■W"^-^^~^»^«S^w^w^*¥^Qryj^l^*ISyjU,£jJ(] m ' UPKmiXnm&inx m Mother Truth Melodies #« • ***** M »•#•••**«• ■'"•* 'a««*«»«»**«*««9**4** *•**#**«##». A KlNDERGARTE fOR Little Fol O)ooooonroonoooooonooof)0(i l LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. LSUT7 ■ 'Ai UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. rTNV^^asg^^^^/O^ MOTHER TRUTH'S MELODIES. ; xll§l2llSIl§l;l - iiwS MELODIES. Common Sense for Children. ^ KINDERGARTEN. MRS. e: p. miller, AUTHOR OF A FATHER'S ADVICE, A BOOK FOR EVERY BOY," AND "A MOTHER'S ADVICE, A BOOK FOR EVERY GIRL." WITH 300 ILLUSTRATIONS. <&. NEW YORK: G. W. Carleton &• Co., Publishers. LONDON : S. LOW, SON & CO. MDCCCLXXIX. '.'in) 16)177 .A\(> Copyright by G. W. CARLETON & CO. 1878. Trow's Printing & Bookbinding Co. 205-213 East J2tk St., NEW YORK. To all who love the Children, This book, INSCRIBED, I bring,— Thus reaching forth to draw you Within my charmed Ring; Where seeds and germs we '11 nurture In babies, children, youth, Till every plant shall blossom, And bear the fruits of TRUTH. INTRODUCTION. Since little ones are geese no more, But knowing have become, It ill beseems that "Mother Goose" Should dwell in every home. So "Mother Truth" in "Melodies" For Babes, here lifts her voice, Assured that parents, children, all, Will welcome and rejoice. NOTE, ET no one suppose that the Author of these " Melodies " considers them poetry. They are simply rhymes, the jingle of which may be music in the children's ears, and the illustrations a delight to eager eyes. The Truths presented, even if not fully understood at first, will leave their im- press, and in so far as they fill the little minds, will keep out falsehood and false ideas. The putting of facts in such form as to attract the at- tention of the little ones, and be readily fixed in their memory, was first suggested to the writer of these rhymes by a valued friend, the well-known philanthropist. Mrs. Elizabeth Thompson, and her interest in the " Melodies " is such that she has generously assisted in procuring illus- trations for the same. Thus "Mother Truth's Melodies" are introduced with the hope that this effort to entertain children with rhyming reason will meet with the approval of every lover of the young and of Truth. E. P. M. ~^^&2 PAGE Fly Away, Mother Goose, 13 Toss the Baby, 14 Pat-a-Cake, Pat-a-Cake, 15 Hey, my Kitten, my Kitten, 16 WlNKUM, WlNKUM, 17 Baby's Bell, 18 Willy-nilly, 19 Humpty-dumpty, 20 Hush-a-bye, . 22 Don't make me Laugh, ... .... 26 Bye-baby-bunting, . , 27 To Bed with the Chickens, 28 Dive me Sudar, 29 Tause I'm Tross, 3° The New Book, 3 2 Whiskum, Whiskum, 33 The Jack-Horse, 34 Hi-diddle-diddle, 35 The Rain, . 3 6 1* io Contents. FAGE Feed the Birdies, 37 Rock-a-bye, 3 8 Little Bo-peep, . 45 Mama, Panky me, . 4 6 Little Jack Horner, 4 8 Little Boy Blue, . 49 Miss Velvet-Paws, . , 5° Polly Hopkins, , . • 5 1 A, B, C, .... 52 C-a-t spells Cat, 5 8 The Kitten, 6i Dolly Dimple, ......... 64 If you Please, 69 The Poor Little Chick-a dees, 70 Heigh-ho, Daisies and Buttercups, 74 The Pony, 75 Fee-fi-fo-fum, 80 The Oxen, .......... 88 The Broken Pitcher, ....... 92 The Elephants, 93 The Wind, the Fog, the Rain, the Snow, ... 94 Truth, 98 hl-diddle, ho-diddle, ....... ioo What is the Axis? 104 The Language Key 107 Twinkle, Twinkle, , 108 Old Sol in a Jingle, . . . . . . . no "Robert of Lincoln," 113 LlMPY-DIMPY-DINGLE, 1 14 The Rattle of the Bones, . . . . . .116 Contents. 1 1 PAGE Wholly Holey, 121 The Breath o' Life, . . .... 124 Curious Trees: the Cow-Tree; the Sugar- Pine ; the But- ter-Tree ; the Bread-fruit Tree ; the Clove-Tree, . 125 No Eyes, 130 The Mammoth Cave, 132 The Camels, 134 Key-notes, 139 The Bears, . . 140 The Bear a Blessing, .*...,. 143 The Raccoon, 146 The Bank- Swallows, . . . . . . . 152 The Mocking-Bird, 156 The busy Bees, 158 Honey-Sweet, 167 What they Say, » 170 Britain's Rulers, 177 Signs of the Zodiac, . 180 Little Mischief, 183 Grandma's Canary, . . 187 Handsome Dick, ........ 190 The Dinner-Pot, 195 Dare to say NO, . 196 Ask Mother, . 199 Tell Mother, 199 Don't tell a Lie, ........ 200 The Children's Rail-Road, 202 Mabel's Snow-feathers, 208 The Laddie- and Lassie-Birds, ...... 212 MOTHER TRUTH'S MELODIES. FLY AWA Y % MOTHER GOOSE. Mother Goose, Mother Goose, Fly, fly away ! Mother Truth 's coming now, Coming to-day. She '11 tell us funny things, But they '11 be true ; -^ She '11 bring us pictures, As many as you ; She '11 sing us Melodies helping to show How, to true women and men, we may grow. H Mother Truth's Melodies. TOSS THE BABY. TOSS the baby high in air ; Catch him though with special care, Lest his little back be strained, Lest his little joints be sprained, Lest his bones be bent or broken, Lest through life he bear some token Of a careless toss or fall, That for sympathy shall call, And that must forever be Painful to our memory. Mother Truth's Melodies. 15 PAT-A-CAKE, PAT-A-CAKE. PAT-A-CAKE, pat-a-cake, Mama's boy, Laughing and crowing, And jumping with joy ; Roll it and pick it and mark it with B, And toss in the oven for Baby and me. Pat-a-cake, pat-a-cake, Papa's girl, Springing in baby-glee, Shaking her curl ; Roll it and pick it and mark it with G, And toss in the oven for Girly and me. i6 Mother Truth's Melodies. HEY, MY KITTEN, MY KITTEN. HEY, my kitten, my kitten, Hey, my kitten, my deary ; If Mama should feed him too often, He never could be so cheery. Here we go up, up, up, And here we go down, down, down-y, : If we never feed baby too much, \N^i Heneverwillgive us a frown-y. Hey, my kitten, my kitten, Hey, my kitten, my deary ; We'll put him to bed with the birdies, And that will make him so cheery ! Here we go up, up, up, And here we go down, down, down-y ; If we give him nothing but smiles, He will give us never a frown-y. Mother Trut/is Melodies. 17 WINKUM, WINKUM WlNKUM, Sweet, my winkum, shut your eye, ^* baby, lullaby ; For the dew is falling soft, Lights are flickering up aloft, And the head-light 's peeping over Yonder hill-top capped with clover ; Chickens long have gone to rest, Birds lie snug within their nest, And my birdy soon will be Sleeping with the chick-a-dee, For with only half a try, Winkum, winkum, shuts her eye. i8 Mother Truth's Melodies. BABYS BELL. INGLE ! jingle ! baby's bell ;— What a tale its tongue might tell. Could it speak it sure would say, " When the baby 's tired with play, And is getting cross, don't try To jingle bells, but hush-a-bye ; All so still, now crooning low, Lull-a-bye, bye-o, bye-o, — Quiet down his quaking nerves, Soothe him as his state deserves ; — Passing hand from head to feet, Sl-o-w-l-y, softly, loving, sweet, As to smooth the feathers down, Rumpled from your birdling's crown ; — Mother Trutlis Melodies. 