Part 3

If I had my wish, Do you know what I'd say? I'd tell my poor mama To give him away To grandpa and grandma, And there make him stay.

But, then, poor grandpa! He never could nap Without a bad boy Crawling up on his lap, And whipping his knees To make them get-ap.

And poor, dear grandma, So patient and kind, It worries her so Because he won't mind; And then her glasses She never could find.

I suppose I must live, And try, if I can, To bear with his capers Until he's a man;

But I do hope then My brother will see What a lot of trouble He has been to me.

MR. HOP-TOAD

A hop-toad came out One day in the spring. He struck up a tune, And began to sing;

The weather was cold And made his voice crack, So poor old hop-toad Just waddled right back.

MINNIE'S SECRET

I've got a little secret I'd like to have you know; So, now, I'm going to tell it:-- My sister has a beau.

She looks so sweet and pretty When Tommy comes to call; And talks so nice and witty, And is so good to all.

I'm afraid he's going to love her, And marry her some day; But if he only knew her, He'd think another way.

She's awful cross to brother, When Tommy ain't around; I don't believe a crosser girl Could anywhere be found.

She says I am a bother When she has got a beau; And act so very stupid By telling all I know.

I only told to Tommy That she would lie in bed, And let our tired mama Do all the work instead.

I told him not to love her For she was awful cross; And me and little brother She always tried to "boss."

I guess he's going to listen And my advice he'll take. He said she must do better Or she would get the shake.

I'm just a-going to tell her To mind what she's about; For soon I'll be as big as her And then I'll cut her out.

NELLIE'S EASTER EGGS

Old Biddy Brown, a nice old hen, Belonged to little Nell; She hid her nest from all the rest, And kept her secret well.

And every morn, just like the sun, She made her daily trip Up in the hay her egg to lay, And gave the rest the slip

But one cold day old Biddy Brown Concluded it was best, That in the hay she'd better stay, And take a little rest.

They missed her from the chicken coop, And from the barnyard pen; And none could tell, not even Nell, Just where to find that hen.

The days went by, the weeks sped on, And still she hid away; But little Nell kept hunting well, And found her in the hay.

Now, Easter time was drawing nigh, And Nell, in colors bright, Was going to taint, with brush and paint, Old Biddy's eggs so white.

She took them from the poor old hen, Who'd sat so long with care, And in a tin she brought them in, Which really was not fair.

She dabbled with those pretty paints, Till shells were lost to view; Then with delight she viewed the sight Of eggs, in red and blue.

She put them by the kitchen stove, And covered them up tight, To keep them warm and free from harm, And out of baby's sight.

The next morn rang the Easter bells, And Nell rose with a start; Her playmates, some would surely come To view her work of art.

So proudly to the kitchen then, With step so light and free, With happy look her playmates took, Those Easter eggs to see.

But what a change came over Nell! Had some one played her tricks? To her surprise, before her eyes Was a pan of downy chicks.

WHEN DOLLY WAS SICK

My doll got sick one summer day, And then I had to stop my play.

I tucked her in her little bed, With burning cheeks and throbbing head.

I knew that she was cutting teeth, And that one thought gave me relief.

But still I wondered as I had, Why her poor head should ache so bad.

She seemed so ill for one so young, So I thought I'd have the doctor come.

I sent for him to come--come quick, For my dear Nell was very sick.

Then when he came he shook his head, And this is what the doctor said:

"She has the measles or some fever; But have no fear, I can relieve her.

"I'll give her powders for her head, But you must keep her close in bed.

"I'll give her quinine made in pills, And they will cure those dreadful chills.

"But when your neighbors come to call, Don't let them see your babe at all.

"She must not talk, nor even smile; So keep her quiet for a while.

"Be careful what you give to eat, Now don't give salads or cold meat.

"Nor don't give biscuits that are warm, For they will do your dolly harm.

"But give her nicely buttered toast, With veal, or lamb, or mutton roast."

I watched beside her suffering bed, And many were the tears I shed.

