■ — PBi I^^H SI 1 HENRYAYOUNG&CO ® 13 BROM FIELD ST.® ^ BOSTON, MASS. ^ 1 faH Mi LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. ®^|u ©ttpgrig^ *fxt. Shelf „.Sb UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. CONTAINING Dialognes, Speeches, Motion Songs, Tableaux, Charades, Blackboard Exercises, Juvenile Comedies, And other Entertainments. FOB PRIMARY SCHOOLS, KINDERGARTENS, AND JUVENILE HOilE ENTERTAINMENTS. By MRS. MARY B. C. SLADE, EDITOR OF "good TIMES." FOR ALL SEASONS AND OCCASIONS. ^<^^ cy (^-..24^^>§ B0ST0]^^4^^ HENRY A. YOUXG AND COMPANY, 13 Bkomfield Street. COPYRIGHT,- 1880, By Henry A. Young & Co. /J(~dfjsj Stereotyped at the Boston Stereotype Foundry, 19 Spring Lane. CONTENTS, PAGE Talking Flowers, 7 Making Hay, 11 Going to School, 12 A very Little Boy's Speech to Speech-makers, . . . . 13 A Little Sennon for a Little Boy, 13 Temperance Address, .....'.... 14 Two Little Welcomes, 14 Saving and Gaining, 14 Good-by, on Examination Day, 15 Playing School, 16 Ways of Saying Yes 18 Grandmother's Breakfast, 20 Ii'on — Silver — Gold, 21 One Little Girl, 22 Huiiy Along, 22 Lilian's Xames, 23 The Walk, 24 It is I, 24 When are we happiest ? 25 Geographical Charade : Rhode Island, 26 Acting Charade : Pennsylvania, 27 The Colony ; or. Far Away to Idaho, 28 "I" or "Hi" ? 30 Lost States and Territories, 30 Geography, 31 Geogi-aphy Song, 34 Geogi-aphical Charade : Maine, 35 A Wise Decision, 35 Song. — Birthday Bells, .36 That Little Hatchet, 37 Two Portraits, . . . , 38 Animated Pictures, .38 The Washingtons at Tea-Table, 39 Our Flag. e. L., 39 4 CONTENTS. Autumn's Queen, 40 A November Day. m.b. s., . * . . . . . 43 La Chanson de L'Hiver. M. B. S., 43 The Three Sieves, 44 Christmas Gifts, ot What We Do at Our House, . . . .45 "What not to Do. M. B. S., 46 If a Brother, 47 Lilian Beceives, at New Year's, 47 A Drca elf 111 Thing, 48 Massachusetts GiiTs Temperance Speech, ..... 48 What can the Reason be ? 49 Speech for a Four- Year-Old, 50 The Two Brigades, . , cO IDidlt. — Not, *'iDoneIt," 51 Bread-making, 51 Welcome to All : on Examination Day, 52 Kate's French Lesson, 53 The Temper- Aunt's (Temperance r) Awakening, m. b. S., . 53 Playing Bailroad, 55 Seven, 55 Morning, Noon, and Night, 56 Little Truant, 56 Woman's Rights, 58 Ten Little Fames, 59 Masonic, 60 Backward and Forward, 61 When I'm a Man, 62 The House that Jack Built, 64 What December says, Q>Q Last Month, 67 Along the SUent Path, Q^ French Days, 68 Persuasion, 69 Temptation, 70 Choice of Zones, . . . . ' . • 70 Alphabet Game, 71 Where Ten Boys Want to Live, .73 Little Children's Christmas Song, 75 He Careth for Us, 75 Neuf Heures moins Cinq Minutes, m. b. s., . . . . 76 National Flowers, , . . 77 Playing Carpenter, 79 Advice from Five, Ten, and Twelve. M. B. s., . . . . 79 Spring Work, 80 CONTENTS, . 5 Historic Personages, 81 Autumn Examination, 83 When Father comes, 84 Live thou again, our "Washington, 84 Acting Charade, 85 Smith and Jones. M. B. s., 87 " Birds cannot Count," 87 Fortune-Telling, 88 Kindergarten Bird-Class, 89 August, 90 When do You Sing ? 91 Bird Sonirs, 91 We'll Try, 92 At the Christmas-Tree, 93 AU the Seasons, . .94 Mon Jardin : My Garden. M. B. s., 95 Chacun a son Gout : Tastes Differ, m. B. s., 95 The Temperance Sheep, 96 Wintry Storms, 97 Independence Day, 98 March, 99 Mists, 100 The Passing Seasons, 101 Lincoln Song : for April 14th, 105 No ! Xo ! No ! . .106 A Little Boy's Suggestion, 107 August, IGlk — December, 1620, \ .107 All Work and no Play. m. B. s., 108 Vacation Fun, 109 Money to Spend, 110 What shall Archie do ? m. b. s., lU Spring Fun. m. b. s., 113 TwoMitcs; A Little Misunderstanding, 114 A Little French, for a Little Girl. m. b. s., . . . .115 Mouse-Traps, 115 We thank Thee, 116 Little Foxes and Little Hunters, 117 Call to the Birds, 118 The City Girl, 119 Lucy Lee, ] 20 Happy Singer, joq The Christmas Tree, 121 Birds and Angels, 122 May Festival, 124 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. TALKTN-G FLOWERS. [Persons. — Twelve little girls personating the flowers ; a reiy small child and a larger girl as mother and daughter ; and a group of veiy little boys and girls as mosses Q.nA ferns. Arrangement. — Place the children in a semicircle, having the group for Mosses and Ferns at one end. Let the two tallest personate Sunflower and. Dahlia; let Convolvulus stand by Z)a^^ea with her arms twined around her. Arrange the remainder according to height. Decoration. — K in the season of flowers, let each have a wreath and bouquet, if possible, of the flower she represents.] Child {singing : tune, " Nelly Bly") Mother dear, mother dear, see the flowers smile ! I wish I could their voices hear — come Hsten, now, a-while. Sweet blossoms, dear blossoms, sing, oh, sing to me ! ril hark to you, I'll list to you, to hear your melody. Mother (singing). Hush, my love ! hush, my love ! listen, darling, now ! "When the winds the blossoms move, they murmur soft and low. Sweet blossoms, dear blossoms, sing, oh, sing to me ! I'll hark to you, Til list to you, to hear your melody. 7 8 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Flowei'S {singing). Gentle child, meek and mild, listening she stands ; Parted are her rosy lips, and clasped her lily hands. *' Sweet hlossoms, dear blossoms, sing," she says, " to me ! " Now hark to us, now list to us, to hear our melody. Tulip {recites or sings), I am a Tulip ; my dress is bright, It glitters like gold in the morning light. I know I am brilliant, and rare, and gay. At first I was proud, until, one day, I learned that I was not half so sweet As plain, little Mignonette, down by my feet. Mignonette {replies). Beautiful Tulip, the Hand divine Made me for sweetness, and you to shine. Dahlia. lama Dahlia, with heart of gold ; The radiant hue of each pnrple fold Of my dress is like velvet to deck a queen. I'm the happiest Dahlia that ever was seen! But more than my beauty, or pride, or power, Love I this gentle Convolvulus flower That trustfully grasps my strong, high stem, And decks my brow like a diadem. Convolvulus. And I love you, for when 1 was young, AVith feeble tendrils I faintly clung To a Sunflower bold- but she shook me aside ; Then you, kind Dahlia, support supplied. Sunjloicer. I did not mean to be rude that day ; I turned to the sun, and you stood in my way. Sensitive Plant. {The very smallest child.) I am the little Sensitive-Plant. I would like to say more, but — indeed, I can't. Blue-Eye. I am the little Blue-Eye grass ; There are few who see me, as on they pass ; THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. But I can look up with my little blue eye To the warm, kind sun in the beautiful sky ; And I never am chilled when the cold winds blow, Because my dear home is so sheltered and low. Blue-Eye will teach you, in accents mild : Learn to be humble and lowly, my child. Violet, I am the Violet, and I dwell Under the shade of the sweet Heath-Bell. Early, at dawning, it rings and it rings, To waken me, ere the redbreast sings. . I am happy, so happy the livelong day, For I love in my lowly home to stay, And I know that the sunny days of spring The love of the children to me will bring. Gentian. I am the Gentian, with fringe of blue. Upward I gaze all the long day through. I do not know whence the flowers all come, But it seems to me the blue sky is my home. "When I bloom, the winter draws nigh, And Asters and Golden-rod wither and die ; And leaves are falling from vine and tree ; — Does it make you sad .