Chance God Sees God Made All Tilings God's Mark on All Things Gold Good and Bad Children Good Luck and Bad Luck Good-Night Good -Night Little Scar Good-Night and Good-Morning Good Queen Bess Going lo Aunt Ruth's to Tea Harry's Logic Health Alphabet Hobbledy Hops Hoe Your Own Row Home and Mother Hosanna Hundreds! How to Deal with New Laid Eg How to Gain Friends How the Babies Grow How the Dimples Came I'd Be— Wouldn't You ? I'm Very Young "I Can't "and "I Can" I'll Put it Off . It's Good lo Have a Mother It Raios Isn't God Upon the Ocean? CONTENTS. Katydid Kiudly Words Kitty Laddy Blue Eyes Lady Goldenrod Leaver from Fatherland Little Bare F. e^ Little Brown Busby-Tail Little Brown Hands Little Children . Little Foxes Little Midget Little Things Little Tyrant Love thy Mother, Little One Loveliness Lullaby Mamma's Boy Mamma's Flower Mother's Girl Mamma's Kisses Mamie's Request Miss Fret and Miss Laugh Morning Morning Hymn Mothers, Watch the Little Feet My Bed is a Boat My Boy . My Mother's Hymn My Sweetheart . My Week "Nol" . Nobody's Dog Nowhere Now . Oh! Bless us! Old Speckled Hen . On Grandpapa's Knee , Only a Baby Only Five Only One One by One One of his Names Our Daisy Our Jim "Papa Can't Find Me" Planting Himself to Grow Playing Barl)er , Prayer for Saturday Night Redwing's Song Remember CONTENTS. Rockaby Running Away Santa Clans Siloam's Shady Rill Six Little Words Six Years Old Skipping . Sleep, Baby, Sleep! Snowed Under . Some of the Children Song of Spring . Speak Gently Stop, Slop, Pretty Water Sunbeams Take Care Tale of a Dog and a Bee Ten Little Toes Ten True Friends The Baby Sleeps The Bee and the Butterfly . The Bee and the Ro^e The Best Thing in the World The Boy I Love The Boy and the Boot The Breezes The Busy Bee The Busy Mule . The Bumble Bee The Chickens . The Children The Courageous Bov The Girl Who Couldn't Eit Crusis The Green Hill Far Away The Groves . The Eagle The Evening Hymn The Frost The Lark The Lament of a Leftover Doll The Land of Counterpane . The Little Cowslip The Little Dreamer The Little Peddlers The Little Things . The Long Sermon The Lost Child The Nine Parts of Speech The Minutes . The Old Arm Chair The Old House at Home The Queen in Her Carriage Riding By CONTENTS. The Kemorseful Cakes The Rising, Watching Moon The Robin and the Chicken The Sabbath The Secret of the Sunflower Tiie Song of the Corn-Popper The Song of the Sparrow The Spider . The Tender Shepherd . The Three Best Doctors The Two Squirrels The Toad The Wakeful Birds The Watennillion The Wind The Value of Little Things The Violet The Yellow Pocket Throwing Kisses This is East, and this is West This Life is what we Make it Twelve Golden Rules for Boys To Giown-up Land To Our Baby Total Annihilation Town and Country . Try . . . Twenty Frogs at School Two Kings Two Little Feet Two Litilo Magpies sat on a VV.ill Twinkle, Twinkle Uses of I he Flowers Useful Little Words Upside Down Up and Doing Waiting Washing Dishes "We all like Sheep We shall Know What Boys are Good For What a Little Leaf Said What Does Little Birdie Sav? What is Man? What Mother Says Wtiat the Daisy Said . Wxat the Snowdrop Said What the Winds Bring When I Am Big When Mamma Was a Little Girl Whip-Poor-Will Pagk. CONTENTS. Winter's Snow Woman's Day Work Work and Play Who Is It? . Who Made Them ? Ye Ballad of Chri.^tmas Ye Children, be Gay "Yours Truly, Sir". Youthful Piety . Page. 58 127 ^8 88 27 96 4M 144 lot 82 ANALYZED INDEX. PIECES SUITABLE FOB LITTLE BOYS TO RECITE. Page. Page. A Boy's Dream . . 139 Nobody's Dog Old Speckled Hen 127 A Little Boy . 85 146 A Little Boy's Lecture . 61 One of his Names . 73 A Manly. Loving Boy 93 Our Jim 49 An Old Hen . . 93 Planting Himself to Grow 92 Baby is a Sailor Bird's Nests 75 Running Away 26 . 123 Six Years Old . 17 Boys Wanted . 21 Some of the Children 88 Did Not Pass . 110 Tale of a Dog and a Bee 125 Do Your Best . 145 The Bee and the Butterfly 150 Doing Nothing . . 145 The Bee and the Ro-e . 68 Eggs and Birds 70 The Boy and the Boot 37 Give the Little Boys a The Courageous Boy . 57 Chance 126 The Little Things . 42 Gold .... . 27 The Long Sermon 59 (^od-Night Little Star mirry's Logic I'm Very Young 130 The Remorseful Cakes . 35 . 134 The Watermillion 54 155 This is East, and this is I'll Put it Off . . 156 West 103 Laddy Blue Eyes . 18 Twelve Golden Rules for Little Tyrant . 83 Boys 78 Mamma's Boy . 53 Total Annihilation . 98 Mamma's Kisses . . 158 Twenty FroL-^s at School 140 Miss Fret and Miss Laugh I 62 Two Little Magpies Eat on a Morning . 137 Wall 128 My Mother's Hymn . 86 What Boys are Good For 81 My Sweetheart . . 23 When I am Big . 104 PIECES SUITABLE FOR LITTLE GIRLS TO RECITE. Page. A Baby's Feet and Hands . 97 A Butterfly on Baby's Grave 20 A Little Girl ... 84 A Little Girl's Questions . 142 Page. A Mite Song All Things Love Me . 126 21 Baby .... . 95 Baby Boy . 106 10 ANALYZED INDEX. Page. Baby Sister . . . .141 Baby's Cradle is Green . 58 Baby's Skies ... 49 Bes«^ii; Bo Peep . . 45 Be Pa' lent . . . .89 Dickie Bird ! Dickie Bird ! 31 Fannit-'s Mud Pies . . 77 Gatiierini; Flowers . . 135 Good-Night ... 112 Good-Night and Good-Morn- ing 122 How to Deal with New Laid Eggs .... 148 How the Bibies G'ow . . 15 How the Dimples Came . 33 It BaiQS . . . .138 Kitty .... 24 Lady Goldenrod . . .111 Litrle Bare Feet . . 158 Little MidL-^et ... 23 Mamma's Flower . . 50 Mother's Girl ... 38 Mamie's Request . . 87 My Bed is a Boat . . 40 Page. My Week . . . 143 On Grand'^apa's Knee . . 34 Only a Baby . . . 156 Only Five . . . .38 Our Daisy ... 24 " Papa Cin't Find Me " . 32 Playing Baiber . . 28 Skipping . . .131 Sleep, Baby, Sleep! . . 33 Ten Little Toes ... 42 Ten True Friends . . 55 The Baby Sleeps . . . 108 The Gi'l Who Couldn't E it Crusts .... 142 Two Little F«'et . . .57 The Losi Chilli . 100 The Queen in Her Carriage Riding By . . .124 To Our Baby . . . 4G Twinkle, Twinkle . . (U Washing Dishes . . 138 When Mamma Was a Little Girl 67 "Yours Truly, Sir". . 115 MISCELLANEOUS PIECES SUITABLE FOR EITHER BOYS OR GIRLS. Page. Page Angel Court . 66 Country Children 128 A Bit of Pottery . . 144 Dear Lads and Lasses 116 A Concert given by Mr. Spn ng 159 Do Good . 82 A Tjawyer's Poem to Sprin g 17 Easter Greeting 136 A Thanksgiving Ode . 74 Easter Lilies . 106 A Tribute lo an Old Shoe 133 English History in Rhyme 39 An Enster Song . 52 Every Little Helps 98 B.iby Louise . 70 Fireflies .... . 103 Bedlam Town 47 Frowns and Sneers . 84 B'^autv Everywhere . 19 Funny, Isn't It ? . . 91 BeauHf nl Things 136 God Sees 70 Be Kind : a Quartette . . 64 God Made All Things . God's Mark on All Things . 130 Bonnie Lassies 18 16 Bright Little Dandelion . 113 Good and Bad <"'hildren . 43 Chris'mus Comin' 91 Good Luck and Bad Luck 55 Cleanliness . 155 Good Queen Bess . 56 ANALYZED INDEX. 11 Page. Going to Aunt Ruth's to Tea 51 Health Alphabet ... 94 HobbledyHops . 96 Hoe Your Own Row . . 76 Home and Mother . . 99 Hosanna . . . .63 How to Gain Fritnds . 69 Hundreds! . . .37 I'd Be— Wouldn't You? . 115 " I Can't " and " 1 Can " . 15 It's Good to Have a Mother 71 Isn't God Upon the Ocean? 62 Katydid ... 71 Kindly Words . 117 Leaves from Fatherland . 31 Little Brown Bushy-Tail 121 Little Brown Hands . .107 Little Children . 104 Little Foxes . . .147 Little Things . . 135 Love thy Mother, Little One 123 Loveliness .... 120 Lullaby .... 51 Morning Hymn . 78 Mothers, Watch the Little Feet .... 154 My Boy ... . 105 "No!" .... 41 Nowhere . . . .101 Now .... 90 Oh! Bless Us . . .63 Only One ... 109 One by One . . .149 Prayer for Saturday Night 116 Redwing's Song . . .36 Remember ... 53 Rockaby . ... 59 Santa Claus ... 55 Siloam's Shady Rill . . 79 Six Little Words . . 152 Snowed Under . . .87 Song of Spring . . 80 Speak Gently . . .140 Stop, Stop, Pretty Water 102 Sunbeams . . . 148 Take Care .... 94 The Best Thing in the World 79 The Boy I Love . . .75 The Breezes . . . 139 The Busy Bee . . .141 The Busy Mule . . 90 Page. The Bumble Bees . . 97 The Chickens . . 16 The Children ... 30 The Green Hill Far Away C5 The Groves ... 40 The Eagle . . . .39 The Evening Hymn . 102 The Frost . . .30 The Laik . 124 The Lament of a Left-over Doll .... 119 The Land rf Counterpane . 114 The Little Cowslip . " 160 The Little Dn amer . 157 The Little Peddlers . 20 The Nine Parts of Speech . 60 The Minutes . 149 The Old Arm Chair . . 68 The Old House at Home 108 The Risinir, Waichine Moon 157 The Robins and the Chickens 32 The Sabbath . . .117 The Secret of the Sunflower 99 The Song of the Corn Popper 29 The Song of the Sparrow 44 The Spider . . .156 The Tender Shepherd . 81 The Three Best Doctors . 152 The Two Squirrels . . 22 The Toad . . . .151 The Wakeful Birds . 150 The Wind . . . .114 The Value of Little Things 43 The Vi. let ... 83 The Yellow Pocket . 56 This Life is What We Make It .... 132 Throwing Kisses . . 160 To Grown -Up Land . . 113 Town and Country . . 19 Try 131 Two Kings . . 118 Uses of the Flowers . . 69 Useful Little Words 118 Upside Down . . .74 Up and Doing . . 143 Waiting . . . .109 "We All Like Sheep" . 34 We Shall Know ... 67 What a Little Leaf Said . 132 What Does Little Birdie Say? 122 12 ANALYZED INDEX. Page. Page What is Man? . . 100 Work . . . . 28 What Mother 8a.ys . . 25 Work and Play . . 8H What the Daisy ^aid 60 Wlioislt? . 27 What the Snr)w-Drop Said . 41 Who Ma(ie Them? . 96 What the Winds Bring . 153 Ye Ballade of Chrietmas . 48 Wliip-Poor-Will . . 129 Ye Children, be Gay . . 144 Winter's Snows . . 58 Youthful Piety 82 Woman's Day . . .127 PR B FACE. To THE Young Children of America: Dear Boys and Girls, — It is many and many a year ago since I was born, in a little kingdom far over the sea. In that little kingdom so far away, and in those days so long ago, boys and girls had not privileges and opportunities such as you enjoy. There were no common schools, no first, second and third readers; and hundreds and thousands of boys and girls had to go to work when they ought to have been at school. When I was eleven years old I went to work, and worked from seven o'clock in the morning to seven o'clock in the evening for sixty cents a week. And in those days books were very scarce indeed. You could not have bought such a book as "Chatter- box" for a thousand dollars, when I was a boy, because there were no such books made for children. Most of the boys and girls of that little kingdom grew up without any education except such as was given them at the Sunday school. Very few, indeed, could read or write well. But God was good to me, and gave me a mother who was as wise as she was ^ood and beautiful. One of her greatest desires was that her boys should have cultivated minds and generous hearts. And so, blessed with more than common mental ability, she became the teacher of her children. My earliest recollections are of sitting by the fire, reading the New Testament to my mother while she was busy about her household cares. I keep that old copy of the Gospels, and though it is worn and thumbed, and covered with rough brown paper, I regard it as one of my most sacred treasures. Well, as time went on I became very fond of reading, and then of reciting, and soon I was sent for by friends and neighbors to speak some little piece at weddings and merry-makings. I was generally 13 14 PREFACE. placed upon a chair, and sometimes I stood upon the table, and mak- ing a bow to my audience, would say: " I'm half a rogue and half a rascal, my name is Tommy, and if you will listen to me I shall be glad." Then I would speak my piece ; and from that day to this, though my hair has grown gray, 1 have always found great delight in reciting, and especially to young people. But where to get suitable pieces has always been a difficulty. I have often walked miles when a boy, for some little poem, and many hours have I spent rumaging through old books and magazines, from which I copied hundreds of little recitations. Whenever my friends found a suitable piece they would be sure to copy it and send it to " Tommy." So in the course of years I gathered many hundreds of poems and stories and sketches. Not long ago Mr. Harrison, the enterprising publisher, of Chicago, came to me and said he wanted a " Speaker " for very young children, so I set to work and went all through my large store of library treasures, and found so many good things, that I concluded it was best to make two Speakers, this one first, for very young children, composed almost entirely of little poems. The pieces in this First Speaker are simple, serious, quaint and pleasant ; and all so short, that very little children may easily learn them with a little perseverence. I have arranged the index, beginning on page 9, so that you can easily find a piece specially suitable for a little boy or little girl. My Second Speaker contains speeches and sketches, as well as poems suitable for children a little older. Here there are about two hundred and fifty little pieces that I am sure will be found both charming and instructive. I advise you to learn what you learn thoroughly before you try to recite. And I only hope, dear boys and girls, you will have as much pleasure in studying this book and speaking these pieces as I have had in preparing it for you. Your affectionate friend, TOMMY. TOMMY^S FIRST SPEAKER. HOW THE BABIES GROW. Baby wee, baby wee! What does little baby see ? All among her pillows lying, Never fretful, never crying ; Caper and crow, caper and crow ! That's the way that babies grow ! Baby fair, baby fair ! Rosy cheeks and curly hair, All among her pillows playing, Little chubby hands displaying; Caper and crow, caper and crow ! That's the way that babies grow ! Jennie Carroll. "I CANT" AND 'I CAN." " I Can't " is a sluggard, too lazy to work ; From duty he shrinks, every task he will shirk ; No bread on his board, and no meal in his bag. His house is a ruin, his coat is a rag. " I Can " is a worker; he tills the broad fields, And digs from the earth all the wealth that it yields; The'hum of his spindles begins with the light. And the fires of his forges are blazing all night. William Allen Butler, 15 16 toiMmy's first speaker. THE CHICKENS. Said the first little chicken, With. a. qut^er little squirm, " 1 ^\\4sh kcoAild find ^A^fat little worm." ' S*a'id 'tfi^ ti^xt little chicken. With on odd little shrug, " I wish I could find A fat little slug." Said the third little chicken, With a sharp little squeal, " I wish I could find Some nice yellow meal." Said the fourth little chicken, With a small sigh of grief, *' I wish I could find A little green leaf." Said the fifth little chicken. With a faint little moan, " I wish 1 could find A wee gravel stone." ■' Now, see here," said the mother. From the green garden patch, " If you want any breakfast, Just come here and scratch." GOD'S MARK ON ALL THINGS. There's not a leaf within the bower, There's not a bird upon the tree, There's not a dew-drop on the flower, But bears the impress, Lord, of Thee. Mrs. Amelia Opie. TOMMY S FIRST SI'EAKKR. A LAWYER'S POEM TO SPRING. Whereas, on certain boughs and sprays Now divers birds are heard to sing, And sundry flowers their heads upraise,— Hail to the coming on of Spring! The songs of those said birds arouse The memory of our youthful hours. As green as thi^se said sprays and boughs, As fresh and sweet as those said flowers. The birds aforesaid — happy pairs — Love, 'mid the aforesaid boughs, enshrines In freehold nests; themselves, their heirs, Administrators and assigns. O, busiest term of Cupid's court, Where tender plaintiffs actions bring. Season of frolic and of sport, Hail, as aforesaid, coming Spring! Henry Howard Brownell. SIX YEARS OLD. When Joe, and Kate, and Dick, and Bell, Started to school last fall, I cried to go, and papa said He thought I was too small. I begged so hard, at last he said, " Well, you can go to-day; For after this, I'm very sure, At home, you'll want to stay." But I'm not tired yet, and you Can judge now by my looks. That though I am but six years old, I like my school and books. 18 tommy's first SPEAKERo BONNIE LASSES. Just fail- enough to be pretty, Just gentle enough to be sweet, Just saucy enough to be witty, Just dainty enough to be neat. Just tall enough to be graceful, Just slight enough for a fay, Just dress enough to be tasteful. Just merry enough to be gay. Just meek enough for submission, Just bold enough to be brave. Just pride enough for ambition, Just thoughtful enough to be grave. Generous enough, and kind-hearted, Pure as the angels above ; From them may we never be parted, For these are the lasses we love. LADDY BLUE EYES. What makes your eyes so blue, laddy ? What makes your eyes so blue ? Have the violets been whispering Their secrets, dear^ to you ? I think the summer pansies Gave you their charms to keep ; Perhaps the bluebells kissed your eyes When they were fast asleep. Or, maybe, ah ! no'^^ i have guessed it, I thought I could if I'd try, You got those bits of heaven's blue When you came down from the sky. Minna Caroline Sm^th. tommy's first speaker. 19 TOWN AND COUNTRY. "I'm just now in the country for a stay," Said he (a little town bird) To her (a litttle brown bird), In the course of a conversation one fine day. "I think a country life is very slow; There's really no variety; You never see society, — You might as well be buried, don't you know. "In town there are so many things to do; You cut a thousand capers, You see the daily papers, — I think I'd live in town if I were you." Said she, " I do not envy you town life; The village children love me. The blue sky is above me, And every day is free from care and stiife; I think," said she, " it is a thousand pities, That little birds should live in great big cities.' BEAUTY EVERYWHERE. There is beauty in the forest. When the trees are green and fair ; There is beauty in the meadow. Where wild flowers scent the air ; There is beauty in the sunlight. And the soft, blue sky above : Oh, the world is full of beauty When the heart is full of love! W. L. Smith. 20 tommy's first speaker. THE LITTLE PEDDLERS. [In reciting this piece the little speaker should have a small basket with rib- bons, laces, toys, etc., and should be surrounded by three or four young compan- ions carrying similar baskets.] We're playing we are peddlers, And we're going up and dowp, Just as they do to sell their goods To people in the town. We each one have a basket, To carry on our backs; We've filled them full of ev'rything, And play they are our packs. Now, won't you buy an elephant, 'Tis not so very big ? Or would you like a curly dog. Or funny china pig? Then we can show you ribbons. Some apples and some cake; We'll be delighted to supply Whatever choice you make. MiLLicENT Moor. A BUTTERFLY ON BABY'S GRAVE. A butterfly basked on a baby's grave, Where a lily had chanced to grow ; " Why art thou here with thy gaudy dye, vVhen she of the blue and sparkling eye Must sleep in the churchyard low?" Then it lightly soared through the sunny air, And spoke from its shining track : " I was a worm till I won my wings. And she whom thou mourn'st like a seraph sings ; Would'st thou call the blessed one back ? " tommy's first speake: 21 BOYS WANTED Boys of spirit, boys of will, Boys "of muscle, brain and power, Fit to cope with anything, — These are wanted every hour. Not the weak and whining drones. Who all troubles magnif}'; Not the watchword of " I can't," But the nobler one, "I'll try." Do whate'er you have to do Witli a true and earnest zeal; Bend your sinews to the task, *'Put your shoulder to the wheel." Though your duty may be hard, Look not on it as an ill; If it be an honest task, Do it with an honest will. In the workshop, on the farm. At the desk, where'er you be. From your future efforts, boys. Comes a nation's destiny. ALL THINGS LOVE ME. O little flowers ! you love me so. You could not do without me ; O little birds that come and go ! You sing sweet songs about me ; O little moss, observed by few. That round the tree is creeping ! You like my head to rest on you, When I am idly sleeping. 