A PLEASANT HOUR IN THE NURSERY.
NURSERY STORIES AND RHYMES
FOR THE HOME AND KINDERGARTEN
Including “Nurse Karen’s Norway Tales,†and “ All for Baby,†complete; with
a collection of short stories and rhymes
BY
EMILIE POULSSON
AUTHOR or “ Nursery Fincgr Puaysâ€
FULLY ILLUSTRATED BY L. J. BRIDGMAN
AND OTHERS:
BOSTON
D. LOTHROP COMPANY
1893
v
COPYRIGHT, 1898,
BY
D. LorHror CoMPANY
All rights reserved.
CONTENTS.
I. NURSE KAREN’S NORWAY TALES:
II.
Ill.
IV.
VI.
VI.
VUIL.
1X
THE THREE GOATS
-THE BREAKFAST SONG
Tur Nursery BLacksMiITH
CHICKENS IN TROUBLE
Row, row! A-risuixnc Go
THE WoNDERFUL Hay—MAKING
Basy’s Ripe
THE GRATEFUL SPARROW
WHaT THE Cat SAID
Tue Story or Two Docs
FEEDING THE Birps
A Criristmas RIppDLE
MY NEW DAY
SANTA’S REPROOF
THE SEASONS
ALL FOR BABY:
Tue Story or Basy’s Surmtr
Tue Story or Basy’s BLANKET
Tue Story or Basy’s Cotron Gown
Tue Srory or Basy’s Suors
Tue Srory or Basy’s Sasi
Tue Strory or Basy’s Mua
Tuk Srory or Basy’s PLatre
Tur Story or Basy’s Breap
Tur Story or BaAsy’s PLAY-THINGS
Tue Story or Basy’s PicruRE-BooK
Tue Story or Basy’s Cris
Tue Story or Basy’s PILLow
ELSA’S DOLLY
THE ENDLESS STORY
THE EMPTY BIRD-HOUSE
A WISE FELLOW
A LITTLE BOY’S JOKE
NURSE KAREN’S NORWAV TALES
THE THREE GOATS,
gees
8 le,
a7
ypu re
eo a
THE THREE GOATS.
“ Now you shall hear!†said
Nurse Karen one day to Bobby
and Sue andthe Baby. “Now
you shall hear the story of
“The Three Goats.’
“ There was once a Boy who
had three Goats.
when he went to meet them, the
One night,
frisky things leaped into a tur-
nip field and he could not get
Then the Boy sat
down on the hillside and cried.
“As he sat there a Hare
‘Why do you
cry ?’ asked the Hare.
them out.
came along.
““T cry because I can’t get
the Goats out of the field,
answered the Boy.
“<«T'Y/ do it, said the Hare.
So he tried, but the Goats
Then the
Hare, too, sat down and cried.
would not come.
“Along came a Fox.
““Why do you cry?’ asked
the Fox.
“«T am crying because the
Boy cries,’ said the Hare; ‘and
the Boy is crying because he
cannot get the Goats out of
the turnip field.’
“« TY do it, said the Fox.
“So the Fox tried, but the
THE THREE COATS:
Then
the Fox also sat down and cried.
Goats would not come.
“Soon after, a Wolf came
along. ‘Why do you cry?’
asked the Wolf.
because the Hare cries,’ said
‘T am crying
the Fox; ‘and the Hare cries
because the Boy cries; and
the Boy cries because he can’t
get the Goats out of the turnip
field. ‘/’2Z do it!’ said the
Wolf. He tried; but the
Goats would not leave the field.
Wolf.
the Fox cries: and the Fox
cries because the Hare cries ;
and the Hare cries because the
Boy cries; and the Boy cries
because he can’t get the Goats
out of the turnip field.’
“«T'/7/ do it!’ said the Bee.
“Then the big Animals and
the Boy all stopped crying a
moment to laugh at the tiny
Bee. Ze do it, indeed, when
they could not! But the tiny
“** Out ran the goats.â€
So he sat down beside the | Bee flew away into the turnip
others and began to cry too.
“« After a little, a Bee flew
over the hill and saw them all
‘Why do
you cry? said the Bee to the
sitting there crying.
field and lit upon one of the
Goats and said,
“¢ Buz-z-z-z-z!?
“And out ran the Goats,
every one!†said Nurse Karen.
THE BREAKFAST SONG.
THE BREAKFAST SONG.
(Nurse Karen's Norway Tales.)
“Don't you knowasong for| “Ah, yes!†she said. “In
breakfast time, Nurse Karen?†| my country we havea little song
asked Sue one morning, as she | about the milk. Are you all
and the Baby sat at the little | ready to eat this nice porridge?
nursery table. Well, then, now you shall hear:
Nurse Karen smiled. She] “At five o'clock he milks the
was Just bringing in the pitcher cow,
of milk. The busy farmer’s man.
THE BREAKFAST SONG.
At six o'clock he strains the | feet.
milk
And pours it in the can.
And when she sang
the last verse she poured some
more milk into Baby’s cup.
the milk-
At seven oclock
man’s horse
Must go to town—‘get up!’
At eight o'clock Nurse Karen
pours
The milk in Baby’s cup.â€
When Nurse Karen sang
about the milkman’s horse she
made a great tramping with her
“Oh! do sing it again,†said
Sue.
it again, and when she came to
So Nurse Karen sang
the last verse this time Sue’s
cup was empty; so Nurse
Karen sang:
« At eight o'clock Nurse Karen
pours
The milk in Szsze's cup.â€
THE NURSERY BLACKSMITH.
THE NURSERY BLACKSMITH.
