Soon will come the lovely twilight, And the stars will rise above you, Year by year, the same sweet story THE GOOD CHILDREN. WEARY and faint, the blind man came Unto the cottage-door He'd walk'd so far, his feet were lame, And his dog could run no more. The sun was shining bright and clear, But he could not see the sun; The rich ripe grapes were hanging near, But he perceived not one. Kind little Mary saw him come, But soon the little girl appear'd With a bowl of milk and bread, And Rover's ears were both uprear'd, When he heard her gentle tread. He watch'd the bowl with wistful eye, Then John brought out some wholesome food, He was a generous boy; And in his heart it did him good The blind old man was very glad When his dog received his share; And as he rose up to depart, "May each preserve a loving heart, "And this shall be my daily prayer— Ask greater blessings for your share, "WILL you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly, "'Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour is up a winding stair, And I have many curious things to shew when you are there." “Oh no, no,” said the little Fly, "to ask me is in vain ; For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again." "I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high; Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the Spider to the Fly. "There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, And if you like to rest awhile, I'll snugly tuck you in!" "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "for I've often heard it said, They never, never wake again, who sleep upon your bed!" Said the cunning Spider to the Fly, "Dear friend, what can I do, Το prove the warm affection I have always felt for you? I have within my pantry good store of all that's nice; I'm sure you're very welcome-will you please to take a slice ?" "Oh no, no," said the little Fly, "kind sir, that cannot be, I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!" "Sweet creature!" said the Spider, "you're witty and you're wise, How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are your eyes! |