Part 2

And the other summer flowers, That were blooming rather late, She told them all to hide away, Or they'd meet a frosty fate.

So they put their heads together, All the flowers that were wise, And they planned to fool old Jack With his sparkling, piercing eyes.

But the flowers that were foolish, When she bade them take advice, Shook their heads of flowery beauty And they laughed at frost and ice.

Miss Chrysanth'um helped the wise ones In the plans that they had laid: So they gathered leaves of maple, And some coverlets then made.

When old Jack came stealing onward, With the stars all shining bright, Not a flower among the wise ones Was there left to greet his sight.

All were hidden under covers Made from leaves of Autumn's gold; And Jack then failed to find them Though he was so sharp and old.

But the Marigold was laughing, When he chanced to pass her by; And Nasturtium still was climbing O'er the wall so old and high.

Then he blew his breath upon them And they both began to sneeze; Soon the tender buds and blossoms Of the flowers began to freeze.

When the sun shone out next morning O'er the pretty flower-bed, All the wise ones were rejoicing But the foolish ones--were dead.

GRANDPA AND PET

Grandpa was holding his pet on his lap, Grandpa and pet were taking a nap.

Off in far dreamland were grandpa and May, Looking for goodies for Thanksgiving Day.

Jogging along, he was holding her hand, Viewing the sights in funny dreamland.

Looking for turkeys, dressed up in gowns, Shooing at goblins wearing bright crowns.

Smiling at puddings a-walking on legs, Laughing at dumplings a-sitting on pegs.

Onward and onward went grandpa and May, Looking for goodies for Thanksgiving Day.

Hunting for turkeys stuffed and roasted, Longing for bread buttered and toasted.

'Round and 'round went grandpa and May, Hungry as two little children at play.

Finding at last a table all spread, Grandpa and May sat down at the head.

Looking it o'er some goodies they spied, "See! Grandpa, see!" little May cried:

"There's a turkey stuffed and roasted! There's some bread buttered and toasted!

"There's some dumplings sitting on pegs! There's a pudding standing on legs!

"There's a clock that's mountains high, Reaching up against the sky!"

Soon the clock began to chime, Everything marched off in line.

'Round and 'round in giddy whirl, Passed the man and little girl.

Pet and grandpa watched them all, Wond'ring that they did not fall.

He helped himself and little May, As the turkey came their way;

Piled their plates up full and high, As the rest came marching by.

Just as grandpa took a bite, Sleeping pet then moved a mite,

Slipped and fell from grandpa's lap, Right then ended grandpa's nap.

Back from dreamland came the two, Sorry that their trip was through.

WHEN I WAS A BABY

When I was a baby They said I was "sweet"; I'd such dimpled hands And soft, little feet.

My head, it was bald, My teeth had not come; But then just the same I chewed my own gum.

My eyes they were blue, My lips they were thin, My cheeks they were dimpled, And so was my chin.

I was very good-natured, Full of frolic and fun; And they said I was "cute" For a baby so young.

And when I grew older I learned how to talk; And soon after creeping, I learned how to walk.

I trotted about Most all of the day; And got into mischief When I wasn't in play.

I've kept on growing And now am quite tall And think it much nicer Than being so small.

I'm growing much older And soon will be eight; And so long to grow big I scarcely can wait.

DOT'S NEW LEAF

As Dot sat by the fire one night, She thought of times gone past; Of summer days, of romps, and plays, Of school, and its hard task.

She thought of times of misspelled words, And numbers hard to sum, Of tardy lines, and awful times, And scales she could not run.

So Dot resolved that winter night, The new year she would try To study well, and learn to spell, And sing the scale up high.

So when began the winter term, And Dot went off to school, She with the rest then tried her best To learn each little rule.

Though little Dot meant all she said, Somehow 'twas hard to do; 'Twas greater fun to slide or run Than multiply by two.

The seat grew hard, the teacher cross, And lessons harder got; "I'd rather skate than use my slate," So mused poor little Dot.

When time wore on to balmy days, With sunshine and with showers; She stayed away from school, to play And gather wild-wood flowers.