« Pitty, patty, polt,
Shoe the wild colt ;
Here a nail, and there a nail,
Pitty, patty, polt.â€
Oce
Nurse, when I play this!â€
said Bobby, as he patted the
baby’s pink feet while Nurse
how Baby laughs,
Karen was opening the little
crib. “It’s out of my Mother
Goose book, and mamma used
to play it with me when I was
little. Do the children have a
Mother Goose book in Nor-
way, Nurse Karen?â€
“Not like yours,’ said Nurse
Karen; “but we have a play
something like that one.â€
“Oh! show us! Do show
us!†said Sue and Bobby.
So Nurse Karen took Baby
in her lap and patted the soles
of her feet in time to the music
as she sang :
“Shoe Dobbin! shoe Dobbin!
With hammer and tongs;
Such shoeing as this
To the blacksmith belongs.
“Shoe Dobbin! shoe Dobbin!
The nails must be tight,
For we've a long journey
To travel to-night.â€
“There!†tossing Baby into
the crib.
journey through Dreamland, lit-
Sue and Bobby will
be on the way soon,†she said.
“ Now go your long
tle dear.
« And play we are little, and
‘Shoe Dobbin’ for us before
we go, will you, Nurse?â€
THE NURSERY BLACKSMITH.
“Well play that undressing | being shod was a jolly process.
is having the harness taken off. Then Nurse Karen went to
Bobby is a wonderful trick} Bobby’s bed, where he lay
pony who can unharness him- waving his feet in the air.
self, said Nurse: “but Sue is |
not trained yet, so I will attend
to her; after that I will be the
blacksmith and shoe you both.â€
“The trick pony’s shoes must
es
i
i
\ { Me Wid
He Hp
"
Sue was soon ready, and had | patted and thumped Bobby’s
MX
be very firm,†said Nurse; sing-
ing the little rhyme again; she
thrust her feet out from be-| sturdy feet, and gave each toe
tween the . blankets before |a sharp little tweak, as if try-
Nurse had time to say, “ Now | ing them to see if they were
you shall hear;†and Sue's | tight. Oh! she was a merry
squeals of delight showed that | blacksmith, I can tell you!
Fe
THE EVENING PRAYER.
CHICKENS IN TROUBLE.
CHICKENS IN TROUBLE.
While chicken fourth, of tired
wings,
Kept up a constant groaning.
WE
/ Ue WG
“And, mother! I have such
a pain!â€
Peeped out the chicken
baby ;
“That yellow meal did taste
so good,
#O) quotes qomerl. Ion < I’ve eaten too much, may be.â€
cold!â€
One little chicken grumbled.
« And, mother!†cried a second
chick,
« Against a stone I’ve stum-
bled.â€
“And there’s a black, black
cloud up there,â€
Cried all in fear and wonder;
“And oh! I am so sleepy
xâ€
now,
Another chick was moan-
Ing ;
CHICKENS IN TROUBLE.
“© mother dear, do spread
your wings
And let us all creep under.â€
« There, there, my little dears,
come here;
Your cries are quite distress-
ing,â€
The mother called, and spread
her wings
For comfort and caressing.
And soon beneath her feathers
warm,
The little chicks were hud-
dled;
â€
’
“T know what ailed you all
she said,
“You wanted to be cuddled
xâ€)
.
And as they nestled cosily
And hushed their weak com-
plaining,
She told them that the black,
black cloud
Was quite too small for
raining. —
And one by one they all were
soothed,
And out again went straying,
Until five happy little chicks
Were in the farmyard play
ing.
ROW, ROW! A-FISHING GO.
Eprideman.
SUE AND BOBBY CATCH FISH.
ROW, ROW! A-FISHING GO.
“What are you _ singing,
Nurse Karen?†asked Bobby,
as he came into the nursery
where she sat mending and
singing as she worked. Baby
had just been put into the crib
for a nap.
ee 18
we sing to sleepy children in
only a little song
my own country,’ said Nurse
“Shall
Karen. sing it
to you?â€
In
the queer words first, and then
“Yes, please, Nursie.
tell what it means.â€
Nurse Karen smiled, and
sang without delay, first in the
“queer words,†as the children
ROW, ROW! A-FISHING GO.
called her own language, and
then in words they could under-
stand :
A-fishing go!
How many fishes, I pray, can
“Row, row!
you show ?â€
“One for the father,
And one for the mother,
One for the sister,
And one for the brother ;
One little fish is still left, you
see,
And that one the fisherman’s
share shall be.â€
The children were pleased
with the song, and Bobby 1m-
mediately said:
“Let's play it, Sue!
Vil
eenlialiad Ti segues
go fishing, and you can ask me
how many fish I caught.â€
“QO, no, Bobby! I want
to go in the boat with you and
help you row.â€
“And you can come to me
with your fish, Bobby,â€
Nurse Karen.
So Sue and Bobby sat down
on the floor and’ pretended to
said
row and catch fish, and then to
row home again.
They had pieces of paper for
fishes.
The first time Bobby only
caught four,
little fish
share ; but you may be sure he
so there was no
for the fisherman's
took care to have five fishes
every time after that.
“an © EAT Z
THE WONDERFUL HAY-MAKING.
THE WONDERFUL HAY-MAKING.
“Oh! we've had such fun |
this afternoon, Nurse Karen,â€
said Bobby.
“So?†said Nurse Karen.
“ And what did you play ?â€
“We didn't play; we worked,
Sue and I, just like the men.
We worked in the hayfield, and
then rode into the barn on top
of the big load of hay.â€
“In my country,†said Nurse
Karen, “ we havea song about
a wonderful hay-making.â€
“Oh! do you, Nursie? And
will you sing it forus? Please
do!†And Bobby and Sue
sat down close at Nurse Ka-
rens side.
