Then, swinging and swinging and looking back She bade me good-bye, and I left her alone, Selected. THE SPIDER AND THE FLY. VILL you walk into my parlor?" "WILL Said a spider to a fly; "Tis the prettiest little parlor That ever you did spy. The way into my parlor Is up a winding stair, And I have many pretty things "To ask me is in vain; For who goes up your winding stair "I'm sure you must be weary Will you rest upon my little bed?" "There are pretty curtains drawn around; The sheets are fine and thin; And if you like to rest awhile, "For I've often heard it said They never, never wake again, Who sleep upon your bed." Said the cunning spider to the fly, "Sweet creature," said the spider, 66 You're witty and you're wise; How handsome are your gauzy wings, How brilliant are your eyes. I have a little looking-glass Upon my parlor shelf; If you'll step in one moment, dear, "I thank you, gentle sir," she said, The spider turned him round about, And went into his den, For well he knew the silly fly Would soon be back again; So he wove a subtle web In a little corner sly, And set his table ready To dine upon the fly. He went out to his door again, "Come hither, hither, pretty fly, Alas, alas! how very soon Hearing his wily, flattering words, With buzzing wings she hung aloft, He dragged her up his winding stair, Into his dismal den Within his little parlor - but She ne'er came out again! And now, dear little children Who may this story read, To idle, silly, flattering words, I pray you, ne'er give heed. Unto an evil counselor Close heart and ear and eye; And take a lesson from this tale Of the spider and the fly. - Mary Howitt. O LARK OF THE SUMMER MORNING. I LOVE to lie in the clover, With the lark like a speck in the sky, O lark of the summer morning, Teach, teach me the song that you sing, O lark of the summer morning! And I'll learn without lightness or scorning COM THE PEACOCK. OME, come, Mister Peacock, you must not be proud, For many a bird far more highly endowed Is not half so conceited and vain. Let me tell you, gay bird, that a suit of fine clothes Is a sorry distinction at most, And seldom much valued, excepting by those Who such graces only can boast. The nightingale certainly wears a plain coat, The hawk cannot boast of a plumage so gay, And while you are strutting about all the day, The dove may be clad in a plainer attire, And her love and affection more pleasure inspire, So you see, Mister Peacock, you must not be proud, For many a bird is more highly endowed, - Songs for the Little Ones at Home. A NURSERY SONG. S I walked over the hill one day, I listened, and heard a mother-sheep say, "In all the green world there is nothing so sweet As my little lammie, with his nimble feet; With his eyes so bright, And his wool so white, Oh! he is my darling, my heart's delight," |