22 tommy's first speake THE TWO SQUIRRELS. There were two squirrels That lived in a wood; The one was naughty, The other was good. The naughty one's name was Dandy Jim; His mother was very fond of him. The good one's name was Johnny Black; He had beautiful fur upon his back, And he never went near the railroad track. But Dandy Jim, Alas for him! He ran away One summer day, Over the hills and far away; And his mother sought for him far and near. But never a word of Jim could she hear. He never came back; For, crossing the track, The railroad cars ran over him. And that was the end of Dandy Jim. But Johnny Black, He always came back. Whenever he went from his home away; He thought at home was the place to stay. He minded his mother, Where'er he might be; He thought that his mother Knew better than he. 23 MY SWEETHEART. " Now, mamma, if only you'll promise me true That you never will tell, I will show it to you — This beautiful picture — and then you will see How lovely the face of my sweetheart must be. Her cheeks they are rosy, her eyes they are bright, Her hair always shines when it catches the light, Her voice is so soft when she speaks with a smile, I know she is loving me well all the while. And when I am hurt — and — w^ell — cry (for you see, They have to sometimes, even big boys like me). She puts her arms round me and comforts me so, I'm sure to forget it the first thing I know. She sings about sunshine and fairies and flowers. And the stories she tells — you could listen for hours. "Who is she? Well, tell me, what name do you guess? When you get to the sweetest of all I'll say yes, — No, no, — you are wrong. I must give you a peep; But you'll surely remember the secret to keep And never let out who is fondest of me ? Ho, ho, mamma, look in this glass and you'll see ! " Sydney Dayre. LITTLE MIDGET. My papa sometimes scolds and says, I'm always in a fidget ; But mamma says, I keep quite still For such a little midget. My teacher said to-day, she thought That it was very smart For such a little thing as I To learn a speech " by heart." 24: tommy's first rpeakek OUR DAISY. Our little Daisy is rosy and sweet, Neat as a pin from her head to her feet; Her long waving ringlets are yellow as gold, And her bonnie brown eyes they are bright to behold. All the day through it makes one rejoice To hear the soft tones of her sweet, laughing voice; vSummer or winter, sunshine or rain. No one hears Daisy fret or complain. run, Up stairs and down, nimble with fun, Two little slippered feet scamper and While two little hands as nimble as they Make themselves busy with work and vvilh play. Every one's errands they're ready to do — Find mamma's needle, button her shoe; Set papa's slippers down by the fire; Build baby's block-house two stories higher. KITTY. [If the little girl who speaks this piece has a littTe whke kitten fn her hands ft will add much to the effect.] Kitty, my pretty, white kitty. Why do you scamper away ? I've finished my work and my lesson. And now I am ready for play. Come, kitty, my own little kitty, I've saved you some milk, come and see ; Now drink while I put on my bonnet, And play in the garden with me. tommy's ftr<^t speaker. 25 WHAT MOTHER SAYS. Yes, I know there are stains on my carpet, The traces of small muddy boots, And I see your fair tapestry glowing. And spotless with blossoms and fruits ! And I know that my walls are disfigured With prints of small fingers and hands, And that your own household most truly In immaculate purity stands. And I know that my parlor is littered With many old treasures and toys. While your own is in daintiest order. Unharmed by the presence of boys! I know that my room is invaded Quite boldly all hours of the day. While you sit in yours unmolested. And dream the soft quiet away! Yes, I know there are four little bedsides Where I must stand watchful each niirht, While you go out in your carriage, And flash in your dresses so bright. Now, I tliink I'm a neat little woman ; I like my house orderly, too ; And I'm fond of all dainty belongings ; Yet would not change places with you ! No! keep your fair home with its order, Its freedom from bother and noise. And keep your own fanciful leisure, But give me my four splendid boys ! 26 tommy's first reader. RUNNING AWAY. The sky was clear, the stars were bright, The grass was wet with dew, When Johnny rose, put on his clothes, And vowed what he would do. " I'll leave my pa, I'll leave my ma ; I'll go from here to stay ; My parents both have been unkind, And so I'll run away. " I'll take my clothes, I'll take my all, A slave I will not be ; I'll go out west, and do my best — I'll strike for liberty! " And Johnny started bravely out, And said he'd ne'er return ; He said he'd go where he could live And let his genius burn. He traveled all that summer night. And bravely through the day ; And then he said : '' I wish that I Had never run away. " I'm tired and weak — I'm sick," said he, With sadness in his tone ; " It isn't best to go out west — At least to go alone. ONLY FIVE. I am a very little girl, I'm only five years old ; I hope that none who hear me speak Will think I am too bold. TOMMYS FIRST SPEAKER. 27 WHO IS IT? [At the close of this recitation some elderly person attired as Santa Chius should enter and distribute gifts to the children.] Now, children, there's somebody coming, So try to think sharply and well ; And, when I get through with my story, Just see if his name you can tell. His hair is as white as a snow-drift ; But tlien he is not very old. His coat is of fur at this season : The weather, you know, is so cold. He'll bring all the children a present — The rich, and I hope, too, the poor. Some say that he comes down the chimney : I think he comes in at the door. GOLD. Gold! gold! gold! gold! Bright and yellow, hard and cold, Molten, graven, hammered and rolled, Heavy to get, and light to hold ; Hoarded, bartered, bought and sold. Stolen, borrowed, squandered, doled ; Spurned by the young, but hugged by the olil To the very verge of tlie churchyard mold ! Price of many a crime untold ; Gold! gold! gold! gold! Good or l)ad, a thousand-fold! How widely its agencies vary — To save, to ruin, to curse, to bless, As even its minted coins express. Now stamped with the image of good Queen Bess, And now of a Bloody Mary! Thomas Hood. 28 tommy's first speaker. PLAYING BARBER. " I wish I was a little fish, Or else a little kitty, Or something that don't have the curls Which grown folks think so pretty. " It hurts so when I have them brushed, And Mary, ev'ry morning, Says I am ' such a naughty girl,' She surely will *give warning.' " She jerks, and don't care how she pulls She says I'm ' very trying,' But when they're tangled full of snarls, How can I keep from crying? " I'll play I am the barber-man And cut them all to pieces. I don't care if my papa does Call them his * golden fleeces.' " She took the shears and cut them ofT, With grave, absorbed demeanor. And when the little lamb was shorn, I wish you could have seen her. WORK. Work, for the night is coming; Work through the morning hours; Work, while the dew is sparkling; Work, 'mid springing flowers; Work, when the day grows brighter. Work, in the glowing sun; Work, for the night is coming, When man's work will be done. tommy's first speaker. *^0 THE SONG OF THE CORN POPPER. Pip ! pop ! flipperty flop ! Here am I, all ready to pop. Girls and boys, the fire burns clear ; Gather about the cliimney here. Big ones, little ones, all in a row, Hop away ! pop away ! here we go ! Pip ! pop ! flipperty flop ! Into the bowl the kernels drop. Sharp, and hard, and yellow, and small. Must say they don't look good at all ; But wait till they burst into warm white snow ! Hop away ! pop away ! here wx go ! Pip ! pop ! flipperty flop ! Don't fill me too full ; shut down the top ! Rake out the coals in an even bed, Topaz yellow and ruby red ; Shade your eyes from the fiery glow. Hop away ! pop away ! here we go ! Pip ! flop ! flipperty flop ! Shake me steadily ; do not stop ; Backward and forward, not up and down ; Don't let me drop, or you'll burn it brown, Never too high, and never too low. Ho*p away ! pop away ! here we go ! Pip ! pop ! flipperty flop ! Now they are singing, and soon they'll hop. Hi ! the kernels begin to swell. Ho ! at last they are dancing well. Puffs and fluffs of feathery snow. Hop away ! pop away ! here we go ! Pip ! pop ! flipperty flop ! All full, little ones ? Time to stop ! Pour out the snowy, feathery mass. Here is a treat for lad and lass. Open your mouths now, all in a row ; Munch away ! crunch away ! here we go ! Laura E. Richards. 30 tommy's first speaker. THE FROST. The frost looked forth one still, clear night, And whispered, " Now I shall be out of sight, So through the valley and over the height In silence I'll take my way ; I will not go on like that blustering train, The wind and the snow, the hail and the rain, Who make so much clatter and noise in vain. But I'll be as busy as they." So he flew to the mountain and powdered its crest, He lit on the trees and their boughs he drest In diamond beads, and over the breast Of the quivering lake he spread A coat of mail, that it need not fear The downward point of many a spear That he hung on its margin, far and near, Where a rock might rear its head. But he did one thing that was hardly fair ; He went to the cupboard, and finding there That all had forgotten for him to prepare, '' Now, just to set them a-thinking, I'll bite this basket of fruit," said he ; "This costly pitcher I'll break in three, And this glass of water they've left for me Shall tchick — to tell them I'm drinking!" Hannah F. Gould. THE CHILDREN. They are idols of hearts and of households, They are angels of God in disguise; His sunlight still sleeps in their tresst^s, His glory still gleams in their eyes. Charles M. Dickenson. 31 DICKIE-BIRD! DICKIE-BIRD! Your feathers are ruffled, your beak's rather long, But dickie-bird, dickie-bird, sing me a song. Dickie-bird, sing of the sun and the breeze; Dickie-bird, sing of the birds and the bees; The summer is short and the winter is long, So dickie-bird, dickie-bird, sing me a song. The thrushes and linnets are singing so swest, But we are content to sit here at your feet, For we would not leave you alone on the tree; So sing, dickie, sing to my dollie and me. And we will be happy the whole summer dny. The dickie shall sing and the dolly shall play — Oh, funniest dickie that ever I saw. It is not a song if you only say " Caw." LEAVES FROM FATHERLAND. [The little hoy or girl reciting- these verses should have a letter in his or her hand, with u few dried leaves. J Just a few crocus leaves, Purple and fair to see, And a dozen blades of grass, Came to me over the sea. Purple, and amber, and green. These leaves are treasures to me. For their hues all blend to a bow of love From dear ones I fain would see. Only a few dry leaves. And their colors all may die. But their beauty smiles to my very heart Under this western sky. T. W. Handford, 32 tommy's first speaker. "PAPA CAN'T FIND ME." No little steps do I hear in the hall; Only a sweet silver laugh, that is all; No dimpled arms round my neck hold me tight; I've but a glimpse of two eyes very bright Two little hands a wee face try to screen; Baby is hiding — that's plain to be seen. "Whfere is my precious one, missed so all day?" "Papa tan't find me !" the little lips say. " Dear me ! I wonder where baby can be ! " Then I go by and pretend not to see. "Not in the parlor, and not on the stairs ! Then I must peep under sofa and chairs." The dear little rogue is now laughing outright; Two little arms round my neck clasp me tight. Home will, indeed, be sad, w^eary and lone. When papa can't find you, my darling, my own. THE ROBIN AND THE CHICKEN. A plump little robin flew down from a tree To hunt for a worm which he happened to see; A frisky young chicken came scampering by, And gazed at the robin with wondering eye. Said the chick: "What a queer-looking chicken is i! •;.'.! Its wings are so long and its body so fat! " While the robin remarked, loud enough to be hear : "Dear me! an exceedingly strange-looking bird! '' "Can you sing?" robin asked, and the chicken said, "No"; But asked in its turn if the robin could crow. So the bird sought a tree and the chicken a wall. And each thought th- other knew nothing at all. TOMMY S FIRST SPEAKER. o'6 HOW THE DIMPLES CAME. "How came," I asked a little maid, "Those dimples in your cheek?" And bent my head low down to hear The little maiden speak. *''Ose dimples in my cheek," she said, "Would 'ou weally like to know? They surely wasn't always there, An' yet they didn't grow. " 'Twas when a little girl, I sat, Beneath a gweat big twee, A little bird tame down an' sang A pretty song to me. "An' just before he flew away. He tissed me 'one, two, fee,' An' every time he tissed so hard He left a hole in me. "But 'en I didn't tare, 'ou know. It didn't hurt a mite; Wish the bird would tum aden* An' sing to me to-night." SLEEP, BABY, SLEEP. Sleep, baby, sleep ! Fondly I keep Watch o'er my darling when darkness is nigh. Have no alarm, Nothing will harm ; Slumber, my little one, by, baby, by. I. L. Jones. 34 tommy's first speaker. WE ALL LIKE SHEEP. "We all like sheep," the tenors shrill Begin, and then the church is still. While back and forth across the aisle Is seen to pass the "catching" smile. "We all like sheep," the altos moan In low, and rich, and mellow tone, While broader grows the merry grin And nose gets further off from chin. "We all like sheep," sopranos sing Till all the echoes wake and ring; The young folks titter, and the rest Suppress the laugh in bursting chest, "We all like sheep," the bassos growl — The titter grows into a howl. And e'en the deacon's face is graced With wonder at the singers' taste. "We all like sheep," runs the refrain. And then, to make their meaning plain, The singers altogether say, "We all, like sheep, have gone astray." ON GRANDPAPA'S KNEE. The cosiest place and the snuggest spot. In the summer time When the days are hot, And Jessie is tired as tired can be, Is just to climb up on grandpapa's knee. Oh! the dearest place To nestle in, Is on grandpapa's knee, just under his chin. T. W. Handford, tommy's first speaker. 35 THE REMORSEFUL CAKES. A little boy named Thomas, ate Hot buckwheat cakes for tea — A very rash proceeding, as We presently shall see. He went to bed at eight o'clock, As all good children do. But scarce had closed his little eyes, When he most restless grew. He flopped on this side, then on that. Then keeled up on his head. And covered, all at once, each spot Of his wee trundle-bed. He wrapped one arm around his waist, And t'other 'round his ear. While mamma wondered what on earth Could ail her little dear. He fell asleep, and as he slept He dreamt an awful dream. Of being spanked with hickory slabs, Without the power to scream. He dreamt a great big lion came And ripped and raved and roared — While on his breast two furious bulls In mortal combat gored. He dreamt he heard the flop of wings Within the chimney flue — And down there crawled, to gnaw his ears, An awful bugaboo! When Thomas rose next morn, his face Was pallad as a sheet — "I never more," he firmly said, "Will cakes for supper eat! " Eugene Field. 36 tommy's first speaker. REDWING'S SONG. The bogs show green in the meadow, The brook goes babbling along; High-perched on a dead limbed willow, Gay redwing is whistling his song: "O-ka-lee! O-ka-lee! Here are we; come and see! "My little wife cares for the babies — I see them in yon grassy clump; Do you think I will l^W you just which one Be careful now; look where you jump' O-ka-lee! O-ka-lee! Babies wee, babies three. " Oh, fine is the bright, warm weather! The tender leaves whisper around; The shad-birch now whitens the hillsides, And violets sprinkle the ground. O-ka-lee! O-ka-lee! Envy me? Emy vci^"^ " I cannot sing all I would like to, My wife says: 'Be still as a mouse.' But I do iust dote on this willow, And I dreadfully hate keeping house, O-ka-lee! O-ka-lee! Pity me ? Fity me ? "We redwings are singers and poets; In meadows and brooks we delight; But, though glossy our shining black dress coats^ Our family cares are not light. O-ka-lee! Children three; Don't you see? O-ka-lee ! " S. J. Douglass tommy's first speaker. 37 THE BOY AND THE BOOT. " Bother! " was all that John Clatterby said; His breath came quick and his cheeks were red; He flourished his elbows and looked absurd While, over and over, his "Bother!" I heard. Harder and harder he tugged and worked; Vainly and savagely still he jerked; The boot, half on, would dawdle and flap, "Bother!" and then he burst the strap. Redder than ever his hot cheek flamed; Louder than ever he fumed and blamed; He wiggled his heel and he tugged at the leather Till his knees and his chin came bumping together. " My boy," said I, in a voice like a flute, "Wiiy not first try your troublesome boot On the other foot?" " I'm a goose! " laughed John, As he stood, in a flash, with his two boots on. In half the affairs of this every-day life (As that same day I said to my wife). Our troubles come from trying to put The left-ha7id boot on the right-hand foot. HUNDREDS! Hundreds of stars in the pretty sky. Hundreds of shells on the shore together. Hundreds of birds that go singing by. Hundreds of bees in the sunny weather. Hundreds of dew-drops to greet the dawn. Hundreds of lambs in the purple clover. Hundreds of butterflies on the lawn. But only one mother the wide world over. tommy's first speaker. 38 MOTHER'S GIRL. Sleeves to the dimpled elbov/, Fun in the sweet blue eyes, To and fro upon errands, The little maiden hies. Now she is washing dishes. Now she is feeding the chicks, Now she is playing with pussy^ Or teaching Rover tricks. Wrapped in a big white apron, Pinned in a checkered shawl, Hanging clothes in the garden, Oh, were she only tall! Hushing the fretful baby. Coaxing his hair to curl, Stepping around so briskly, Because she is mother's girl. Hunting for eggs in the haymow, Petting old Brindle's calf, Riding Don to the pasture, With many a ringing laugh. Coming whenever you call her, Running wherever sent, Mother's girl is a blessing. And mother is well content. ONLY FIVE. I am a very little girl, I'm only five years old; I hope that none who hear me speak Will think I am too bold. T(mMY's FIRST SPEAKER. 