And Nurse
“ Yes, yes, good children; now
Karen said,
you shall hear about the won:
derful hay-making.
“The squirrel went out in the
meadow to mow,
So merry and blithe,
With his glittering scythe ;
: S The Raven %
And still as he mowed, he was
chattering so.
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LITTLE PEOPLE OF THE NURSERY.
THE WONDERFUL HAY-MAKING.
Oh! the squirrel went out in
the meadow to mow.
«The raven went with him to
rake up the hay,
The rake in his claw;
The crow dragged the cart
And the cat did her part ;
For she drove the hay-cart, and
said, “ Mew, mew, mew! â€
Oh! the crow and the cat to
the meadow went, too.
eCrow
and the
ats
it
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WH
(
Such a sight you ne'er saw !
And still as he raked he was
croaking away.
Oh! the raven went with -him
to rake up the hay.
“The crow and the cat to the
meadow went, too,
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“The children went out in the -
meadow to see,
alt
With
But squirrel was done,
And the raven was gone.
The crow and the pussy cat,
where could they be?
Oh! the children went out in
the meadow to see.â€
BABY’S RIDE. :
BABY’S RIDE.
Bobby and Sue were going
to a picnic with their papa and
They had been chat-
ting about it in great glee all
mamma.
the time they were being
dressed to go; but Baby had
been happy enough with her
playthings, paying no attention
to what was said, until Sue
called out “ There are the
horses! Hurry, Bobby !â€
Then indeed did Baby un-
derstand that something de-
lightful was in prospect.
She scrambled to her feet
and trotted towards the nursery
« Wide!
wide!†which of course meant
“Ride! ride!â€
But poor Baby! she was
door, calling out
not to go this time; and I[
must confess that she cried
loudly after the carriage drove
away, till Nurse Karen said,
“Who will ride to the miller’s
house ?†and took Baby upon
her knee.
Baby forgot her disappoint-
ment in an instant, for “ Riding
to the miller’s house†was her
favorite play.
Trot! trot! trot!
they went at a fine pace, while
Away
Nurse Karen sang:
« Ride, and ride away
Till we reach the miller’s house;
No one is at home,
But a morsel of a mouse.
«The miller grinds the corn
For Bobby and for Sue;
The rooster flaps his wings,
Singing ‘Cock-a-doodledo!’ â€
BABY’S RIDE.
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RIDING TO THE MILLER’S HOUSE,
You may imagine that the | against her sides and crowed
end of the song was jolly, for | as much like a real rooster as
Nurse Karen flapped her arms | she could. Baby enjoyed it.
THE GRATEFUL SPARROW.
IN THE STALL.
THE GRATEFUL SPARROW.
Bobby had had the earache.
But although the pain had
stopped he had to lie still lest
it should begin again; so it
was a good time for a story.
“ Now you shall hear,†said
Nurse Karen, putting up her
shall
hear how kind two friends were
forefinger, “now you
to each other, though one was
big and the other little.
“The big horse was standing
quietly in his stall, resting, and
thinking of going to sleep, -
when suddenly he heard a whirr
of wings, and the next moment
a tiny sparrow perched on the
edge of his manger.
THE GRATEFUL SPARROW.
« «Chee! chee! How hungry
I am!’ chirped the wee thing.
‘Your manger is so full, Dob-
bin dear, won't you let me
have some of your oats ? Such
a little will do for me! Just
one little grain or two; and
there will be plenty left for
you — more than you can eat.’
And the sparrow hovered over
the tempting oats, looking up
coaxingly at the big horse.
“«Take all you wish, little
bird,’ said Dobbin _ kindly.
We may both feast, and there
will still be some left.’
“Then the two friends ate
and ate of the delicious oats
till they both were satisfied.
“ By and by the summer came.
Even in the dim stable it was
very hot, and oh! how trouble-
flles were. Poor
Dobbin had no rest from their
stinging and biting.
some the
But one
day he heard a whirr of wings,
and the next moment his little
friend Sparrow perched on the
edge of his manger.
“«T do not come begging
this time,’ she chirped. ‘Chee |!
No, indeed. J
get my own living in the sum-
chee ! can
mer time. But now I will
show what I can do for you.’
“ Then you should have seen
how the sparrow darted about
and how she snapped at the
flies. And every day through
the whole summer the sparrow
came and caught the torment-
ing flies so that they could not
hurt and tease Dobbin any
| more.â€
WHAT THE CAT SAID.
jo Bobbys —(i‘“‘sSCO.O!OUU UU
WHAT THE CAT SAID.
Bobby and Sue and _ the
Baby had had their tea, and it
was now almost bedtime.
“What shall we
Bobby ?†asked Sue.
Bobby had thrown himself
flat on the floor, and lay there
play,
lazily stretched out.
“T don't feel like playing,â€
said he.
just had my tea, and I feel
“Tt's warm, and I’ve
lazy and sleepy.â€
“Aha!†said Nurse Karen,
“that is just what the cat
said.â€
“What cat?†and “Oh! a
story, a story!†said Bobby
and Sue together.
“ Not much of a story,†said
Karen; “but a funny little
rhyme written by a great man.
Off with your clothes, now,
and I will tell you about the
' cat as soon as you are in bed.â€
WHAT THE CAT SAID.
In a very little while the
children were ready.
« Now shall
said Nurse Karen:
you hear, ’-
“ The sun in the west.
Was sinking to rest,
)The lazy ‘old cat.
Four big bits of fish
Cut up on a dish,
I found on the cook's pantry
shelf ;
When the Ba old cat,
Half-asleep on the mat,
Began thus to talk to herself.