19 See, he sleeps, and in his dream Yours may hand of angel seem, Ravelling out the tangled ills, Knitting up with restful thrills." WILLY-NILLY. Willy-nilly, birdy sings, For he's running over With the music that he flings To his sweet bird-lover ; — Willy-nilly, baby laughs, Gay and glad and gleeful ; Brimming over high with health, She is always plavful. 20 Mother Trut/is Melodies. HUMPTY-D UMPTY. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is crying, why doesn't he stop ? What does he cry for ? his clothing is tight ; — No wonder such things make baby a fright. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby was crying, but now he will stop ; What did he cry for ? his clothing was wet ; — No wonder such things should make babies fret. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is crying, oh, when will he stop ? What does he cry for ? his feet are a-cold ; — No wonder such things should make baby scold. Mother Truth's Melodies. 21 Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is crying, but soon he will stop ; What does he cry for ? he had too much food ; — No baby in this way can ever be good. Humpty-dumpty, hip-o'-to-hop, Baby is laughing and scarcely will stop ; What does he laugh for ? Oh, when he feels well, He always is happy, — 'tis thus we can tell. 22 Mother Truth's Melodies. HUSH-A-BYE. HUSH-A-BYE, baby, On Grandmother's lap ; Hush-a-bye, baby, And take a nice nap ; Hush-a-bye, baby, What is it you say ? Your " teeth are a-coming," You're " ten months to-day' Well, babies must cry, And Grandmothers must try To comfort and hush them, but never forget That little gums ache, And little nerves quake, Till little lips quiver, and babies must fret. Hush-a-bye, baby, We '11 cool his hot gums, Hush-a-bye, baby, With tiny ice-crumbs ; Hush-a-bye, baby, We'll rub hard and long With icy-cold finger, — See him list to my song ! Mother Truth's Melodies. Ah, babies are sweet If their wants we but meet, \ So why should we blame them when fretful and cross ? Let us find what is wrong, And remove it ere long, And we '11 see that time thus spent is never a loss. Hush-a-bye, baby, What more can we do, Hush-a-bye, baby, That will comfort you ? Hush-a-bye, baby, We '11 lay you down flat, On your stomach, dear baby, On Grandmother's lap. 24 Mother Truth's Melodies, Nor trot you a mite, No matter how slight, But, sure that your clothing is all dry and neat, We'll loosen each band, And with soft and warm hand, Gently rub you all over from head to your feet. Hush-a-bye, baby, We will not forget, Hush-a-bye, baby, That hands may be wet, Hush-a-bye, baby, And soothe you sometimes, When dry hands won't do it, Hush, list to my rhymes ! Mother Truth's Melodies. 25 And now we '11 not nurse Till the nursing 's a curse ; Nor dose you, nor drug you, nor feed with sweet-meats ; Nor to soothe, will we try, With old " Dame Winslow " by, For our hopes for the babies, she ever defeats. Hush-a-bye, baby, We '11 quiet his nerves, Hush-a-bye, baby, The truth it deserves — Hush-a-bye, baby — Even here to be known : We will quiet his nerves "By just calming our own ! And our baby will feel The sweet hush o'er him steal, That brings with it soothing and comfort and rest ; And to slumber so soft, His spirit we'll waft, And then lay him away in his own baby nest. 26 Mother Trutti s Melodies. DON' T MAKE ME LA UGH. Dear Mama, I've been laughing For Uncle Ben and Pa, And then for sister Lizzie I talked " ar-g-o-o " and " gar ; " And then a " little story " For Dick and Cousin Jane, — And now you, Mama, want me To laugh and talk again. I'd like to do it, Mama, but if I even try, I am so weary with it, I'm sure I'd only cry ! Don't let them try, dear Mama, to make me laugh and crow, I'll do it when I'm able, for babies always do. Mother Truth's Melodies. 27 B YE-BAB Y-B UN TING. Bye-baby-bunting, The Indians live by hunting, And bring home many a beaver-skin To wrap the little pappoose in. And mother-squaw the baby '11 tie J Fast on a board, and swinging high, Will hang it up among the trees To rock-a-bye with every breeze ; But our dear baby, snug IJi and warm, F^-^z Shall rock-a-bye on mo- ther's arm. 28 Mother Truth's Melodies. TO BED WITH THE CHICKENS. Oh, put me in my bed, Mama, When chickens go to rest, For I'm your little chick-a-dee, So put me in my nest. Yes, when the birds forget to sing, And lambs forget to play, You '11 put your birdy in his nest, Your lamb you '11 fold away. 7V> Mother Truth's Melodijs. 2 9 DIVE ME SUDAR. Papa, when you dive me tandy, Dive me only white, — Tause there 's poison in the tolored, Which my health will blight ; But you better dive me sudar, Let the tandy be, — 'Tause I shall not want so much, And that is best for me. 3° Mother Truth's Melodies. TAUSE FM TROSS. MAMA, 'tause I'm tross don't whip me ; I tan't help it, not a bit ! 'Tis the tandy hurts my stomat, And that mates me whine and fret. Sometimes, too, I'm whipped for trossness When the trossness tomes from meat ; Mother Truth's Ale todies. Thint how tiders drowl and drumble, And then dive me food to eat 31 ^J ^ That will mate me well and happy, — Wheat and oat-meal, rice and fruit, These will mate me dood and gentle, 'Stead of mating me a brute. 32 Mother Truth's' Melodies. THE NEW BOOK. COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO, A picture-book for you, — Keep it nice, and in a trice, Sing Cock-a-doodle-doo. Mother Truth 's Melodi cs. 33 WHISKUM, WHISKUM. WHISKUM, whiskum, over the house, Scud the cloudlets, still as a mouse ; Whiskum, whiskum, by-and-by They '11 pour rain-drops from the sky. 34 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE JACK-HORSE. We will ride our Jack-horse All the meadows across ; Oh no, do not whip him, But feed him, my dear ! A handful of grass In his mouth as we pass, Will make him trot gayly, And give us good cheer ! Mother Truth's Melodies. 