^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^w ^||||iilliiiiiii!iiiljiiiir ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^Hgir > 1 1 1 i w 1 iPi ' iBmllisinry Uir 1 ^^^IZ^^^^^^^^^W^B rBMIiiffpBi M mk ) >^^^^^^^^^m^^^^i ^^^^^^^^^H^H^mw B^ttfiffil»UUtft^^?g i^^^^^i ^^^^^^^H l^^^n^^^^Hl i^^SflHH Bp" jii Ihllhll^^^^^^^ A.hM n ^f f ^« ^f m 1 !H^H 1 1 H Hi^^l^H PP^T^^ pr^ lllli uiyi[ii;ii{:aLiiyi;.iii.;iifi!i::-- Class ^.^S^^r^cT Book >/f,g^7-w S Copyrightls^" l?^/ COPYRIGHT DEPOSIT. Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2011 with funding from The Library of Congress http://www.archive.org/details/childrensbouquetOOcamp THE CHILDREN'S Bouquet BY ELIZABETH FROUDE CAMPBELL ■> ) ) ) I9OI PUBLISHED BY E. FROUDE CAMPBELL 'ti The tJBRARY OF eONGRESS, Two Copies Recejved NOV. 20 190t COPVWGHT ENTRY CLASS CU XXa No. / ^ T^ t COPY B. U0P1 Copyright, 1901, By E. FROUDE CAMPBELL, CONTENTS. PAGE The Bouquet's Greeting i The Idol of the Brave . . . .' 6 The Lily and the Rose 8 A Child's Tribute to Its Mother ii Home 13 The Thistle . 16 Nature Never Closes School . 19 "Mother, What does Soldier Mean?" 21 Sympathy 23 A Child's Conversation with a Lily 25 A Daughter's Love 27 School Let Out To-Night 29 It's Easy to be Good . . . , . . . . . . . . 31 A Little Boy's First Letter 33 She Called Herself a Queen t^j Nature is the Queen of Art 39 Kneeling at the Cross 41 Sweet Simplicity 43 iii iv Contents. They Cut the Baby's Wings 45 Who Will Think as Mother Does ? 47 Sent Adrift 50 I Am but a Tiny Girl .52 Lost in the Shade "....'.... 54 When Grandma is Gone Away 57 Attention 59 A Boy's Delight 62 What God Desires 65 A Thoughtful Child (i-] A Broken Flower 69 A Boy at Sea 71 Little Willie's Letter to Santa Claus 75 Nellie's Last Request 77 Love One Another . . . . . '80 Only a Newsboy , ... 84 A Little Sailor 87 The Spanish Defeat at Boston, 1898 89 Crushed, Yet Living 91 The Child and the Skylark . . 93 Affection's Tribute • • 95 The Children's Bouquet. THE BOUQUET'S GREETING. I AM pleased to meet you, little folks, Each one and all ; The Lily of the Valley Will be the first we'll call. Being such a tiny cherub, She's the sweetest of our choice. So weVe placed her in the bouquet. Where you can hear her voice. 2 The Children's Bouquet. Lily. I thank you, pretty Bouquet. They say, " It's true no doubt/' As kindness is your golden rule, You cannot leave me out. It gives me pleasure to welcome all, And gladly would I cheer The precious heart of every child Who meets the Bouquet here. Rose. I think the Lily has left to me My greeting to propose ; I am your true and loving friend. The sweet and fragrant '^ Rose.*' The Bouquet's Greeting. 3 I feel certain that you love me, For your smile does seem sincere, When summer beams are dancing And bring my presence here, Violet. I am called the modest Violet ; Yet with love Tm truly blessed. For often to the ladies' hearts I am fondly pressed. Daisy. They call me the simple Daisy, Whom all the world knows ; So I'll envy not the Lily Nor our gracious Queen, the rose. 4 The Children's Bouquet. There is nothing in*this world Appears to me more sweet Than the dimpled hands of childhood And the patter of its feet. I know the tiny Buttercup Can also add her claim. For we ramble both together Through the meadows and the lane. Pink. I'm really liked by every one, So charming seems my lot ; With the Sweetpea and the Pansy, And the dear Forget-me-not. The Bouquet's Greeting The Goldenrod and Hydrangea, And flowers of other hue, Have sent their loving message With the Bouquet here to you. We bear some loving message To every creed and race ; And Nature drapes us for this mission In a trailing robe of grace. Each one from the Bouquet Bids you all good cheer: May blessing from our Father's hand Crown another year. The Children's Bouquet, THE IDOL OF THE BRAVE, SCHOOL RECITATION. FLAG DAY. Rise ! comrades, rise ! Salute the flag That o'er our country waves, That long has been our Nation's pride, And the idol of the brave. Now let us pledge our hand and heart That honored she will be. Wherever she is seen to float. On land or on the sea. The Bouquet's Greeting. 