39 ENGLISH HISTORY IN RHYME. First William the Norman, Then William his son; Henry, Stephen, and Henry, Then Richard and John; Next Henry the Third, Edwards one, two and three; And again, after Richard, Three Henrys we see. Two Edwards, third Richard, If rightly I guess; Two Henrys, sixth Edward, Queen Mary, Queen Bess; Then Jamie the Scotchman, Then Charles, whom they slew, Yet received, atter Cromwell, Another Charles, too. Next Jamie the Second Ascended the throne; Then good William and Mary Together came on; Then Anne, Georges four. And fourth William all passed And Victoria came — May she long be the last. THE EAGLE. What is that, mother? The eagle, boy — Proudly careering his course of joy, Firm in his own mountain vigor relying, Breasting the dark storm, the red bolt defying ; His wing on the wind, and his eye on the sun, He swerves not a hair, but bears onward, ri<;ht on. Boy, may the eagle's flight ever be thine, Onward and upward, true to the line. Bishop Donne. 40 tommy's first speaker. MY BED IS A BOAT. My bed is like a little boat ; Nurse helps me in when I embark ; She girds me in my sailor coat And starts me in the dark. At night I go on board and say Good-night to all my friends on shore; I shut my eyes and sail away, And see and hear no more. And sometimes things to bed I take, As prudent sailors have to do — Perhaps a slice of wedding-cake, Perhaps a toy or two. All night across the dark we steer; But when the day returns at last, Safe in the room, beside the fire, I find my vessel fast. R. L. Stevenson. THE GROVES. The groves were God's first temples, 'ere man learned To hew the shaft and lay the architrave, And spread the roof above them — ere he framed The lofty vault, to gather and roll back The sound of anthems, in the darkling wood. Amid the cool and silence, he knelt down And offered to the Mightiest solemn thanks And supplication. Let me, then, at least. Here in the shadow of this aged wood, Offer one hymn — thrice happy if it find Acceptance in His ear. William Cullen Bryant. tommy's first speaker. 41 "NO!" Would ye learn the bravest thing That man can ever do ? Would ye be an uncrowned king, Absolute and true ? Would ye seek to emulate All ye see in story, Of the noble, just and great, Rich in real glory ? Would ye lose much bitter care In the world below ? Bravely speak out when and where 'Tis right to utter "No !" Learn to speak this little word In its proper place ; Let no timid doubt be heard, Clothed with skeptic grace. Let thy lips, without disguise, Boldly pour it out ; Though a thousand dulcet lies Keep hovering about. For be sure our lives would lose Future years of woe. If our courage could refuse The present hour with " No !" Eliza Cook. WHAT THE SNOW-DROP SAID. I am a little snow-drop, As pure as pure can be: I come with bright-eyed Daisy The Queen of May to see. 42 tommy's first speaker. TEN LITTLE TOES. Baby is clad in her nightgown white ; Pussy-cat purrs a soft good-night ; And somebody tells, for somebody knows, The terrible tale of ten little toes. RIGHT FOOT. This big toe took a small boy, Sam, Into the cupboard after the jam ; This little toe said : " Oh, no ! no !" This little toe was anxious to go ; This little toe said : "'Tisn't quite right !" This little toe curled up out of sight. LEFT FOOT. This big toe got suddenly stubbed ; This little toe got ruefully rubbed ; This little frightened toe cried out, " Bears !'' This little timid toe ran up stairs ; Down came a toe with a loud slam ! slam ! This little tiny toe got all the jam ! THE LITTLE THINGS. Little sands make up the shore ; Little drops cause rain to pour ; Little crimes great troubles bring ; Little slanders leave their sting ; Little words of love delight ; Little words of wrath cause fight ; Little shafts of malice pierce ; Little quarrels are a curse ; Little pigs do loudly squeak ; Little boys like me can speak. tommy's first speaker. 43 GOOD AND BAD CHILDREN. Children, you are very little, And your bones are very brittle ; If you would grow great and stately, You must try to walk sedately. You must still be bright and quiet. And content with simple diet ; And remain, through all bewild'ring, Innocent and honest children. Happy hearts and happy faces, Happy play in grassy places — That was how, in ancient ages, Children grew to kings and sages. But the unkind and unruly. And the sort who eat unduly, They must never hope for glory — Theirs is quite a different story. Cruel children, crying babies, All grow up as geese and gabies, Hated, as their age increases. By their nephews and their nieces. Robert Louis Stevenson. THE VALUE OF LITTLE THINGS. Little moments make an hour; JLittle thoughts, a book; Little seeds, a tree or flower; Water drops, a brook; Little deeds of faith and love. Make a home for you above. 44 tommy's first speaker. THE SONG OF THE SPARROW. I am only a little sparrow — A bird of low degree ; My life is of little value, But the dear Lord cares for me. He gave me a coat of feathers- It is very plain I know, With never a speck of crimson, For it was not made for show. But it keeps me warm in winter, And it shields me from the rain ; Were it bordered with gold or purple, Perhaps it would make me vain. I have no barn or storehouse, I neither sow nor reap ; God gives me a sparrow's portion, But never a seed to keep. If my meal is sometimes scanty. Close picking makes it sweet ; I have always enough to feed me. And " life is more than meat." I know there are many sparrows ; All over the world we are found ; But our Heavenly Father knoweth When one of us falls to the ground. Though small, we are not forgotten ; Though weak, we are never afraid ; For we know that the dear Lord keepeth ; The life of the creatures He made. I fly through the thickest forest, I light on many a spray ; I have no chart or compass. But I never lose my way. tommy's first speaker. 45 And I fold my wings at twilight, Wherever I happen to be ; For the Father is always watching, And no harm will come to me. BESSIE BO PEEP OF ENGLE STEEPE. A dear little girl was Bessie Bo Peep, The pet and idol of Engle Steepe — Her eyes were blue, she'd the sweetest smile You'd see though you walked a hundred mile. Not a cottage door in P^ngle Steepe, But opened wide to Bessie Bo Peep; As welcome as flowers that bloom in May, She smiled, then passed like a sunbeam away. But the little sick children of Engle Steepe, Were most in love with Bessie Bo Peep — Far better than medicine — powders or pills — Her smile seemed to cure their many ills. Whenever she sat by the sufferer's bed. At least one half the suffering fled; Her smile, and her kiss, and her little bouquet, Would brighten the sick room all that day. But a dark day came to Engle Steepe, A cruel fever seized Bessie Bo Peep; 'Twas a sad day all through that country side. When the pet and pride of the village died. And now in the graveyard by Walter's Mill, You may read on a stone these words if you will, "The dearest child here lies asleep. That ever breathed in Engle Steepe.' T. W. Handford. 46 tommy's first speaker. TO OUR BABY. April brought you to us, dear — April, with its sun and showers, April, with its dainty flowers, April, with its strong, young breeze Whispering through the leafless trees : *' Now the dreary winter's done. Now comes spring with flowers and sun. So upon an April morn Our dear baby girl was born. Quickly flew the days away. Came the "merrie month of May." Cool, fair morning, sunny noon, Welcomed in the month of June. Soft we sang the lullaby Through the long days of July. Flowers drooped and pined away In the heated August day. Raindrops falling low and clear, Breathed aloud, " September's here." Leaves grew purple, red and gold, As October days were told. And each day much shorter grew As November by us flew. Low and sweet the anthem rings To the day December brings. White and cold the snowdrifts lay — January passed away. Colder still the sharp winds blew — February days were few. tommy's first speaker. 47 Birds again began to sing ; March had come, and with it spring. Clouds are bright in April sky ; Summer's coming by-and-by. And these twelve months make the year That we've loved you, baby dear. BEDLAM TOWN. Do you want to peep into Bedlam Town ? Then come with me as the day swings down. Into his cradle, whose rocker's rim Some people call the horizon dim. Air the mischief of all the fates Seems to center in four little pates. Just an hour before we say: "It is time for bed now, stop your play." Oh, the racket and noise and roar, As they prance like a caravan over the floor, With never a thought of the head that aches. And never a heed to the " mercy sakes," And "pity save us," and "oh, dear, dear," That all but the culprits plainly hear. A monkey, a parrot, a guinea hen. Warriors, elephants, Indian men, A salvation army, a grizzly bear. Are all at once in the nursery there. And when the clock in the hall strikes seven, It sounds to us like a voice from heaven. And each of the boys in a warm night-gown Marches away out of Bedlam Town. Ella Wheeler. 48 tommy's first speaker. YE BALLAD OF CHRISTMAS. Sing a song of Christmas! Pockets full of gold, Plums and cakes for Polly's stocking, More than it can hold. Pudding in the great pot, Turkey on the spit, Merry faces round the fire — Sorry ? not a bit! Sing a song of Christmas ! Carols in the street. Bundles going home with people, Everywhere we meet. Holly, fir and spruce boughs Green upon the wall, Spotless snow along the road, More going to fall. Sing a song of Christmas ! Empty pockets here ; Windows broken, garments thin, Stove black and drear, Noses blue and frosty. Fingers pinched and red, Little hungry children Going supperless to bed. Sing a song of Christmas ! Tears are falling fast; Empty is the baby's chair Since 'twas Christmas last. Wrathfully the north wind Wails across the snow ; Is there not a little grave Frozen down below ? Sing a song of Christmas ! Thanks to God on high TOMMY S FIRST SPEAKER. 40 For the tender hearts abounding Witli His charity! Gifts lor all the needy, For the sad hearts, love, And a little angel smiling In sweet heaven above! OUR JIM. Only a boy, with his noise and fun, The veriest mystery under the sun; As brimful of mischief, and wit and glee, As ever a human frame can be, And as hard to manage as — ah! ah, me! Tis hard to tel Yet we love him well. Only a boy, with his restless tread. Who cannot be driven, but must be led; Who troubles the neighbors' dogs and cats. And tears more clothes, and spoils more hats, Loses more tops, and kites and bats, Than would stock a store For a year or more. BABY'S SKIES, Would you know the baby's skies .^ Baby's skies are mamma's eyes. Mamma's eyes, and smile together, Make the baby's pleasant weather. Mamma, keep your eyes from tears; Keep your heart from foolish fears; Keep your lips from dull complainings LiQ5t t,he baby think its caiiainffx 50 tommy's first speaker. MAMMA'S FLOWER. Some day the daisies will all be dead, And all the birds will fly away, And the clover blossoms, so bright and red, V\ ill fall in the grasses and fade, some day; Oh how^ will the meadows be then, mamma, And where will you take me then to play? After the daisies are dead, my dear. And clover blossoms are dry and brown, The boughs will bend with fruits of the year. And crimson leaves come fluttering down; While over the warm and withered sod Will toss the plumes of the golden rod. But, mamma, the golden rod will go. And the rosy apples so round and fair. And over the woods the winds will blow 'Till all the branches are black and bare; Then how will the flowers come back, mamma, When winter has killed them everywhere? My child, they sleep beneath the snow, Warm and safe in their mossy bed ; As snugly as you, when cold winds blow, Hide in the pillow^s your curly head ; P'or God takes care of the flowers each year. As mamma takes care of you, my dear. For you are my own sweet flower, my child. Mamma's flower, with the violet eyes; The snows may come and the winds grow wild, And storms may darken the soft blue skies; But mamma will come with the morning light. To kiss you again, my dear. Good-night. M. M. Cass, Jr. May 12, 1885. TOMMY^S FIRST SPEAKER. 51 GOING TO AUNT RUTH'S TO TEA. You're going out to tea to-day, Be careful what you do ; Let all accounts that I shall hear Be pleasant ones of you. Don't spill your tea, or gnaw your bread, And don't tease one another; And Fanny mustn't talk too much. Or quarrel with her brother. Say " If you please," and " Thank you,^' Come home at eight o'clock; And Ethel, pray be careful, dear. And do not tear your frock. Now mind your manners, children dear. Attend to what I say; And then, perhaps, I'll let you go To Aunt's another day. LULLABY. Rockaby, baby, thy cradle is green, Father's a nobleman, mother's a queen, Rockaby, lullaby all the day long, Down to the land of the lullaby song, Babyland never again will be thine. Land of all mystery, holy, divine. Motherland, Otherland, Wonderland, Underland, Land of a time ne'er again to be seen; Flowerland, Bowerland, Airyland, Fairyland, Rockaby, baby, thy cradle is green. 52 tommy's first speaker. AN EASTER SONG. The mists of Easter morning Roll slowly o'er the hills, The joy of Easter morning, The heart of nature thrills. The songs of birds are calling Good people from repose, To sing of that first Easter When Christ the Lord arose. Upon a thousand altars Are flowers of richest bloom. Proclaiming with sv/eet voices How Jesus left the tomb. And choirs with choirs uniting In sweet melodious breath, Chant forth their glad hosannas To him who conquered death. Nor shall our lips be silent. By Joseph's empty grave; Wake, heart, and sing His praises Who came the world to save. He lives! No grave could hold Him, He broke death's cruel bands, And now he reigns triumphant, The glory of all lands. And north and south in anthems. And east and west in song, Through all this happy Eastertide His praises shall prolong. For from that garden sepulcher Immortal hopes arise. The portals of that house of death Lead straight to Paradise. T. W. Handford. Maywood, Easter-day, 1885, FIRST SPEAKER. 53 MAMMA'S BOY. I know a house so full of noise You'd think a regiment of boys, From early morn till close of day, Were busy with their romping play. And yet I'm ready to declare, There is but one small youngster there— A little golden- headed chap, Who used to think his mother's lap The nicest place that e'er could be; Until he grew so big that he Was most a man, and learned what fun It is to shout and jump. and run. This restless, noisy little elf, Has learned, alas! to think himself Too old in mother's arms to sleep. Yet his blue eyes he cannot keep From hiding 'neath their lids so white, And climbing to the sofa's height, He snuggles down, forgets his play, And into dreamland sails away ; And then it is that mamma knows Why the whole house so silent grows. REMEMBER. Remember, though box in the plural makes boxes, The plural of ox should be oxen, not oxes; And remember, though fleece in the plural is fleeces. That the plural of goose isn't gooses nor geeses; And remember, though house in the plural is houses. The plural of mouse should be mice, not mouses. Mouse, it is true, in the plural is mice. But the plural of house should be houses, not bice; And foot, it is true, in the plural is feet. But the plural of root should be roots, and not reet 54 tommy's first speaker. THE WATERMILLION. There were a watermillion Growing on a vine, And there were a pickaninny A-watching it all the time. And when that watermillion Were a-ripening in the sun, And the Stripes along its jacket Were coming one by one. That pickaninny hooked it, And toting it away, He ate that entire million W^ithin one single day. He ate the rind and pieces. He finished it with vim, And then that watermillion Just up and finished him. SANTA CLAUS. . Little fairy snowflakes Dancing in the flue; Old Mr. Santa Claus, What is keeping you? Twilight and firelight Shadows come and go; Merry chime of sleigh-bells Twinkling through the snow; Mother's knitting stockings. Pussy's got the ball ; Don't you think that winter's Pleasanter than all.? FIRST SPEAKER. 55 TEN TRUE FRIENDS. Ten true friends you have, Who, five in a row, Upon each side of you Go where you go. Suppose you arc sleepy, They help you to bed; Suppose you are hungry, They see that you are fed. They wake up your dolly And put on her clothes, And trundle her carriage Wherever she goes. And these ten tiny fellows, They serve you with ease; And they ask nothing from you, But work hard to please. Now, with ten willing servants, So trusty and true. Pray who would be lazy Or idle — would you? GOOD LUCK AND BAD LUCK. Good Luck is the gayest of all gay girls; Long in one place she will not stay, Back from her brow she strokes her curls. Kisses you quick and flies away. But Madame Bad Luck soberly comes And stays — no fancv has she for flitting — Snatches of true love songs she hums. And sits by your bed and brings her knitting. JouN Hay. 66 tommy's first speaker. GOOD QUEEN BESS. Oh, I know a little queen, Just the daintiest ever seen, She rules her subjects with a smile so gay; From a wave of her small hand We obey her sweet command. For we crowned her, charming Bessie, queen of May. Oh, we crowned her, you must know, Where the nodding daisies grow. Her throne is where the birds sing all the day. And her domain is the wood, Where she reigns as monarchs should, Does our dainty, charming Bessie, queen of May. She's a maiden, just sixteen. Is this winsome little queen; She steals our hearts away, she is so bright; Long live the good queen Bess, And every hour bless. Her pretty head, crowned o'er with daisies white. Flora Newhouse Montgomery. THE YELLOW POCKET. Father Matthew, the apostle of temperance in Ireland, mentioned in one of his temperance addresses that a corn- dealer in Cork, named Barry, was one day met, when on his way to the savings bank, by a whisky dealer, who said to him, with an inquisitive look: "Why is it that you do not come to see me now, my friend, so often as you used to do?" To this the other replied, "I cannot do any such thing now; my friend, Father Matthew, has desired me to keep from temptation." " I am sorry to see you looking so badly ; your face is quite yellow." " Why," said Barry, " if my face is yellow so is my pocket, too" ; and he pulled out four sovereigns, which he was going to pay into the bank. tommy's first speaker. 57 TWO LITTLE FEET. Two little feet went pattering by, Years ago! They wandered off to the sunny sky, Years ago! Two little socks, well wrinkled and worn, Move me to tears, with their memories born Years ago! Dear little feet that ran here and there Years ago! Creeping, climbing about everywhere Years ago! Crept never back to the love they left. Climbed nevermore into arms bereft Years ago! Again I'll hear those dear little feet Pattering by! Their music a thousand fold more sweet In the sky! I joy to think of the Father's care, That holds them safe till I meet them there By-and-by! THE COURAGEOUS BOY. Some of the boys in our school. Whose elbows I can't reach. Are ten times more ashamed than I To rise and make a speech. I guess they are afraid some girl Who is about their age. May laugh and criticise their looks When the} come on the stage. 58 tommy's first speaker. WINTER'S SNOWS. Summer joys are o'er; Flow'rets bloom no more, Wintry winds are sweeping, Through the snow-drifts peeping. Cheerful evergreen Rarely now is seen. Now no plumed throng Charms the wood with song; Ice-bound trees are glittering; Merry snow-birds twittering, Fondly strive to cheer Scenes so cold and drear. Winter, still I see Many charms in thee — I love thy chilly greeting. Snow-storms fiercely beating, And dear delights Of the long, long nights. LUDWIG Hoi.TY. BABY'S CRADLE IS GREEN. Rockaby, baby, thy mother will keep Gentle watch over thine azure-eyed sleep. Baby can't feel what the mother heart knows, Throbbing its fear o'er your quiet repose. Mother heart knows how baby must fight Wearily on through the fast coming night; Battle unending, Honor defending. Baby must wage with the powers unseen. Sleep now, oh, baby dear, God and thy mother near, Rockaby, baby, thy cradle is green. 