35 HI-DIDDLE-DIDDLE. Hl-DIDDLE-DIDDLE, Mother duck 's in the middle, Her baby-ducks swimming around ; With bills like a ladle, And feet like a paddle, No danger that they will be drowned. 36 Mother Truth's Melodies, THE RAIN. Come, rain, come, ; That the water may run, That the meadow grass may grow ; That the fruit and grain, O'er hill and plain, May greet us as we go. Come, rain, come, That the water may run, That the mill may make our meal ; — 'Twill grind our wheat, And corn so sweet, When it turns the old mill-wheel. Mother Truth's Melodies. 37 FEED THE BIRDIES. FEED the birdies, darling, When the snow is here, When there are no berries, On the bushes, dear ; — Scatter food out for them, And they '11 quickly come, Hopping, singing, chirping, " Thank you for the crumb." Mother Truth's Melodies. ROCK-A-BYE. ROCK-A-BYE, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't tremble with fear, For that tends to make His slight illness severe. S^ Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't coax him to nurse, For urging to eat Only makes matters worse. Mother Trutlis Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We'll soon have him well ;- Rock-a-bye, baby, No company 'round, Not even the dear ones, To make a loud sound. 39 Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, Don't rattle the papers Nor whisper around, Little nerves cut such capers. 40 Mother Truth's Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, Whatever is wrong, Attend to his bowels, Neglected too long. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, If he is too hot, Undress him and bathe him ; But, ah ! he is not. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, There is cough with unrest, So we '11 wring out hot flannels And cover his chest. Mother Truth's Melodies. 41 Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, He 's perspiring, to pour ! We will keep up this treatment A full hour or more. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well Rock-a-bye, baby, Now dry him off neat, And wrap him up warm, And to-morrow, repeat. 42 Mother Truth's Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;— Rock-a-bye, baby, Tis not in his chest ? Then place the hot flannels Where he feels the unrest. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;— Rock-a-bye, baby, He is moaning with pain, And rolling his head, And we pet him in vain. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ;— Rock-a-bye, baby, We will wring out from ice, Linen cloths for his head, All so cooling and nice. Mother Trtittis Melodies, 43 Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, If cold don't relieve, Use hot and then cold, And then hot, you perceive. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling is ill, Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 soon have him well ; — Rock-a-bye, baby, We '11 see that his feet Are kept warm all the time, And his clothes dry and neat. 44 Mother Truth's Melodies. Rock-a-bye, baby, Our darling was ill ; Rock-a-bye, baby, But now he is well ; Rock-a-bye, baby, No drugs, not a dose ! Yet he 's over it finely, Just hear how he crows ! Mother Truth's Melodies. 45 LITTLE BO-PEEP. Co' Nan, co' Nan, says little Bo-Peep, Co' Nan, co' Nan, up come the sheep ; They jump the ditch and scale the wall, Where one sheep goes, they follow, all. Co' dea', co' dea', says little Bo-peep, Co' dea', co' dea', I '11 shear my sheep ; Their wool so fine will make my coat, My blankets and my hose to boot. 4 6 Mother Truth, 's Melodies. MAMA, PANKY ME. See the baby run and tumble 'Cross his mother's knee, While his merry voice is shouting, " Mama, panky me ! " Hundred times he '11 run and tumble Thus in childish glee, Bursting forth in joyous laughter, " Mama, panky me." But if she should " pank " in earnest, Half as hard as now, Quick would come in place of sunshine, Clouds upon his brow. Mother Truth's Melodies. 47 Ves, if she should "pank" in earnest, Little eyes would fill, Little lips would curl and quiver, Little shout be still. Till the little heart no longer Could contain its woe, Then burst forth in cries of anguish. Such as babies know. 4 8 Mother Truth's Melodies. LITTLE JACK HORNER. Little Jack Horner Sat in the corner, Eating a morsel of nice brown bread ; " Have some pie, or some cake " ? " Nay, not I," with a shake And a toss of his wise little head. For this bread will make bone, And white teeth like a stone, That will neither grow soft nor decay ; But rich cake and rich pie Sure will break, bye and bye, My good health, and that never will pay. Mother Truth 's Melodies. 49 LITTLE BOY BLUE. ITTLE Boy Blue, may I go with you now ? " 4< Yes, down to the pasture to drive up the cow." Little boy blue, what then may I have ? " A nice cup of milk as ever cow gave." Little boy blue, the milk must be set ; " Yes, for 'tis thus the nice cream we shall get." Little boy blue, what will we do then ? " We '11 skim it and dash it, with ' churn, butter, churn. ' ' Little boy blue, what else can we make ? " O, cheese, tempting cheese, and the dainty cheese- cake." Little boy blue, is there anything more ? " O, yes, puddings, custards, and dainties, a store." Little boy blue, shall we eat of all these ? " Simple food is far better for us, if you please ? " 3 ;o Mother Truth 's Melodies. MISS VELVET-PAWS. Little Miss Velvet-paws. Ravelling out her yarn, Catches mice, in a trice, In everybody's barn. Look out for velvet paws, Do not trust them far, For velvet paws cover claws That will leave a scar. Mother Truth's Melodies. 5* POLL V HOPKINS. ~\ -4 J X&&* Now little Polly Hopkins Must surely know great A, And B, and C, and D, and E, F, G, H, I, J, K ; And L, and M, and N, and O, AndP, andO, R, S, And T, U, V, and W, X, And Y, & Z, I guess. 52 Mother Trtdti s Melodies. J±, B, O Stands for Alligator, Stands for Ball, Stands for Cat in a cream-pot, Stands for Doll. M, Mother Trutlis Melodies. 53 Stands for East, or Ellen, Stands for Fay, Stands for Goat, a Pen /Jf . i in, Stands for Hay. Stands for Indigestion, 54 Mother Truth's Melodies. Stands for Jar, Stands for King, or Keepsake, Stands for La. Stands for Man, or Thousand, Stands for Nail, m £ looo Mother Triitli s Melodi cs. 55 MM Stands for Oaken bucket, Stands for Pail. Stands for Queen, or Question, Stands for Rose, Stands for Christmas Stocking, Mother Trutlis Melodies. Stands for Toes. X Stands for Urn, or Ulster, ■ V j|| Stands for Vane, Stands for West, or Winter, Mother Trutli s Melodies. 