7 No foeman's steel must e'er disturb The peace that fills her. breast ; For " Justice " is her watchword here. The Guardian of the blest. Halt ! comrades, halt ! salute the flag Wherever she may roam ; On land or sea must honored be The Light of Freedom's Home. Chorus. O may her light long be bright, That from oppression save The hearts that live, and honor give To the idol of the brave.' 8 The Children's Bouquet. THE LILY AND THE ROSE. CHURCH RECITATION. A LOVELY Lily, sweet and fair, In some water lay ; Round her was a pretty field. Decked with flowers gay. The languid Lily raised her head And saw, with smiling grace, A lovely Rose with dew-drops Sparkling on her face. The Lily and the Rose. 9 The Lily smiled, and then exclaimed, " O lovely Queen of Grace ! However did you find your way To this secluded place ? " " Oh ! sweet Lily ! '' said the blushing Rose " Your greeting is most kind ; Wherever Nature sends me, Fm always sure to find. " I thought, as I looked o'er the field. No place could be more sweet j With the modest Violet growing near. And the Daisies at my feet. lo The Children's Bouquet. *^ And sweet impressions you do give. All the flowers know ; Your face is pure and innocent. And robe as white as snow." Lily. Fair Rose, it is our mission here, That each one do her part ( To make some life here brighter, Or soothe some troubled heart. Rose. And no place, sweet, gentle Lily, Does our Master's hand here give ; But kind words often, with a smile. Will help a soul to live. A Child's Tribute to Its Mother, i i A CHILD'S TRIBUTE TO ITS MOTHER. EASTER MORN. Hark! those heavenly bells are chiming Where the angels meet above, As their Saviour comes to greet them With His pure and holy love. In this sweet and happy meeting. Dearest mother I can trace, In a robe and crown rejoicing. And a smile upon her face. 12 The Children's Bouquet. She has come to join the angels, In the song they love to sing : " Hosanna to our God Most High, Hosanna to our King/' Always loving, she has trusted. This Christ blessed assurance gives. If the soul will lean upon Him It forever with Him lives. Go softly, holy angels, now. And whisper in her ear. That tender words we speak of her. As when she lingered here. Home. 1 3 While the lovely Easter lilies Are sparkling with the dew. As my prayers ascend to heaven, Dearest mother, I'll think of you. HOME. SCHOOL RECITATION, " Home " is a magic word. Where sacred ties should cling. Where every hope should brighter grow, That life may to it bring. 14 The Children's Bouquet. The sailor on the rolling deep, Where er his ship may roam, Though tempest rage and breakers leap. Will turn his thoughts on home. A little child when tired of play May wander off alone. And then in bitter tears will plead, " Will you take me home ? " " Home '' sounds like a wedding-bell, Only more soft and sweet ; And deeper should its chimes sink In every heart we meet. Home. 15 " Home " should be your castle here, Kindness in it reign ; The words that youVe repeated there None should repeat again. " Home " is the hall of liberty, Where none should peep or pry, So filled with love and godliness Unhappiness defy. 1 6 The Children's Bouquet. THE THISTLK MISCELLANEOUS. I WONDER if the little folks Know how I got my name ? If they have or if they haven't ril tell it just the same, I wonder if they also know. One dark and lonely hour Scotland woke at dead of night, And called me her royal flower? The Thistle. 17 One day a lovely castle, Which she had on her land, She guarded well with soldiers From enemies at hand. The night was dark, without a star ; I sat up in my bed ; I heard the enemies whispering. They tried to lightly tread. The bushes crackled round me ; Then 1 heard them say, "We'll take our shoes and stockings off, And throw them right away, I 8 The Children's Bouquet. " The castle will be ours now Before the break of day/' Just then they stood upon my swords, Oh ! if you had heard them pray ! The roosters all began to crow, The racket was so great. For bonnet or cloak, I really vow, No Scottish soldier wait. Since this did really happen here Many long years have flown ; 'Twas when brave old Scotland Claimed the island all her own. Nature Never Closes School. 