^ It is sad to me. Columbine. I am the Columbine, and I keep Sweet honey-drops in my nectaries deep. The humming-bird and the busy bee Know what they find when they fly to me. I teach this lesson : That free from sin You keep the cells of the soul within. That love's sweet honey you may bestow On all who about you come and go. Buttercup. Vm little Buttercup, shining like gold, With a smile for the young, and a smile for the old. I grow in the sunshine, and grow in the shade, I'm the cheeriest flower that ever was made. AVhen the little ones find me they dance with delight, As they fill up their aprons with buttercu])s bright. ''Now, who loves butter? " they shouting begin. As they hold me up under each lily-white chin. 10 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Sweethrier. I am the Sweetbrier, and I grow By the wayside hedge where the children go. They search about in my fragrant home, And they say, "It is time, for the buds have come.** But I keep quite still till some gentle child Parts the leaves with her fingers mild ; Then I send my breath of fragrance out, And laugh as I hear the joyous shout : " The roses have come \ the roses are here ! I will carry this home to my mother dear I " Mosses and Ferns (in concert). Little Mosses and Ferns ai*e we. We dwell in the forest, glad and free ; We joyfully drink the gentle rain ; We smile when the bright sun shines again ; Our fragrant thanks to the setting sun AVe breathe, when each happy day is done. Flowers f Mosses, and Ferns {singing). Little child, an offering Of our fragrant love we bring. God has made us fair and bright, For your pleasure and delight. From the garden, field, and wood, Sing, oh, sing, the Lord is good ! Little child, a flower art thou. In the dear Lord's garden, now ; Gentle dews of heavenly love Fall upon you from above. Sing with flowers of field and wood. Sing, oh, sing, the Lord is good ! Child, MotJier, and Flowers (singing). Father dear, who sends the flowers In the field, the wood, the bowers, Joyous notes of sweetest praise Unto Thee our voices raise. Sing as loving spirits should, — Sing, oh, sing, the Lord is good I THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 11 MAKING HAY. {^A Recitation for Summer.) Thuough the meadow-grass, dewy, and tall, and green, Drives, whirring and whizzing, the mowing-machine, The horses are prancing, the sharp blades shine, And the grass lies low in a level line. To and fro fly the birds, and chipper and chatter, And seem to be wondering what is the matter ; While Bobolink's wife makes a frightened ado. As she looks for her nest where the horses went through. The day grows hot, and the daisies wither ; The funny horse-tedder drives hither and thither, And scatters and tosses the grain as it goes. Like a monstrous grasshopper, stubbing his toes. Then the rake comes on where the tedder has been, And rakes up and drops out its lines of green ; And the field so fair in the early morn, When the noontime comes, is all shaven and shorn. So the wilting grass, and the fading clover, They all day long pitch over and over ; And men with their forks, as the sun goes down. Pile the little round heaps, like an Esquimaux town. While the daylight fades in the golden west. Let us lie on the odorous hay and rest; Our couch is as soft as a velvet throne, And sweet as a breeze from the spice-isles blown. To-morrow the carts for the hay will come. And the willing old oxen will carry it home ; And the children shall ride to the barn away, On the very tip-top of the load of hay. 12 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. GOING TO SCHOOL. {For four Little Ones.) First Two. Little folks, little folks, where are you straying, Smiling so happy, and dressed neat and iair ? Second Two. Oh ! don't you hear -what the school-bells are saying ? " Come to school ! come to school ! " We're going there. First Tico. Little folks, little folks, why don't you gather Daisies and buttercups bright by the way ? Second Two. Oh ! the time hastens, and we would much rather Be there in seasou than loitering stay. First Two. Little folks, little folks, what are you bringing, Holding so careful, and keeping so neat ? Second Two. These are the books for our lessons and singing. Pleasant the tasks, and the tunes bright and sweet. First Tico. Little folks, little folks, say, can another Join you, and learn all the things that you know ? Second Tico. Oh, yes ; come with us, like sister and brother, We shall be glad if to school you will go. First Tico. Little folks, little folks, say, will your teachers Willingly let us the lessons begin ? Second Two. See, here they are, and the smile on their features Says, '* Dear new scholars, we welcome you in ! " THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 13 A VERY LITTLE BOY'S SPEECH TO SPEECH- MAKERS. {On Examiiiation Day.) 1 SHALL speak very briefly, dear ladies, and dear sirs. Mv speech \\'ill be chiefly unto the speech-makers : Mr. Preacher preached a sermon; I cannot tell you, next, What was Mr. Preacher's subject, nor Mr. Preacher's text. But a lady hastened to him, as on the steps he stood, With, " C)h ! clear Mr. Preacher ! your sermon was so good ! I haven't heard a sermon, in how long I can't tell, That pleased me, Mr. Preacher, and suited me so well !" Mr. Preacher was delighted, though dignified and grave, But, such nice sugar-plums of praise, who does not like to have? So he thanked the lady kindly, and said that he was glad ; He hoped to preach acceptably, and he rejoiced he had. Then asked her why his sermon so excellent she thought : *' Oh ! I liked it, Mr. Preacher — because it was so short I " A LITTLE SERMON FOR A LITTLE BOY. Text : " Make it plain." — TIab. ii. 2. I'm but a little fellow to stand up here and. preach, My sermon is to teachers who little children teach: Habakkuk ii. 2, my subject will contain, lit plain. *' Make it plain," that is my text : make it plain^ make Firstly : Small boys and girls don't know very much ; When you teach a lesson, make it plain to such. Secondly : I will illustrate just as the preachers do, By telling you an anecdote, — my hearers, it is true : — A very little girl in Sunday-school had learned The story that Lot's wife to a pillar of salt was turned. Now what a ])illar was, this child she did not know, And in her little mind she thought 'twas a pillow ! So she gravely asked one day, (and it was not her fault.) If Lot's wife, in the resurrection, would rise, a hag of salt! Thirdly : If that child's teacher had shown what pil/«r5 were, Don't you see it had been easy to make it plain to her.^ Fourthly, and last, in closing, I'll give my text again : Habakkuk ii. 2, Make it plain , make it plain ! . 