59 THE LONG SERMON. Oh, the sun is bright and the day is fair, And the sweet breeze wanders everywhere, And the sweet birds sing as they h'ghtly fly, And I wish we could join them, Joe and I. We were bidden to listen, and so we do, Shut up in the narrow and stuffy pew; Behaving just as well as we can. We look over there at the preacher-man. We can't understand, though we take such pains; All sense seems gone from our little brains; So we just sit quiet, as best we may. And wait till the long hour wears away. Oh, how can he have so much to say, The preacher-man, such a lovely day? And what in the world he is talking about We do not know and we can't find out. ROCKABY. Rockaby, baby, the days will grow long; Silent the voice of the mother's love-song. Bowed with sore burdens the man-life must own, Sorry that baby must bear all alone. Wonderland never can come back again; Thought will come soon — and with reason comes pain. Sorrowland, Morrowland, Wearyland, Drearyland, Baby and Heavenland lying between; Shine, then, in Motherland, Dream in the otherland, Rockaby, baby, thy cradle is green. 60 tommy's first speaker. THE NINE PARTS OF SPEECH. Three little words you often see Are Articles — a, an^ and the, A Noun's the name of anything, As school^ or garden^ hoop^ or swing. Adjectives tell the kind of noun, As great^ sfnall^ pretty^ white^ or brown. Instead of Nouns the Pronouns stand — Her head, his face^ your arm, my hand. Verbs tell of something to be done — To. read, count, sing, laugh, Jump, or run. How things are done the Adverbs tell. As slowly^ quickly, ill, or well. Conjunctions join the words together, As man and woman, wind or weather. The Preposition stands before A Noun, as at or through the door. The Interjection shows surprise. As Ah ! how pretty, Oh ! how wise. The whole are called Nine Parts of Speech, Which reading, writing, speaking teach. WHAT THE DAISY SAID. I am a little daisy Right from the dewy earth; I've come to add my sweetness, To this bright scene of mirth. tommy's first speaker, 61 TWINKLE, TWINKLE. Twinkle, twinkle, little star. How I wonder what you are! Up above the world so high, Like a diamond in the sky. When the glorious sun is set, When the grass with dew is wet. Then you show your little light; Twinkle, twinkle all the night. In the dark blue sky you keep. Often thro' my curtains peep; For you never shut your eye Till the sun is in the sky. As your bright and tiny spark Lights the traveler in the dark; Though I know not what you are, Twinkle, twinkle, little star. A LITTLE BOY'S LECTURE. Ladies and Gentlemen: Nearly four hundred years ago the mighty mind of Columbus, traversing unknown seas, clasped this new continent in its embrace. A few centuries later arose one here who now lives in all our hearts as the Father of his Country. An able war- rior, a sagacious statesman, a noble gentleman. Yes, Christopher Columbus was great. George Washington was great. But here, my friends, in this glorious nine- teenth century is — ?i. grater! [Exhibiting a large, bright tin grater. The large kind used for horseradish could be most easily distinguished by the audience.] Julia M, Thayer.. 62 tommy's first speaker. "ISN'T GOD UPON THE OCEAN JUST THE SAME AS ON THE LAND?" We were crowded in the cabin, Not a soul would dare to sleep, It was midnight on the waters. And a storm was on the deep. 'Tis a fearful thing in winter To be shattered by the blast, And to hear the rattling trumpet Thunder, "Cut away the mast!" As thus we sat in darkness. Each one busy with his prayers, "We are lost!" the captain shouted. As he stao:o:ered down the stairs. •o& But his little daughter whispered As she took his icy hand, " Isn't God upon the ocean. Just the same as on the land?" MISS FRET AND MISS LAUGH. Cries little Miss Fret, In a very great pet, " I hate this warm weather; it's horrid to tan. It scorches my nose And it blisters my toes. And wherever I go I must carry a fan." Chirps little Miss Laugh: "Why I couldn't tell half The fun I am having this bright summer day. I sing through the hours, I cull pretty flowers. And ride like a queen on the sweet-smelling hay." tommy's first speaker. 63 HOSANNA! When His salvation bringing, To Zion Jesus came, The children all stood singing Hosanna to His name. Nor did their zeal offend Him, But, as he rode along. He bade them still attend Him, And smiled to hear their song. And since the Lord retaineth, His love for children still; Though now, as King, He reigneth, On Zion's heavenly hill. We'll flock around Ilis banner. We'll bow before His throne. And sing aloud, Hosanna To David's royal Son! For should we fail proclaiming, Our great Redeemer's praise. The stones, our silence shaming, Would their hosannas raise; But shall we only render The tribute of our words? No, while our hearts are tender. They, too, shall be the Lord's. Joshua King, 1819. OH, BLESS US ! Oh, bless us, we are young and small, Oh, free our hearts from sinful thrall. Oh, make our spirits free from sin, Thy fount of heavenly love within. 64 tommy's first speaker. BE KIND— A QUARTETTE FOR FOUR LIT- TLE CHILDREN. [This piece should be recited by four little children, two boys and two girls. They should each have a small bouquet of flowers J 1. A little girl recite!^. Be kind to thy father — for when thou wcrt young, Who loved thee so fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thy innocent glee. Be kind to thy father — for now he is old, His locks intermingled with gray; His footsteps are feeble, once fearless and bold — Thy father is passing awav. 2. A little boy recites. Be kind to thy mother — for lo! on her brow Many traces of sorrow are seen; Oh, well may'st thou cherish and comfort her now. For loving and kind she has been. Remember thy mother — for thee will she pray, As long as God giveth her breath; With accents of kindness, then, cheer her lone way, E'en through the dark valley of death. J. A little boy recites. Be kind to thy sister — not many may know The depth of true sisterly love; The wealth of the ocean lies fathoms below The surface that sparkles above. Thy kindness 3hall bring thee many sweet hours, And blessings thy pathway to crown, Affection shall weave thee a garland of flowers,. More precious than wealth or renowiis tommy's first speaker. 65 4, A little girl recites. Be kind to thy brother — his heart will have dearth, If the smile of thy joy be withdrawn; The flowers of feeling will fade at the birth, If the dew of affection be gone. Be kind to thy brother — wherever you are, The love of a brother shall be An ornament purer and richer by far, Than pearls from the depths of the sea. THE GREEN HILL FAR AWAY. There is a green hill far away, Without a city wall, Where the dear Lord was crucified. Who died to save us all. We may not know, we cannot tell What pains he had to bear. But we believe it was for us He hung and suffered there. He died that we might be forgiven. He died to make us good. That we might go at last to heaven. Saved by His precious blood. There was no other good enough To pay the price of sin. He only, could unlock the gate Of heaven, and let us in. O, dearly, dearly has he loved, And we must love Him too. And trust in His redeeming blood, And try His works to do. 66 tommy's fikst speaker. ANGEL COURT. The palace gardens shone with flowers, The long warm summer day; A beggar-child stood watching The little Prince at play; But the guard who passed the palace walls Would have thrust the child away. But the little Prince, he chid the guard — " What has she done?" said he; " Our Father loves us all," he said, " Whatever we may be.'' " Where do you live, my little maid? " "In Angel Court," said she; "And it's all so dark: I only came Just once the flowers to see; We have no flowers in Angel Court," She murmured bitterly. But the little Prince looked up to heaven, ^'•Tkat is our home," said he; " Our Father loves us all," he said, " Where'er on earth we be." Tlie years went by; the beggar-child In an Angel Home was blest; In a distant land the bright young Prince Was passing to his rest. Far from his home, and wife and child, And all he loved the best; But he turned and saw a face he knew. An angel at his side, "Our Father loves us well," she said. And with a smile he died. Frederic E. Weatherly. SPEAKER. 67 WHEN MAMMA WAS A LITTLE GIRL. Wlien mamma was a little girl (Or so they say to me) She never used to romp and run, Nor shout and scream with noisy fun, Nor climb an apple tree. She always kept her hair in curl, — When mamma was a little girl. When mamma was a little girl (It seems to her, you see) She never used to tumble down, Nor break her doll, nor tear her gown. Nor drink her papa's tea. She learned to knit, "plain," " seam" and " purl," — When mamma was a little girl. But grandma says — it must be true — '• How fast the seasons o'er us whirl! Your mamma, dear, was just like you, When she was grandma's little girl." Grace F. Coolidge. WE SHALL KNOW. When the mists have rolled in splendor From the beauty of the hills. And the sunshine, warm and tender. Falls in kisses on the rills, Wc may read love's shining letter In the rainbow of the spray; Wc shall know each other better When the mists have cleared away. We shall know as we are known. Never more to walk alone. In the dawning of the morning. When the mists have cleared away. 68 tommy's first speaker. THE OLD ARM CHAIR. I love it, I love it, and who shall dare To chide me for loving the old arm chair? I've treasured it long as a holy prize, I've bedewed it with tears and embalmed it v/ith sighs, 'Tis bound by a thousand bands to my heart; Not a tie will break, not a link will start. Would ye learn the spell.'* — a mother sat there. And a sacred thing is that old arm chair. In childhood's home I lingered near The hallow'd seat with listening ear; And gentle words would mother give, To fit me to die, and teach me to live. She told me shame would never betide. With truth for my creed, and God for my guide; She taught me to lisp my earliest prayer, As I knelt beside that old arm chair. Eliza Cook. THE BEE AND THE ROSE. " I hope you'll not accuse me. But excuse me," Said the simple Bee to the royal red Rose, " If I take a pot of honey. And don't put down my money, For alas! I haven't any, as all the world knows." " Mr. Bee, don't worry, Nor be sorry," Said the queenly Rose to the poor yeoman Bee; " You've paid me for my honey Much better than with money. In the sweet songs of summer you sing and sing to tommy's first speaker. 09 HOW TO GAIN FRIENDS. " Well," said a straight-backed, straight-legged chair to a cosy little rocking-chair by whose side it had chanced to be placed, "before I would be such a drudge as you are I would be a stool, or, if possible, something still more insignificant. People are not content with making } ou nurse every person, big or little, but you must also continu- ally be rocking them to and fro." " To be sure," answered the little rocking-chair, pleas- antly, " I am always on the go for the gratification of others, but thereby have I won for myself many friends, and appear to be a great favorite with all. This well re- pays me for my trouble." And so it is with little girls, and little boys, and other people. Those who cheerfully and willingly do for others are the ones who gain for themselves many and lasting friends. USES OF THE FLOWERS. God might have made the earth bring forth Enough for great and small, — The oak tree and the cedar tree Without a flower at all. Our outward life requires them not,- Then wherefore had they birth? To minister delight to man, To beautify the earth : To comfort man, — to whisper hope Whene'er his faith is dim; For Who so carcth for the j^owers Will care much more for /iz'm/ Mary Howitt. 70 tommy's first speaker. BABY LOUISE. Pm in love with you, Baby Louise! With your silken hair and your soft blue eyes, And the dreamy wisdom that in them lies, And the faint, sweet smile you brought from the skies — God's sunshine, Baby Louise. When you fold your hands, Baby Louise, "^'our hands like a fairy's, so tiny and fair. With a pretty, innocent, saint like air. Are you trying to think of some angel taught prayer, You learned above, Baby Louise? I'm in love with you. Baby Louise, Whv! you never raise your beautiful head! Some day, little one, your cheek will grow red, W ith a flush of delight, to hear the words said, " I love you," Baby Louise. Do you hear me, Baby Louise? I have sung your praises for nearly an hour. And your lashes keep drooping lower and lower. And — you've gone to sleep like a weary flower. Ungrateful Baby Louise! ' Margaret Eytinge. GOD SEES. When 1 run about all day. When I kneel at night to pray, God sees. When I'm dreaming in the dark. When I lie awake and hark, God sees. Need I ever know a fear, Night and day my Father's neai- God sees. 71 KATYDID. I love to hear thine earnest voice, Wherever thou art hid, Thou testy Httle dogmatist. Thou pretty Katydid! Thou mindest me of gentlefolks — Old gentlefolks are they — Thou say'st an undisputed thing In such a solemn way. Thou art a female, Katydid, I know it by the trill That quivers through thy piercing notes, So petulant and shrill. I think there is a knot of you Beneath the hollow tree, A knot of spinster Katydids — Do Katydids drink tea? O, tell me where did Katy live, And what did Katy do? And was she very fair and voung. And yet so wicked, too? Did Katy love a naughty man Or kiss more cheeks than one? I warrant Katy did no more Than many a Kate has done. Oliver Wendell Holmes. IT'S GOOD TO HAVE A MOTHER. Birdies with broken wings, Hide from each other, But babies in trouble Can run home to mother. 72 tommy's first speaker. SUPPOSE. Suppose, my little lady, Your doll should break her head, Could you make it whole by crying Till your eyes and nose are red? And wouldn't it be pleasanter To treat it as a joke, And say you're glad 'twas dolly's And not your head that broke? Suppose you're dressed for walking, And the rain comes pouring down, Will it clear off any sooner Because you scold and frown? And wouldn't it be nicer For you to smile than pout. And so make sunshine in the house When there is none without? Suppose your task, my little man, Is very hard to get, Will it make it any easier For you to sit and fret? And wouldn't it be nicer Than waiting like a dunce. To go to work in earnest And learn the thing at once? THE LOST DOLL. Twice up and down the garden-walks I've looked ; but she's not there. Oh, yes, I've hunted in the hay, I've hunted everywhere. The dark is coming fast, oh dear! I'm in an awful fright; I don't know where I've left my doll, And she'll be out all night! 73 ONE OF HIS NAMES. Never a boy had so many names; They called him Jimmy, and Jim, and James, Teems and Jamie; and well he knew Who it was that wanted him, too. The boys in the street ran after him, Shouting out loudly, "Jim! hey, J-i-m m!" Uniil the echoes, little and big. Seemed to be dancing a Jim Crow jig. And little Mabel, out in the hall, "Jimwj/ Jimwy/" would sweetly call. Until he answered and let her know Where she might find him; she loved him so. Grandpapa, who was dignified. And held his head with an air of pride. Didn't believe in abridging names. And made the most he could of "J-a-m-e-s!" But if papa ever wanted him. Crisp and curt was the summons — "Jim!" That would make the boy on his errantls run Much faster than if he had said " my son." Biddy O'Flynn could never it seems. Call him anything else but "Jeems;" And when the nurse, old Mrs. McVyse, Called him "Jamie," it sounded nice. But sweeter and dearer than all the rest, Was the one pet name he liked the best; " Darling!" he heard it whate'er he was at, For none hut his mother called him that. Josephine Pollard. 74 tommy's first speaker. A THANKSGIVING ODE. For Summer's bloom and Autumn's blight, For bending wheat and blasted maize, For health and sickness, Lord of Light, And Lord of Darkness, hear our praise! We trace to Thee our joys and woes — To Thee, of causes still the cause — We thank Thee that Thy hand bestows; We bless Thee that Thy love withdraws. We bring no sorrows to Thy throne; We come to Thee with no complaint; In Providence Thy will is done. And that is sacred to the saint. Dr. Holland. UPSIDE DOWN. If all the world were upside down, Our lilies would be stars so gay, Our brooks would make the milky way, And roses of the richest dye Would be the pretty sunset sky ; Instead of blue, the sky'd be brown — If all the world were upside down. If all the world were upside down, The moon would take the ocean's place. And stars the fields and gardens grace; The ground, of course, would be sky blue; Another change would be quite new — We'd wear our shoes upon our crown If all the world were upside down. George Cooper. 75 THE BOY I LOVE. My boy, do you know the boy I love? I fancy I see bini now; His forehead bare in the sweet spring air, With the wind of hope in his waving hair, With sunrise on his brow. He is something near your height, may be, And just about your years; Timid as you; but his will is strong, And his love of right and his hate of wrong Are mightier than his fears. He has the courage of simple truth, Tlie trial that he must bear; The peril, the ghost that frights him most. He faces boldly, and like a ghost It vanishes in air. As wild fowl take, by river and lake, The sunshine and the rain, With cheerful, constant hardihood, He meets the bad luck and the good, The pleasure and the pain. BABY IS A SAILOR. Baby is a sailor boy. Swing, cradle, swing; Sailing is the sailor's joy. Swing, cradle, swing. Snowy sails and precious freight. Swing, cradle, swing. Baby's captain, mother's mate, Swing, cradle, swing. 76 tommy's first speaker. HOE YOUR OWN ROW. I think there are some maxims Under the sun Scarce worth preservation; But here, boys, is one So sound and so simple 'Tis worth while to know — And all in the single line, " Hoe your own row!" If you want to have riches, And want to have friends, Don't trample the means down And look for the ends; But always remember. Wherever you go The wisdom of practising " Hoe your own row !" EGGS AND BIRDS. "Where is the little lark's nest, My father showed to me? And where the pretty lark's eggs?" Said Master Lori Lee. At last he found the lark's nest, But eggs were none to see. " Why are you looking down there?' Sang two young larks on high: "We've broke the shells that held us, And found a nest on high." And the happy birds went singing Far up the morning sky! FIRST SPEAKER. 