« Two fat tender mice,
And cream sweet and nice,
These made me a very good
meal.
Now, not a bit hungry I feel ;
But lazy and sleepy —and
very well fed,
The cat said.â€
THE STORY OF
THE TWO DOGS.
THE STORY OF
Bobby and Sue had been in
the house all day on account
They had had all
the old toys down from the top
shelf of the toy closet, and had
played everything they could
of the rain.
think of, and were wondering
what to do next when Nurse
IKaren came into the nursery
with Baby. .
“Oh! tell us something to
play, Nursie,†said Sue; “or
THE -TWO DOGS.
couldn't you play with us a
little while 2?â€
“This is my busy time,
you know, children,†answered
Nurse Karen. “I must get
all things ready for the night
now.
“But I can sing and work,
and we can play ‘The Two
Baby
shall ride on the rocking horse,
and Sue shall be the lit-
tle dog, and Bobby the big
dog.â€
“O, goody!†said Bobby ;
“and what shall we do?â€
“You must be chained, and
Dogs, if you~ wish.
then do just as the song tells
you.â€
When they were all ready
— Baby on the horse and
Bobby and Sue chained by
THE STORY OF THE TWO DOGS.
window seat —— Nurse
the
Karen sang:
“T see a big horse and a child
is astride,
saan i
The bigger dog barks with a
very loud noise,
‘ Bow, wow, wow !’â€
And where, and oh .
where shall the
little one ride ?
« Away to the palace
he gallops afar,
And out to the park
where the royal
dogs are.
“ ‘There under a bench, enaw-
ing hard at their chain,
They bark and they growl and
then both bark again.
“ The little dog barks in a fine
little voice,
Sue's “fine little voice†was
such a funny little squeak, that
Nurse Karen could scarcely
finish the song for laughing;
while Bobby’s “Bow, wow,
wow!†was as noisy and gruff
as any one could wish to hear,
oyal
IV’ ns
CEB)
FEEDING THE BIRDS.
FEEDING THE BIRDS.
Sue stood at the nursery
window watching the falling
Papa had _ said
there was to be a big snow-
snowflakes.
storm.
“ Karen, everything is white
now, and the snow is getting
so deep! Do come and see!
And, O, Karen!
some birds, too.â€
“So?†said Nurse Karen,
as she went to the window.
there are
“Then you have the little win-
We
love them much in Norway,
ter birds in America?
and our little children are very
kind to them.†|
“What do the children do?â€
asked Sue.
“That shall you hear in a
story,’ said Nurse Karen, tak-
ing Sue in her lap.
“Tt was a bitterly cold win-
ter, and everything was covered
A. little
girl named Inga, used every
with snow and ice.
day to get bread and scatter
crumbs over the snow for the
They
would fly down in great flocks
poor hungry birds.
all about her. Inga’s hands
nearly froze as she stood there
in the icy wind; but she was
so happy that she never thought
of the cold.
“Ingas father and mother
were glad to see that their little
daughter was so kind and
thoughtful for the birds, but
her father said, ‘Why do you
do that, Inga?’
“Oh!†said Inga, ‘there is
so much snow that the birds
can find nothing to eat.’
FEEDING THE BIRDS.
“
sibly feed them all, said her | them?â€
father. After that Sue used ofter
“Little Inga smiled and
said: ‘No; I can't feed them |
all; but there are
many other little chil-
dren all over the world
who will like to feed
them. Andso, father,
if I give crumbs to 47)
the birdies here, and |
other children give
crumbs in other
places, all the dear
little birds will be fed,
won't they, father ?’
«And that is the
whole of the story, s - _ Ve
aa.
iA
e
I believe,’ concluded Nurse | -4™%y 28
Karen. Poe
Sue looked up into her face,
and then ran towards the win- AIR Ce se oe
dow. to scatter crumbs on the snow,
“OQ, Nursie!†said she, | and liked to call it helping Inga
“the birds are here yet. May | feed the birds.
A CHRISTMAS RIDDLE.
A CHRISTMAS RIDDLE.
Listen, listen, children dear,
Now a riddle you shall hear.
As you hear it ponder well,
See who can the answer tell.
There’s a tree so dear to all,
Sometimes large and some-
times small.
Forests may be dull and drear,
This
tree is a-bloom with
cheer.
Fresh and green its branches
show
Though the world be white
with snow.
Birdies find a shelter warm
'’Mong its boughs from wintry
storm.
Trunk it has, but has no roots,
Yet it bears most wondrous
fruits.
—
Some delicious are and sweet ;
Some no one could ever eat.
A CHRISTMAS RIDDLE.
I V ONS sea oii ¥5
Fruits.
All the fruit is in
its prime
At one certain happy
time.
| "Round it pretty songs are sung,
Oh! what joy and mirth | Tis a joy to old and young.
abound
Where this wondrous tree is | Tis the children’s special tree;
found. Can you tell its name to me?
fi 4 :
ony yt GY, <>
Groce Brow poll Fock.
THE BABIES’ CORNER.
MY NEW DAY.—I WOULD BE A GENTLEMAN.
MY NEW DAY.
To-day has come: and |
In this new day will try
To do with earnest mind
Whatever work I find.
In all my work and play
Pll try my best to-day
In gentleness to speak,
For others’ joy to seek.
And all the whole day long
‘Pll try with purpose strong,
To keep my spirit true,
And deeds of love to do.
I WOULD BE A GENTLEMAN.
Oh! I would be a gentleman,
One without alloy;
And the way, they say,
Is to be each day
A gentlemanly boy.
SANTA’S REPROOF.
SANTA’S REPROOF.
(Before Christmas.)