19 NATURE NEVER CLOSES SCHOOL. Nature never closes school ; She's always busy here, Through every day and every month Of every coming year. ,/ Every tender blade of grass Does spring at her command ; Every snow-white foaming wave Will roll upon the sand. 20 The Children's Bouquet. The sweet and tender little buds She trains on every tree ; The fields and gardens heed her touch With flowers for you and me. The fruits, the grains, and everything. Attention to her give ; It is her gifts, her daily gifts. By which we daily live. Nature's laws are perfect here. No flaw is in her rule ; She is life's greatest teacher here. And never closes school. Mother, What Does Soldier Mean? 21 "MOTHER, WHAT DOES SOLDIER MEAN?" " Mother," said a little girl, " Will you explain to me What the word soldier means That I so often see ? " Child. " I think it is a man Who does in battle fight For his country's flag, you know. When it's in the right. 2 2 The Children's Bouquet, " But, 'twas said In church to-day. In every earthly loss Each one can be a soldier here. Who calmly bears his cross." Mother/^ And so can you, my precious one. And every little child Who bears his tiny troubles here Patiently and mild ; "Who never does by thought or deed. Accept what Satan sends. But to the sweet, pure, and good A voice here ever lends. Sympathy. 2 3 " All this, my child, a soldier is ; And you have naught to fear. While trusting God, and kindly treat Your fellow creature here." SYMPATHY. Pity the erring one. Here through weakness go Into the path of sin, Into the path of woe. 24 The Children's Bouquet. Pity the orphan child Whose parents here are dead, Who has no home or shelter. Or place to lay his head. Pity the aged you see. Here that feebly tread ; Soon their trembling footsteps Will echo among the deadc Pity the blind you meet Groping along the way. Never perhaps to see The heavenly light of day. A Child's Conversation with a Lily. 25 CHILD'S CONVERSATION WITH A LILY, CHURCH RECITATION. Child. A little maid one morning To a lovely Lily said : " I fink the angels came last night And watched around your bed. " I fink they love you very much, They bring you gifts so rare ; A crown of gold and robe of white, I've been told they wear." 26 The Children's Bouquet. Lily. " Oh ! sweet child, it is true, I have naught to fear ; My Master in His love for me Gives me all I wear. " His loving eye had seen the cloud That bound me by its thrall. His loving Hand has strengthened me To rise above it all. *^ O'er every life some cloud must pass, All feel the chastening rod; For strength to bear our cross, dear child, We must look up to God/' A Daughter's Love. 27 A DAUGHTER'S LOVE. What can cheer a mother's heart. When Hfe's hopes are sinking here. Like a daughter's faithful love, Making all things bright appear ? When the days were sad and dreary, And their clouds made all seem dark^ Points she to the silver lining Found by love's undying spark. 2 8 The Children's Bouquet, See her with life's battle wrestle, Cheerfully does onward go ; Naught but kind words for her parents From her lips do ever flow. Younger sister, ever trust her, She is making home sublime, And is leaving sweet impressions Here upon the sands of time, cc >> Sorrow she has had to bear ; Where is one that's from it free ? Now she hears her Saviour calling : ^^ Take your cross and follow me." School Let Out To-night. 29 SCHOOL LET OUT TO-NIGHT. SCHOOL RECITATION. A TINY maid one afternoon, With a smile that seemed divine. Came tripping on her way to me And laid her hand in mine. " I've something nice to tell you," She said to me outright ; " Now I can play all the day. For school let out to-night. 