14 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. TEMPERANCE ADDEESS. {For a very young Lecturer.) I THINK that every mother's son, And every father's daughter. Should drink — at least till twenty-one- Just nothing but cold water. And after that they might drink tea, But nothing any stronger. If all folks would agree with me They'd live a great deal longer. TWO LITTLE WELCOMES. Little Boy {lowing). I'm going to speak the welcome ! all you men and boys, I'm very glad you've come, but you mustn't make any noise. They told me to make a bow, and not be afraid of the men ! Who's afraid! I've made it once, now I'll make it again. {Bows and runs off. Little Girl runs on.) Girl He didn't welcome the ladies ! what a funny fellow ! {Points.) Oh ! what a pretty bonnet ! trimmed with blue and yellow ! But you mustn't be looking 'round, look right straight at me, Because I'm going to welcome the ladies, don't you see? Ladies and girls, you are welcome, just as welcome as can be, But the men and boys are welcome, just as much and just the same. I hope every one, when you go home, will say you're glad you came. SAVING AND GAINING. {Boy's Recitation.) Johnny, running along the road, a horse-shoe chanced to find ; He stopped, and stooped, and turned it o'er, and this came in his mind : ** I'll pick it up and carry it home, and sell it then," said he. *' ^There's as much in saving as in gaining f' the Scotchman said to me." THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 15 Johnny found on the lonely shore a vessel high aground ; The nails, and spikes, and bolts, and bars, lay scattering all around ; " ni knock them out, and carry them home, and sell them, then,'' said he, " * Tliere^s as much in saving as in gaining,^ the Scotchman said to me." The blacksmith bought the shoe, and said, " 'Tis just the size I want To shoe the foot that holds the horse that carries General Grant." When Johnny took the pennies bright, he laughed, and then said he, " ' Tliere^s as much in saving as in gaining,* the Scotchman said to me." The Scotchman took the heavy spikes, and then I heard him say, " We'll get the steelyards, Johnny boy, and see how much they weigh." He weighed them well, he paid him well ; John danced and cried with glee : " * There's as much in saving as in gaining, the Scotchman said to me." GOOD-BY, ON EXAMINATION DAY. Mr. Supekintendent, My " few remarks " now hear: On you we are dependent For visits all the year. To do us good you try. Keceive our kind good-by. Mr. School-Committee, So welcome at our door, Now is it not a pity We should not see you more ? To come again, please try. Keceive our kind good-by. Friend, or father, or mother, Strange that our schoolroom dear Cannot your faces gather More than this once a year. It makes us sadly sigh. Receive our kind good-by. 16 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Scholars and loving teachers, A happy time ^ve^•e passed, Yet joy lights up your features — Vacation 's come at last ! For all, to all, say I ; Receive our kind good-by. PLAYING SCHOOL. [On Examination Day, after all class exercises are finished, let thi Dialogue be begun by a little girl, who shall rise from her sea . The others, as they reply and join, shall remain seated, canying on the conversation briskly.] First Girl {to the Guests). Every one has recited, we've all spelled and read ; Some, long puzzling answers in numbers have said \ We have tried hard to show you the best we could do In reading and spelling — • Small Boy {interrupting). Arithmetic, too ! F, G. And so, if our friends will listen awhile, Bm. B. And give, now and then, an encouraging smile, — F» G* I just want a nice little schoolma'am to be, Second Boy. Oh ho ! that is jolly ! what fun we shall see ! F, G. But I hope you will all be obedient to me. Third Boy {a larger one). I believe, ma*am, that I can make answer for all. Sm. B. You speak for the big boys, Til speak for the small. Fourth Boy. We are all tired of study — F. G, But this will be ])lay. Third Boy. Then I'm sure I can promise each one will obey. Second Girl {a little one), I think that it seems rather funny and queer, For the school ma'am to sit with her scholars down here. Third Girl. Oh, please take your place on the platform up there. Let us see how you look in the teacber^s arm-chair. F. G, I will go to the platform {goes)y — but I'd rather stand. Fourth Girl. Oh, yes, that's the way to look round and com- mand. F. G. I must watch for the idlers 'mong so many boys ; I must see who is roguish, and who makes a noise. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 17 Fourth Boy. Now, please, ma'am, don't watch us from morning to night. Several. You know we have promised to try do right. Fifth Boy. You must trust us ; I always behave when I'm triLsted, But when I am icafched all the time, I'm disgusted! Sixth Boy (the smallest). If I were a teacher, I think that I should Look less for the bad boys and more for the good. F. G. Seems to me, little fellow, 'tis not very nice For a scholar to offer his teacher advice. You may open your books, study more and talk less. And learn all you can till I ring for recess. {Rings bell.) First class in Geography, now you may stand, (they stand,) And give the divisions of water and land. Speak promptly, and let every answer I hear Be given correctly, distinctly, and clear. First in Class (hesitatingly). Divisions of land, — divisions of water ? I'm sure I can't tell — Teacher. Well, I'm sure that you ought to. Next (sloicly). Divisions — of — water, — divisions — of — land ? T, Sit down, sir ! 'Tis plain that you don't understand. Who can give of the water ? — ah ! John, you may try ; I see that you know, by that gleam of your eye. John. Straits, channels and sounds, oceans, gulfs, bays and seas, Lakes, rivers and streams, are the names, ma'am, of these. T. You are right. Ralph, now tell us about the Great Ocean ; Is it quiet and still, or forever in motion? Give its various names, and then let us know What is found in the depths of its waters below. Balph, Little school-ma'am, 'tis true, though maybe you don't know it, Not all have been born, like yourself, a true poet ; So I think I'll answer that question as I learned it in my Geography. The Ocean has five parts : Pacific, Atlantic, Indian, Northern and Southern Oceans. It is always tumbling and tossing about ; and it has all sorts of fishes, from the big whale to the little mummy-chog. T, Very well, Ralph. Our friends seem so pleased, I suppose There are some who like better to hear you in prose. Now some countries in Asia — 2 18 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Little Girl, Give that to me : There is China ; that^s where we get most of our tea ; And Hindostan sti'etching dawn into the sea. T, Europe, Ann. Ann (briskly). Lapland, Sweden and Norway, and Hussia, Denmark, Germany, Holland, and Prussia, Spain, Italy, Portugal, France, Turkey, and — (hesitates.) Small Boy. Eight up in the middle is Tell's Switzerland. Europe has splendid cities. Next Boy. London, Paris, and Rome. Next Girl. We've New York, Chicago, and Boston at home. Next Boy. Asia has mighty rivers, and mountains so high That the snow never melts while the summer goes by. Another Girl. We've the long Mississippi, and Amazon grand. Next Girl. And the Andes, that stretch the whole length of the land. Another. Diamonds, Africa has, gold and silver so pure. Boy. California and Black Hills have gold, I am sure. Teacher. That will do. I would ask you about your own State, But I fear you are th'ed, and I see it is late ; If we use all the time it would be a great pity; We should lose the wise speeches from friends and Committee. I thank you, my scholars, for being so good.. Small B. You knew we should be so, we said that we would. Teacher. And now to my seat, as a scholar, I'll go, And we'll sing the new song we've been learning, you know. WAYS OF SAYING YES. Characters. — Dr. Tioisty the School Committee. Miss Belle, the Teacher. Seholai's, four hoys, two girls. Scene : A Schoolroom. Miss Belky seated at her desk ; Scholars, laughing and talking pleasantly, but not noisily ; outside the open door. Dr. Twist, knocking at the door. Miss Belle (opening door). Good morning. Dr. Twist. I'm sure it is a pity My school is just dismissed, since you are School Committee ! Dr. Twist (entering). Never mind, my dear Miss Belle, another time will do ; I like it just as well to make my call on you. