Tom and Charles once took a walk, To see a pretty lamb; And, as they went, began to talk Of little naughty Sam;

Who beat his younger brother, Bill, And threw him in the dirt; And when his poor mamma was ill, He teased her for a squirt.

"And I," said Tom, "won't play with Sam, Although he has a top": But here the pretty little lamb To talking put a stop.

GEORGE'S CURIOUS TASTE

On George's birthday Was such a display!

He was dress'd in a new suit of clothes; And look'd so genteel, With his b.u.t.tons of steel, And felt quite like a man, I suppose.

Now at tea, with much care, He partakes of his share, Nor spills it, as careless boys do; He is always so clean, And so fit to be seen, That his clothes, you would think, were just new.

Yet George loves to play, And is lively and gay, But is careful of spoiling his dress; So a pinafore wears, Which he likes, he declares; And I think he is right, I confess.

THOMAS BROWN'S DISAPPOINTMENT

Young Alfred with a pack of cards Could make a pancake, build a house, Would make a regiment of guards, And sit as quiet as a mouse.

A silly boy, one Thomas Brown, Who came to dine and spend the day, Took great delight to throw it down, Then, rudely laughing, ran away.

And what did little Alfred do?

He knew lamenting was in vain, So patiently, and wisely too, He, smiling, built it up again.

CONSIDERATE PHILIP

When Philip's good mamma was ill, The servant begg'd he would be still; Because the doctor and the nurse Had said that noise would make her worse.

At night, when Philip went to bed, He kiss'd mamma, and whisp'ring said, "My dear mamma, I never will Make any noise when you are ill."

THE MODELS

As d.i.c.k and Bryan were at play At trap, it came to pa.s.s d.i.c.k struck the ball, and far away, He broke a pane of gla.s.s.

Though much alarmed, they did not run, But walk'd up to the spot; And offer'd for the damage done What money they had got.

When accidents like this arise, Dear children! this rely on: All honest, honourable boys Will act like d.i.c.k and Bryan.

POLITENESS

Good little boys should never say, "I will," and "Give me these"; Oh no! that never is the way, But, "Mother, if you please."

And, "If you please," to sister Anne, Good boys to say are ready; And, "Yes, sir," to a gentleman, And, "Yes, ma'am," to a lady.

RICHARD'S REFORMATION

Miss Lucy was a charming child, She never said, "I wont"; If little d.i.c.k her playthings spoil'd She said, "Pray, d.i.c.ky, don't."

He took her waxen doll one day, And bang'd it round and round; Then tore its legs and arms away, And threw them on the ground.

His good mamma was angry quite, And Lucy's tears ran down; But d.i.c.k went supperless that night, And since has better grown.

JAMES'S SACRIFICE

Little James, full of play, Went shooting one day, Not thinking his sister was nigh; The arrow was low, But the wind raised it so, That it hit her just over the eye.

This good little lad Was exceedingly sad At the pain he had given his sister; He look'd at her eye, And said, "Emma, don't cry,"

And then, too, he tenderly kiss'd her.

She could not then speak, And it cost her a week Before she recover'd her sight; And James burn'd his bow And his arrows, and so I think little James acted right.

THE EXCELLENT LORD MAYOR

"Oh dear papa!" cried little Joe, "How beautiful the Lord Mayor's show!

In that gold coach the Lord Mayor see-- How _very_ happy he must be!"