So when, at last, the school was closed, She dropped behind the class; For little Dot, her leaf forgot, And then she did not pass.

DREAMING, SWEETLY DREAMING

I have tucked away my dollies All so snugly in their bed, And I listened to the prayers That my little dollies said. Oh, they were so tired and sleepy, For they played so many hours; But now they're dreaming, sweetly dreaming, Of the birds and pretty flowers.

They have played among the daisies, And among the lilies too; They were romping in the clover, And were picking violets blue. They have chased the shining sunbeams That came flitting from the skies; But now they're dreaming, sweetly dreaming, Of the birds and butterflies.

They have picked the blushing roses, And have kissed the starry bells, And found the sweet forget-me-nots Where they bloom in flowery dells. They have romped among the grasses That were fanned by evening breeze, But now they're dreaming, sweetly dreaming, Of the birds and humming bees.

When the stars have ceased to twinkle, And the sky is bright and clear; When the sun is up and shining, And the dewdrops disappear; When the little fish are swimming, Swimming in the sunny streams, Then my dollies will be waking, Waking from their happy dreams.

THE SNOWDROP'S CALL

"Come, wake up," said the Snowdrop To a Crocus sleeping nigh, "The sun is brightly shining, And there's blue up in the sky.

"The snow has left the hill tops, And the frost is going too; So it's time that you were waking, For to show your face of blue.

"Come, Daffodil, I'm calling; You are sleeping much too long; For the bluebirds are returning, And I've heard the robin's song.

"The South wind is gently blowing, For I heard it 'mongst the trees And the Hyacinth is waking To perfume the gentle breeze.

"Come, Jonquil, do not linger! For the morn is passing fast; If you soon are not awaking, You will surely be the last."

The Crocus 'woke up quickly When she heard the Snowdrop's call; And put forth her face of blue When the snow began to fall.

She shivered in the snowflakes That fell about her feet; Then was sorry she was wakened From her winter's quiet sleep.

"You have called us all too early," Said the sleepy Daffodil, "For the North wind still is blowing, And the nights are cold and chill."

Then they all dropped back to slumber Till the days some warmer grew; Then their winter nap was ended, And they 'woke and blossomed too.

WHEN BROTHER WAS A SISTER

When brother was a little girl, She never wore her hair in curl;

But she was very good and sweet, And had the "cutest" dimpled feet!

Her little hands were soft and white, And so she kept them day and night.

Her dimpled cheeks were pretty too, In rosy tints of nature's hue.

And oh! such happy times had we, My little sister Lisle and me.

We sometimes kept a little store, And sold our playthings o'er and o'er.

And through the long, long summer day, Upon the lawn we used to play.

We played with dishes and with dolls, With dolly cabs and rubber balls.

She helped to wash the dishes too, Like little sisters always do.

And in her sorrows I could share, For sister was my only care.

And with a loving sister's arm I used to shield her from all harm.

Then life for me was all a joy Before Lisle turned into a boy.

But Time flies on his changing wings, And many curious changes brings.

The creeping worm becomes a fly, And wings his way toward the sky.

The golden egg within the nest, Becomes a chick with downy breast.

The pollywog becomes a frog, And croaks within his hidden bog.

And little sisters turn to boys, And leave their dolls for warlike toys

Then Time brought me the saddest day, When sister's frocks were laid away.

The little cloak and bonnet too Were changed for cap and coat of blue.

And for the girl with sweetest face-- A boy had stepped into her place.

A boy! and oh, so changed is he! From the little girl he used to be.

The dimpled feet are brown and bare, And rough and tumbled is his hair.

The rosy cheeks of nature's hue-- Sometimes they're black, sometimes they're blue.

The little hands so soft and white-- With dirt begrimed, they are a sight.

Now through the long, long summer days, Upon the coalhouse roof he plays.

And on the roof he sits and fishes, And never helps me wash the dishes.

He scorns the sister's loving arm That used to shield him from all harm;

And for my loving, watchful care, He turns his nose up in the air.

Oh! I wish he'd never turned into a boy, To bring such woe instead of joy;

But stayed a little girl like me, For then my life would happier be.

