And we'll do all that father likes, Would they were more! that every hour I'm sure it makes a happy day, I know he's coming, by this sign, See how he laughs, and crows, and stares; He's father's self in face and limb, Hark! hark! I hear his footsteps now And do not let him wait! Shout, baby, shout, and clap thy hands! For father on the threshold stands. Mary Howitt. A LITTLE GOOSE. THE chill November day was done, And hopelessly and aimlessly, The scared old leaves were flying, When, mingled with the soughing wind, I heard a small voice crying. And, shivering on the corner, stood A child of four, or over; No cloak or hat her small, soft arms And wind-blown curls to cover; Her dimpled face was stained with tears; And, one hand round her treasure, while "Oh! please, I want my mother." "He came and played at Miller's step, — I followed down the street because I've walked about a hundred hours From one street to another; The monkey's gone; I've spoilt my flowers ;Oh! please I want my mother." "But what's your mother's name? and what The street? Now think a minute." "My mother's name is Mother Dear; The street I can't begin it." "But what is strange about the house, - not like the others?" "I Or new, guess you mean my trundle-bed, Mine and my little brother's. "Oh dear! I ought to be at home To help him say his prayers, And we are both such players; The sky grew stormy; people passed I tied a kerchief round her neck : "What ribbon 's this, my blossom? Why, don't you know!" she, smiling, said, A card with number, street, and name! 66 My eyes astonished met it; For," said the little one, "you see I might some time forget it, That tells you all about it; For mother says she's very sure, Eliza Sproat Turner. THE JOHNNY-CAKE. LITTLE Sarah she stood by her grandmother's bed, "And what shall I get for your breakfast?" she said. "You shall get me a johnny-cake: quickly go make it, In one minute mix, and in two minutes bake it." So Sarah she went to the closet to see If yet any meal in the barrel might be. The barrel had long time been empty as wind; Not a speck of the bright yellow meal could she find. But grandmother's johnny-cake-still she must make it, In one minute mix, and in two minutes bake it. She ran to the shop; but the shopkeeper said, Then Sarah she ran every step of the way, She ran to the cornfield the corn had not grown, Though the sun in the blue sky all pleasantly shone. "Pretty sun," cried the maiden, "please make the corn grow. "Pretty maid," the sun answered, "I cannot do so." "Then grandmother's johnny-cake, how shall I make it, In one minute mix, and in two minutes bake it?” Then Sarah looked round, and she saw what was wanted; The farmer he laughed, and he laughed out aloud, — The ploughman he ploughed, and the grain it was sown, THANKSGIVING-DAY. OVER the river and through the wood, To carry the sleigh Through the white and drifted snow. Over the river and through the wood It stings the toes And bites the nose, As over the ground we go. Over the river and through the wood, Te have a first-rate play. Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding!" Hurrah for Thanksgiving-Day! |