“Hurrah! hurrah! for Christmas time,â€
, said merry little Jack.
. “IT think old Santa Claus will soon
\ begin to fill his pack.
I hope he'll bring a lot of things, espe-
WUE fS cially for me, |
‘Soy PPT = ~~ And fill my stockings to the top as full
| as full can be.
But then, my stockings don’t hold much; they're too small,
I declare!
A giant’s stocking would be grand. I wish I had a pair.
Now Jimmy Jenkins has a plan to get a good supply:
He hangs his grandma's stockings up. But I’m afraid to try,
SANTA’S REPROOF.
For Santa might forget, you see, with so much on his mind,
And leave a lot of grandma’s things which I should hate
to find.
Perhaps a case for spectacles, a cap and darning ball,
A pincushion, a neckerchief, a
little shoulder shawl.
O, yes! I know the kind of
things that grandma gets
each year ;
And though they suit her very
well, they'd make a boy
{/
s MW
ae
feel queer.â€
At last, one day, Jack said with
glee, “I have a plan that
suits:
On Christmas Eve I'll hang up both my new long rubber
boots.â€
(Christmas Eve.)
Well! Christmas Eve came on apace; and over all the land
The children hung their stockings up. And Jack, as he had
planned,
Hung up his great long rubber boots; then went away to bed
With only selfish, greedy thoughts still in his little head.
And when the children all had gone to slumberland away,
Then merrily did Santa Claus jump in his loaded sleigh.
SANTA’S REPROOF.
“Get up, my little reindeer, now! Bestir your tiny hoofs !
Now gallop at your swiftest pace till were among the roofs.â€
A bound, a whizz, a whirr! and then beside a chimney top,
In less time than it takes to wink, these knowing reindeer stop;
For they are shod with fairy
shoes and run at fairies’ pace,
Else how could Santa in one
night leave gifts at every
place?
Thus speeding on, the rein-
deer reached the roof
that sheltered Jack,
And Santa Claus, with
knowing look, drew
something from his
pack.
A cloud came o’er his jolly face, so ruddy and so’glad.
“This is the kind of work,†he sighed, “that makes a body
sad.
But still, I really must try my little friend to cure,
For greediness is such a fault! and one I can't endure.
I know it’s not quite delicate—the way that I have planned —
But ’tis a way the little chap will surely understand.
And though I give him all the toys I can from out my pack,
He'll know I see his greediness. Poor, foolish little Jack!â€
Then down into the chimney — pop! and up and out—and then
The reindeer, Santa Claus and all were on their way again.
SANTA’S REPROOF.
(Christmas Morning.)
Ho, ho! the merry Christmas shouts, the racket and the noise
As all the stockings are unpacked by eager girls and boys.
Jack tumbled out of bed in haste and to the chimney ran
To see the splendid lot of toys he’d gained by his new plan.
Right eagerly he plunged his hand into the boot with glee,
And pulled out — never would you guess!—a great big paste-
board P.
“What's that for?†wondered little Jack; “well, I'll see by
and by;†:
And then his hand brought from the boot a great big paste-
board I.
“Perhaps it’s some new game!†said Jack, as puzzled as
could be;
“T’ll try again!†and next he got a great big pasteboard G.
The letters, sprawled upon the floor, too plainly spelled a
word —
The strangest gift from Santa Claus of which I ever heard!
SANTA’S REPROOF.
Jack looked and looked; then all. at once it came into his
mind |
Just why old Santa Claus had left these letters three behind.
So Jackie sadly turned away, repentant and ashamed;
But, looking toward his other boot, he suddenly exclaimed:
“Why! that boot’s full of toys and things!—oh, Santa Claus,
you dear!
To give me something, after all, besides those letters queer!â€
And now I've told my Christmas tale and kept no sad truth
back,
That children may a warning take from greedy little Jack,
And hang their stockings with content however small they be,
That Santa never more may need to use those letters three.
THE SEASONS.
January, February,
Winter months
are they ;
Then comes on the
springtime —
March, April, May.
June, July and Au-
gust,
Thus the summer
speeds ;
Next we greet the au-
tumn —
Gay September
leads.
October and Novem-
ber
Follow in her
train ;
Then with white
December
Winter comes
again.
ALL FOR BABY
THE STORY OF BABYS SHIRT.
THE STORY OF BABY’S SHIRT.
In a field the flaxplant grew,
Decked with blossoms brightly
blue ;
And the flax all summer long
Laid its fibres straight and
strong.
By and by the reapers there
Gathered all the flax with care ;
And the spinner said with glee,
“Here at last is work for me.â€
Then the spinning-wheel went
round
With a busy whirring sound,
Changing, changing as it sped
All the flax to linen thread.
Then the weaver said with
glee,
“Here at last is work for me;
All this thread I will combine
Into linen soft and fine.â€
THE STORY OF BABY S SHIRT.
In his loom the threads he
placed,
Tossed the shuttle through in
haste,
Treading too with busy feet,
Till the web was all complete.
Then the merchant with de
light
Bought the linen fine and
white,
In his shop the web unrolled,
And the linen soon was sold.
Some the Babys mother
bought,
Then with tender loving
thought
Shaped the Baby’s shirt so
small,
Set with love the stitches all.
So the little shirt is here
Ready for the Baby dear;
But of all its story true eke
Not a thing the Baby knew! etd
THE STORY OF BABYS BLANKET.
THE STORY OF BABY’S BLANKET.
Once a little Baby, :
On a sunny day, c
Out among the daisies | :
Took his happy way. ee |
Little lambs were frisking
In the fields so green,
While the fleecy mothers
All at rest were seen.
