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THE

POETICAL LADDER;

OR A

SELECTION OF POETRY,

Arranged gradationally,

TO SUIT THE CAPACITIES OF CHILDREN

FROM FOUR TO TEN YEARS OF AGE,

BY A LADY.

Birmingham:

PRINTED FOR JOSIAH ALLEN,

COLMORE ROW.

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PREFACE.

THERE are so many selections of poetry in use among young people at this time, that it may seem presumption in me to offer another to the public; but I have long observed that the first books, used by children who occasionally commit poetry to memory, are laid aside before they have been learned half through, for something farther advanced, and that those which are afterwards put into their hands, contain many pieces beyond their comprehension, and others, that are not of a nature to interest them.

The idea arose in my mind, that by choosing several of the most approved pieces from various authors, and arranging them gradationally, so as to suit the progressive state of the youthful mind, I might make one small book answer the purpose of many.

This 1 have done with a view to economy and to the advantage of my pupils, and trust that my humble efforts will not be despised by those who superintend the education of youth.

1

THE

POETICAL LADDER.

THE GOOD LITTLE BOY.

Toм was a modest little boy,

His father's and his mother's joy,
For he was very good:

He seldom gave them cause to chide,
His little faults he did not hide,

But own'd them, as he should.

"If I do wrong," he used to say, "At home, at school, or at my play,

'Tis right to tell my mother; For this I've noticed, many a time, That, trying to conceal one crime, Does always make another.

"My parents both are wise and kind, They teach me to improve my mind, And all my faults amend;

And still thei: counsels to obey,

No doubt, must be the wisest way,
And safest in the end.

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