77 FANNY'S MUD PIES. Under the apple-trees, spreading and thick, Happy with only a pan and a stick, On the soft grass in the meadow that lies, Our little Fanny is making mud pies. On her bright apron, and bright drooping head; Showers of pink and white blossoms are shed; Tied to a branch, that seems just meant for that, Dances and flutters her little straw hat. Gravely she stirs, with a serious look, Making believe she's a true pastry cook; Sundry brown plashes on forehead and eyes Show that our Fanny is making mud pies. But all the soil of her innocent play Clean soap and water will soon wash away; Many a pleasure in daintier guise Leaves darker traces than Fanny's mud pies. Dash, full of joy in the bright summer day. Zealously chases the robins away, Barks at the squirrels, or snaps at the flies. All the while Fanny is making mud pies. Sunshine and soft summer breezes astir, While she is busy, are busy with her, — Cheeks rosy glowing, and bright sparkling eyes. Bring they to Fanny while making mud pies. Dollies and playthings are all laid away. Not to come out till the next rainy day; Under the blue of those sweet summer skies Nothing so pleasant as making mud pies. Ei>izABETH Sill. 78 MORNING HYMN. My God, who makes the sun to know His proper hour to rise, And, to give light to all below, Doth send him round the skies. When from the chambers of the east His morning race begins. He never tires, nor stops to rest, But round the world he shines. So, like the sun, may I fulfill The business of the day; Begin my work betimes, and still March on my heavenly way. Give me, O Lord, Thy early grace; Nor let my soul complain. That the young morning of my days Has all been spent in vain. Isaac Watts, 1715. TWELVE GOLDEN RULES FOR BOYS. Observe good manners. Hold integrity sacred. Endure trials patiently. Be prompt in all things. Make good acquaintances. Dare to do right, fear to do wrong. Never be afraid of being laughed at. Watch carefully over your temper. Fight life's battle manfully, bravely. Sacrifice money rather than principle. Use your leisure moments for study. Shun the company of loafers. tommy's first speaker. 79 SILOAM'S SHADY RILL. By cool Siloam's shady rill, How sweet the lily grows; How sweet the breath beneath the hill Of Sharon's dewy rose! And such the child, whose early feet The paths of peace have trod; Whose secret heart with influence sweet Is upward drawn to God. By cool Siloam's shady rill, The lily must decay; The rose that blooms beneath the hill Must shortly fade away ; And soon, too soon, the wintry hour Of man's maturer age May shake the soul with sorrow's power, And stormy passions rage. THE BEST THING IN THE WORLD. What's the best thing in the world? June-rose, by May-dew impearled; Sweet south wind, that means no rain; Truth, not cruel to a friend ; Pleasure, not in haste to end; Beauty, not self-decked and curled Till its pride is over- plain; Light, that never makes you wink; ' Memory, that gives no pain; Love, when, so^ you're loved again. What's the best thing in the world? — Something out of it, I think. Anonymous. 80 tommy's pirst speaker. SONG OF SPRING. Laud the first spring daisies; Chant aloud their praises; Send the children up To the hill's high top; Tax not the strength of their young hands To increase your lands. Gather the primroses, Make handfuls into posies; Take them to the little girls who are at work in mills; Pluck the violets blue — Ah! pluck not a few! Knowest thou what good thoughts from Heaven the violet instills? Give the children holidays (And let these be jolly days), Grant freedom to the children in this joyous spring; Better men, hereafter, Shall we have, for laughter Freely shouted to the woods till all the echoes ring. Send the children up To the high hill's top. Or deep into the wood's recesses, To woo spring's caresses. J. L. YouL. MORNING PRAYER. O Thou who mak'st the sun to rise, Beam on my soul, illume mine eyes, And guide me through this world of care : The wandering atom thou canst see. The falling sparrow's marked by thee. Then, turning Mercy's ear to me. Listen! listen! Listen to an infant's prayer! FIRST SPEAKER. 81 THE TENDER SHEPHERD, Jesus, tender Shepherd, hear me: Bless Thy little lamb to-ni<]^ht; Through the darkness be thou near me, Keep me safe till morning light. Through this day Thy hand hath led me. And I thank 1 hee tor Thy care; Thou hast warmed me, clothed and fed me, Listen to my evening prayer. Let my sins be all forgiven, ^ Bless the friends I love so well; Take me, when I die, to Heaven, Happy there with Thee to dwell. Mary L. Du.vcan, 1830. WHAT BOYS ARE GOOD FOR. [The teacher or examiner should ask the question of the hrsl and second lines, and !>omc merry little boy should respond.] Question : What are you good for, my brave little man.^ Answer that question for me if you can. — Answer: Over the carpet the dear little feet Come with a patter to climb on my seat; Two merry eyes full of frolic and glee. Under their lashes looked up unto me; Two little hands, pressing soft on my face, Drew me down close in a loving embrace; Two rosy lips gave the answer so true, ** Good to love you, mamma, — good to love you.'* Emily Huntington Miller. 82 tommy's first speaker. YOUTHFU-L PIETY. Ye hearts with youthful vigor warm In smiHng crowds draw near: And turn from every mortal charm, A Savior's voice to hear. He, Lord of all the worlds on high, Stoops to converse with you; And lays His radiant glories by, Your friendship to pursue. " The soul that longs to see My face. Is sure My love to gain: And those that early seek My grace. What object, Lord, my soul should move, If once compared with Thee? What beauty should command my love, Like what in Christ I see? Away, ye false delusive toys. Vain tempters of the mmd ! 'Tis here 1 fix my lasting choice. And here true bliss I find. Philip Doddridge, 1755. DO GOOD. Do all the good you can. In all the ways you can. To all the people you can, Just as long as you can, tommy's first speaker. 83 THE VIOLET. Down in a green and shady bed A modest violet grew; Its stalk was bent, it hung its head, As if to hide from view. And yet it was a lovely flower, Its colors bright and fair; It might have graced a rosy bower Instead of hiding there. Yet there it was content to bloom, In modest tints arrayed; And there diffused its sweet perfume Within the silent glade. Then let me to the valley go, This pretty flower to see, That I may also learn to grow In sweet humility. Jane Taylor. LITTLE TYRANT. Let every sound be dead; Baby sleeps. The Emperor softly tread! Baby sleeps. Let Mozart's music stop! Let Phidias' chisel drop! Baby sleeps. Demosthenes be dumb! Our tyrant's hour has come! Baby sleeps. 84 tommy's first speaker. A LITTLE GIRL. Where have they gone to — the httle girls, With natural manners and natural curls? Who love their dollies and like their toys, And talk of something besides the boys? Little old women in plenty I find, Mature in manners and old of mind : Little old flirts who talk of their " beaux " And vie with each other in stylish clothes. Little old belles, who at nine and ten Are sick of pleasure and tired of men. Weary of travel, of balls, of fun — And find no new thing under the sun. Once, in the beautiful long ago, Some dear little children I used to know; Girls who were merry as lambs at play. And laughed and rollicked the livelong day. They thought not at all of the style of their clothes, And never imagined that boys were "beaux" — "Other girls' brothers" and "mates" were they; Splendid fellows to help them at play. Where have they gone to? If you see One of them anywhere, send her to me. I would give a medal of purest gold To one of those dear little girls of old. With an innocent heart and an open smile. Who knows not the meaning of " flirt " or " style." Ei.LA Wheeler. FROWNS AND SNEERS. Foolish things are frowns and sneers, For angry thoughts reveal them, Rather drown them all in tears, Than let another feel them, tommy's first speakek. 85 A LITTLE BOY. Where have they gone to — the little boys, With natural manners and natural joys? Who cherish their youth — at least till they're ten, And wait for their manhood ere playing at men? Little old men in plenty I find. Boorish in manners and sensual in mind: Who express great contempt for " only a girl," Spending hours on a mustache too honest to curl. Little old beaux with gloves and a cane, Aping their elders, their manners, their mien; Little old fops, incipient dudes. Who already suffer from ''states" and from "moods." Once, in the beautiful long ago, There were little boys I used to know. Kind in their manners, real boys in their play, Who whistled and frolicked the livelong day. Who liked the girls because they were " mates" — Girls who ran races and climbed high gates — Who never said, " Oh, only girls, don't you know?" Or " this is the fashion," or this is the " go." Oh, where are these dear little gentlemen now? Could I find one I'd give him a bow: I would place on his forehead a crown of pure gold. And a gem hilted sword in his right hand to hold. I would place him then on a beautiful throne. And call all the children their king to own. Mattie E. Merriam, tommy's first speaker. MY MOTHER'S HYMN. Like patient saint of olden time, With lovely face, almost divine, So good, so beautiful and fair, Her very attitude a prayer; I heard her sing so low and sweet, ** His loving kindness — oh, how great!'* Turning, beheld the saintly face. So full of trust and patient grace. " He justly claims a song from me. His loving kindness — oh, how free!" Sweetly thus did run the song, "^His loving kindness," all day long; Trusting, praising, day by day, She sang the sweetest roundelay, " He near my soul has always stood. His loving kindness — oh, h'ow good! He safely leads my soul along. His loving kindness — oh, how strong!" So strong to lead her on the way To that eternal better day, Where safe at last in that blest home All care and weariness are gone. She " sings with rapture and surprise His loving kindness in the skies." WORK AND PLAY, Work while you work, play while you play; This is the way to be cheerful and gay. All that you do, do with your might; Things done by halves are never done right. One thing each time, and that done well. Is a very good rule, as many can tell: Moments are useless, trifled away; So work while you work, and play while you play. Miss M. A. Stodart. TOMMY S KIRbT SPEAKER. MAMIE'S REQUEST. Dear rain, without your help, I know, Tlie trees and flowers coukl not grow, My roses all would fade and die If you staid up behnid the sky! But lonely little girls like me Don't like to stay indoors, you see. And through the long and lonesome day- I'm tired of books, I'm tired of play; I'm tired of listening to the sound, Of pattering drops upon the ground. And watching througi) the misty pane The clouded skies, O dreary rain! And so I wish you'd tell me why. Just to please me, you couldn't try To let the bright sun shine all day. And in the night, when he's away. And all the world is dark and still. And I'm asleep — M^«, if you will. Come down and make my flowers grow, Dear rain, and I will love you so. SNOWED UNDER. Of a thousand things, that the Year snowed under — The busy Old Year that has gone away — IIow many will rise in the spring, I wonder, i^rought to life by the sun of May. Will the rose-tree branches so wholly hidden. That never a rose tree seems to be. At the sweet spring's call come forth unbidden And bud in beauty and bloom for me? Ella Wjieelek. 88 tommy's first speaker. SOME OF THE CHILDREN. A is for Apt little Annie, Who lives down in Maine with her grannie, Such pies she can make! And such doughnuts and cake! Oh, we like to make visits to grannie. C is for Curious Charlie, Wlio lives on rice, oatmeal and barley. He once wrote a sonnet On his mother's best bonnet, And he lets his hair grow long and snarley D is for Dear little Dinah, Whose manners grow finer and finer. She smiles and she bows To the pigs and the cows, And she calls the old cat Angelina. G is for Glad little Gustave, Who says that a monkey he must have; But his mother thinks not, And says that they've got All the monkey they care for in Gustave. I is for Ignorant Ida, Who doesn't know rhubarb from cider. Once she drank up a quart Which was more than she ought, And it gave her queer feelings inside her M is for Mournful Miss Molly, Who likes to be thought melancholy. She's as limp as a rag When her sisters play tag, For it's vulgar, she says, to be jolly. tommy's first speak kr. N is for Naughty younp^ Nat, Who sat on his father's best hat. When they asked if he thought He had done as he ought, He said he supposed 'twas the cat. O's Operatic Olivia, Who visits her aunt in Bolivia. She can sing to high C — But, between you and me. They don't care for that in Bolivia. P is for Poor little Paul, Who doesn't like study at all. But he's learning to speak In Hebrew and Greek, And is going to take Sanskrit next fall. V is for Valiant young Vivian, Who practiced awhile in oblivion; Till he saw without doubt. He could turn inside out. And now they're all boasting of Vivian. Isabel Frances Bellows. BE PATIENT. Every lily in the meadow Waits in patience for the rain. Every daisy in the shadow Waits till sunshine comes again; Every birdie in its home nest Waits for food, nor waits in vain. Dearest Saviour, it is written, "Be ye patient" in Thy word; Make me patient as the lily. Or the daisy, or the bird. Give me. Lord, Thy loving spirit, Never by impatience stirred! 90 TOMMY S FIRST SIMwXKKK. NOW. "There is a good time coming, hoys," So runs the hopeful song; Such is the poetry of youth, When Hfe and hope are strong. But when these buoyant days are passed Age cries: "How changed are men! Thinsrs were not so when 1 was young; Tlie best of times was then. ''There is a good time coming, boys"; The truth we will allow; But, waiting not for brighter days, There is a good time now. Why not improve the present, then, Where'er the future lead; And let each passing moment's page Bear proof of thought and deed ? " There is a good time coming, bojs"; And many a one has passed; For each has had his own good time, And will have to the last. Then do thy work while lingers youth, With freshness on its brow, Still mindful of life's greatest truth, The best of times is now. THE BUSY MULE. How doth the little busy mule Toil patiently all day, And switch his tail, and elevate His lofty ears, and bray. How doth his eye, with drowsy gleam. Let naught escape his ken, But when he elevates his heels Where is the driver then.? tommy's iMKSr SPKAKI.K. 91 FUNNY, ISN'T IT? The pipers are not made of pipes, And cowards are not made of cows; And lyres are not made of lies, While bowers are not made of bows. The wickets are not made of wicks, And candles are not made of cans; And tickets are not made of ticks, While panels are not made of pans. The cattle are not made of cats, While willows are not made of wills, And battles are not made of bats. And pilgrims not miule of grim pills, The cornets are not made of corns, A hotel is not made of a hoe; And hornets are not made of horns, While all poets cannot be Foe. CHRISTMUS COMIN'. Christmus coming Christmus comin', In de air it soun's a hummin'; I got Christmus in my bones, Nigger fer de turkey hones. Wish 1 was down at camp meetin', Whar de righteous fokes is greetin'. Master tell me hoe de taters. White fokes got such cuyus naters. Nebber mind, de sun is high, Mornin' comin' by- an'- by. In white shirt an' lay-down collar, Lazy nigger jump an' holler. Crack his fingers, hoopin', dancin', Yaller gals all come out prancin', Mistiss giv' 'em plenty new Dresses red an' dresses blue. Turn yo' toes out, walk in line, Satan see yo all de time. 92 tommy's first speaker. Settin' watchin' for de sinner. Had six hundiid fer one dinner. Glory, hallelujah high, Jesus comin' by-an'-by. Christmus comin' in de mornin', Onct a year dat day be dawnin'. Sinner come an' git yo whippin'. Whisky jug yo done been sippin'. Kan't vo wait till day is ober? When yo ken lay down in clober, Kick yo heels, an' walk in pride, Eat an' drink an' swell yo side. PLANTING HIMSELF TO GROW Dear little bright-eyed Willie, Always so full of glee. Always so very mischievous, The pride of our home is he. One bright summer day we found him Close by the garden wall, Standing so grave and dignified Beside a sunflower tall. His tiny feet he had covered With the moist and cooling sand; The stalk of the great, tall sunflower He grasped with his chubby hand. When he saw us standing near him, Gazing so wonderingly At his baby ship, he greeted us With a merry shout of glee. We asked our darling what pleased him; He replied with a face aglow, " Mamma, I'm going to be a man: Pve planted myself to grow^'' tommy's first speaker. • 93 A MANLY, LOVING BOY. He walks beside his mother, And looks up in her face With a glow of loving, joyous pride And a truly royal grace; He proudly waits upon her — Would shield her without fear. The boy who loves his mother well, Her little cavalier. To see no tears of sorrow Upon her loving cheek. To gain her sweet approving smile, To hear her softly speak — Ah, what in all this wide, wide world Could be to him so dear. The boy who loves his mother well. Her little cavalier? Look for that boy in the future Among the good and true; All blessings on the upward way His feet shall still pursue! Of robed and crowned and sceptered kings He stands the royal peer. The boy who loves his mother well, Her noble cavalier. AN OLD HEN. An old hen sat on turtle's eggs. And she hatched out goslings three; Two were turkeys with slender legs. And one was a bumble bee. "Very odd children for such a mother!" Said all the hens to one another. M. M. D. 94 tommy's first speaker. HEALTH ALPHABET. As soon as you're up shake blanket and sheet; Better be without shoes than sit with wet feet, Children, if healthy, are active, not still; Damp beds and damp clothes will both make you ill. Eat slowly, and always chew your food well; Freshen the air in the house where you dwell, Garments must never be made too tight; Homes should be healthy, airy and light. If you wish to be well, as you do, I've no doubt. Just open the windows before you go out. Keep your rooms always tidy and clean; Let dust on furniture never be seen. Much illness is caused by the want of pure air; Now to open the windows be ever your care. Old rags and old rubbish should never be kept; People should see that their floors are well swept. Quick movements in children are healthy and right; Remember the young cannot thrive without light. See that the cistern is clean to the brim; Take care that your dress is all tidy and trim. Use your nose to find if there be a bad drain ; Very sad are the fevers that come in its train. Walk as much as you can without feeling fatigue: Xerxes could walk full many a league. Your health is your wealth, which your wisdom must keep; Zeal will help a good cause, and the good you will reap. TAKE CARE. Little children, you must seek Rather to be good than wise, For the thoughts you do not speak Shine out in your cheeks and eyes, 95 If you think that you can be Cross or cruel, and look fair, Let me tell you how to see You are quite mistaken there. Go and stand before the glass, And some ugly thought contrive, And my word will come to pass. Just as sure as you're alive! What you have and what you lack, All the same as what you wear. You will see reflected back, So, my little folks, take care! And not only in the glass Will your secrets come to view. All beholders, as they pass. Will perceive and know them, too. Out of sight, my boys and girls. Every root of beauty starts; So think less about your curls. More about your mind and hearts. Cherish what is good, and drive Evil thoughts and feelings far; For, as sure as you're alive. You will show for what you are. Alice Cary. BABY. Who is it coos just like a dove? Who is it that we dearly love — The bri«rhtest blessing from above? Our baby. While silent watch the angels keep. Who smiles so sweetly in his sleep. And oft displays his dimples deep? Our baby. 96 tommy's first speaker. WHO MADE THEM? Mother, who make the stars which light The beautiful blue sky? Who made the moon so clear and bri'yht, That rises up so high? " 'Twas God, my child, the glorious One — He formed them by His power; He made alike the brilliant sun And every leaf and flower. " He made your little feet to walk, Your sparkling eyes to see, Your busy, prattling tongue to talk, Your limbs so light and free. " He paints each fragrant flower that glows With loveliness and bloom; He gives the violet and the rose Their beauty and perfume. " Our various wants His hands supply, And guard us every hour; We're kept beneath His watchful eye, And guided by His power. '* Then let your little heart, my love, Its grateful homage pay To this kind Friend, who, from above, So gently guides your way." HOBBLEDY HOPS. Hobbledy Hops, He made some tops Out of the morning glory i He used the seed, — He did, indeed; And that's the end of my story. TOMMY S FIRST SPEAKER. 