For a while the Baby
Played and played and
played ;
Then he sat and rested
In the pleasant shade.
Soon a Sheep came near him,
Growing very bold,
And this wondrous story
To the Baby told:
THE STORY OF BABY S$ BLANKET.
“ Baby’s little blanket,
Socks and worsted ball,
Winter cap and mittens,
And his flannels all,
And his pretty afghan
Warm and soft and fine,
Once as wool were growing
On this back of mine!
“ And the soft bed blankets,
For his cosey sleep,
These were also given
By his friends, the sheep.â€
Such the wondrous story’
That the Baby heard:
Did he understand it?
Not a single word!
‘
ee
(Wei
Up, WLEY Z.
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LZ
wey nS
THE LITTLE
STRANGER.
THE STORY OF BABYS COTTON GOWN.
THE STORY OF BABY’S COTTON GOWN.
Sing ho! for the planter
Who planted the cotton,
Sing ho! for the sunny fields
Where it did grow!
Sing ho! for the workers
Who gathered the treasure -
From all the big buds
As they burst with its snow! .
Sing ho! the good spinner
Whose busy wheel turning
Then spun out the cotton
To thread strong and thin
Sing ho! for the weaver
Who wove them together
Within his great loom —
Oh! the clatter and din!
Sing ho! for the merchant
Who sold the new cotton
To many a mother
In city and town.
Sing ho! for the mothers
And babies together,
For baby is dressed
In a new cotton gown.
MAYUYNES 68
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THE STORY OF BABYS COTTON GOWN.
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THE STORY OF BABYS SHOES.
THE STORY OF BABY’S SHOES.
"Mong the mountains far away,
Nibbling, browsing all the day,
Lived a kid with fine soft
skia
Good for shoes for Babykin.
So the farmer, first, with speed
Sent the kid for Baby’s need ;
Then the tanner tanned the
skin
For the sake of Babykin.
Clip! the copbler’s shears did
So,
Clip! clip! clip! round top
to toe;
THE STORY OF BABYS SHOES. ‘
So he cut the leather thin
- Shaping shoes for Babykin. {
Tap! tap! tap! upon the last;
Stitch and stitch so strong and
fast;
Thus the cobbler made the skin
Into shoes for Babykin.
And when Baby’s toes peeped
through
Dainty socks of pink and blue,
Kid shoes, shiny, soft and thin,
Mamma bought for Babykin.
% THE STORY OF BABYS SASH.
THE STORY OF BABY’S SASH.
Grandmamma_ has brought a
gift
Beautiful as may be — |
Such a dainty silken sash!
We must thank her, Baby.
“No,†said Grandmamma, “for |
From the Merchant bought it.â€
“Thank me not,†the Mer-
chant said,
“Twas the Weaver brought it.â€
“Thanks to me/†the Weaver
cried,
“T can scarce believe it!
"Twas the Dyer gave the silk,
And / did but weave it.â€
To the Dyer, then, we'll go
Many thanks bestowing:
THE STORY OF BABY'S SASH.
“Forthe sash/ Why, I gave
naught
But its colors glowing.â€
“Nor to me your thanks be-
long,â€
Quickly said the Spinner;
“ But I think I know the one
Who should be their winner.
“ All the silken thread so fine—
Listen now !— I found it
In a Silkworm’s small cocoon,
And from there unwound it!â€
Here, then, was the sash begun;
So, though strange it may be,
“Twas the Silkworm, after all,
Gave the sash to Baby.
Hh f
II f rh: ie
Ph si gf a
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es a ba
Se ee
THE STORY OF BABYS MUG.
THE STORY OF BABY’S MUG.
Ae
Silver comes to Baby soon — ES Ae =
Silver mug and silver spoon: | I
| Th
|
Sing a song of silver!
|
With a mountain first begin,
Where the silver hides within:
Sing a song of silver!
Dull and rough the rocks ap-
pear ;
Who would think a treasure
here ?
Sing a song of silver!
Sing the mines as dark as
night,
Sing the miner's little light :
Sing a song of silver!
Digging, digging, day by day,
So the miner works away :
Sing a song of silver!
THE STORY OF BABY S MUG.
Swinging, from the mines be-
low, exes i ey
Up the loaded baskets go:
Sing a song of silver!
=a ae
: See) ee
Sing the fire’s flash and roar, Se MWe © V/,
Silver gleams in melting ore: SS
Sing a song of silver! eAcer Meee en
we HE ZA
Silver sleeping in the mould,
And the rest is quickly told:
Sing a song of silver!
DILVIER WA
MUG
-<_|OPECIALTY
SEyREr
=
Shapen is the silver soon —
i fit
|
Silver mug or silver spoon:
Sing a song of silver!
THE STORY OF BABYS PLATE.
THE STORY OF BABY’S PLATE.
Near and far away
The Potter sought for clay
Till the finest he had found,
And this finest, finer ground.
Then, with careful hand,
Measured marl and sand;
Softened all with water, then
Mixed and ground, and ground
again.
Ready then, the clay
Tough and plastic lay,
Till beside his wheel he stood
Where he shaped it as he
would.
Swift his wheel did turn,
Shaping vase or urn;
Toiled the Potter, early, late,
Shaping pitcher, cup or plate.
When they all were done,
Then he dried each one;
THE STORY OF BABY S PLATE.
Packed in ovens all, to bake—
Harder still the clay to make.
Harder grew the clay,
While, both night and day,
Faithful men the fires fed,
Kept them glowing fiercely red.
When the clay had grown
Firm and hard as stone,
‘Neath the Potter’s hand there
grew
Other wonders strange and
new.
Dipped in glazing white
Soon the ware shone bright!
