SUNFLOWER'S LESSON. A NICE little Sunflower, just over the way, Oh, no! but the season is getting quite late; A lesson I learn from the Sunflower so neat, That seems to "make glorious the place of His feet," Who called it to bloom; and may you and may I The place that we fill with our lives beautify. And this, too, I read in the Sunflower's sweet face: To fill well a low place is never disgrace. Make the most of your time and your talents, tho' small; Better bloom in a low place than not bloom at all. S. M. Parker. FAITH AND WORKS. LITTLE Mollie and Faith, in the arbor at play, When a noise on the lawn made the little ones jump And fast toward the bower of blossoms and vines Came a quadruped, bristling and big, With sharp-pointed toes, and a queer, grunty nose, In short, 'twas a terrible pig. "Oh, mercy!" screamed Faith, "where, where shall we go? Oh, mamma, oh, papa, come here! He's going to tear us to pieces, I know," And she jumped up and down in her fear. But Mollie, more brave, raised the old crooked gate, And slammed it quite hard to its place; Then Faith, kneeling down on the moss-covered ground, Toward the sky turned her little pale face. "Now, Mollie, I'll pray to our Father in heaven To save us and drive him away. That's the very best thing in the world to be done; You hold the gate strong while I pray." Dear mamma's blue eyes twinkled bright through her tears, When the marvellous story was told Of the prayerful escape of her two little girls William H. Montgomery. A LOST CHILD. "I'm losted! Could you find me, please?" The wind had tossed her golden fleece, And softly whispered, "Maybe." "Tell me your name, my little maid : 66 I can't find you without it." My name is Shiny-eyes," she said. "Yes; but your last name ?" She shook her head: "Up to my house 'ey never said A single word about it." "But, dear," I said, "what is your name ?" 66 Why, didn't you hear me told you? Dust Shiny-eyes." A bright thought came: "Yes, when you're good. But when they blame You, little one, is it just the same When mamma has to scold you?" My mamma never scolds," she moans, "Cept when I've been a-frowing stones; What has you been a-doing?"" Anna E. Burnham. A DISAPPOINTMENT. HIGH and low the children hunted, Where the tiniest mouse might hide, But wee Bessie's eyes were cloudy; "Because, grandma," Teddy whispered, That she couldn't seem to see them, Though we put them plain in sight." "Never mind;" and grandma, smiling, Back again, a moment later, Rushed the joyous little band; "Well, and did you find the egg, dear ?" Bess unclosed her chubby hand. "Didn't biddy know 'twas Easter?" 66 Questioned she, in serious way, "'Cause, you see, she's laid a white one, Dust the same as any day!" Ada Carleton. MUS'N'T TOUCH. THE baby's rosy fingers found So oft their curious way We had to tell her nay. "You must not touch, remember, dear,"She knew the words full well. |