THE DUTY OF CHILDREN HAPPY THOUGHT THE world is so full of a number of things, WHOLE DUTY OF CHILDREN A CHILD should always say what's true And behave mannerly at table; At least as far as he is able. Robert Louis Stevenson [1850-1894] POLITENESS GOOD little boys should never say "I will," and "Give me these"; O, no! that never is the way, But "Mother, if you please.” And "If you please," to Sister Ann Elizabeth Turner [ ?-1846] REBECCA'S AFTER-THOUGHT YESTERDAY, Rebecca Mason, A Rule for Birds' Nesters Quite alarmed, she thought of going Not a single person knowing, Of her being there that day. But Rebecca recollected She was taught deceit to shun; And the moment she reflected, Told her mother what was done; 95 Who commended her behavior, Loved her better, and forgave her. Elizabeth Turner [ ?-1846] KINDNESS TO ANIMALS LITTLE children, never give Pain to things that feel and live; Let the gentle robin come For the crumbs you save at home,— As his meat you throw along A RULE FOR BİRDS' NESTERS THE robin and the red-breast, If ye take out o' their nest, Ye'll never thrive again! The robin and the red-breast, Bad luck will surely follow! "SING ON, BLITHE BIRD" I'VE plucked the berry from the bush, the brown nut from the tree, But heart of happy little bird ne'er broken was by me. I saw them in their curious nests, close couching, slyly peer With their wild eyes, like glittering beads, to note if harm were near; I passed them by, and blessed them all; I felt that it was good To leave unmoved the creatures smail whose home was in the wood. And here, even now, above my head, a lusty rogue doth sing; He pecks his swelling breast and neck, and trims his little wing. He will not fly; he knows full well, while chirping on that spray, I would not harm him for the world, or interrupt his lay. Sing on, sing on, blithe bird! and fill my heart with summer gladness; It has been aching many a day with measures full of sadness! William Motherwell [1797-1835] "I LOVE LITTLE PUSSY" I LOVE little pussy. Her coat is so warm, She'll do me no harm. So I'll not pull her tail, Very gently will play. TAKE your meals, my little man, Always like a gentleman; Wash your face and hands with care, Change your shoes, and brush your hair; Then so fresh, and clean and neat, Come and take your proper seat: Do not rudely point or touch: Often want a loaf to taste! Never choose the daintiest food, THE CRUST OF BREAD I MUST not throw upon the floor My parents labor very hard To get me wholesome food; For wilful waste makes woeful want, Oh! how I wish I had the bread "HOW DOTH THE LITTLE BUSY BEE" How doth the little busy bee And gather honey all the day From every opening flower! |