Decked with patterns gilt and
Say
One could scarcely think it
clay!
Furnace heat again
Hardened all, and then
Finished was the labor great —
There was Baby’s China Plate!
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THE STORY OF BABYS BREAD.
THE STORY OF BABY’S BREAD.
(The mother speaks.)
Help, Neighbors, help!
Forour bread, good Neighbors,
Please to lend your labors —
Help, Neighbors, help!
AS
Drive, Plowman, drive!
Keep the plowshare steady,
Make the wheat field ready —
Drive, Plowman, drive !
otf
eit
tify, “tif Me
val
Gosh I
=
i i ( I) /)
SI
SS
===
Speed, Farmer, speed!
Sow the wheat and tend it,
To the Miller send it—
Speed, Farmer, speed !
\ A Gae Willeoaa
‘ By the mill-stream’s power
; Grind the wheat to flour—
| Grind, Miller, grind!
THE STORY OF BABYS BREAD.
sal
f
—
7
Zz
es
Haste, Baker, haste!
Here’s the flour— take it,
Sift and mix and bake it—
Haste, Baker, haste!
(The neighbors speak.)
See, Mother, see!
By our labors granted,
Here’s the bread you wanted —
See, Mother, see !
(Lhe mother speaks again.)
Thanks, Neighbors, thanks!
Baby, too, un-knowing,
Many thanks is owing —
Thanks, Neighbors, thanks!
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THE STORY OF BABYS PLAY—THINGS.
THE STORY OF BABY’S PLAY-THINGS.
Said the Ivory Ring:
“T can tell a strange thing [‘ cA
That perhaps you don’t know; | \ oe
But — a long time ago — ot
In an Elephant’s tusk did this
ivory grow.â€
Said the new Noah’s Ark
With its animals: “Hark!
If your wooden toys please,
You must thank the good
Trees,
For they give all the wood to
make such things as these.â€
Said the big Rubber Ball :
“Yes, and that is not all!
For a Tree far away
Gave its sap — so they say —
To make soft rubber toys for
the wee Babies’ play.â€
4
As x
THE STORY OF BABY 'S PLAY—THINGS.
Said the little Tin Pail:
“And now I'll tell a tale!
“Twas the Miner who found
Me at first underground,
And the Tinsmith who made
me so shiny and round.â€
Said the pretty pink Shell ;
“ Many things I could tell
Of the wonderful Sea
Where my home used to be,
And the queer little creature
who once lived in me!â€
Baby dear, it is true!
All mankind works for you ;
And the Creatures and Trees,
And the Earth and the Seas,
One and all give up something
the Baby to please.
THE STORY OF BABY’S PICTURE—BOOK.
THE STORY OF BABY’S PICTURE-BOOK.
One day I went strolling —
And what did I see?
A man who was busy
As busy could bé.
They called him an Artist,
And all that he saw
He could with his pencil
Most cunningly draw.
Cats, kittens and doggies,
Birds, butterflies, bees,
Hens, chickens and horses,
And flowers and trees,
*
THE STORY OF BABYS PICTURE -BOOK.
And houses and churches,
And sun, moon and stars,
And sailboats and steamships,
And engines and cars,
And people and children,
At work and at play,
This Artist could draw
In a wonderful way!
And why was he working
From morning till night?
Why, just to make pictures
For Baby’s delight!
THE STORY OF BABYS CRIB.
THE STORY OF BABY’S CRIB.
There once was a Tree, Baby
dear,
And it grew and grew
Tull the sky so blue
Seemed right at its top, Baby
dear.
A Man brought an ax, Baby
dear,
And he chopped and
chopped
Till the branches dropped
And crash! fell the tree, Baby
dear.
Away to the mill, Baby dear,
Did the Tree go then,
And the busy Men
Sawed it up into boards, Baby
dear.
THE STORY OF BABY'S CRIB.
The Carpenter worked, Baby
dear,
With a saw again,
And his hammer and plane,
And made you a Crib, Baby
dear.
Papa brought it home, Baby
dear:
And so, from the Tree
There has come, you see,
Your own little Crib, Baby
dear !
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THE STORY OF BABY S PILLOW.
THE STORY OF BABY’S PILLOW.
These are the Eggs that were
put in a nest;
These are the Goslings in yel-
low down drest.
This is the Farm-yard where,
' living in peace,
All the young Goslings grew
up to be Geese.
Here’s the Goose-family wad-
dling about —
In a procession they always
walk out.
This is the Farmer who said,
“ Every Goose
Now has some feathers on,
ready for use.â€
ail
wa
bad
THE STORY OF BABY S PILLOW.
This is the Farmer's Wife,
plucking with care
All of the feathers the Geese
can well spare.
This is the Pillow the Mer-
chant displayed:
“Ves, of the finest
feathers tis made.â€
Goose-
This is the Mother who put on
its case, |
Laid the wee Pillow away in
its place.
This is the Crib with its fur-
nishings white,
This the dear Baby who bids
you “ Good-night.â€
Pa a ae
ma
pK
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Wiles
Wirt
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i
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mi
E SURPRISE.
TH
ELSA’S†DOLTY.
ELSA’S DOLLY.
“What is it, my darling? Why do you
cry? I thought you were playing.tag so
happily with Nero,†called little Elsa's
mother, putting her head out of the
window.
On the lawn stood a little girl with her
apron up to her eyes, crying as if her heart
would break. From one hand hung the
limp body of a doll, while a big romping
dog stood by, wagging his tail and looking
as if eager to have the fun begin again.
But Nero’s fun had caused great grief
to Elsa, and when she heard her mother’s
voice she sobbed out, “Nero has bitten
Julie; bitten her head dreadfully!â€
“Julie's head, my precious? O, Nero!