97 A BABY'S FEET AND HANDS. A baby's feet, like sea-shells pink, Might tempt, should heaven see meet, An angel's lips to kiss, we think, A baby's feet. Like rose-hued sea-flowers toward the heat They stretch and spread and wink; Their ten soft buds that part and meet, No flower-bells that expand and shrink Gleam half so heavenly sweet As shine on life's untrodden brink, A baby's feet. A baby's hands, like rose-buds furled. Whence yet no leaf expands, ^ Ope if you touch, though close upcurledp A baby's hands. Then fast as warriors grip their brands When battle's bolt is hurled, They close, clenched hard like tightening bands. No rosebuds yet by dawn impearled Match, even in loveliest lands. The sweetest flowers in all the world — A baby's hands. THE BUMBLE BEE. The bumble-bee, the bumble-bee. He flew to the top of the tulip tree; He flew to the top, but he could not stop. For he had to get home to his early tea. The bumble-bee, the bumble-bee. He flew away from the tulip tree; But he made a mistake and flew into the lake, And he never got home to his early tea. 98 TOTAL ANNIHILATION. O, he was a Bowery bootblack bold, And his years they numbered nine; Rough and unpolished was he, albeit He constantly aimed to shine. As proud as a king, on his box he sat. Munching an apple red; While the boys of his set looked wistfully on, And "Give us a bite!" they said. But the bootblack smiled a lordly smile; "No free bites here!" he cried. Then the boys they sadly walked away. Save one who stood at his side. "Bill, give us the core?" he whispered low. That bootblack smiled once more, And a mischievous dimple grew in his cheek: " There airCt goir^ to be no core I " EVERY LITTLE HELPS. Suppose a bright green leaf that grows Upon a rose-bush near. Should say : " Because I'm not a rose, I will not linger here!" Suppose a little child should say : " Because I'm not a man, I will not try in word or play To do what good I can! " Kind words toward those you daily meet. Kind words and actions right. Will make this life of ours most sweet, Turn darkness into light. tommy's first speaker. 90 HOME AND MOTHER. I hear the patter of childish feet Out in the garden fairj And catch the glimpse of a sunny head, And I know my boy is there, But 1 let him roam at his own sweet will, For I know he'll come at last To the safe retreat of his mother's arms. When his happy sport is past. I see through the door of the village school A boyish head bent low. As he works away at his simple task, And the hours pass, oh! so slow! Till I hear a ringing, boyish shout, And I know it is my boy. Who again comes home when school is done, And is ever my pride and joy. THE SECRET OF THE SUNFLOWER. O sunflower, what is the secret thing You hide in your inmost heart. When you turn to the sun, like a slave to a king, Wiih all your leaves apart? The hollyhocks vainly listen round. They are nearly as tall as you ; The bee comes away with an angry sound. For he cannot get the clue. You hide your secret, day in, day out, But you eagerly watch your king. And some hot noon you will speak with a shout, And tell us that secret thing ! 100 tommy's first speaker. THE LOST CHILD. "I'm losted! Could you find me, please?" Poor little frightened baby! The wind had tossed her golden fleece, The stones had scratched her dimpled knees, I stooped and lifted her with ease, And softly whispered, " Maybe." " Tell me your name, my little maid, I can't find you without it." " My name is Shiny-eyes," she said. "Yes, but your last?" She shook her head: " Up to our house 'ey never said A sino-le fing: about it." "But, dear," I said, "What is your name?" "Why, didn't you hear me tell you? Dest Shiny-eyes." A bright thought came: "Yes, when you're good; but when they blame You, little one — is't just the same When mamma has to scold you?" " My mamma never scolds," she moans, A little blush ensuing, " 'Cept when I've been a-frowing stones, And then she says," the culprit owns, " Mehitable Sapphira Jones, What has you been a- doing?" WHAT IS MAN? Like as the damask rose you see, Or like the blossoms on the tree, Or like the dainty flower of May, Or like the morning to the day, Or like the sun, or like the shade. Or like the gourd which Jonah had. E'en such is man; — whose thread is spun, Drawn oiit and cut, and so is done. tommy's first SPHlAKipR, . ,.,,.. ..,101, NOWHERE. [A song for boys and g-irls who are always discontented.] Do you know where the summer blooms all the year round, Where there never is rain on a picnic day, Where the thornless rose in its beauty grows, And the little boys never are called from play ? Oh! hey! it is far away. In the wonderful land of Nowhere. Would you like to live where nobody scolds. Where you never are told: " It is time for bed," Where you learn without trying, and laugh without crying. Where snarls never pull when they comb your head? Then oh! hey! you must hie away To the wonderful land of Nowhere. If you long to dwell where you need never wait, Where no one is punished or made to cry. Where a supper of cakes is not followed by aches. And little folks thrive on a diet of pie; Then ho! hey! you must go, I say. To the wonderful land of Nowhere. You must drift down the river of Idle Dreams, Close to the border of No-man's land; For a year and a day you must sail away, And then you will come to an unknown strand. And hoi hey! if you get there — stay In the wonderful land of Nowhere. Ella Whkeler. %02 tommy's first speaker. STOP, STOP, PRETTY WATER. " Stop, stop, pretty water!" Said Mary, one day. To a frolicsome brook That was running away. " You run on so fast ! I wish you would stay; My boat and my flowers You will carry away. " But I will run after Mother says that I may; For 1 would know where You are running away." So Mary ran on; But I have heard say That she never could find Where the brook ran away. Mrs. Follen, THE EVENING HYMN. God the Father! be Thou near. Save from every harm to-night; Make us all Thy children dear; In the darkness be our light. God the Savior! be our peace; Put away our sins to-night; Speak the word of full release; Turn our darkness into light. Holy Spirit! deign to come, Sanctify us all to-night; In our hearts prepare Thy home, Then our darkness shall be light. tommy's first speakek. 103 FIREFLIES. Standing with her palms together Pressed so tight, On her face a look of wonder And delight, Gracie watched the fireflies dancing Here and there, Gleaming through the sweet, soft, summer Evening air. Mamma smiled to see the dawning Glad surprise In the clear depths of her girlie's Hazel eyes. "Are they fairies' lanterns, mamma?" Questioned she; " That at night they carry with them, So to see; Or," the eager little face flushed Rosy bright, With a memory of winter's Fleecy-white, And she clapped her small hands softly, "Now I know, Mamma, they are little star- flakes. Like the snow." A. C. S. THIS IS EAST, AND THIS IS WEST. [This should be recited by a little boy who illustrates the poem by the move- ment of his hands.] This is east, and this is west, Soon I'll learn to say the rest; This is high, and this is low. Only see how much I know. This is narrow, this is wide. Something else I know beside. 104 tommy's first speaker, "LITTLE CHILDREN." Keep a guard on your words, my darlings, For words are wonderful things; They are sweet, like the bees' fresh honey, Like the bees, they have terrible stings. They can bless, like the warm, glad sunshine. And brighten a lonely life, They can cut in the strife of anger, Like an open, two-edged knife. Let them pass through your lips unchallenged If their errand is true and kind; If they come to support the weary. To comfort and help the blind. If a bitter, revengeful spirit Prompts the words let them be unsaid ; They may flash through a brain like lightning, Or fall on a heart like lead. Keep them back if they're cold and cruel, Under bar, and lock, and seal ; The wounds they make, my darlings, Are always slow to heal. May peace guard your lives, and ever, From this time of your early youth, May the words that you daily utter Be the beautiful words of truth. "WHEN I AM BIG." When I am big I mean to buy A dozen platters of pumpkin pie, A barrel of nuts, to have 'em handy, And fifty pounds of sugar candy. When I am big I mean to wear A long-tailed coat, and crop my hair; I'll buy a paper, and read the news. And sit up late whenever I choose. tommy's fikst speaker. 105 MY BOY. A little roll of flannel fine; A thrill in mother's heart — "'tis mine;" A little head of golden hair; A lifted eye to heaven in prayer. A smile that ripples to a laugh; A tear with grief in its behalf; A pushing of a slender chair; A climbing of the oaken stair. A stride o'er everything at hand ; A horse at Santa Claus' command; A little cart all painted red; A train of cars at full speed sped. A pair of " pants" that reached the knee; A strut like midshipman from sea ; A pair of boots with tops of red; A knife, a ball, a gallant sled. A pocket full of everything; A " shooter," skates and yards of string; A voting fractiot)s " such a bore;" A holiday rejoicing o'er. A stretching down the pantaloon ; A swim — a wrestling match at noon; A little Latin now, and Greek; A letter home just once a week. A roaming through collegiate halls; A summer evening spent in calls; A rapture o'er a sunny face; A bow, a ring, some bridal lace. A kneeling at the chancel rail; A trembling bride, a bridegroom pale; A leap into the worlcfs wide sea; My boy was gone — ah me! ah me! Frances A. M.JoHNSox lUG tommy's first speaker. BABY! Another little wave Upon the sea of life; Another soul to save Amid the toil and strife. Two more little feet To walk the dusty road ; To choose where two paths meet, The narrow and the broad. Two more little hands To work for good or ill; Two more little eyes; Another little will. Another heart to love, Receiving love again; All babies are the same, Charges of joy and pain. EASTER LILIES. A little maid walked smiling on her way, Bearing white lilies on an Easter day; Herself a lily, pure and fair as they. But as she passed they bore along the mart, A little child, whom death had set apart, Her small hands lying empty on her heart. Close to the bier the little maiden pressed. And laid her lilies on the j^ulseless breast, Saying " Take these to light thee to thy rest." " If to my Lord I bring no lily bell. He is so near my heart He knows full well I love Him more than any tongue can tell." Emii.y Huntingdon Miller. tommy's first speaker. 107 LITTLE BROWN HANDS. They drive home the cows from the pasture Up through the long shadowy hme, Where the quail whistles loud in the whcatficlil, That is yellow with ripening grain; They find, in the thick, waving grasses. Where the scarlet-lipped strawberry grows: They gather the earliest snowdrops. And the first crimson buds of the rose. They toss the hay in the meadow; They gather the elder-bloom white; They find where the dusky grapes purple In the soft-tinted October light. They know where the apples hang ripest. And are sweeter than Italy's wines; They know where the fruit hangs the thickest, On the long, thorny blackberry vines. They gather the delicate seaweeds. And build tiny castles of sand; They pick up the beautiful seashells — Fairy barques that have drifted to land. They wave from the tall, rocking treetops. Where the oriole's hammock-nest swings, And at night-time are folded in slumber By a song that a fond mother sings. Those who toil biavely are strongest; The humble and poor become great; And from those brown-handed children Shall grow mighty rulers of state. The pen of the author and statesman. The noble and wise of the land. The sword, and chisel, and pallet. Shall be held in the little brown hand. 108 tommy's first speaker. THE OLD HOUSE AT HOME. I remember, I remember, The house where I was born, j^The httle window where the sun Came peeping in at morn; He never came a wink too soon, Nor brought too long a clay; But now I often wish the night Had borne my breath away. I remember, I remember, Where I was used to swing. And thought the air must rush as fresh To swallows on the wing. My spirit flew in feathers then. That is so heavy now, And summer pools could hardly cool The fever on my brow\ I remember, I remember. The fir-trees dark and high; I used to think their slender tops Were close against the sky; It was a childish ignorance. But now 'tis little joy To know I'm farther off from heaven Than when I was a boy. Thomas Hood. THE BABY SLEEPS. Baby sleeps, so we must tread Softly round her little bed, And be careful that our toys Do not fall and make a noise. We must not talk, but whisper low; Mother wants to work, you know. That when father comes to tea, All may neat and cheerful be. tommy's first speaker. 109 WAITING. Little maiden, are you lonely, Standing there beside the sea? Are your blue eyes sad, or only Filled with dreams too fair fol^me? Are the summer breezes making Fairy music on the sand. And the quiet ripples breaking From some sea-girt fairy land? Ah, the fragrant flowers never Fade in that soft sunny air, And the fairy people ever Send you dreams and fancies rare! Little maiden, you must only Keep your blue eyes clear and free, And you never will be lonely Standing there beside the sea. ONLY ONE! You sleep upon your mother's breast, Your race begun, A welcome, long a wished-for guest. Whose age is One! A baby-boy, you wonder why You cannot run; You try to talk — how hard you try! You're only One. Ere long you won't be such a dunce ; You'll eat your bun. And fly your kite, like folk who once Were only One. You'll rhyme and woo, and fight and joke, Perhaps you'll pun; Such feats are never done by folk Before they're One. 110 tommy's first speaker. DID NOT PASS. FOR MANY A GOOD BOY. " So, John, I hear you did not pass; You were the lowest in your class. Got not a prize of merit, But grumbling now is no avail; Just tell me how you came to fail. With all your sense and spirit?" " Well, sir, I missed, 'mong other things. The list of Egypt's shepherd kings (I wonder who does know it). An error of three years I made In dating England's first crusade; And, as I am no poet, " I got Euripides all wrong. And could not write a Latin song; And as for Roman history. With Hun and Vandal, Goth and Gaul And Gibbon's weary * Rise and Fall,' 'Twas all a hopeless mystery. " But, father, do not fear or sigh If ' Cram' does proudly pass me by. And pedagogues ignore me; I've common sense, I've will and health, I'll win my way to honest wealth ; The world is all before me. "And though I'll never be a Grecian, Know Roman laws or art Phoenician, Or sing of love and beauty, I'll plow, or build, or sail, or trade, And you need never be afraid But that I'll do my duty." Mary E. Burnett, Ill LADY GOLDEN-ROD. *0 pretty Lady Golden-Rod, Fill glad you've come to town! I saw you standing by the gate, All in your yellow gown. No one was with me, and I thought You might be lonely, too; And so I took my card case And came to visit you. "You're fond of company, T know; You smile so at the sun. And when the winds go romping past You bow to every one. How you should ever know them all Pm sure I cannot tell; But when I come again, I hope You'll know me just as well. "I love you, Lady Golden-Rod; You are so bright and fine; You never have a rumpled frock. Or tangled hair, like mine. I think your mamma comes at night, When we are all away. And dresses you in green and gold Fresh for another day. " How tall you are, dear Golden-Rod! You're taller 'most than I; I cannot grow so very fast. Although I try and try. Oh, here's mamma, dear Golden Rod! Fll ask her please to stop; And she shall say which one of us Comes highest at the top." The lovely Lady Golden-Rod! She surely understood; 112 tommy's first speaker. For when wee Margie turned around, She bent down all she could, Until the fluffy yellow heads Upon a level came, And Margie's mother, smiling, said: " Your heights are just the samel" Carrie W. Bronson. GOOD-NIGHT. Good-night! the sun is setting, "Good-night!" the robins sing, And blue-eyed dolls and blue-eyed girls Should soon be following. Come! lay the Lady Geraldine Among the pillows white; 'Tis time the little mother kissed Her sleepy doll good-night. And, Willie, put the cart away, And drive into the shed The pony and the muley cow — 'Tis time to go to bed. For, listen! in the lilac tree The robin does not sing; " Good-night!" he sang, and tucked his head Beneath his weary wing. Soon all the world will go to rest, And all the sky grow dim; God "giveth His beloved sleep," So we may trust in Him. The Lord is in the shadow. And the Lord is in the light, To guard His little ones from harm; Good-night, dear hearts, good-night! tommy's first speaker. 113 TO GROWN-UP LAND. Good- morning, fair maid, with lashes brown, Can you tell me the way to Womanhood Town? O. this way and that way — never stop, 'Tis picking up stitches granchna will drop, 'Tis kissing the baby's troubles away, 'Tis learning that cross words will never pay, 'Tis helping mother, 'lis sewing up rents, 'Tis reading and playing, 'tis saving the cents, 'Tis loving and smiling, forgetting to frown — O, that is the way to Womanhood Town. Just wait, my brave lad, one moment, I pray, Manhood Town lies where — can you tell me the way ? O, by toiling and trying we reach that land — A bit with the head, a bit with the hand — 'Tis by climbing up the steep hill work, 'Tis by keeping out of the wide street Shirk, 'Tis by always taking the weak one's part, 'Tis by giving mother a happy heart, 'Tis by keeping bad thoughts and actions down — O, that is the way to Manhood Town. And the lad and the maid ran hand in hand To their fair estates in Grown Up Land. BRIGHT LITTLE DANDELION. Bright little dandelion, Downy yellow-face. Peeping up among the grass With such gentle grace; Minding not the April wind Blowing rude and cold, Brave little dandelion, With a heart of gold! 114 A CHILD'S FANCIES. I. THE LAND OF COUNTERPANE. When I wus sick and lay abed, I had two pillows at my head, And all my toys beside me lay To keep me happy all the day. And sometimes for an hour or so I watched my leaden soldiers go, With different uniforms and drills, Among the bed-clothes through the hills, And sometimes sent my ships in fleets All up and down among the sheets; Or brought my trees and houses out. And planted cities all about. I was the giant great and still That sits upon the pillow hill. And sees before him field and plain — The pleasant Land of Counterpane. II. THE WIND. I saw you toss the kites on high, And blow the birds about the sky; And all around I heard you pass. Like ladies' skirts across the grass— O wind, a-blowing all day long! wind, that sings so loud a song! 1 saw the different things you did, But always you yourself you hid ; I felt you push, I heard you call, I could not see yourself at all — O wind, a-blowing all day long! O wind, that sings so loud a song! tommy's first speaker. 