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, 19 Miss B, Loss to my girls and boys, though I shall be the winner. You must excuse their noise, so many stay to dinner. Be seated. Doctor. D)\ T. Thanks. Have you a pleasant place ? Miss B. Yes ; I like the teacher-ranks. I shall stay here all my days. Dr. T. Perhaps not so, Miss Belle. It may ere long be voted, You fill this place so well, you ought to be promoted. How do you find your scholars ? Miss B. Oh, Doctor, they are queer ! They do pronounce so oddly, out in the country here ! For instance, it is funny — you'd think so, too, I guess — The many different ways they have of saying Yes. Dr. T, Call them, and questions ask ; my interest is up. Miss B. John Jones, — your morning task, have you pre- pared it? Jolin J. {enters J cap in hand, replies, goes out). Tup ! Dr. T. Ha, ha ! Have in another ; I like the fun. Ha, ha ! Miss B. Peter Bogle, is your mother a little better ? Peter {enters, replies, retires). Yah! Dr, T. Ask next yo'n black-eyed gypsy that stands the w^in- dow near. Miss B. Bessie Lee, do you like apples ? Would you like to have one ? Bessie L. Yeali ! Miss B. ril call my little Pad, who is never known to miss. Do you love your books, my lad ? Tell me truly. Fad. Faix, ma'am, yis ! Miss B. Come here, you curly-pate. Do you want to be a Mayor, Or a President so great, or — a School Committee? Small Boy {enters, replies very slowly). Aer ! Dr. T. They give us so much fun, they certainly repay us. Miss B. Kate, is your problem done ? Have you the answer ? Kate. A-us ! Miss B. Is it not a curious class, a comic recitation ? Dr. T. Yes ; though it scarcely wins my official approbation. Will you my pupil be, while I a question ask ? Will you pronounce for me, if I give you a task ? Miss B. Of course, if all the rest have not been fully ample, ril do my very best to please with my example. 20 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, Dr. T. I came to seek a wife. If now iny suit I press, Will you leave your school for life ? V/hat is your answer ? Miss B. {empliatically). Yes ! [Teachers are strongly desired to use this exercise to correct these erroneous ways of saying "Yes," found in every school.] GRANDMOTHER'S BREAKFAST. [Grandmother is a very little girl dressed with cap and spectacles, and white kerchief pinned smoothly down to her belt. Sally comes in and speaks to her, then turns to the Miller, who enters in a white miller's frock, and passes off the stage after he has answered. The Farmer, with basket of corn, and Ploicman, with driving-whip, do the same. At the concert stanza they all come back and stand by Grandmother's chair.] Sally. Grandmother, grandmother, what shall I do To make a breakfast this morning for you ? Grandmotlier. I'm faint, my Sally, and so you may Cook something for me, without delay. I'm hungry, my child ; so hurry and make Your poor old granny a Johnny-cake. Sally. Miller, give me some corn-meal, quick, For dear old granny is hungry and sick. Miller, You must go to the farmer and bring some grain, And if you will make haste back again. My windmill the yellow meal shall make, And granny shall have her Johnny-cake. Sally. Farmer, give me some corn, if you will. For miller to grind in his whirring mill. Farmer. Go to the plowman, and bid him plow And harrow the ground, as he knows how ; The golden kernels to plant I'll take, And granny shall have her Johnny-cake. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 21 Sally, Haste, good plowman, harrow and plow ; The farmer is waiting for you now. Plowman, Go to the wind, and rain, and sun. And tell them 'tis time their task is done. The soil for me they must ready make, That granny may have her Johnny-cake. AIL So wind, rain, sunshine mellowed the soil ; The plowman hastened to do his toil ; The farmer planted the shining grain All over the plowed and harrowed plain; The windmill's wing went whirring round ; The miller the golden kernels ground ; And dear little Sally made haste to make The sweet meal into a Johnny-cake. And grandmother said — (Sally gives her a cake.) Grandmotlier {taking tlie cake), I'm faint, my dear ! As soon as you could you brought it here. Sally, But, oh dear me ! how^ many it takes To feed poor granny with Johnny-cakes ! lEOX — SILVER — GOLD. THREE KULES. Question, What is the Iron Rule ? Answer, The rule of savage men : If evil is done unto you, Evil do thou again. That is the Iron Rule, Question, What is the Silver Rule ? Answer. The rule of worldly men : If good your neighbor does to you, Do good to him again. That is the Silver Fade, 22 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Question. What is the Golden Eule ? Answer. The rule of righteous men : If evil is done unto you, • Return thou good again. This is the Golden Bule. ONE LITTLE GIRL. Two little feet on the entry floor ; Two little hands at the school-room door ; Two little lips with a morning kiss ; One little girl we shall always miss. Two little feet walk the heavenly mead ; Two little hands will the angels lead ; Two little lips sing the new-made song ; One little girl in the angel throng ! God knoweth best whom to call to go ; God knoweth best whom to leave below ; Blest be the name of our Lord, let us say, - Blest when he giveth, or taketh away ! HURRY ALONG. {For four Little Girls.) First. Spring ! spring ! over the mountains. Why don't you hurry along ? All. We want you to breathe where the white snow-drift lingers ; We want you to untie the brooks with your fingers ; We want you to wake up the slumbering fountains. First. Spring ! spring ! over the mountains. Why don't you hurry along ? Second. Birds ! birds ! far away flying, Why don't you hurry along ? THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 23 All, We want you to wake us at dawn with your singing \ We want the air full of your jubilant ringing; We want to see bluebird and robin home hying. Second, Birds ! birds ] far away flying, Why don^t you hurry along? TJiird. Flowers ! flowers ! silently sleeping, Why don't you hurry along ? AIL We want to see Snowdrop, and Crocus, and Lily, And beautiful Iris, and Dafiy-down-dilly ; Too long in your underground beds you are keeping. Third, Flowers! flowers! silently sleeping, Why don't you hurry along ? Fourth. Joy ! joy ! hearing us calling, Soon they will hurry along ! All, The Spring will soon set all the brooklets a-flowing, The birdies to singing, the blossoms a-growing ; Soon, all o'er the land, her fair feet shall be falling. Joy ! joy ! hearing us calling. Soon they will hurry along ! LILIAN'S NAMES. {Recitation for one or four Little Girls.) At dewy dawn, at misty morn, When o'er the woodlands hilly Her little feet fly swift and fleet, We call her Meadov)-Lily, And when she goes where, singing, flows The brook's blue water chilly. And plashes through the wavelet blue, AVe call her Water-Lily, But, ah ! one day, I blush to say, When she was wild and willy. And strove at bay to have her way, We called her Tig er- Lily ! 