’ for shame! But, dearie, he didn’t mean
to do any harm. Dogs don't understand
about dollies. Bring Julie in and let me see her.â€
So Elsa went into the house, while Nero strayed off to the
kitchen door and laid himself down in the sun.
Ah! what a beauty poor Julie had been, with her beautiful
wax head crowned with golden curls! And her eyes, that
could open and shut! Elsa used to put her to sleep and
ELSA’S DOLLY.
wake her again many times a day, just for the pleasure of
seeing the sweet blue eyes close and then open again. Could
it be that all this happiness was at an end? But what a
delightful being a mother is! Elsa's mother first washed
Julie nicely; then her lips and cheeks and eyebrows had a
touch of paint, so that the face looked as smiling and rosy
as before; and next, the yellow hair was brushed and curled;
last of all, the head was fastened on; and there was Julie as
fresh and sweet as ever.
When Elsa took her, Julie's eyes turned upward with a
soft glance and Elsa cried: |
“O, mamma! She is well again! She has opened her
eyes! Now I must put her to sleep. What a good mamma
you are!
“But I will never let Nero play with you again, poor
little Julie! He isa fine old fellow to play with little girls;
but he is too rough for dollies, isn’t he?â€
THE ENDLESS STORY.
THE ENDLESS STORY.
A tiny drop of water
Within the ocean lay ;
A coaxing sunbeam caught her
And bore her far away;
Up, up
and higher still—they go
With gentle motion soft and slow.
A little cloud lay sleeping
Upon the azure sky;
But soon she fell a-weeping
As cold the wind rushed by,
And cried and cried herself away—
It was a very rainy day!
The little raindrops sinking
Ran trickling through the ground,
And set the rootlets drinking
In all the country round;
But some with laughing murmur said,
“We'll farther go;†and on they sped.
THE ENDLESS STORY.
A little spring came dripping
The moss and ferns among,
A silver rill went tripping
And singing sweet along,
And calling others to its side,
Until it rolled —a river’s tide!
And with the ocean blending
At last its waters run.
“Then is the story ending?â€
Why, no! ‘tis just begun —
For in the ocean as before,
The drop of water lay once more.
THE EMPTY BIRD-HOUSE.
THE EMPTY BIRD-HOUSE.
I.— The Little Boy Wonders.
“T wonder why the birds won't
come
And live in their nice little home.
’Twas really built for them, I
know —
You know, mamma, you told me
so —
It’s snug and pretty as can be;
And why they don’t come, I can't
see.
ier Givie toa ane ““ They know*we havei t any cat,
So they can’t be afraid of that ;
And nobody would harm them here,
For we all love the birdies dear —
It’s surely safe as safe can be;
And why they don’t come, I can’t see.
“ What feasts of crumbs Id often give
If they would but come here to live,
And water always fresh and clear
Is in the lovely lake so near ;
Just what they like is here, you see —
Whatever can the trouble be?â€
q
THE EMPTY BIRD-HOUSE.
LI. — The Little Bird Explains.
“OQ! such a pretty house, I know!
My mate and I would love to go
And live in it the whole year long
And pay the rent with sweetest song ;
It’s snug and pretty as can be;
BUT —it’s too near the nursery!
“Why, every morning, noon and night
The noise would drive us crazy quite.
So empty must the bird-house stand,
For not a bird in all the land
Would ever come in it to stay
While there’s such crying every day.
“Tt isn’t doth the little boys,
But only ove makes such a noise.
They say he’s five years old and
more —
But if you chanced to hear him roar
Whenever he is washed each day,
‘A bog, big baby’ you would say.
“ BUT —IT’S TOO NEAR THE NURSERY! �
“And crying at his bath! A bird
Thinks that of all things most absurd,
Why! any birdie, children dear,
Would be ashamed to shed a tear —
®
THE EMPTY BIRD-HOUSE.
And so we couldn't bear, you see,
To live so near this nursery.
“We wouldn't mind the happy noise
Of fifty little girls and boys—
We love to hear them laugh and play ;
But naughty screams drive us away.
So if you wish to win the birds
Keep back the angry cries and words.
“ And we will surely find it out
As we go flying all about,
And gladly will we flutter near
When only pleasant sounds we hear,
And then some day Zerhaps you'll see
The bird-house will not empty be.â€
\
A
~~.
A WISE FELLOW.
A WISE FELLOW.
Buttercup yellow,
You're a gay fellow!
Does she like butter? You
must now show.
Don’t make a blunder!
I'll hold you under —
Right underneath her chin.
There you are—so!
/ An : Raa
LN, By)
Yes, it zs yellow!
ly O, you wise fellow!
ne She does like butter— but how
: did you know?
DOES SHE LIKE BUTTER?
BABY WANTS TO PLAY.
A LITTLE BOY’S JOKE,
A LITTLE BOY’S JOKE.
A hungry old spider, her web all complete,
Was waiting one morning for something to
eat.
Far back in the corner, so cunning and sly,
She hid herself thinking, “A bug or a fly,
Or some other insect will soon pass this way,
Pll have him for dinner — I’m hungry to-day.â€
So there sat the spider, with sharp appetite,
Far back in the corner, away out of sight.
Not very long after she felt the web shake,
And went in a hurry, her dinner to take.
“A big fellow, surely, I'll have a great feast,
He'll do for a dinner and breakfast at least.â€
The hungry old spider, so cruel and sly,
Now reached the web center — but what did she spy?
No poor little insect is caught in her snare,
“Twas only a vose she found hanging there.
And just at that minute a little boy spoke: —
“Aha! you old spider! I’ve played you a joke!â€