But soon a change came o'er my Nell, I saw that she was getting well.

Oh, what a joy it was to me, To know from pain my Nell was free!

But she was very pale and thin, With faded cheeks and pointed chin.

Then came the doctor with his bills-- So much for powders, so much for pills.

I paid them all without a sigh, And thanked him 'cause she did not die.

AUNTIE'S PARLOR

My auntie has a parlor grand, That's furnished very fine, With lots of pretty, fancy things, That cost her many a dime.

I like to peep into that room Whenever I go there, To see those pretty, fancy things, And find out what they are.

But auntie always watches me, Just like a cat a mouse, And says: "You are a mischief, Belle, When you are in my house."

There's bric-a-brac on the mantel-shelf, And pictures on the wall, And pretty, high-back easy-chairs That spring up like a ball.

There is a grand piano there That must have cost her much; But all I ever hear is this: "Now, Belle, you must not touch."

There is a lovely stand and stool, And rugs upon the floor, And vases in the corner too, But--a lock is on the door.

Now, what's a parlor good for, say? I'd really like to know! With doors and windows fastened tight, And pretty things for show.

I wish I owned that parlor grand, And all those things so nice, I'd let my kitty go in there To watch for naughty mice.

I'd tell the little girls I know Who hadn't one so fine, That they were always welcome guests To come and play in mine.

OFF TO SCHOOL WE GO

In the morning when the sun Does begin his daily run, When the stars have gone to sleep, And no longer brightly peep, Then we take a morning dine; And before the clock strikes nine, Off to school, to school we go, Some on time and some are slow.

Some look pleasant, some look sour, Some are whispering every hour; Some are naughty, some are good, Some, they study as they should; Full of fun and full of play, So they see us every day. Off to school, to school we go, Some on time and some are slow.

Soon our lessons are all past, And the day has gone at last; Some, they learned them as they should, Some, they did not get them good; Some are always staying late For mistakes upon their slate. Home from school, from school we go, Some on time and some are slow.

Soon we girls will older grow, Then we'll wish so much to know, So to study we must try, For our time is flitting by. Days and weeks are passing fast, And schooldays will soon be past, So while off to school we go, Let's be on time and never slow.

CLARABEL'S VALENTINE

"Now, who shall get my valentine?" Thought little Clarabel; "For I must send it to some friend Who loves me very well."

She thought of cousin Madaline, A proud and haughty miss, But changed her mind almost as soon, For she would scoff at this.

She thought of neighbor Bessie Brown, But she was rich and fair, And every year her valentines Were more than one girl's share.

And next she thought of classmates dear, Then said their names all o'er; But every year their valentines Would number more and more.

So who should get her valentine? She thought and thought in vain; At last she said: "I'll keep this one, And none shall have the gain."

Just then a little voice was heard To whisper in her ear: "There's many a girl and many a boy Who will get none this year.

"So, Clarabel, please think again Of some poor children's plight, Who never get a valentine To make their sad hearts light."

She heard that voice, and then she thought: "I know what I shall do, And where to send this valentine And many others, too."

She took her little money bank, Where she had kept her dimes, Then swiftly to the store she ran, And bought more valentines.

She sent them to the boys and girls Whose pleasures were but few; Then told her playmates what she'd done, And then they tried it, too.

So many were the valentines That went their happy way, And many were the girls and boys That had a happy day.

They thanked the postman o'er and o'er, Those hapless little elves, Because he brought them valentines For their own little selves.

And Clarabel was happy too, And truly did believe That giving unto others Was more than to receive.

THANKSGIVING AT GRANDMA'S

'Twas Thanksgiving on the farm, And hurry everywhere; For Grandma Brown got word from town, The children would be there. She sent an invitation A week or two ahead, To daughter Anna and daughter Hannah, And this is what it said:

"Now bring the children, every one, And have a jolly time; For we've our share, and some to spare, So bring them all to dine. And let them bring their relatives, And each a playmate too, So bring them all, both large and small, We'll have enough for you."