WE'RE ONLY LITTLE CHILDREN

We're only little children, And not so very wise; So don't expect too much, And do not criticise.

We came here for your pleasure, And 'twould be hardly right If we should make mistakes, For you to laugh to-night.

So won't you kindly listen, And patience try to keep? Don't whisper to each other, Nor yawn and go to sleep.

We're only little children, But think, when we are through, You big folks all will say We did as well as you.

A DREAM OF EASTER

When Nell her evening prayer had said, And climbed into her snowy bed, She closed her little weary eyes, To dream of wonders in the skies, And dream of days of long ago, When her dear Savior was laid low.

She saw Him nailed upon the cross, And heard poor Mary grieve her loss, Then saw Him laid within the tomb, Where all was dark as midnight gloom; And saw the loved ones turn away From where their dear, dead Savior lay.

She heard an earthquake's rumbling sound, And felt the shaking of the ground, Then saw a white-robed angel band Descend to earth from heaven land; And at the breaking of the day, She saw one roll the stone away.

A glorious light dispelled the gloom That reigned within the Savior's tomb; And forth He came, in garments white, Amid the morning stars of light; A shining crown was on his head, For He had risen from the dead.

The band of angels sweetly sang Until the tomb with music rang; The birds cooed softly in the trees, And sweet perfume was on the breeze; The sun arose in splendor bright, To shed o'er earth his beaming light

When Nell awoke within her bed, "It is our Easter morn," she said, "Such visions fair in sleep I've seen, For Jesus rose up in my dream. Out from the tomb I saw Him rise And pass beyond the heavenly skies; And with a band of angels fair, He went to heaven to dwell up there."

MOTHER ROBIN

A robin was sitting high up in a tree, And was happy as ever a robin could be; In a nice little nest that was built by two, She was sitting on four small eggs of blue.

Her mate on a limb was sitting close nigh, And thinking of birds that would come by-and-by. He always kept near that little home-nest, And often would sit to give his mate rest.

When she grew tired of waiting so long, He would cheer her up with a sweet little song. In a very short time her sitting was o'er, And the birds in her nest numbered just four.

A sweet little girl lived near to this tree, Who was happy as ever a girl could be; She had a nice doll, that had a nice swing, That had hung in this tree since early in spring.

One day she was swinging her doll to and fro, Mother Robin was peeking at her below; She said: "Little girl, little girl, look up to me, I've four little birdies for you to see."

"O Mother Robin, I'm glad they have come! I'll go right now and bring you a crumb; I'll bring one for your mate and each of the four, And when supper is ready I'll bring you some more."

"All right, little girl, I wish that you would, I'm glad to see you so thoughtful and good; But I wish you would keep old Tabby away, For I know she was gazing up here to-day."

"O Mother Robin, you must have no alarm! For Tabby, I'm sure, will do you no harm; She's a good old cat and minds what I say, But I'll tell her again not to come this way.

"Will you give me a birdie? one of your four, I only want one and not any more; I have a nice cage I could hang in the tree, And birdie, I know, would be happy with me."

"Oh, no; little girl, it never will do To part with my birdie and give her to you; She never could live shut up in a cage, And my mate, I fear, would fly in a rage.

"Will you give me your doll? I'd like to have one For my little birdies, you know they have none; When they get older they'll all want to play, And I've room by my nest to tuck her away."

"Oh, no; Mother Robin, my dolly would cry, If she lived in a nest that was up so high; When the wind blew my dolly would fall, Then down would come birdies, nest, and all.

"So I'll keep my dolly, for I think it is best, And you keep your birds till they fly from the nest; They will be happier, I know, to be free, And my dolly's contented to stay here with me."

MABEL GRAY

Early to her slumber Went little Mabel Gray; Rose up in the morning Just at the peep o' day.

Busy little maiden Was little Mabel Gray; Doing all her house work Before she went to play.

Helping in the kitchen To keep things shining bright; Dusting in the parlor, And setting things to right.

Singing all the daytime, From morn till dewy night; Shedding rays of brightness Like stars of purest light.

Busy little woman, And with a loving heart, Never shirked her duty, But always did her part.