57 Stands for Ten. Stands for Yoke (with Oxen), Stands for Zero, H 1! — i II — = — Lg Hi N when you 've learned your LETTERS, You '11 be a Hero. 58 Mother Truth 's Melodies. C-A-T SPELLS CAT. I ^ C-A-T spells Cat, That brought the kittens here ; D-O-G spells Dog, That does, the puppies, rear. C-O-W, Cow, The mother of the calf ; O-X spells the Ox, That's bigger, yes, by half. Mother Truth's Melodies. 59 B-O-Y spells Boy, That 's little brother Lou ; G-I-R-L, Girl, . And that is sister Sue. B-I-R-D, Bird, Just hear canary sing ; G-O-L-D, Gold, That makes a handsome ring. B-O-O-K, Book, In which we learn to read ; C-O-O-K, Cook, Supplies the food we need. 60 Mother Truth 's Melodies. S-E-E-D, Seed, From which we raise the plant ; S-I-N-G, Sing, Just hear the children chant. B-A, BA, B-Y, BY, And that spells BABY, love; L-A, LA, D-Y, DY, And that spells LADY, dove. M-A, Ma, R-Y, ry, And that spells MARY, child, E-D, Ed, D-Y, dy, That's EDDY, sweet and mild. Mother Truth's Melodies. 61 THE KITTEN. One, two, (l, 2,) Here 's a kitten for you ;- Three, four, (3, 4,) She will open the door,— Five, six, (5, 6,) And your cream she will mix, 62 Mother Truth's Melodies. y?s*z>* h Mli1i is good ! " Mother Truth's Melodies, 139 KEY-NOTES, Lightly flowing liquids, we,- Tethered with our brothers, Make we music, melody, More than all the others ; — Lulling, mellowy, nimble, rare, Revelling in rhythm, Running here and everywhere, Make we merry with 'em. 140 Mother Truth 7 s Melodies. THE BEARS. Wild bears are found all over, From Northern lands to South, But largest, strongest, where 'tis cold, And fiercest, farthest North. All bears are fond of honey, Of berries, too, and roots ; They hug or squeeze their prey to death. As this their nature suits. They mate in June-y weather : Their little ones are cubs ; They sadly mourn when mates are killed, You'd almost hear their sobs. They'll try to feed a cub That's lying cold and dead, And will not flee, but stand and take The fatal knife instead. 142 Mother Truth's Melodies. They sleep through winter-time, — But prowl in wildest storms, With hope to find some creature killed, Or struck with death's alarms. t^Lsl The bears are white, or black, Or brown, or grizzly gray, — The white, 'mong polar snows are found, Where half the year is day. Their fur is used for robes, For coats, sometimes a muff; — Their meat is prized by some as food, While some would call it " stuff." Mother Triitti s Melodies. They nimbly climb a tree, But " back down," — for their frame Is made so lungs would forward press, If they, head-foremost, came. 1 43 THE BEAR A BLESSING. To people of Kamtschatka, The bear a blessing proves ; His skin forms beds and coverlets, And bonnets, shoes, and gloves. His flesh and fat are dainties, And of his intestine, Is made a mask for warding off The glare of Sun in Spring. 144 Mother Truth's Melodies. 'Tis also used for windows, As substitute for glass ; — Of shoulder-blade a tool is made, That's used for cutting grass. Uj^M&MM. Norwegians think the Bear is More sensible than men ; While Laplands call him " Dog of God," And dare not him offend. Mother Truth's Melodies. H5 The fruits of the orchard and garden Are beautiful, luscious, and good, — Partake of them freely, dear children, But eat them at meals with your food. 7 146 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE RACCOON. Come, child, and see our pet Raccoon, — The Raccoons live in the woods, you know, But ours was caught, And caged, and brought From old Virginia, long ago. Mother Truth y s Melodies, Oh, no, you need not be afraid, See, he is fastened with a chain ; For ropes enough, He has gnawed off, And he is hard to catch again. 147 He e'en will climb this ten- foot fence, And, careless where his feet may strike, He tumbles, bang ! And there will hang, It His rope being caught by vine or spike. And once the rascal ran away ; Was gone for days, and maybe weeks ; When children came, And charging blame, Said, " Your Raccoon has caught our chicks. 148 Mother Truth's Melodies. IB C5 4-> ^ O a c •4-> *0 TJ u tfj u u 3 a> ti »-T C/3 a - T3 O C X < Mother Truth's Melodies. 149 So now he 's chained ; yet up he '11 climb The stake to which he *s fastened tight, And mutter low, So pleading, Oh ! 'T would make you sorry for him, quite. Just see his nose, so pointed, sharp, — His ears as keen as keen can be, — His eyes so bright, So full of light, And see him leap right merrily ! His fur, you see, is yellowish gray, — And he is nearly two feet long ; He lives on roots, And nuts and fruits, When he 's his native woods among. But here we give him bread and milk ; He never eats like dogs or lambs, But takes it up From out the cup With his fore-foot, as we use hands. i5o Mother Truth's Melodies, You 'd laugh to see him, I am sure ; Of strawberries, too, he 's very fond ; Will poke around Till he has found Each one among the hulls out-thrown. Then, too, he 's fond of nice clean clothes, — Will spring for sheets hung out to dry ; And children dressed In very best, Are sure to please his dainty eye. No matter where his feet have been, He '11 spring and plant them, little pest, On something white, And then will fight To hold, and hide it in his nest. Mother Truth's Melodies. 151 You 've " come again to see our Coon" ? Well, he is gone ; he plagued us so, We sent the " Rac" To Central Park, Where you can see him when you go. Oh yes, they 're glad to get him, there ; They have no clothes hung out to dry; And children aye Must stand away, For there a keeper 's always nigh. A "Yes" and "No" are common, hard, But " yes'm," " no-sir," choice ;— Let none but sweet and gentle words Flow from your gift of voice. 152 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE BANKS WALLO WS. In a village of Bank-Swallows, You will find so many a nest, That you scarce can tell their number, Nor which one of them is best. Mother TrutJis Melodies. 153 In the sand-hill, see the openings, Round or oval, odd-shaped, some, Size and form depending often, On how loose the sand become When with their short bills they pecked it,- Clinging fast with claws the while, — Till they made an open door-way, Suiting them in size and style. Once within, they peck and peck it, Sometimes quite a yard or more, — ■ While the nest is snugly builded, Farthest from the outer door. But, so wise are they, this archway From the entrance to the nest, Is inclining ever upward, That no rain within may rest. So the pink-white eggs are laid there, Safe from harm, till baby-birds Chirrup forth to take their places 'Mongst the self-sustaining herds. 