LITTLE BY LITTLE "LITTLE by little," an acorn said As it slowly sank in its mossy bed. "I am improving every day, Little by little, each day it grew, Day after day, and year after year, And the slender branches spread far and wide, "Little by little," said a thoughtful boy, "Moment by moment I'll well employ; Learning a little every day, And not spending all my time in play; "Little by little, I'll learn to know ANONYMOUS. OLD CHRISTMAS NOW he who knows old Christmas, He knows a carle of worth; For he is a good fellow As any upon earth. He comes warm-cloaked and coated, We know that he will not fail us, And with sprigs of holly and ivy He must be a rich old fellow: Good luck unto old Christmas, For he doth more good unto the poor Than many a crowned king! MARY HOWITT. OVER AND OVER AGAIN OVER and over again, No matter which way I turn, I always find in the book of life, Some lesson I have to learn. I must take my turn at the mill, I must grind out the golden grain, I must work out my task with a resolute will, Over and over again. We cannot measure the need Of even the tiniest flower, Nor check the flow of the golden sands Must do their part, and perform it all Over and over again The brook through the meadow flows, And over and over again The ponderous mill-wheel goes. Once doing will not suffice, Though doing be not in vain; And a blessing failing us once or twice, May come if we try again. 206 OVER AND OVER AGAIN The path that has once been trod, And the heart to its depths be driven To render us meet for Heaven. ANONYMOUS. ROBERT OF LINCOLN* MERRILY swinging on brier and weed, Near to the nest of his little dame, Over the mountain-side or mead, Robert of Lincoln is telling his name: Bob-o'-link, Bob-o'-link, Spink, spank, spink; Snug and safe in this nest of ours, Robert of Lincoln is gayly dressed, Spink, spank, spink; Look what a nice new coat is mine, Sure, there was never a bird so fine. Robert of Lincoln's Quaker wife, Pretty and quiet, with plain brown wings, Passing at home a patient life, Broods in the grass while her husband sings: * Used by permission of D. Appleton & Co. |