Charming little woman, And loving little wife, Ever bright and cheerful, Lived a long and happy life.

THE NAUGHTY CROW

A blackbird was swinging On a blackberry bush; When there came an old crow And gave him a push.

Then the blackbird fell From the blackberry bush; And the old crow crowed 'Cause he gave him that push.

THE BIRDS' GOOD-NIGHT

"Good-night," said the robin, As he finished his song; "I am going to sleep Till the morning doth dawn."

"Good-night," said the bluebird, As he sought his snug nest; "Now the evening draws near, I am going to rest."

"Good-night," said the lark, As he hushed his lay; "I am off to my sleep Till the break of the day."

"Good-night," said the thrush As he trilled his last note; "I am off to my roost In the broad spreading oak."

"Good-night," said a maid As she nodded her head, "When you've gone to your rest, I am going to bed.

"I have finished my work, And have finished my play; And am glad for the night At the close of the day.

"I am sleepy and tired, And I long for my bed; For the soft, downy pillow, Where I lay my wee head.

"And to dream there sweetly Till the sun shines bright: Till then, my birdies, Good-night, good-night."

SANTA'S QUEER JOKE

When Santa came one wintry night, A pair of stockings hung in sight

Just side by side upon the wall-- But one was large and one was small.

When Santa turned and saw them there, He said: "Well, that's a queer-matched pair!

"This girl is up to tricks I see, And thinks she'll play a joke on me;

"But I'll look 'round and soon find out What this fair miss has been about."

And then he took the stockings down, And a folded note in one he found.

'Twas written plain, so Santa read Each line and word the wee note said:

"Dear, dear Santa, I hope you won't mind Because two stockings you happen to find.

"Don't think I'm greedy, that won't be fair! For one is grandma's you see hung there.

"You have not filled it since she was young, So I hung it up to have some fun.

"So please, dear Santa, do not scold, For grandma now is getting old.

"She wants some specs, so she can see To knit some winter mitts for me.

"Then 'twould be nice if you've enough So you could spare a box of snuff.

"Some gum to chew, some nuts to crack-- I'm sure you've got them in your pack.

"She needs a cap with lace and strings, So, Santa, please give her these things.

"That's all I'll ask; if you'll do this, I'll pay you some time with a kiss."

"This little girl, with heart of gold, Must love her grandma now so old.

"And it's all for fun! Yes, yes, I see!" Then Santa laughed again with glee.

"I'll carry the joke as far as I can, For I like some fun, if I am an old man."

Then dropping his pack upon the floor, He looked its contents o'er and o'er,

And found a cap, some specs, and gum, A whistle, doll, and little drum;

A nice red sled, and doll buggy, too, Old Santa found as he searched them through.

Into grandma's stocking he stuffed the doll; Although 'twas large, it wouldn't hold all.

Then tied with a string the sticks and drum, And said: "Now grandma can have some fun."

Then into the other, the one so small, He stuffed the cap, specs, snuff, and all.

Then said to himself, the jolly old man, "I've carried the joke as far as I can.

"I'd better be off ere grandma is waking, Or maybe I'll get a jolly good shaking."

Then should'ring his pack till his form was bent, He got into mischief wherever he went.

Then in the morning, when grandma awoke, She laughed, till she cried, at Santa's queer joke.

LITTLE SUNBEAMS

We're a band of little children, That is gathered here to-day, And we're working for our Savior, In our little childish way.

In the path that lies before us, In this world of ours below, We will strive to do our duty, As we ever onward go.

We are as the light of morning, That comes peeping through the pane; We are like the rays of sunshine, That we welcome after rain.

We are just some little sunbeams That are scattered here and there; And without us little sunbeams, This great world would not be fair.

WHERE DO BABIES GO?

Where has baby gone to? Asks a mother dear; Why has darling baby Left me lonely here? And my pretty home Grown so still and drear?

Where are all the playthings That lay upon the floor? Where's the little dolly cab That bumped against the door? It's stowed now in the attic, For she'll never want it more.

So she went and left us, Our little baby May, And we are so lonely Since she went away, That we wish our baby Would come back and stay.