So Nell and Dell invited Bell And little cousin Prue, Then Bennie Mills asked Jennie Bills, And also neighbor Sue: Then neighbor Sue told brother Ralph, And Ralph told cousin Nan, Then cousin Nan asked playmate Sam, And he told neighbor Dan.

Grandma said to grandson Roy: "Now bring your neighbor Ray." So neighbor Ray and sister May Invited cousin Jack; Then cousin Jack told neighbor Mack, And asked his playmate Tess; Then cousin Lottie asked cousin Dottie, And also sister Bess.

Then sister Bess invited Richard, And he invited Ned, Then brother Ned invited Ed, And also cousin Fred; Then cousin Fred asked sister Ann, And she invited Joe, Then he sent word, so William heard, To bring his sister Flo.

Then sister Flo and her young beau Invited playmate Tom; They said to him: "Bring neighbor Tim And also cousin Don. Tell cousin Don to go along And ask her neighbor Millie; Then she will make her brother Jake Invite his sweetheart Tillie."

When grandma's tables were all spread For little guests from town, The happy crowd then shouted loud: "Three cheers for Grandma Brown!" They listened while dear grandpa then Gave thanks for daily bread. Then Will and Tim did both begin And so did Tom and Ned.

Then Bennie Mills and Jennie Bills And little Don and Sue, All waded in with eager vim And so did Dan and Prue. Then sister Bess and playmate Tess, Ate much of poultry meats; While Ralph and Nell and cousin Bell, Ate many pickled beets.

Then Roy and Ann and Dick and Joe, Ate all of grandma's jam, While Ed and Nan, Dell, Fred, and Sam, Ate all the eggs and ham. Then Ray and Millie, and May and Tillie, And also brother Jake, And Jack and Lottie, and Mack and Dottie, Ate all the broiled steak.

When all were through at dinner time, There naught remained but crumbs; For pretty Flo and her young beau, Ate all the sugar plums. Then grandma smiled when she looked round And saw the happy set, For she just knew, as grandmas do, How hungry children get.

When grandpa hauled the wagons out To take them back to town, They scrambled in, with childish din, And cheered for Grandma Brown; They cheered for grandpa loud and long, And called him "Grandpa, dear," He said to them: "Now, come again, And dine with us next year."

DOLLY DAYS

My mama says that I'm too old To play with dolls much more, That I must lay them all away For dolly days for me are o'er.

But what I'll do, I do not know, When they're all laid away; I know I'll sigh and maybe cry, When I've no doll with me to play.

Then with them all put out of sight The days will lonely be; For when I'm mad, or when I'm sad, There'll be no doll to comfort me.

There's Maggie May, my eldest one, The doll that was so fine, Santa let her drop from the chimney top, And caused a crooked spine.

She's been a cripple ever since, And such a fretful child, She's cried and screamed until it seemed I really should go wild.

There's sweet Marie, a pretty doll, With hair of golden hue, With cheeks so bright and chin so white, And eyes of heaven's blue.

And Rosa Nell, another blond, Whose temper is so mild, That every one, both old and young, Could love the pretty child.

She's broke her nose, but what of that! She always wears a smile, She's at her play the livelong day, And sings most all the while.

There's Lilla Dale, with tangled hair, Who's lain so long in bed, When very small she had a fall, That cracked her little head.

She'll miss my care and I'll miss her When she is laid away; For many a time I've soothed her whine Because she could not play.

And Nellie Gray, the sweet brunette, Whose hair was dark as night, My heart will ache and maybe break, When she's laid out of sight.

She's lost an arm and both her legs, And only has one curl; But you may bet she's precious yet, This dear old darky girl.

But now I'm old; too old, they say,-- I've entered in my teens; But I'll look back o'er memory's track, To happy doll-day dreams.

There'll be no hours in years to come, That have been like the past; For dolly days and dolly plays Were just too sweet to last.