115 Oh, you that are so strong and cold, O blower, are you young or old? Are you a beast of field and tree, Or just a stronger child than me? O wind, a-blowing all day long! O wind, that sings so loud a song! Robert Louis Stevenson. PD BE— WOULDN'T YOU? Two little feet running up and down, Two chubby hands pulling my gown, Two little blue eyes peeping at me, Bluer no two little eyes could be. Who wouldn't be mamma to two little feet? Mamma to two little hands so sweet? Mamma to two little eyes so blue? I'd be mamma to them — wouldn't you? A sweet red mouth, and one little nose. Ten plump fingers, and ten little toes. Two cunning dimples, that play bo-peep With the smiles that round the corners creep. Who wouldn't be mamma to mouth and nose? Mamma to ten little fingers and toes? Mamma to dear little dimples, too? I'd be mamma to them — wouldn't you? Out in the morning, merry and bold. Trying to pick up the sunbeam's gold, Pinching the dog, and pulling the cat. Hiding away under grandpa's hat. Who wouldn't be mamma to such a boy? Mamma to such a dear household joy? Mamma to one so precious and true? I'd be mamma to him — wouldn't you? 116 tommy's first speaker. DEAR LADS AND LASSES. Out in the hilly patch, Seeking the berries — Under the orchard trees, Feasting on cherries — Trampling the clover blooms Down 'mong the grasses. No voice to hinder them. Dear lads and lasses! No grim propriety — No interdiction; Free as the birdlings From city restriction! Coining the purest blood, Strength'ning each muscle. Donning health armor 'Gainst life's comins: bustle. PRAYER FOR SATURDAY EVENING. Chafed and worn with worldly care. Sweetly, Lord, my heart prepare; Bid this inmost tempest cease ; Jesus, come and whisper peace! Hush the whirlwind of my will; With thyself my spirit fill; End in calm this busy week, Let the Sabbath gently break. Sever, Lord, these earthly ties — Fain my soul to Thee would rise; Disentangle me from time, Lift me to a purer clime; Let me cast away my load; Let me now draw near to God, Gently, loving Jesus, speak; End in calm this busy week, tommy's first speaker. 117 KINDLY WORDS. George Herbert says that **good words are worth much, though they cost but little." There are very few of us who rightly estimate the value of daily speech. Many a word, thoughtlessly spoken, inflicts a wound that lingers long and painfully. We should not only avoid the speech that hurts and wounds, but be generous of the speech that cheers and gladdens. Speak gently; in this world of ours, Where clouds o'ersweep the sky. And sweetest flowers and fairest forms Are ever first to die, Where friendship changes, and the ties That bind fond hearts are riven. Mild, soothing words are like the stars That light the midnight heaven. There are enough of tears on earth, Enough of toil and care; And e'en the lightest heart hath inuch To suflfer and to bear. Within each spirit's hidden depths Some sweet hope withered lies. From whose soft, faded blood we turn In sadness to the skies. THE SABBATH. Welcome thou peaceful dawn! O'er field and wooded lawn The wonted sound of busy toil is laid. And hark! the village bell! Whose simple tinklingi^ swell, Sweet as the soft music on the straw-roofed shed, And bid the pious cottager prepare To keep the appointed rest, and seek the house of prayer. 118 tommy's first speaker. TWO KINGS. Two kin^^s ruled in an eastern hnd, King Gentle-Heart, King Mighty-Hand; With Mighty-Hand the king, how fast The fertile fields to deserts passed! Birds flew distraught and blossoms failed; The motheis wept, the children wailed; All harvesters were armed bands, The sword was in the reaper's hands; There shone no joyous Christmas day When Mighty-Hand, the king, had sway. Two kings ruled in an eastern land, King Gentle Heart, King Mighty-Hand; With Gentle- Heart the king, again The desert grew an harvest plain; Bees Hummed and blossoms apples made; Birds put delight in sun and shade; Mothers o'er cradles crooning hung; Strong men in wheat-fields reaping sung; And Christmas came, the children's day, When Gentle-Heart, the king, had sway! John James Piatt. USEFUL LITTLE WORDS. Hearts, like doors, can ope with ease To very, very little keys; And don't forget that they are these: ^' I thank you^ sir''' and '•'' If you please.'*'^ Then let us watch these little things. And so respect each other; That not a word, or look, or tone May wound a friend or brother. tommy's first speaker. 119 THE LAMENT OF A LEFT-OVER DOLL. Pm a left-over doll, and I grieve to relate How sad is my fortune, how lonely my fate; For I had no notion that I should lie here, Forlorn and neglected, at this time of year. Oh, long before Christmas they dressed mc up fine — No dollie had clothes any better than mine; And I rather imagine I looked very nice. As many fine ladies inquired my price. I was handled and dandled and fondly caressed — My beauty admired, my value confessed, And yet for some reason or other was I Put back in the show-case, the buyer went by. One dear little maiden came into the store; She saw me, and for me began to implore. And said that there wasn't a doll in the place With a handsomer dress or a lovelier face. She stared at me long, so, of course, I stared back, And saw that her eyes were a beautiful black; And I wanted to speak, but I couldn't, because I hndn't been made with a hinge in my jaws. I dreamed about Christmas, and how I should be Stuck into a sacking, or up on a tree. Then carried about in my mistress' arms That all might admire my wonderful charms. But Santa Claus came, and he went on his way, And took with him many a doll, I dare say; But as Pve a chance to look round me, I find That dozens and dozens are still left behind. If you were a left-over dollie yourself You'd know how I feel, lying here on the shelf So long after Christmas, and wouldn't expect Me to smile at old Santa Claus' cruel neglect. no They've marked down my price; and I very much fear That those who buy cheaply will hold me less dear, And the army of curious shoppers I shun, Since I had no part in the holiday fun. LOVELINESS. Once I knev/ a little girl, Very plain ; You might try her hair to curl, All in vain; On her cheek no tint of rose Paled and blushed, or sought repose; She was plain. But the thoughts that through her brain Came and went, "^ As a recompense for pain, Angels sent; So full many a beauteous thing In her young soul blossoming Gave content. Every thought was full of grace. Pure and true; And in time the homely face Lovelier grew; With a heavenly radiance bright. From the souPs reflected light Shining through. So I tell you, little child. Plain or poor. If your thoughts are undefiled. You are sure Of the loveliness of worth; And this beauty not of earth Will endure. St. Nicholas. tommy's first speaker. 121 LITTLE BROWN BUSHY-TAIL. Little brown Bushy-Tail lived up a trtfe, And mossy and snucr was his nest; Acorns and beechnuts in plenty had he, And he scarcely knew which he liked best; He was cheery of temper and agile of limb, And his own little will was his law; For what was the world and its worries to him, When he held a plump nut in his claw? As he cracked it he twinkled his knowing black eyes, The kernel picked out by and by; Then he ate it and looking uncommonly wise. Said, " Folk may be worse off than I. " For Pm sure I'm content with my portion in life, And of nuts I've a plentiful store; With my little brown babies and little brown wife, • What on earth could a squirrel want more?" He had lots of near neighbors as merry as he, They were cheery and playful each one; Don't they show us that happy 'tis easy to be, If good humor we give with our fun? Content with the blessings our Father may give. How happy would all of us be. If we tried with our friends and our neighbors to live As the brown squirrel did in the tree! AsTLEY H. Baldwin. GOOD-NIGHT AND GOOD-MORNING. A fair little girl sat under a tree. Sewing as long as her eyes could see; Then smoothing her work and folding it right, She said " Dear work ! Good-Night! Good-Night!" 122 tommy's first speaker. Such a number of rooks came over her head, Crying " Caw! Caw!" on their way to bed; She said, as she watched their curious flight, " Little black things! Good-Night! Good-Night!" The horses neighed and the oxen lowed; The sheep's " Bleat! bleat!" came over the road; All seeming to sav with a quiet delight, "Good little girl! ■'Good-Night! Good-Night!" She did not say to the Sun, " Good-Night!" Though she saw him there like a ball of light; For she knew that he had God's time to keep, All over the world, and never could sleep. The tall pink fox-glove bowed his head — The violets curtsied and went to bed; And good little Lucy tied up her hair, And said, on her knees, her short, sweet prayer. And while on her pillow she softly lay, She knew nothing more till again it was day; And all things said to the beautiful Sun, "Good-Morning! Good-Morning! Our work is begur Lord Houghton. WHAT DOES LITTLE BIRDIE SAY? What does httle birdie say, In her nest at peep of day? " Let me fly," says little birdie, " Mother, let me fly away." «' Birdie, rest a little longer, Till the little wings are stronger." So she rests a little longer. Then she flies away. Alfred Tennyson. tommy's i-ri{sr spkakkij. 123 LOVE THY MOTHER, LITTLE ONE. Love thy mother, Httle one! Kiss and chisp her neck again, — Hereafter she may have a son Will kiss and clasp her neck in vain; Love thy mother, little one! Press her lips the while they glow With love that they have often told, — Hereafter thou may'st press in woe. And kiss them till thine own are cold. Press her lips the while they glow! Pray for her at eve and morn, That heaven may long the stroke defer — For thou may'st live the hour forlorn When thou wilt ask to die with her. Pray for her at eve and morn! Thomas Hood. BIRD'S NESTS. If ever I see, On bush or tree, Young birds in a pretty nest, I must not, in play. Steal the young birds away, To grieve their mother's breast. My mother, I know, Would sorrow so. Should I be stolen away; So I'll speak to the birds, In my softest words. Nor hurt them in my play. 124 THE QUEEN IN HER CARRIAGE RIDING BY Oh, the queen in her carriage is passing by; Her cheeks are like roses, her eyes like the sky; Her wonderful teeth are white as new milk, Her pretty blonde hair is softer than silk. She's the loveliest monarch that ever was seen; You ask of what country the darling is queen; Her empire extends not to far distant parts, She is queen of our household, the mistress of hearts. For scepter she lifts her soft dimpled hands; Her subjects all hasten to heed her commands; Her smile is bewitching and fearful her frown, And all must obey when she puts her foot down. May blessings descend on the bright little head, From the time she awakes till she's safely in bed; And now do you guess, when I speak of the queen, 'Tis only our six months' baby I mean ? THE LARK, Bird of the wilderness. Blithesome and cumberless, Sweet by thy matin o'er moorland and lea! Emblem of happiness, Blest is thy dwelling-place — Oh, to abide in the desert with thee! Wild is thy lay and loud, Far in the downy cloud; Love gives it energy — love gave it birth: Where, on thy dewy wing — Where art thou journeying? Thy lay is in heaven — thy love is on earth. James Hogg. lOMMV's tlRbl SPliAKER. 135 TALE OF A DOG AND A BEE. Great big dog, Hciul upon his toes; Tiny little bee Settles on his nose. Great big dog Thinks it is a fly, Never says a word. Winks mighty sly. Tiny little bee Tickles dog's nose — Thinks like as not 'Tis a blooming rose. Dog smiles a smile. Winks his other eye. Chuckles to himself How he'll catch a fly. Then he makes a snap, Mighty quick and spiy. Gets the little bug, But doesn't catch tlie fly. Tiny little bee, Alive and looking well, Great big dog, Mostly gone to swell. MORAL. Dear friends and brothers ail, Don't be too fast and free. And when you catch a fly Be sure it air.'t a bee. 12G tommy's first speaker. A MITE SONG. Only a drop in the bucket, But every drop will tell, The bucket would soon be empty Without the drops in the well. Only a poor little penny, It was all I had to give; But as pennies make the dollars, It may help some cause to live. A few little bits of ribbon And some toys that were not new, But they made the sick child happy. Which has made me happy too. Only some out-grown garments; They were all I had to spare. But they'll help to clothe the needy, And the poor are everywhere. A word now and then of comfort. That cost me nothing to say; But the poor old man died happy. And it helped him on the way. God loveth the cheerful giver. Though the gift be poor and small; What doth He think of His children When they never give at all? GIVE THE LITTLE BOYS A CHANCE. Little hands will soon be strong For the work that they must do; Little lips will sing their song W^iien these early days are through. So, you big boys, if we'ie small, On our toes you needn't dance; There is room enough for all — Give the little boys a chance, tommy's first speaker. 127 NOBODY'S DOG. Only a dirty black and white dog I You can see hi in any day, Trotting meekly from street to street. He almost seems to say, As he looks in your face with wistful eyes, '' I don't mean to be in your way." His tail hangs drooping between his legs; His body is thin and spare; How he envies the sleek and well-fed dogs That thrive on their master's care! And he wonders what they irmst think of Inm And grieves at his own hard fare. Sometimes he sees a friendly face — A face that he seems to know; And thinks he may be the master That he lost so long ago; And even dares to follow him home, For he loved his master so. Poor Jack! He's only mistaken again, And stoned and driven back; But he's used to disappointment now. And takes up his beaten track; Nobody's dog, for nobody cares For poor, unfortunate Jack. WOMAN'S DAY. One tear-drop from a mother's eye. One little sob from a mother's heart. Will make her wild boy's conscience start. And waken echoes to her sigh. One heavy slap from a mother's hand, A whack upon the wild boy's ear. Will make him from her presence steer And rue the mischief he had planned. 128 tommy's first speaker. TWO LITTLE MAGPIES SAT ON A WALL. Two magpies sat on a garden rail, As it might be Wednesday week; And one little magpie wagged his tail In the other little magpie's beak. And, doubling like a fist his little claw-hand. Said this other, " Upon my word. This is more than flesh and blood can stand Of magpie or any bird." So they pecked and they scratched each other% eyes, Till all that was left on the rail Was the beak of one of the little magpies And the other little magpie's tail ! COUNTRY CHILDREN. Little fresh violets, Born in the wildwood; Sweetly illustrating Innocent childhood; Shy as the antelope — Brown as a berry — Free as the mountain air, Romping and merry. Blue eyes and hazel eyes Peep from the hedges. Shaded by sun-bonnets, Frayed at the edges! Up in the apple trees Careless of danger. Manhood in embryo Stares at the stranger, toMxMy's first speaker. 129 WHIP-POOR-WILL. " Whip-poor-will ! whip-poor-will ! " Heard little Rose in the gloaming; The words came hurriedly and shrill, When she in the fields was roaming; Then into the house she soon went skipping, To ask why poor Will wanted a whipping. "Has he been naughty?" she asked, with dread, " That lie must be whipped and sent to bed?" "Whip poor-will! whip-poor-will!*' Those words came again — those words only. The wind was whispering softly and still. And the world seemed dark and lonely, "Whip-poor-will! whip-poor-will!" was still the cry She heard from the tree-tops so tall and high "What have you done?" called Rose, as shrill As the voice that cried "Whip-poor-will!" "Whip poor-will! whip-poor-will!" " What do you cry for?" said little Rose, And this the thought that came to her still, "Ah! cry for a whipping! I suppose. What a strange, silly fool that thing must be, To cry for a whipping up there in the tree." Then she gravely said, with a sigh, "Ah! you have been telling a lie!" " Whip-poor-will ! whip-poor-will ! " She heard till the sound grew weary! The evening air was damp and chill. The dim old wood was lone and dreary. Ah! the notes were now so solemn and sad. She though the creature began to feel bad, And in pity she softly said, " WAy don'' t you slyly steal to bcd?^'' Lucy S. Ruggles. 130 tommy's first speaker. GOD MADE ALL THINGS. God made the sky that looks so blue; He made the grass so green ; He made the flowers that look so sweet, In pretty colors seen. God made the sun that shines so bright, And gladdens all I see; It comes to give us heat and light — How thankful we should be! God made the pretty bird to fly; How sweetly has she surig! And though she flies so very high, She won't forget her young. God made the cow to give nice milk, The horse for me to use; I'll treat them kindly, for His sake, Nor dare His gifts abuse. God made the water for my drink; He made the fish to swim; He made the tree to bear nice fruit; Oh, how I should love him! GOOD-NIGHT, LITTLE STAR. Good-night, little star! I will go to my bed And leave you to burn While I lay down my head. On my pillow I'll sleep Till the morning light, Then you will be fading And I shall be bright. tommy's first speaker. 131 SKIPPING. Over the rope and under the rope, And over the rope we go; Tripping, skipping, Skipping, tripping. But never, never slow! Over the rope and under the rope. And over the rope we go; Springing, singing, Singing, springing. But never, never slow! Skippnig over the wet, And skipping over the dry. If we don't get over the ground We'll know the reason why. TRY. " Can't-do-it" sticks in the mud, but "Try" soon drags the wagon out of the rut. The fox said " Try," and he got away from the hounds when they almost snapt at him. The bees said " Try," and turned flowers into honey. The squirrel said " Try," and up he went to the top of the beech tree. The snowdrop said " Try," and bloomed in the cold snows of winter. The sun said " Try," and the spring soon threw Jack Frost out of the saddle. The young lark said " Try," and he found that his new wings soon took him over hedges and ditches, and up to where his father was singing. The ox said " Try," and plowed the field from end to end. No hill too steep for " Try " to climb; no field too wet for " Try " to drain; no hole too big for " Try " to mend. "Can't-do-it" is a lazy fellovs^, but "Try" is the lad for me! 132 tommy's first speaker, / WHAT A LITTLE LEAF SAID. Once on a time a little leaf was heard to sigh and cry, as leaves often do when a gentle wind is about. And the twig said: " What is the matter, little leaf?" " The wind," said the leaf, "just told me that one day it would pull me off, and throw me down on the ground to die." The twig told it to the branch on which it grew, and the branch told it to the tree. When the tree heard it it rustled all over, and sent back word to the leaf: " Do not be afraid; hold on tightly and you shall not go till you want to." So the leaf stopped sighing, and went on rustling and singing. When the bright days of autumn came the little leaf saw the leaves around becoming very beautiful. Then it asked the tree what this meant, and the tree said: "All these leaves are getting rendy to fly away, and they have put on those beautiful colors because of joy." Then the little leaf begnn to want to go, and grew very beautiful in thinking of it. And when it w^as very gav in colors it saw that the branches of the tree had no color in them, so it said: " O, branch, why are you lead colored and we golden?" " We must keep on our work clothes," said the tree, " for our life is not done yet, but your clothes are for a holi- day, for your task is over." THIS LIFE IS WHAT WE MAKE IT, Let's oftener talk of noble deeds, And rarer of the bad ones. And sing about our happy days, And none about the sad ones. We were not made to fret and sigh. And when grief sleeps, to wake it; Bright happiness is standing by^ This life is what we make it, tommy's first speaker. 