My gentle reader, I perceive O reader! had you in your mind What more I have to say is short, It is no tale, but should you think, One summer-day I chanced to see The mattock totter'd in his hand; That at the root of the old tree I struck, and with a single blow At which the poor old man so long The tears into his eyes were brought, -I've heard of hearts unkind, kind deeds ANECDOTE FOR FATHERS, SHEWING HOW THE ART OF LYING 矚 MAY BE TAUGHT. I HAVE a boy of five years old, His limbs are cast in beauty's mould, One morn we stroll'd on our dry walk, And held such intermitted talk My thoughts on former pleasures ran; A day it was when I could bear To think, and think, and think again; My boy was by my side, so slim The young lambs ran a pretty race; The morning sun shone bright and warm, "Kilve, said I, was a pleasant place, "And so is Liswyn farm. "My little boy, which like you more, (I said and took him by the arm) "Our home by Kilve's delightful shore, "Or here at Liswyn farm? "And tell me, had you rather be, (I said and held him by the arm) "At Kilve's smooth shore by the green sea, "Or here at Liswyn farm?” In careless mood he looked at me, While still I held him by the arm, And said, At Kilve I'd rather be 6 Than here at Liswyn farm.' "Now, little Edward, say why so? "My little Edward, tell me why?" 'I cannot tell, I do not know.' 66 Why this is strange," said I: "For here are woods and green-hills warm; "There surely must some reason be "Why you would change sweet Liswyn farm "For Kilve by the green sea." At this, my boy, so fair and slim, His head he raised-there was in sight, Then did the boy his tongue unlock, Oh dearest, dearest boy! my heart |