THAT GIGGLE

When I arose to speak one day, I quite forgot what I had to say. I thought, and thought, and tried in vain To bring it to my mind again, And there I stood, with head downcast, A-dreading what would come at last.

The room grew dark, my heart grew sad, I thought I surely would go mad; I tried to speak, but not a word Or e'en a whisper could be heard. My limbs with palsy seemed to shake, My heart with terror seemed to quake.

I heard a giggle clear and loud Go rippling through the waiting crowd. I could no longer stand the strain, For bursting seemed my heart and brain. Then to my feelings I gave vent, And weeping to my seat I went.

MARION'S LAMENT

I'm such a lonely little girl, And play all by myself; I feel just like a broken doll That's laid by on the shelf.

And when I'm tired of playing alone, There's nothing else to do, But wish I had a brother Joe, Or little sister Sue.

I think I'll write to Santa Claus And say I'm lone and sad; And if he'll bring a baby girl, I'll be so very glad.

I think that he will bring me one, For Santa's good to me. I'll tell him please to hang it on My little Christmas tree.

WHEN I'M A BIG GIRL

I'll try to be good, And do as I should, I'll learn how to work And never will shirk, When I'm a big girl.

I'll do with my might Whatever is right, I'll study at school And obey each rule, When I'm a big girl.

With needle and yarn My stockings I'll darn, I'll comb my own tresses And make my own dresses, When I'm a big girl.

I'll learn how to bake Some very nice cake, I'll make my own bed And mind what ma said, When I'm a big girl.

I'll dust, and I'll sweep, And my dollies I'll keep; I'll stow them away To look at some day, When I'm a big girl.

I'll lay away toys For some other joys, I'll never make noise Like the great big boys, When I'm a big girl.

Now, had I more time I'd tell you in rhyme Some more that I'll do, When I'm big like you.

WHAT THE BELLS SAID

One Sabbath morn in lovely June, The old church bells rang out a tune.

Unto the world they seemed to say: "This is our little children's day.

"Now will you listen to our call, And come to hear the children small?

"Their songs in voices, sweet and clear, Unto their Maker you shall hear.

"Their smiling faces are a sight, That turns all darkness into light.

"Their little speeches are so nice, That you should hear at any price.

"Their little songs in chorus sound As though there were no evil 'round.

"Their prayers so humble, sweet, and pure, Will make you feel that heaven's sure.

"Then come you people, one and all, And learn the ways of children small.

"And live again those childish days, Before you learned the worldly ways.

"'Twill bring you back those youthful joys, Of winsome girls and manly boys.

"'Twill give your soul an upward flight, And bring your heaven just in sight."

And then the bells rang off their tune, That lovely Sabbath morn in June.

To listen while the songs of love Went to the Maker up above;

And listen while a childish prayer, Was breathed upon the holy air.

WHY?

I often sit and wonder why It is not always day, And why the sunshine and the light Cannot forever stay.

I often sit and wonder why The birdies are so wild, And what does make them fly away From every little child.

And why they always like to sing, And never like us talk, And why they always like to fly, And never like us walk.

Sometimes I sit and wonder too, About my pussy cats, Just why they did not have some wings Like ugly little bats.

My dolly is a mystery too, And so I wonder why, When I am washing dolly's face, She does not pout and cry.

And then it never seemed quite right To have the world turn round; It seems so strange we do not fall Or tumble off the ground.

There are so many other things That don't look right to me; I sometimes really don't believe They're as they ought to be.

BECAUSE

Now what's the use of wondering Why 'tis not always day? For we must have the night to sleep So we can rest from play.

And there's the little birdies too, It's all right they are wild; For it never was intended They should play with a child.

I'd rather hear them singing sweet Than hear them try to talk; And rather see them flying high Than see them try to walk.

Then what would be the use of wings Upon a pussy cat? Because she could not catch a mouse When flying like a bat.

Then what good could a dolly do To cry, or fret, or scream, Because her mama's gentle hand Was trying to wash her clean.

And then I think it is all right Because the world turns round; For gravitation in the earth Does keep us on the ground.