133 A TRIBUTE TO AN OLD SHOE. Adieu! adieu! My poor old shoe! What comfort I have had with you! My sole companion day by day, You've cheered and soothed my weary way 1 A fond adieu, My dear old shoe! Most faithful friend IVe found in you! Alike, midst f^iir or wintry weather. We've shared life's pilgrimage together. Now rent and torn, And sadly worn. Of every trace of beauty shorn. 'Tis with an honest, heart-felt sigh I feel that I must throw you by. A sad adieu! Poor worn out shoe! What sorry plights you've borne me through! And, oh! it tears my tender heart To think that you and I must part. Once more, adieu! My faithful shoe! I ne'er shall find the likes o' you, And I will bless your memory For all the good you've been to me. No other boot Can ever suit As you have done my crippled fe^! No other shoe can ever be The tried, true friend you've been to me. A last adieu, Dear cast-off shoe! Whatever may become of you. Accept, dear, easiest, best of shoes, This farewell offering of my muse. 134 tommy's first speaker. HARRY LOGIC. y Harry and his sister Nan Sat by the fire one day, Talking, as children often do, In such an earnest way. "Nan, tell me, don't you really think Of all the folks we know, The poorest ones are best of all? " Said Harry, speaking slow. Fair Nannie opened wide her eyes. And shook her curly head ; " I never thought of it before," The little maiden said. But, don't you see, it must be so.? Just think of Uncle Lee; He's very rich, but, oh! so mean, And proud as he can be. " While there is dear old Grandma Dale, Who lives up on the hill. To everybody she is kind, Although so poor and ill." " Perhaps you're right," said sister Nan, " But, if I only could, I'd rather not be poor at all — I'd be both rich and good." " Well, Nan," exclaimed the little rogue, " Now this is what I meant, I'm sure I must be awful good. For I'm not worth a cent." . L. L. Phelps. tommy's FlitM sl'EAKliR. 135 LITTLE THINGS. Little ills may vex your heart, Little crosses ruffle you; Little pricks may cause a smart, Little cares may trouble you. Do not let them weigh your spirit, Bear them bravely — that's the merit; Think of what the old folks say, " Merry hearts go all the day." Life is full of work and hope, Many duties fall to you; If, then, small cares make you mope, How can small goods brighten you? Throw them off — they burden lightness; Tread them down — they dim your brightness; Think of what the old folks say, " Sad hearts tire a mile away." GATHERING FLOWERS. Two children on their way from school Are gathering flowers fair; So fair, so fresh, so sweet, so gay. And yet they aie not rare. They are but flowers growing wild Upon the common round, Yet wondrous sweet as wild birds' note. That free, wild, thrilling sound! As fresh and fair and sweet as they Are the children standing there. In happy freedom, careless grace: Whai flowers could be more fair.? 136 tommy's first speaker. BEAUTIFUL THINGS. Beautiful faces are those that wear — It matters little if dark or fair — Whole-souled honesty printed there. Beautiful eyes are those that show, Like crystal panes where hearth-fires glow, Beautiful thoughts that burn below. Beautiful lips are those whose words Leap from the heart like song of birds, Yet whose utterance prudence girds. Beautiful hands are those that do Work that is earnest, and brave, and true. Moment by moment, the long day through. Beautiful feet are those that go On kindly ministries to and fro — Down lowliest ways if God wills it so. Beautiful shoulders are those that bear Ceaseless burdens of homely care With patient grace and daily prayer. Beautiful lives are those that bless — Silent rivers of happiness, Whose hidden fountains few may guess. EASTER GREETING. May the glad dawn Of Easter morn Bring holy joy to thee! May the calm eve Of Easter leave A peace divine with thee! , 137 May Easter day To thine heart say, " Christ died and rose for thee!" May Easter night On thine heart write, «0 Christ, I live to Thee!" MORNING. Let's up and be doing, The morning is bright, We hail it with rapture. With sweetest delight. The east is all dazzling With azure and gold, The roses are fragrant, And sweet to behold. The sunlight is playing On tree-top and hill. And dew-drops are shining Beside the dark rill. The birds carol sweetly To hail the new spring, And " May-day is coming," The school-children sing. How bright is the morning, How golden its hours! All nature is glowing With sunshine and flowers. Let's up and be doing, ' The dark night is past. Cast bread on the waters. 'Twill come back at last. Lucy S. Ruggles. 138 WASHING DISHES. Let boys have all the sport tliey will, 111 running^ walking, riding — The girls a surer pleasure have. And one that^s more abiding. The boys may hunt, and fly their kites. Or tiy all clay for fishes; But, oh! there's nothing in the world So nice as washing dishes. There's much to see and talk about Within this world of ours; There's much to love and to admire In poetry and flowers; But there cannot be a girl found Who asks, or hopes, or wishes For any better pleasure than The fun of washing dishes. Carrie E. Ellis. "IT RAINS." " It rains! it rains! oh dear! oh dear! Why does it rain to-day? For now I cannot go to see Dear little Ellen Gray. " It seems to me it always rains When I would see a friend! • The clouds are very dense and black — I wish the day would end. " It is too bad! I stay at home Till I am weary quite! Oh! do you think 'twill clear away — The skies again be bright?" Lucy S. Ruggles. tommy's first Sl'EAKER. 139 THE BREEZES. Suppose the little breezes, Upon a summer's day, Should think themselves too small to cool The traveler on his way; Who would not miss the smallest And softest ones that blow, And think they made a great mistake If they were talking so! How many deeds of kindness A little child may do. Although it has so little strength. And little wisdom, too. It wants a loving spirit. Much more than strength, to prove How many things a child may do For others by its love! Lucy Lakcom. A BOY'S DREAM. Nine grenadiers with bayonets on their guns; Nine bakers' baskets with hot cross buns; Nine brown elephants standing in a row; Nine new velocipedes — good ones to go; Nine Knickerbocker suits with buttons all complete; Nine pairs of skates with straps for the feet; Nine little drummer boys beating on their drums; Nine fat Aldermen sitting on their thumbs; Nine times running — I dreamt it all plain. With bread and cheese for supper I could dream it all again. LiLLiPUT Levee. 140 tommy's first speaker. TWENTY FROGS AT SCHOOL. Twenty froggies went to school, Down beside a rushy pool ; Twenty little coats of green Twenty vests all white and clean. " We must be in time," said they ; " First we study then we play • That is how we keep the rule When we froggies go to school." Master bullfrog, grave and stern, Called the classes in their turn; Taught them how to nobly strive Likewise how to leap and dive; From his seat upon the log Showed them how to say "Ker-chog!" Also, how to dodge a blow From the sticks which bad boys throw. Twenty froggies grew up fast; Bullfrogs they became at last; Not one dunce among the lot, Not one lesson they forgot. Polished in a high degree, As each froggie ought to be, Now they sit on other logs. Teaching other little frogs. SPEAK GENTLY. Speak gently! it is better far To rule by love than fear; Speak gently ! let no harsh words mar The good we might do here. Speak gently! 'tis a little thing Dropped in the heart's deep well; The good, the joy, which it may bring, Eternity shall tell. G. W. Hangford. tommy's first speaker. 141 BABY SISTER. I've a baby sister, A wee thing and simple; There's a dint in her cheek, They call it a dimple. She has a little hand, Doubled up in a fist. And a red, rosy mouth. Sweet enough to be kissed. Her face, like an apple That is well baked and sweet, Looks soft, red and wrinkled, So do her tiny feet. Mamma says I must love This queer little stranger, And when she runs about Keep her out of danger. I don't need a sister! vShe's only in the way; So don't bring another Here, good doctor, I pray ! Lucy S. Ruggles. THE BUSY BEE. "Busy bee! busy bee! Where is your home?" " In truth, pretty maiden, I live in a comb." "And you, little rabbit. Where do you rush?" " I rush to my home, dear. Under the brush ! " 142 tommy's first speaker. THE LITTLE GIRL WHO WOULDN'T EAT CRUSTS. The awfulest times that ever could be They had with a bad little girl of Dundee, Who never would finish her crust. In vain they besought her, And patiently taught her And told her she must. Her grandma would coax, And so would the folks, A.nd tell her the sinning Of such a beginning. But no, she wouldn't. She couldn't, she shouldn't. She'd have them to know — So they might as well go. And what do you think came soon to pass? This little girl of Dundee, alas! Who wouldn't take crusts in the regular way, Sat down to a feast one summer's day; And what did the people that little girl give.^ Why, a dish of bread pudding — as sure as I live I Mary Mapes Dodge. A LITTLE GIRL'S QUESTIONS. What is the use of these tiny hands? To clasp my mother with loving bands. What is the use of these restless toes? To keep me following where she goes. What is the use of this mouth, I pray? Only for kissing, so sweet, each day. What is the use of this pretty hair? Why, the sunbeams love to hide them there. SPEAKER. 143 UP AND DOING. Let's up and be doing, That twilight may come And find us all ready — We'll joyful go home. Let's up and be doing, The dark night is near, The sunlight will vanish, Death's river appear. Let's up and be doing, Ere light fades away; The dark night is coming. Oh, work while there's day. Let's up and be doing, That when the night's past. On Jesus' arm leaning. We waken at last. The sunlight is gleaming In mansions above. The home of our dear ones. And God who is love. Lucy S. Ruggles MY WEEK. On Monday T wash my dollie's clothes, On Tuesday smoothly press 'em ; On Wednesday mend their little hose. On Thursday neatly dress 'em. On Friday I play they're taken ill, On Saturday something or other, But when Sunday comes, I say, "Lie still; I'm going to church with mother." 144 tommy's first speaker. A BIT OF POTTERY. The potter stood at his daily work, One patient foot on the ground; The other with never-slacking speed, Turning his swift wheel round. Silent we stood beside him there, Watching the restless knee. Till my friend said low, in pitying voice, ' How tired his foot must be !" The potter never paused in his work. Shaping the wondrous thing; 'Twas only a common flower-pot. But perfect in fashioning. Slowly he raised his patient eyes. With homely truth inspired: " No, marm, it isn't the foot that kicks — The one that stands gets tired." YE CHILDREN, BE GAY. Ye children, be gay. Enjoy innocent fun; 'Tis right you should play When your life's just begun. But you should be kind, And your parents obey; If them you do mind. You will not go astray. Be good while you may, 'Tis a message from Heaven; Do good day by day, A commandment that's given. Lucy S. Ruggles, tommy's first speaker. 145 DO YOUR BEST. A gentleman once said to a physician: "I think that at night you would feel so worried over the work of the day that you would not he able to sleep." " My head hardly touches the pillow till I fall asleep," replied the physician. "I made up my mind," he contin- ued, "at the commencement of my professional career to do my best under all circumstances, and so doing I am not troubled with any misgivings." A good rule for us to follow. Too many are disposed to say, "No matter how I do this work now; next time I'll do better." The practice is as bad as the reasoning. "No matter how I learn this lesson in the lower class* when I get into a higher department then I'll study." As well might the mother in knitting stockings, say, "No mat- ter how the tip is done; even if I do drop a stitch now and then, I'll do better when I get further along." What kind of a stocking would that be? As well might the builder say, " I don't care how I make the foundation of this house; anything will do here; wait till I get to the top, then I'll do good work." Said Sir Joshua Reynolds once to Doctor Samuel John- son: "Pray tell me, sir, by what means have you attained such extraordinary accuracy and flow of language in the expression of your ideas?" " I laid it down as a fixed rule," replied the doctor, " to do my best on every occasion, and in every company, to impart what I know in the most forcible language I can put it." DOING NOTHING. Worthless, wicked boys I've seen Doing nothing; And they grew up worthless men, Doinjj nothing:; Life to them a failure proved, As they spent it, all unloved, Doing nothing. 146 OLD SPECKLED HEN. Have you e'er seen iny speckled hen, That stole into a keg, And after, cackled long and loud, Because she laid an egg? This dear old cackling, speckled hen, Was quiet in her way, And wisely cackled only when She laid an egg each day. But soon she fluttered in and out, Her feathers all awry ; I wondered what 'twas all about. And thought she sure would die. Now she would cluck and strut as fine As any king or queen. When she came off her nest to dine, Or getting drink was seen. But silently she kept her house. And lay upon her bed. As quiet as a churchyard mouse. And never raised her head. And when three weeks had rolled around, A chirping sound I heard. And, looking in the old keg, there 1 saw a yellow bird ! It's little eyes were black and bright. It cuddled in the nest; And on its head were spots of brown, — In softest down 'twas dressed. Chirp! chirp! I searched and saw some more, The old hen looked knowing; I counted them, one! two! three! four! The cockerel was crowing! tommy's first speaker. 147 The hen flew out with cluck and clack, Her ten chicks followed slow ; The chicks were bright, the hen was j^roud As any hen I know. Lucy S. Ruggles. LITTLE FOXES. Among my tender vines I spy, A little fox named " By-and-By." Then set upon him, quick, I say, The swift young hunter " Right Away." Around each tender vine I plant, I find the little fox " I Can't!" Then fast as ever hunter ran. Chase him with brave and bold " 1 Can." "No Use in Trying!" lags and whines This fox among my tender vines. Then drive him low and drive him high. With this good hunter named " I'll Try." Among the vines in my small lot, Creeps in the young fox " I Forgot." Then hunt him out and to his den, Wi'th " I-Will-Not-Forget-Again." A little fox is hidden there Among my vines, named " I Don't Care." Then let " I'm Sorry," hunter true, Chase him far from vines and you. 148 tommy's first speaker. HOW TO DEAL WITH NEW-LAID EGGS. [The little girl who recites this should have a basket of egg^s in her hand.] Be gentle to the new-laid egg, For eggs are brittle things; They cannot fly until they're hatched And have a pair of wings. If once you break the tender shell The wrong you can't redress, The yelk and white will all run out And make a dreadful " mess." 'Tis but a little while at best That hens have power to lay ; To-morrow eggs may addled be That were quite fresh to day. Oh, let the touch, my friends be light That takes them from the keg, There is no hand whose cunning skill Can mend a broken egg ! SUNBEAMS. Merry little sunbeams. Flitting here and there; Joyous little sunbeams, Dancing everywhere. Come they with the morning light, And chase away the gloomy night. Kind words are little sunbeams, That sparkle as they fall ; And loving smiles are sunbeams, A light of joy for all. In sorrow's eye they dry the tear, And bring the fainting heart good cheer. tommy's first speaker. 149 THE MINUTES. We are but minutes — little things! Each one furnished with sixty wings, With which we fly on our unseen track, And not a minute ever comes back. We are but minutes, yet each one bears A little burden of joy or cares; Take patiently the minutes of pain — The worst of minutes cannot remain. We are but minutes, when we bring A few of the drops from pleasure's spring, Taste their sweetness while yet we stray. It takes but a minute to fly away. We are but minutes — use us well. For how we are used we must some day tell. Who uses minutes, has hours to use; Who loses minutes, whole years must lose. ONE BY ONE. One by one the sands are flowing; One by one the moments fall; Some are coming, some are going — Do not strive to grasp them all. One by one thy duties wait thee; Let thy whole strength go to each ; Let no future dreams elate thee, Learn thou first what these can teach. Adelaide A. Proctor. 150 tommy's first speaker. THE BEE AND THE BUTTERFLY. " Dear me, dear me," Said a busy bee; " I'm always making honey. No time to play But work all day; Isn't it very funny, Very, very funny? " "Oh, my, oh, my," Said a butterfly, " I'm alwaj^s eating honey. And yet I play The livelong day. Isn't it very funny. Very, very funny ? " THE WAKEFUL BIRDS. The little birds are wide awake, So early in the morn; Just think how funny it would be To see the robins yawn! To hear the little sparrow say, '^Oh dear! 't is hardly light! Mamma, I want to sleep some more,"- 'T would make you laugh outright. They hop out of their little nest, So cosy and so warm. And sing their merry morning song In sunshine and in storm. tommy's firs'i pears, hardly expresses the great scope of matter dealt with by the author. The vvork will help anyone wishing to keep fowls to do so in an eco- nomic "manner. -3/o>(/u(f/ Po.sf, Lo)i(lon, Eng. It is from the pen of one of the most successful and experienced poultrymen in the country. It has .10 sui)erior in its class, and is complete, trustworthy, perspicuous and practical.— T7ie Jn(k)>crident, Ncic York. The whole book has an eminently practical and sensible tone, and we think it will be iound a safe counselor. -CuUirator and Oruntry Gentleman, Albany, N. Y. It contains the life-time experience of Mr. Felch, who is the highest authority in Amer- ica (»n poultry culture, and is the only book ever published that covers all the ground in poultry culture in a thoroughly practical and intelligible manner.- FarJii and Household, Dayton, Ohio. The author has ha