24 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, But what a shame to bear such name, To be so rude and silly ! She'll try, Fm sure, to be so pure, We'll call her sweet Day-Lily, THE WALK. {For very Little Ones.) Mary. Sister, see this pretty flower ; We've been walking for an hour, Ann and I, and mother too ; Here, 111 give this one to you. Nelly, Thank you ; 'tis a pretty thing. Did you hear the robins sing. Sitting in the branches high, Soaring to the sunny sky? Mary, Yes ; and more than that we heard. Answering the mother-bird, Little robins in a nest, Chirping as they sank to rest. Nelly. Mother says &ome naughty boys, If they heard this pretty noise. Would the little birdies take, Though the mother's heart should break ? BotJu Ah ! how sad, and wicked, too ! Such a thing we'll never do ! We will love each little thing, Then sweet birds for us will sing ! IT IS I. {For four Little Girls, one acting as Teacher,) TeacJier, When I hear Kitty on the stair. And listening sav, " Ah, who comes there ?*' Must Kitty say ''It's me''1 Kitty, No, no ! To be correct I'll try, And always answer, " It is /." THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 25 Teaclier. When I say, '* Who not once, to-day, Has nauj^hty been, at school or play ? " Must Jenny say, " IV s me " ^ Jenny, No, no ! To be correct I'll try, And always answer, " It is I" Teacher. When I say, " Who missed not one word In any les'^on I have heard ? " Must Nelly say, " Ifs me " ^ Nelly. No, no ! To be correct I'll try, And always answer, '' It is /." Teaclier. Yes, that is right. Should any tongue Of anybody, old or young. Be heard to say " IVs me "? All. No ! They to be correct should try, And always answer, " It is IP WHEX ARE WE HAPPIEST? {Let two very Little Ones sing this to the time ^^ America,") Mary, Is it when birds and flowers Gladden the long, bright hours In sweet spring-time ? Aima. No ; spring-lime will not stay, And all the flowers of May Fade, and birds fly away To some warm clime. Mary. Is it when pretty toys Add to our childish joys, Making us glad ? Anna. No; for if then we find One hand to strife inclined, One heart with thoughts unkind. How soon we're sad ! 26 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Mary, Is it when childhood's days Are spent in wisdom's w^ays Of pleasantness ? Anna, Yes ; let us sing and say, If we are good each day, Joy shall our onward way Forever bless. GEOGRAPHICAL CHARADE : RHODE ISLAND. Syllable 1: RHODE, {Two Travellers meet,) First, How did you come to town ? Second, I rode in my coach, my lad. First, For me, the boatman rowed me down, The road he said was so bad. Syllable 2 : I. {Same Characters. One examines the eye of the other.) , First. 1 think in your eye 1 something see, When your eye with my eye I eye. Second. Aye, if your eye you rest on me, In my eye a mote you'll spy. Syllable 3 : LAND. {Same Characters.) You came by water and I by land. Did you land upon the beach ? First, Oh, no ; we rowed with a steady hand, The nearer land to reach. The Whole : ERODE ISLAND. {A Little Girl rests on a shield, with the Arms of Rhode Island. See Webster's Unabridged Dictionary f p. 1755. She recites.) Little Girl. She 's one of a double trio, New England's daughter sweet ; She sits where the Ocean washes her little, dainty feet. She's a favorite niece of Uncle Sam, and always has he showed, he Holds dear, as any sister of hers, his pretty *' Little Rhody." She leans on her Anchor that tells of Hope ; Mount Hope is her highest highland ; She's small of stature, but great of soul; do you see she is — Audience, Rhode Island. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 27 ACTING CHARADE: PENNSYLVANIA. [Brother and Sister, sitting at a table ; the latter writing.'] Siste7\ Lend me your knife, if you please ; This pen is so blunt and old. Brother. You would write with greater ease AVith a pen of steel or gold. {Xoise of a hammer is heard outside.) Sister. Oh, what a clamor AVill makes with that hammer ! I wish he would learn more quiet habits. Brother. Let him work ; he is building a pen for his rabbits. (Will enters, laughing, and stumbling over the door-sill.) ' Sister. What is the matter? Oh, careless Will ! Will {rubbing his shins). I believe you're afraid I have broken the s-i'l'l. Brother. Of one thing, surely, we cannot complain : Of elegant manners our Will is not vai?i. Will. I was laughing at Peter : he wants his mamma. I said, " Is she lost ? '' and he said, "Ja/i / " It sounded so comical ! ha ! ha ! ha ! When little black Peter said ^'Yah! yah! yah! " Hesume. Brother (to Sister, emphatically). You mend the Fen. Sister {to Will). The sill you broke. Will {to Brother). You say I am not vain. Brother {to Will). And when poor Peter cries you " yah .'" You laugh us " yah ! " again. Sister {to Audience). Now who can see the State we've made In geographical Charade ? {While the audience or school give the tvord, let the curtain rise upon a statue of Fenn. See *' Higginson^s U. S. 'History.'* Or dress a very little boy in complete Quaker dress, and surround him with thick green branches, as though he ivere in a wood.) 28 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. THE COLONY ; oe, FAR AWAY TO IDAHO* \A Boy^ with knapsack and staff, comes upon the stage. In response to his call, Soldiers, Carpenters, etc., come up from the school, in groups of two or more ; as the number increases thcv move on, down the outer aisle, until they make a line quite around the room. All bring with them tbcir tools and implements. This may be used as a recitation, but it is much better with music] Boy. I'm bound to raise a colony, to start for Idaho ; In all this pleasant company, oh, who would like to go? Soldiers. You need an escort bold and brave, to guard you on your way. . We soldier boys our guns will have, and start this very day. All. Hurrah! hurrah! boys, who will go Far away to Idaho ? Lwnhermen. We'll bring the axe, we lumbermen, and hew the timber down ; Carpenters. We carpenters will saw it, then, and build a' splendid town. Farmers. AVe farmer boys will sow the ']Dlain, and reap the golden field. Millers. We millers all will grind yom' grain, the meal and flour to yield. All. Hurrah ! hurrah I boys, etc. Two Gills, In garments worn and shabby made you soon would have to go. We girls will needles take, and thread, and neatly for you sew. Oilier Girls. And we the snowy flour will take and briskly, gaily knead ; Others. AVe'll charn the golden cream, and make sweet but- ter for your bread. All. Hurrah ! hurrah ! boys, etc. Smiths. Your iron tools will broken be; our anvils we will bring, And blow on blow, with merry glee, shall from our hammers ring. Shoemakers. The Kocky Mountains tramping o'er, your shoes will be worn out, [stout. We shoemakers will make you more, and sew them strong and AIL Hurrah ! hurrah ! boys, etc. * Taken, by permission, from Murray's *' School Chimes," pub- lished by fc>. lirainard's Sons, Cleveland, Ohio. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, 29 Two Girls, And we, on every Monday morn, will wash your garments clean, And stretch our lines across the lawn, or o'er the meadows green. Others. On Tuesday we will iron them, and make them smooth and nice ; On Wednesday we will stitch and hem, and mend them in a trice. All. Hurrah ! hurrah ! boys, etc. Soldiers, When we, the bonny boys in blue, have safely brought you there, We'll gaily hunt the forest through, and kill the deer and bear. Builders. We'll build a sacred temple there, a schoolhouse we will have ; And just beneath the cross so fair, the Stars and Stripes shall wave. All. Hurrah ! hurrah ! boys, etc. Tico Girls. We girls your stockings warm will knit, the fine soft wool will spin ; And weave you garments strong and fit to do your labor in. Others. When you are sick, we'll smooth your brow, and cheer you when you're sad, And sing you songs, as we know how, to keep your spuits glad. All. Hurrah ! hurrah ! boys, etc. Minister. I'll be your minister, to preach ; Doctor. 