7* " 154 Mother Truth's Melodies. Smallest of the swallow species, Homeliest, too, yet favorites dear, For their graceful, airy movements, And their simple, social cheer. Found are they from North to South-land, Known of every tribe and race ; — Swift in flight, yet swinging, swaying, Skimming low from place to place. Parent-birds care less for young ones, Than do other swallow-kind ; — Push them off half-fledged and timid, Each his food and home to find. Thus they, many a time, fall prey to Hawks and crows, — their enemies ; — Even the nest sometimes is entered By the snakes and fleas and flies. Swallows migrate in the Winter, From the cold, to warmer climes, — Flying back as Spring approaches, To the haunts of former times. Mother Trutlis Melodies. 155 " Ne'er one swallow makes a Summer,' Is a saying everywhere ; — But when swallows come in myriads, Blessed Summer-time is here. i5« Mother Truth's Melodies. THE MOCKING-BIRD. The New World boasts the Mocking-bird ; And whether caged or free, His wondrous voice pours forth in songs Of rarest melody. His notes swell out, and die away, As if a joyous soul Were wrought to highest ecstasy, All music to control. Mother Truth 's Melodies. His native notes are bold and full, And then he '11 imitate, Till it would seem the feathered tribe Were all arrayed in state. L 1 1 JU\ \ i57 He'll whistle for the dog or cat, — Will squeak like chicken, hurt, — And cluck and crow and bark and mew, So comical and curt. While blue-birds warble, swallows scream, Or hens will cackle clear, — In robin's song, the whip-poor-will Pours forth his plaint so near. 158 Mother Truth's Melodies. Canaries, hang-birds, nightingales, He echoes loud and long ; While they stand silent, mortified, He triumphs' in his song. THE BUSY BEES WHY do the little busy bees So dearly love their queen, And wait upon, and pay respect. With watchful care and mien ? Mother Truth's Melodies. 159 Because the queen lays all the eggs, And mothers all the young, While every father - bee that 's hatched Is nothing but a drone. The working-bees might all be queens, If cared for and well-fed When they are in the larvae state, But they're half-starved instead, — While those intended for young queens Are fattened overmuch, And nursed and petted every hour, That they full growth may reach. For every different kind of egg That makes the different bees, A different kind of cell is made, The queen directing these. For drones or males, six-sided cells, Quite neat, and smooth, and nice ; For working-bees a smaller cell, Uncouth, and rough, and coarse ; 160 Mother Truth's Melodies. While those for queens are large and free, And fashioned fine with care, And lined with softest silken shreds, So daintily they fare. The queen-bee lays the worker-eggs, A dozen days, I ween, And then the drones, as many more, Then workers, then the queen. Eggs, two or three, and sometimes four Are laid in worker-cell ; While drones and queens have each but one, As oft is proven well. The bluish eggs so close and warm, Hatch out with three days passed ; Mother Truth's Melodies. 161 When larvae, white, as little worms, Are watched and fed and nursed. These larvae, when some six days old, Close in their cells are shut, And there at once begin to weave A silken web about. They turn and twist till all around Themselves 'tis woven quite, And then they rest for twenty days, 'Tis such a pretty sight, The small cocoons of working- bees, The larger ones of drones, The large and plump and per- fect ones Of all the coming queens. l62 Mother Trutlis Melodies. In twenty days they now burst forth, Equipped from tip to toe, The working-bees and drones, I mean, For queens come forth more slow. 4r <& ^fe. -*$z "S&. The queen cocoons ope from behind, And I will tell you why, 'Tis that the reigning queen may sting The others till they die If mother-queen leads off a swarm, A young queen they release, And she may take another swarm, And leave the hive in peace. Another queen is then let out, Perhaps a third and fourth, As many as can raise a swarm, To follow them, not loath ; Mother Truth ' s Melodies. 163 But when no more can swarm and go, Because not bees enough, As I have said, the reigning queen Stings all the rest to death. For in each hive and everywhere, One queen alone will reign, And any interloper meets With sure and sharp disdain. Of workers, some are strong to fly, While some are weak and small, Unfitted quite, for load or flight, Or outside work at all. These last complete the larvae-cells, And nurse and feed the young ; They mix the bee-bread, cleanse the hive, And care for every drone. All bees have stings except the drones, And these, when Autumn nears, Are stung to death with furious wrath, As by the book appears. 164 Mother Truttis Melodies, And now I hope you children all, Will use your wondrous power To " gather honey all the day, From every opening flower." Mother Truth's Melodies, 165 BBB R YYY B U YY* * Bees are wise ; Be you wise. Mother Truth's Melodies. 167 HONEY-SWEET. " Ah, but how do bees make honey ? " Now the children, eager, ask ; And we '11 try to give them answer, If we 're able for the task. See, the under-lip is lengthened, Like a trunk or proboscis, Ending by a kind of button, Fringed with tiny, moving hairs. All along its length, too, fringes, Just the same, are growing forth ; And by means of these, the honey Is conveyed from flowers to mouth. Then the bee has two small stomachs, In the first of which is stored All the honey it can gather, But, when home, 'tis quick out-poured. 1 68 Mother Truth's Melodies. Bees have six legs ; and in hindmost, There are baskets found, or bags, Into which the pollen gathered, Is brushed off by the other legs. And this pollen, for the bee- bread And as food for young, they use, Mixed with honey and with water, — Swallowed and disgorged like juice By the nurses, who digest it Partly, for the larvae-food, Taking care that each shall have it, Just according to the brood. Mother Truth's Melodies. Now we '11 watch and see them working ; See them brush off pollen-dust ; See them, too, disgorge the honey, Into cells the sweetness thrust. 