There's a dreadful longing In poor mama's breast, Where her precious baby Laid her head to rest; And slept so sweetly, Like birdies in their nest.

Where has baby gone to? Says mama with a sigh; Where has baby gone to? And a tear is in her eye, And will my darling baby Come back by-and-by?

She gazes from the window, And sees the faces sweet Of the pretty children, Coming down the street; But not a face like baby's Does she chance to meet.

Soon a winsome lassie Comes tripping into view, With head of flaxen curls, And eyes of deepest blue, And a loving heart That always beats so true.

Mama sees the lassie That took the baby's place, With the same blue eyes, But not the baby face; For the winsome lassie Has one of older grace.

And that's where baby went to; But no one ever knows How the baby disappears, Or how the baby goes, Only that a baby Eats, and laughs, and grows.

WHEN MY KITTY WAS A KITTEN

When my kitty was a kitten, That was many years ago, Her was dest the sweetest kitten Of any kitten that I know.

An' her wore a ribby ribbon That was striped in stripes of blue; An' her purred the sweetest pur When her didn't mew her mew.

Her was dest as good an' gentle As a kitten ever was; An' was berry neat an' 'ticular 'Bout her little pawey paws.

Her was full of fun an' frolic, An' her played wiv paper balls; An' her sleeped her little sleeps Wiv my darling dolly dolls.

But my kitty's growed a catty An' forgot her cunnin' plays; An' her doesn't like my dollies, So her spits an' runs aways.

Nor her isn't sweet an' gentle Like my kitten used to was; For her scratches little misses Wiv her naughty scratchy claws.

Oh! I's sorry that her's bigger Than my kitten used to be; For a kitten's awful sweeter Than a catty is to me.

THE BUSY LITTLE HOUSEKEEPER

I's such a busy little housekeeper, An' dot so much to do, I has to stop an' think a bit, If ever I tan git froo.

For there's my dollie's bed to make An' pretty dess to mend; An' there's my little baby doll That I must stop to tend.

Whenever she wakes up at morn, She's sure to fret or cry, Unless I rocks her for a while An' sings a lullaby.

An' there's my little bruver Joe, He's such a naughty tease, He always wants my dolly boy, But never will say "Please."

He makes such lots an' lots of work For mama an' for me; I often wish he was a fish A-swimmin' in the sea.

An' when I has such busy days, An' dot so much to do, To care for all my dollies dear, He never helps me froo.

I musn't stop no longer now To tell you nuthin' more; I thinks I hear my dollie scream, Like she's tumbled on the floor.

I has to go an' git her now, An' hush her up right quick; Or maybe she will hold her breff, An' then git awful sick.

GRANDMA'S POCKET

I have a lovely grandma Who's very dear to me; I go to see her oftentimes And sit upon her knee.

She tells me pretty stories Just what I like to hear; She thinks I'm very nice, I guess, And calls me little dear.

My grandma has a lovely dress She's worn a long, long while; She made it all herself, she said, When pockets were in style.

It's made with pointed, ruffled waist, That has a surplice twist; And has the old-time bishop sleeve That buttons at the wrist.

The skirt does hang so nicely too, And always looks so well, It has not any train to it, Nor was it cut a bell.

It has a lovely pocket though! That's big, and wide, and deep, I always find out where it is And slyly take a peep.

"There is something in my pocket, dear," Says grandma every time. I'm sure to find a penny there, Or else a silver dime.

"It's yours, my little girlie dear!" Says grandma, with a kiss, "So keep them all, my little one, Until you're grown a miss."

I'm saving up my money now To buy a golden locket; And have her picture placed in it With dimes from out her pocket.

WHAT GOOD IS A BROTHER?

What good is a brother? I never could see, But only to tease A poor sister like me, And that is as naughty, As naughty can be.

He's nothing but trouble, And mama's great care, And always in mischief A-doing his share; And no peace in the house Whenever he's there.

He hangs up my doll At the foot of the bed, With my new skipping-rope Until she is dead; Then laughs at the tears That it makes me shed.

Then he teases my kitty, Like the bad boys do, By pulling her tail Till it's nearly in two; Then whistles and laughs When he hears her mew.