1*11 doctor all your ills. Teacher. I'll be your schoolmistress to teach, Laicyer. And I will make your wills. Postmaster. I'll keep the Post-ofiice for you and send your letters well ; Merchant, And I the spring styles gay and new of cahcoes will sell. AIL Hurrah ! hurrah ! boys, etc. Leader. Now let us clasp the friendly hand, and promise, one and all, To keep a true, unbroken band, whatever may befall. So give a cheer, brave company, for Idaho the fair. And for the splendid Colony Tm bound to carry there. {All march around the room, on and off the stage and out.) 30. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. "I" OR "HI"? {Tico Boys, dressed as newly arrived Emigrants, meet.) Tat, Good morning, Johnny Bull ; and it's wishing each other a welcome to Ameriky, that we'll be afther, for sure I see ye've jist come over ! An' where are ye going ? Johnny B. To (H)Idaho {pronouncing with the aspirate). Pat To '' hide a hoe ! " An' what'll ye hide a hoe for ? Johnny B. I didn't say " 'Ide a 'oe." I said {H) Idaho. Fat. Sure an' I'll niver know w^hat ye mane till ye put the spell to it. Johnny B. Spell it ? I-d-a-h-o — (H)Idaho. Fat. Is it Idaho you mane ? Johnny B. Yes ; (H)Idaho. Fat (tossing up his hat, and laughing heartily as they go out). " Yes, Hide-a-hoe ! " Well, be off wid ye, and hide a hoe if ye will, and good luck to ye ! LOST STATES AND TERRITOEIES. {A Blackboard Exercise.) [Write this upon the blackboard. As soon as a scholar sees and finds a name, let him raise a hand and be sent to the board to draw a line under the letters forming the name.] Is all the ore gone in the mine you delve ? The columbiad was used in eighteen hundred twelve. The cut — ah, me ! it smarts like flame. Louis, I anagram your name. Birds of the north, carol in a dale ; Birds of the south, carol in a vale. Adel a war engaged in with Aden. Said I, O wait for me, pretty maiden. Noah reached from the ark, an' sassafras picked he. Will you go to the Calif, or Niagara to see ? I knew Yorkshire is in England ; did you ? I knew Jersey is in the English Channel, too. Oh, doctor, ill I noise can bear. Sailors miss our Indian summer air. In Diana you see a goddess fair. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 31 The Neva dashes a rushing race. Put a comma in every proper place. When storm-shaken, tuck your pants in your boots. Give Mary landaus for riding, her taste it suits. Once I had a cot ; ah, now I have none ! But oh, I ought never to live alone. Two towns to connect, I cut a railroad between. His face was florid at morning when seen. Thalaba made ])oet Southey's fame. Rage or giant despair o'ercame. I shall do some washing to-night, she said. Eternal snows cover Mont Blanc's head. It exasperates me to hear that sound. Mount Ida houses have galleries around. Many a color a dolphin shows ere dead. The common tanager is partly red. I can teach you to make nice Indian bread. *' Were the tastes of Penn sylvan ? '' I asked of Ned. Morn is dewy ; O mingle with us, he said. Come, missis, sip pigeon broth made at the fire. Raphael's Virgin I always admire. GEOGRAPHY. {For twenty Little Boys.) First. You came to see us read and spell, And make gymnastic motions ; Then, if we sang and counted well, We suited all your notions. Second, If, with eight fingers and two thumbs, We showed we'd not neglected To add some very little sums, 'Twas all that you expected. Third. You'll be astonished when you've found Geography ice^re learning ! And that we know the earth is round, And on its axis turning. 32 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, Fourth. Round, like this cent? {Sliowing one.) All, No ; not at all ! Fourth. Round like this pencil ? {Showing one.) All No ! Fourth, But it is round like this round ball, And turning round, just so. Fifth, Upon the earth is lovely land, With many a pretty dwelling ; And 'round the earth, on every hand, Blue ocean waves are swelling. Sixth, The ocean ! that's the biggest thing There is in all creation ! And ships sail over it, to bring The wealth of every nation. Seventh. A gulf or bay is where the sea Into the land goes far. Mexico Gulf and Hudson's Bay My best examples are. Eighth, A lake is water where the land On every side is found. A pond is just a httle lake. I sail boats on a pond. Ninth. A river is a stream that flows Through land for miles away ; The Mississippi southward goes Three thousand miles, they say. Tenth, Upon the earth, on either side. Are continents, — I'll show them : {Points.) The Western, long ; the Eastern, wide. You see how well I know them } Eleventh. And where the land, like letter V, Goes stretching, in this shape, Into the ocean or the sea, It is a point or cape. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 33 Twelfth. Another thing of capes say I, To tell a bigger story : That when the cape is very high, It is a promontory. Thirteenth. An island is a piece of land With water all around it ; So when you walk along the sand The waves will always bound it. Fourteenth. Don't go a thousand miles away To find the names of many ; The little isles in Boston Bay Are just as good as any. Fifteenth. Pen-in-sn-la — that's long, I know, But then we all can spell it ; These folks the meaning may not know. So, John, you'd better tell it. Sixteenth. Almost an island. It would be, But for this neck of land That stretches out across the sea. An isle. (To audience.) Bo you understand'^ Seventeenth, And by a funny name we call These necks, where'er they are ; Isthnus, the name of one and all : Here's Suez, there's Panama. Eighteenth. A mountain 's a tremendous hill ; Some, more than five miles high. The Andes see now, if you will, Pacific Ocean nigh. Nineteenth. About the people let me tell : — In all earth's various places The children of one Father dwell, Though they're of different races. Twentieth. The White men of our own dear land, The Indian red and wild. The Brown men of the desert sand, And Afric's Negro child. 3 84 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, In concert. And now, lest weary you should grow, We say, Itere ends our lesson. Of course, from what you've heard, you know That we are bound to press on. And learn, each season, more and more Of every land and nation, Of every sea and every shore, — In short, of all creation, [Let every division be shown on the map with a long pointer ; show with ball and needle how the earth turns ; make motions with hands for long and wide ; make a V with your fingers ; at Pen-in-su-la let all spell in concert. After this, sing the following Geography Song.'\ Geography Soxg. {Music ill ** Golden Robin,"} Oh, have you heard Geography sung? For, if you've not, it's on my tongue, About the earth in air that's hung. All covered with green little islands. Oceans, gulfs, and bays and seas, Channels and straits, sounds if you please, Great archipelagos, too, and ail these Are covered with green little islands. All o'er the earth are water and land, Beneath the ships, or where we stand. And far beyond the ocean strand Are thousands of green little islands. Continents and capes there are, Isthmus, and then peninsula. Mountain and valley, and shore stretching far. And thousands of green little islands. All o'er the globe great circles are found, From East to West some stretch around, Some go from North to Southern bound, Right over the green little islands. Great equator, tropics two ; Latitude lines, longitude, too ; Cold polar circles, and all these go through The thousands of green little islands. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, 35 Oh, don't you think 'tis pleasant to know About the sea and land, just so, And how the lines and circles go Right over the green little islands ? Now you hear how we can sing, This is, to-day, all we can bring ; Come again soon, and then you shall hear sung The names of the green little islands. GEOGRAPHICAL CHARADE. {For two Little Ones.) (A Little Girl loifh long, crimpedhair enters, tossing her hair and running across the stage, as she recites her couplet.) Teacher. The Charade word has but one syllable. Little Girl. K I were a colt, I should toss it, — so, — As I cantered along the shore. Boy {enters in Sailor'' s dress). If I were a sailor, across it I'd go, And maybe not come home any more. Both {coming to the front). 'Tis the farthest first of a glorious number, And, like an old garret, his, full of lumber. We'll help you by saying it is a State ; And now for your answer you see us wait. Little O. {goes to map). Now, while you are guessing, I'll make it plain, For don't you see that I point to — {All cry) Maine! A WISE DECISION. {For Valentine's Day.) On little Annie's valentine, With long hair all a-curl. With gay guitar, and doublet fine, A-singing to his girl, — 36 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. A love-lorn troubadour is seen. Said Annie : " Jamie, say, Is dat de man will ask to me Come live wiv him, some day ? " Said Jamie, wiser by a year, And bent on having fun : — " Yes, that*s his picture, Nannie dear, He's just the very one ! " Soft tremors both the red lips stir. She says : "Den, Jamie brovver, I'll tell him, ^ No, I fank you, sir, I'd rawer live wiv muvver !' " FOR WASHINGTON'S BIRTHDAY. SONG.— BIRTHDAY BELLS. Tune : " Mount Vernon Bells," (in " Golden Robin") AYhen the white-sailed ships are going Downward to the bay, AVhere Potomac's stream is flowing On its seaward way. By Mount Vernon's willows, telling Of our hero's grave. Bell-tones, morn and night, are swelling O'er Potomac's wave. Clionis. Tolling ! tolling ! With a sad, sweet knell ; Ever going by INIount Vernon, Kings the passing bell. But to-day our Country's Father, On the land or sea. Where thy sons and daughters gather, Glad we think of thee ! Joyful songs this day are ringing. Day when thou wast born ; THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 37 Songs of grateful children, singing Of thy birthday morn. Chorus, Ringing ! ringing ! ^^'hile glad echo tells Ships that this day pass Mount Vernon Ring glad birthday bells ! THAT LITTLE HATCHET. {Pantoinime.) [Charactees. — Mr. Washington y Mrs. Washington^ George, Gar- dener, Gardener's Boy, Servant, Peddler. Costumes. — Copy from portraits and figures of early American times.] Scene. 1. — A parlor. Mr. and Mrs. Washington sit at a table ; the former reading, the latter knitting. A knock is at the door. Mrs. Washington turns to the servant, and seems to bid him open the door. He does so ; returns ; seems to tell her of a peddler at the door. The peddler is seen through the door ajar. He enters ; bows very respectfully to both Mr. and Mrs. u . Each politely returns the greeting. Peddler opens his pack ; displays various articles. Mrs. W. examines carefully, and selects, after seeming to ask advice or opinion of Mr. W. Mrs. W. takes from her ])ocket a long, silken purse : finds no money ; goes to Mr. W., and asks for some. He takes from his pocket an enormous old-fashioned wallet, gives her some money ; she pays the peddler, who closes his pack. George enters, the pack is reopened, and the peddler takes from it that little hatchet. George, jumping up and down with delight, seems to beg his mother to buy it for him. She shakes her head, shows the sharp edge of the hatchet, seeming to say that he would cut himself. George seems to declare earnestly that he will be careful ; begs his father to buy it, who shakes his head at first, but finally relents, buys it, paying for it from the big wallet. He gives it to George, who thanks him with a po- lite, old-fashioned bow, bows also to his mother, and then runs out the door. Peddler closes his pack again, bows respectfully, goes out, and the servant closes the door. Scene H. — Mr. W. and the gardener stand by a tree. Mr. W. seems to demand " Who cut that tree ? " Gardener assures him that he did not, and pointing to his boy, declares that he did not. Mr. W. takes the boy by the shoulder ; he whimpers, 38 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. and shakes bis head for " No ! no ! " Mr. W. shakes him. Boy cries. George rushes in, his little hatchet in his hand ; falls on his knees, in a comical attitude, one hand pointing to the tree, the other to the hatchet. Then puts one hand on his heart, and seems to be sayhig, " I cannot tell a lie ! I did it with my little hatchet ! " Gardener and boy raise their hands as high as possible in admiring astonishment. Mr. W. stretches his arms at arm's length, seeming to say, " Come to my arms ! " Mrs. W. and the peddler enter, and lift up their hands in surprise and admiration. All stand thus for a i^td-light tableau. TWO PORTHAITS. {Recitation.) Two pictures fair our schoolroom grace : — A noble matron one, With calm, fair brow and placid face, — 'Tis Martha Washington ; And Washington, whose strong right hand Through dark hours led the way, Until our glad, united land Rejoiced in Freedom's day. The " Father of his Country," he, — His face shall teach our youth As loyal as their sire to be To freedom, love, and truth ; While maidens learn, as her dear face They reverent look upon. To serve with love, or rule with grace, Like Martha Washington. [When it is possible, have the two portraits as above. Otherwise use " Animated Pictures," as follows.] Animated Pictures. Let the curtain be drawn away from the Portraits ; two large frames, behind, and, in effect, in which are full-length figures, a very little boy and girl dressed in the Washington costume. Show them first as a tableau ; at the second removal of curtain, let them bow to each other, and to the audience, with the formal dignitv of Washino'ton's time. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 39 THE WASHINGTOXS AT TEA-TABLE. {Tableau and Pantomime.) Make a pretty scene with the same figures used in ^^ Animated PicturesJ^ In front of the stage have an old-fashioned table, set as for tea, \vith antique silver, china, furniture, &c, A ser- vant, in the Washington livery, opens the door ; Washington conducts Martha Washington to the table with extreme old- time courtesy. The door is closed, the servant takes his place, and Washington bows as in asking a blessing. Hold this po- sition as tableau. Tableau Second: Mrs. "Washington in the act of making tea. OUR FLAG, {For July Fourth^ or June Fourteenth, the Anniversary of the Adoption of the Flag.) Little Girl {with a flag). Tell me, who can, about our flag, With its red, and white, and blue ; How came it to have so many stars, And of pretty stripes so few .^ Little Boy. The thirteen stripes are for thirteen States, That first into union came, For each new State we have added a star, But have kept the stripes the same. Anotlier Girl. The number has now reached thirty-eight ; So here's an example for you : Take the '' old thirteen " from thirty-eight, And how many States are new P First Boy {going to the hoard). Thirteen from thirty-eight ? Let's see : Well, three from eight leaves five ; And one from three leaves two. There'll be, Bemainder, — twenty-five ! 