169 Children, with your useful fingers, Hands and arms and feet and head, Do not let the bees surpass you, Making honey, nay, nor bread. 8 170 Mother Truth's Melodies. WHAT THEY SAY. Those creatures that chew the cud, The " Ruminants " we call, From " Rumen," or the stomach-pouch, In which their food doth fall. A "Species" is a kind Of animals or plants ; — Each species has a different name, And differing; traits and wants. — And species may unite To form a Race we know, For race from root is always drawn, And roots must spread and grow. Mother Truth 's Melodies. 171 That men and women are The race most choice and fine, We plainly see, and sometimes call, The Human Race, Divine. 172 Mother Truth's Melodies. The noble Horse neighs out, " I am the race Equine, (rv And nearest seem, and dear- est to #tyZ The ' human race, divine.' " The Ox and Cow l-o-o, l-o-o, ' ' We are the race Bovine ; And we most useful are, unto The ' human race, divine.' ' Mother Truth's Melodies. 173 The Ass and Mule bray out, " Our race is Assinine, And very like us seem some of The ' human race, divine.' " The Dog bow-wows as race Canine, CaJiine, Canine ; — 174 Mother Truth's Melodies. While Tigers, Cats and Catamounts, G-r-o-w-1, growl, as race Feline. The Lion, king of beasts (Feline), roars "Leonine" ; — The Lamb that's to lie down with Him, Ba-a, ba-as for race Ovine. Mother Trutti s Melodies. 175 Fishes in lakes or seas Or rivers sport Piscine ; '** Wm^. While birds in air, or cages close, Sing " race Avine, Avine." ^&*^ All bees in hives or wild. Hum out the race Apine ; 7- <3^ „ 176 Mother Truth's Melodies. And reptiles all rejoicing crawl In race, Reptilian. I've a name that 's made up of three letters alone, — That reads backwards and forwards the same ; I speak without sound, — yes, I talk without tongue, And to beauty I lay the first claim. A word of three syllables, children, now find, That holds the whole twenty-six letters combined.* The B ing m t, John put some : f stand take to taking you throw my ••t * Alphabet. f The grate being empty, John put some coal on. % I understand you undertake to overthrow my undertaking. Mother Truth's Melodies. 177 BRITAIN'S RULERS. Old Britain was under the Romans From fifty-five years before Christ, (55 B. C.) To four hundred fifty-five (455) A. D. When the Octarchy, eight states were spliced. 8* 178 Mother Truth 's Melodies. For three hundred and seventy-two cycles, This Octarchy, changing about, Was ruled now by this one, now that one, As each might, the former king, rout. But ever since eight-twenty-seven (827), Britain's rulers have reigned by descent, From Egbert, first " Monarch of England," To Victoria, daughter of Kent. A score reigned and fell. — Second Harold In ten-sixty-six (1066), proud, usurps, But soon in fierce battle is conquered By William of Normandy's troops. Then came William the Conqueror, a Norman, Then William the Second, his son ; Then Henry and Stephen and Henry, Then Richard (Cceur de Lion), and John. Next Henry the Third, and First Edward, Edward Second and Third, Richard, two (II), Henrys Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth, and Fourth Edward, Fifth Edward, — Third Richard, they rue. Henry Seventh and Eighth, and Sixth Edward, Then Mary, Bess, James, and Charles First, — Eleven years then with no monarch ; Second Charles, Second James, not the worst. Mother TrutJis Melodies. Then William and Mary, then Anne, Four Georges, Fourth William, until Came Victoria, long live her queenship, For she wields her proud sceptre with skill. 179 i8o Mother Truth's Melodies, SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC. The annual path of the Sun, The Ecliptic is called, as we see, — And a belt, eight degrees (8°), on each side, The Zodiac ever will be. The principal planets all seem To move in the zodiac lines, While the belt, of itself, is cut up Into twelve equal parts, called the Signs. And these signs were first named, we are told, From their fancied resemblance to beasts, Which astronomers thought they could see In the stars, from the West to the East. Mother Truth's Melodies. 181 There is Aries, the Ram, —then the Bull, Which is Taurus, — then Gemini, Twins ; — Then Cancer, a Crab, — and then Leo, A Lion, — and Virgo, Vir- gin. Next Libra, the Bal- And Scorpio, a Scor- Sagittarius, the Ar Capricornus, a Goat's ance or Scales, pion (with sting), - cher or Arrow, horn, we bring. 182 Mother Truth 's Melodies. Aquarius, the Bearer And Pisces, or Fish of Water, — rom the sea,- All together make twelve, — and a wonder It is, that these fancies should be. Mother Trut/is Melodies. 183 LITTLE MISCHIEF. LITTLE Master Mischief Lives in Nellie's eye, Sitting in the corner, Peeping out so sly ; Now he's crossed the snow-ground And in chamber blue, Thinking he is hidden, Peek-a-boos at you. Now he drops the curtain, Sure that he is hid, But you see him dancing Even on the lid. Now, the curtain lifting, You can see he's crept To the inner chamber, Where the love-light slept. Watching now his moment He pops out, and see Mama's spools and thimble Quickly disagree. Mother Truth's Melodies. 185 Shall we punish Mischief? Better teach the child How to hold and lead him, Running now so wild. Would she like her playthings Scattered here and there, When she had arranged them ? Would she think it fair ? Would she like her puzzle Portions of it, lost ? Would she like her dishes Everywhere uptossed ? Would she like her apron With a missing string, Mama hunting, meanwhile, Thread and everything? Nellie, learn the lesson : Be to others true, — Always do as you would Have them do to you. 1 86 Mother Truth's Melodies. This the dear Lord's precept,- This the Golden Rule, — This the highest lesson In our Nellie's school. gentle and loving, — Be kind and polite ; Be thoughtful for others, Be sure and do right. Mother Truth's Melodies. 187 GRANDMAS CANARY. Grandma loves her birdy, And when he gayly sings, She will laugh and chat with him, At which he hops and springs. Fearing though that birdy Might not understand, Grandma from the toy-shop, Brought a whistle grand. Tuning now the whistle, To his sweet bird-note, He in singing back to her, Nearly burst his throat. 