So then, to me, this world of ours Seems just as it should be; And with it all I'm satisfied, And hope it is with me.

HOW HAZEL KEPT HOUSE

"I'm going to be the housekeeper, While you are gone away," Said Hazel to her mama, One lovely summer day; "For I can tend the baby, It's nothing more than play.

"I'll play that I am mama With lots of work to do; And then I'll call on brother To come and help me through With dishes and the sweeping, Like papa does help you."

Then mama kissed her daughter, And said a fond good-by; But gently did remind her: "Don't let the baby cry, Don't burn the dinner pudding, Don't boil the kettle dry."

There were dishes to be washed, And kitchen floor to sweep, And soon the precious baby To rock and sing to sleep; And dinner to get ready, And a watch on pudding keep.

So busy was our Hazel With dinner to prepare, She did not notice baby Was tired of her chair, Nor that her helpful brother Had run away somewhere.

She went to stir the pudding, But baby began to cry; She had to stop and rock her, And sing a lullaby; But could not get her quiet, No matter how she'd try.

She called for helpful brother, And thought he was around; But no response was given, Not one familiar sound; For little helpful brother Was nowhere to be found.

The noon hour was approaching, With dinner--not in sight, Although our patient Hazel Had worked with will and might To have it cooked and ready, And make the pudding right.

When papa came at noon-time, A hungry man was he, But not a tempting morsel For dinner could he see; But poor discouraged Hazel With baby on her knee.

The table looked untidy, The floor was yet unswept, And naughty little brother,-- Safe out of sight had kept, While Hazel, with the baby, Had set her down and wept.

When mama came at evening She heard her daughter say: "O mama, take the baby, I've had an awful day!" And Hazel found that keeping house Was something more than play.

DROPS OF HONEY

There was a little busy bee That roamed a field all over; At last he spied a blossom red Upon a stem of clover.

He lit upon that blossom red And searched it through and through; And found some drops of honey there That sparkled like the dew.

He took those drops of honey And put them in his hive; And when the cold, cold winter came They kept the bee alive.

WHEN MY DOLLY WENT TO SCHOOL

When my dolly went to school I bought her a slate and rule With my only silver dime; And I said to dolly dear, "Now, my pretty, do you hear? You must always be on time."

But I told her not to worry, Nor get into a flurry If she happened to be late; And what teacher has to say She must every word obey, And must always sit up straight.

Then her little study book And some other things she took, With a bottle full of ink; And a pen and blotter too, With a tablet clean and new, For to write her little think.

But my dolly had a will And she never would sit still, So the teacher had to use a stick. Then the boys would tease her so Just because she didn't know How to get her 'rifmatic.

Soon my dolly grew so haughty And some days she was so naughty That she wouldn't mind a rule. And she couldn't learn to spell, Nor would get her grammar well, So I thought I'd take her out of school.

And I'd wait a year or two Till my dolly older grew, Then, perhaps, she'd try to learn. But she promised to do better So I did consent to let her Go to school another term.

THREE LITTLE KITTENS

Three little kittens, All sleek as a mouse, Played hide-and-go-seek, 'Round a honeybee's house.

Three little kittens, All sleek as a mouse, Got stung most to death, 'Round a honeybee's house.

Three little kittens, All sleek as a mouse, Never played any more, 'Round a honeybee's house.

THE SPIDER'S PARLOR

There was a cunning spider once Who wove a tangled web; A shining fly came passing by And to the spider said:

"What have you in your parlor, sir, I wish you'd tell to me." The spider said: "I wish instead You'd step inside and see.

"My parlor is a pretty place Where you may sit and rest; With cozy nooks and picture books, I think mine is the best.

"I've windows in my parlor, too, All draped in woven lace; And as you pass a pretty glass Reflects a handsome face.

"I've pictures on the mantelshelf I purchased just of late; The frames are fine and nicely shine And all are up to date."

The fly then crossed the threshold line And never thought of harm; The spider wise then blinked his eyes And spun a little yarn.