40 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Little Girl. And these all reach from east to west. On both the ocean shores ; And over all this proud flag waves And the Bird of Freedom soars ! AUTUMN'S QUEEN. [For this piece tlie stage must be decorated with autumn leaves and evergreens. The Throne should be elegant with the most brilliant leaves and autumn floAvers. The Chorus may stand in a semicir- cular line, partly on one side of the stage, so that they may nearly face the audience and the Queen at the same time. The Solo Voices come forward as -wanted. There must be a Wand or Sceptre of autumn leaves. The Queen has two attendants who lead her on, receive the gifts, present them to the Queen, and afterward deposit them upon an altar of leaves and flowers. Each one who enters or retires, salutes the Queen.l CJiorus (sing or recite). The cheerful, joyous season, The Autumn-time is come ; With song and shout we welcome The golden harvest home. The Queen enters ; the two attendants sing or sai/ : This fair and lovely maiden, With beauty's royal mien, Shall, with our treasures laden, Be ours and Autumn's Queen. {They lead her to the throne.) Chorus. The cheerful, joyous, &c. Enter a groitp, deched\oiih Autumn leaves, bringing axcreath of Aiiiamn leaves for the Queen. They sing : We come from forests olden. Where, strewn upon the ground, Lie Autumn leaflets, golden. Flung lavishly around. A crown of these we're bringing, The brightest ever seen, THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 41 {Full Chorus joins wliile the QUEEN is being crowned.) To crown thee, while we're singing, O lovely Autumn's Queen. Enter a group with bouquets of AUtUMx FloweKS. We come from wild-wood bowers^ And from the shady dell, With Autumn's bright-hued flowers, The offering to swell. A sceptre we are twining Of flowers and vine-leaves green. Full Chorus. Keceive this sceptre shining ; Be ours and Autumn's Queeu. Enter a group icitli small sheaves of GRAIN and coHN. AYe come from hillsides, gleaming With ripened golden grain, Whose sunny glow is streaming O'er smiling field and plain. Where gladsome shouts are ringing, As merry maidens glean j Fidl Chorus, Our sheaves to thee we're bringing^ bounteous iVutumn's Queen. Enter a group icith small baskets of fruit, prettdu arranged. And we the glowing treasure Of many a bending tree, In fullest, freest measure, Come offering to thee. Our fruits with hues are beraning That on thy cheek are seen ; Full Chorus. Their «mile like thine is gleaming, O radiant Autumn's Queen. Enter a group with clusters of grapes. And we come, gaily bearing The clusters of the vine ; The purple hues they're wearing With brighter tints combine ; To thee our vine-wealth bringing, maiden so serene ; « 42 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Full CJioriiS, We join our sisters, singing, Beloved Autumn's Queen. TJie Queen sings, O subjects good and loyal, Your tributes bright and fair Shall have my praises royal, For goodly gifts they are. Now, while each heart rejoices. Oh, join in sweetest chime, And lift your tuneful voices In praise of Autumn-time. {All sing. At the last stanza all join hands and icind off the stage in some pretty dance, the Queen and attendants fol- lowing.) Autumn Soxg.* Sing ! sing ! sing ! the Autumn-time has come ! With merry song and gleeful shout. We weave our dances in and out. And wind our lovely Queen about, As we sing our harvest-home. Sing ! sing ! sing ! the Autumn-time has come ! And just as they, in days of yore. To Ceres brought their golden store, We lay our gifts our Queen before. As we sing our harvest-home. Sing ! sing ! sing ! the Autumn-time has come ! The ripened fruit and bending grain Fling golden glow o'er hill and plain, And smile the sunshine back again, As we sing our harvest-home. Sing ! sing ! sing ! the Autumn-time has come ! • And gaily down the closing year, With song, and dance, and shouts of cheer, We'll sound thy praises, Queen most dear, As we sing our harvest-home. * From " The Linnet," by permission of John Church & Co., Cin- cinnati. Though given here for recitation, it is much prettier with the inusic. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. 43 A NOVEIMBER DAY. [A Little Child, with golden hair, dressed in gray tarlatan or muslin, ornamented with a few maple leaves, birch leaves, ferns, &c., which she touches as she mentions them. At ^^ golden light" she puts her hand to her head. If possible, let her hold a branch of witch- hazel "wdth its yellow blossoms, that bloom in November.] I COME, a sad November day, Gray clad from foot to head ; A few late leaves of yellow birch, A few of maple red. And, should you look, you might descry Some wee ferns, hiding low, Or late Fall dandelions shy, Where cold winds cannot blow. And then, you see, I'm not all gray ; A little golden light Shines on a sad November day, A promise for the night. For though gray-clad, in soft gray mist, Floating on gray- cloud wing, I know that I the \7ay prepare For brightest days of Spring. And though witch-hazePs golden flowers Are all the blooms I know. They promise — so do I — the hours When sweetest Mayflowers grow. LA CHANSON DE L'HIV^ER. WIJsTER SONG. No more the birds, les oiseaux, sing ; The trees, les arbres, their leaves have lost ; See snow, la neige, o'er everything, And feel la gelee, or the frost. L^Hivei\ the Winter, now has come. Bringing us No'6l, Christmas-day ; Les ruisseauXf brooks, with ice are dumb, And in the snow les en/ants play. 44 THE CHILDREN'S HOUR. Decemhre, December, JantieVi Or January, these are two Of Winter's months ; then Fevrier, The short month, and VHiver is througL So let the leaves, les feuiUes, fly ; Southward, au siid, the birdhngs go ; They'll back again come by-and-by. When Spring, le Frintemps^ melts the snow. THE THREE SIEVES. Child, O MOTHER ! do hear what a tale Fve heard, — So bad I can scarce believe ! Mother. Stop, stop, my child ! not a single word, Till we sift it through the sieve. Child. *' The sieve ? " The meaning of what you've said I certainly do not know. Mother. The Sieve of Truth ; through its golden thread Are you sure the story will go ? Child. No, not quite sure ; but you must believe — It is told all over town ! Mother. Stop, stop, my child ! through another sieve Let us sift this matter down. Child. " Another sieve ? " What can it be ? You certainly make me laugh ! Mother, The silver sieve. Is it kind ? Let's see If it leaves us grain or chaff. Child, No, not quite kind ; but cannot I Tell my mother the worst or best? Mother, Stop, stop ! by the iron sieve we'll try One more, and a final test. Child. And what is the iron sieve ? full well Its test I would hke to know. Mother, It is this, my child : Is there need to tell 9 ^ If not, let the story go. THE CHILDREN'S HOUR, 45 Child. It is needless to fell, may not he true. And I'm sure it is not kind. MotJier. Then I'd let it go, if I were you, Like the chaff before the wind. CHPvISTJMAS GIFTS, OR WHAT WE DO AT OUR HOUSE. {For four Little Girls.) First Girl (to Second). What do you do at yoitr house, "When Christmas eve is nigh ? Second Girl. We stretch a line at the chimney-side, And mother sees it is strongly tied ; Then hang our stockings, and go to bed ; And just as soon as our prayer is said We wonder and gue