1 88 Mother Truth's Melodies. Birdy, free outflying, Often comes to light On Grandma's tip-of-finger, Or chair- back, pretty sight ! From her hand she feeds him, And he oft will take From her mouth the sugar, With a merry shake. Yester-morn the window Being open wide, Birdy thought it brighter On the outer side. Grandma mourning sadly, Shed of tears a few, Then she prayed the Father, " Show me what to do." Soon she set his cage out On the window-sill, Saying " Birdy '11 come now, Oh, I'm sure he will ! " Mother Truth's Melodies. 189 Then she, hopeful, praying " Bring my birdy home," Took the sweet bird-whistle, Playing " Birdy, come." And the birdy hearing, Quickly came and lit On the cage, and shortly Flitted into it. Thankful now was Grandma, To the dear Lord, who, Listening to her prayer, Taught her what to do. 190 Mother Truth's Melodies. HANDSOME DICK. Elzie's kitty, white as snow, Loves his little mistress so, That he '11 come at her command, Lift his paw to shake her hand, Bow his head and kneel to her, Rumpling all his milk-white fur ; — Many another pretty trick, Too, he 's learned, our Elzie's Dick. Mother Truth's Melodies. 191 Well, the Church-Fair coming on, Elzie thought, " What can be done By a little girl like me, In the cause of charity ? " Mam'a told her she would show Her some fancy work to do, Which a half-a-dozen dimes Sure would bring ; — so, many times Elzie made her fingers fly Neat and nice to form the " tie." Now our Elzie, large and fine, Looks like twelve, though only nine — And the " tie " when quite complete, Was so small, though choice and neat, That it could not be denied, Elzie was not satisfied. So she shook her curly head, As with curious smile she said : " If I were a little girl, Like Nannette or Cousin Pearl, This wee ' tie ' might then appear Just the thing,— but now, I fear, Looking at the ' tie ' and me, We shall seem to disagree. — 192 Mother Trutlis Melodies. Now, Mamma, don't answer quick ; Stop and think, — my snowy Dick, At the Fair might win some pence, By his wise obedience And his pretty winsome ways Being shown through all the days ; — And, dear Mama, then I should Feel I'd done the best I could." Quickly Mama took the thought, And a royal cage was brought ; Cushion made of scarlet bright, — For our Dicky, pure and white, Thus was wont to perch and sit, — And a collar blue we fit To his neck, when loyal, true, He presents red, white, and blue. Soon the cage is placed within A sly corner, free from din, And with tickets, five cents each, Elzie sought her end to reach. Mother Truth's Melodies. 193 " Handsome Dick ! weight fifteen pounds" — Whispers Elzie, on her rounds ; " What is ' Handsome Dick ' ? " they say ; " Come and see, please, — step this way ; " And once seen they 're glad to tell Others of white Dick, as well ; — For the cat, as knowing now He must make his courtliest bow, Did his best to help along Elzie's plan, the friends among. 194 Mother Truth's Melodies. Upon his cushion he would stand, Or sit, as Elzie might command ; Then down upon his blanket lie And be wrapped up like baby-bye ; Would lap his milk, or dainty, sip, And shake his pretty under-lip, Thus showing teeth as white as pearl, — Then round and round would quickly whirl, Till each one seeing, cheerful, said : " For that five cents, I'm sure we 're paid." Thus the three days passing by, Which the Fair must occupy — Dollars ten — ah, yes ! and more, Elzie holds within her store ! Dues for cage and tickets met, And the ten is Elzie's yet, — Which unto the Fair she gave With an air so joyful-grave, That it seemed a spirit bright, Nestled in her heart so light ; — And a happier child than she, We may never hope to see. Mother Truth's Melodies, 195 THE DINNER-POT. ft* a # $ „ The homeliest things are highest worth, The dinner-pot 's a treasure Compared with diamonds, chains, and rings, Which serve alone for pleasure ; — Enwreathe the dinner-pot with flame, And fill it with love's mixings, And it possesses charms beyond All gold or fancy fixings. And then, our bony frame-work, too, So stiff and hard and homely, Will serve when plumpness all is gone, And lost is all that 's comely. Fling beauty, grace, and sweetness round, Festoon your lives with flowers, But ne'er forget that plainest things Are life's most precious dowers. 196 Mother Truth's Melodies. DARE TO SA Y NO. DEAR children, you are sometimes led To sorrow, sin, and woe, Mother Truth's Melodies. 197 Because you have not courage quite, And dare not answer, No. When playmates tell you this, or that Is " very nice to do," See first what mama says, or if You think 'tis wrong, say No. Be always gentle, but be firm, And wheresoe'er you go, If you are asked to do what's wrong, Don't fear to answer, No. False friends may laugh and sneer at you, — Temptations round you flow, But prove yourself right brave and true, And firmly tell them, No. Sometimes a thing that's not a sin, You may be asked to do, — But when you think it is not best, Don't yield, but answer, No. True friends will honor you the more, Ah, yes, and false ones too, When they have learned you're not afraid To stand and answer, No. 198 Mother Truttis Melodies. And when temptations rise within, And plead to " come," or " go," And do a wrong for "just this once" Be sure you answer, No. For when you once have done a Wrong, The Right receives a blow, — And Wrong will triumph easier now, So haste and answer, No. There's many a little boy and girl, And man and woman too, Have gone to ruin and to death For want of saying, No ! So, young or old, or great or small, Don't fail, whate'er you do, To stand for Right, and nobly dare To speak an honest No. ]\IotJier Trutli s Melodies. 199 ASK MOTHER. Yes my darling, when you question, I will answer, simple, plain, Just the Truth ; — and when a playmate Tells you anything again, Come to Mother, she will tell you, Yes, and tell you always true, For she knows what 's low and sinful, And what 's right and wrong for you. TELL MOTHER. 'TlS wrong, my dear, to do a thing That mother must not know ; — And when your playmates, old or young, Shall tell you thus to do, Leave them at once, and quickly come To your dear Mother's side, And tell her, — for she '11 know what 's wrong, And she will be your guide. 200 Mother Trtittis Melodies. DON' T TELL A LIE. DON'T tell a lie, dear children, No matter what you do, — Mother Truth's Melodies, 201 Own up, and be a hero, Right honest, brave, and true. You 'd better have a whipping Each day than tell a lie, — No, not a " white one," even, They lead to blackest dye. The rod but hurts your body, While lies deform your soul ; — Don't mind the present smarting, Keep the spirit pure and whole. But I am sure that mama And papa, too, will try To help you children tell the Truth, Nor drive you to a lie. They will not punish harshly, Nor when they 're angry, quite ; Nor promise, and then fail to do, — But always lead you right. 9* 202 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE CHILDREN'S RAILROAD. Old Time has built a Railroad, On which you children speed To a land of light and plenty, Or a land of darksome need ; And soon you '11 come to a meadow, Where two tracks mark the way, But they '11 run close up alongside For many and many a day. And one is strewn with roses, While one looks bleak and bare, With now and then a ber- ry-bush, And a violet here and there ; — L Mother Truttis Melodies. On one you '11 find companions Who but for pleasure seek, While friends along the other, Will words of wisdom speak. Be careful in your choosing. For if you take the Right, You will travel in the shadow Of the Rock that shields at night ; 'T will lead through greenest pastures, Where softest brooklets flow, And land you at a Station That is full of cheer and glow, 204 Mother Truth's Melodies. On the other track, the roses Are backed by sharpest thorns ; While berries, always nourish, And the violet but adorns ; — You will stumble into sluices, And what is worse than all, Your self-respect and conscience Grow weak with every fall. Yes, if you choose the other, That looks so bright and gay, You '11 find the bridges broken, And the road-bed washed away ; And when you near the Station, You '11 switch to a fearful leap, That will hurl you into darkness, And bury you in the deep. But those who choose the Right one, Grow manly, womanly, true ; God's love-light shines upon them, And falls as heavenly dew ; — They grieve at your wild folly, And will gladly help you back, If at any curve or turning You seek the trusty track. Mother Truth's Melodies. 205 But ah ! the scars you 're wearing, From thorns that pierced you sore, — 206 Mother Truth's Melodies. And the ditches in which you 've fallen, That were strewn with roses o'er ; — And the joys you 've lost, unnumbered, That spring from good deeds done ; — And the fruits you 've missed, unmeasured. That by others have been won. Though friends may be indulgent, And loved ones even forget, Yourself can never banish The memories that beset.. You will wish you had never travelled The way that leads to death ; You will wish you had never revelled In the viper's venomed breath. So beware which track you follow ; And again I say, beware ! The False is strewn with roses, — The True looks bleak and bare ; But this, 't is plain, is only That youthful, artless eyes Are open to show and glamour But see not deep nor wise. Mother Truth's Melodies. 207 To Truth then, children, listen, And cultivate the seed That in your hearts God planted, To serve your every need ; — Yes, heed the voice within you, And follow it all the way, For it will help you choose the road That leads to endless day. 208 Mother Truth's Melodies, MABEVS SNO W-FEA THERS. LISTEN, children, while I tell you What our merry Mabel said When she saw the feathery snow-flakes Tumbling down about her head. Clapping hands and dancing gayly, " Mama, mama, come and see ! Come and see the feathers, mama, Soft and white as they can be ! " Mother Trtitti s Melodies. 209 Standing then a moment, pondering As it were, whence came the snow, Little face so wise and thoughtful, Mabel cried : " Oh, now I know, '* There are lots of eider ducklets Up in Heaven, above the blue, And they're dropping off their feathers, — And such downy feathers, too ! " See them frolic with each other ; See them kiss as fast they fly ; See them make believe they're going to, Then go gayly flitting by. " See them, on the Spruce and Balsam, Pile up little soft, fat hands ; See their many plump, white cushions ; See them wave their fairy wands. " See the showers of flying feathers Whisking 'round in merry moods ; See, the telegraph their perch is, — Oh, I'm sure they're almost birds ! " 210 Mother Truth's Melodies. Now she fancies she can hear them Whisper of their ducklet birth ;— Hear their soft and wean-y quacklings, As they tumble down to earth. Now she listens for the jingle Of the sleigh-bells they will bring ; Now she sees the flying horses, Prancing gayly at their ring. Lovely are these fleecy feathers, Dainty in each rare device ; All unlike our ducklet feathers, — White and soft, but cold as ice. Mother Truth's Melodies. 211 Yet they cover, warmly cover Mother Earth so bleak and brown ; Cover her with feathery mantles, Comforters of eider-down. 212 Mother Truth's Melodies. THE LADDIE- AND LASSIE-BIRDS. LMa COME sit with me in the green-wood bower, While I sing you a song of love ; — 'Tis the song of the birds In the deep, wild woods, 'Tis the song of the sweet ring-dove. The laddie-bird says, " I have come to woo ; " — And the lassie-bird, " Ah ! coo, coo, coo, coo." Mother TrutJis Melodies. 2 1 3 The laddie-bird says, " With a hope to win," — And the lassie-bird, " Coo, coo, that is no sin." The laddie-bird says, " Together we'll dwell," And the lassie-bird says, " In the Linden dell." The laddie-bird says, " And build our nest," And the lassie-bird says, " In the tree to the West." The laddie-bird says, tl And raise our brood," And the lassie-bird says, " In the sweet solitude." The laddie-bird says, " Till they're fit to fly," And the lassie-bird, " Yes, to the blue, blue sky." The laddie-bird says, " Let us hie away ; " — And the lassie-bird, " Yes, and begin to-day." The laddie-bird says, " I will take this moss," — And the lassie-bird says, " And I, this floss." 214 Mother Tint tis Melodies. The laddie-bird says, "And we'll love so true ; " And the lassie-bird, " Ah, yes, coo, coo, coo." Tis the old-new song that the birds have sung, Aye, the birds of every race, Since the world was planned, And came forth from the hand Of the Maker, aglow with grace. 'Tis the song they will sing till time is o'er,— Tis the stream that from Paradise gushed ; Mother Truth 's Melodies. 215 And the music that flows When the love-light glows, Will never, no, never be hushed.