30 The Children's Bouquet. "Til take my dolly for a ride. So she need cry no more. And show her all the pretty things ril see in every store. "I — I fink she must feel lonesome When Vm away at school, But I can't help it, don't you see. It is against the rule "For children to bring their baby-carts Or drums and whistles, too ; With lessons waiting to be learned. What could a teacher do ? It's Easy To Be Good. 31 " I fink just as a mamma does, If such should be the rule. Teacher might as well stay at home, For we would run the school/' IT'S EASY TO BE GOOD. CHURCH RECITATION. It is easy to be good. If you will only try To live from day to day you know. The way you ought to die. 32 The Children's Bouquet 'Tis easy to be good. If we will only try To seek our Heavenly Father s aid. Who will never help deny. To walk within the path of right. And in Christ's steps to tread; For noble deeds and noble thoughts Live after we are dead. Spring. 33 SPRING. SCHOOL RECITATION. Sweet Spring, thy voice which seemed divine. No more I hear to-day ; Thy lovely gifts so sweet and fair They too have passed away. Those gifts which filled the earth with song. And made our life more bright, Ah ! would they could have always staid. And never passed from sight. 34 The Children's Bouquet. The birds seemed from their sleep to wake. To join thy gentle note ; The lambs came sporting on the hill When its melody did float. All these have followed in thy train. And few are left to cheer ; The tiny grain, your hand has pressed, Long has been ripened here. Sing on, sing on, sweet, lovely Spring, We tire not of your strain ; The sweet impressions it has made Still in our hearts remain. Summer. 35 SUMMER. SCHOOL RECITATION. When summer joys are round us, And here have come to stay, How sweet it is to take a sail Upon a summer day. To hear the oars then splashing, Around us as we go ; To hear some heart out-pouring Song to crush its woe. 36 The Children's Bouquet. To hear some thrilling music Upon the waters near, As its charming notes do rise And fall upon the ear. Which makes the world seem radiant By its charming light, While Nature's dainty works of art Come crowding on our sight. Oh ! leave us not, sweet Summer dear^ Come linger near us yet ; Though we may say farewell to thee. Thy smile we won't forget. She Called Herself a Queen. 37 SHE CALLED HERSELF A QUEEN. SCHOOL RECITATION. A TINY little maid one day Wandered up and down. Near by a brook where violets grew, To make herself a crown. " rU gather all these violets And daisies too," she said ; "And then Til make a pretty crown, And put it on my head." 38 The Children's Bouquet. She made a necklace of the same, Entwined with leaves of green ; Then looked into the running brook And called herself "a queen/' I'm sure the angels thought she was, She looked so pure and sweet ; And called her then, in innocence,' A little queen complete. Nature is the Queen of Art. 39 NATURE IS THE QUEEN OF ART. MISCELLANEOUS. What paintings are so beautiful As those displayed on high, That Nature, charming queen of art, Just placed upon the sky ? See that spacious orb of fire ! Borne on the wings of morn, Soon to cast his golden rays Earth here to adorn. 40 The Children's Bouquet. See those works of art she's bringing ! Placing far and near this scene ; Every line and curve is perfect, Far beyond a painter's dream. When the Spring's sweet voice is ringings Nature to her art is true ; Then the trees and fields in beauty Blossom sparkling 'neath the dew. By her wond'rous art of .changing, Come those scenes so fair and bright ; Moon and stars like diamonds sparkling Search the deepest shade of night. Kneeling at the Cross, 41 Little brooks in their sweetness. Rivers, oceans, deep and grand, Mountain ravines, towering rocks. All are fashioned by her hand. KNEELING AT THE CROSS. CHURCH RECITATION. While Hfe's joys unceasing crown us, Can the soul perceive a loss, 'Till the dark clouds breaking o'er it. Finds it kneehng at the cross ? 42 The Children's Bouquet. Like a book our life is written ; Leaf for leaf must turn o'er. Ere we see upon its pages What life's mission holds in store, Merry peals of laughter ringing Round us as the breakers toss, From those tiny boats now sailing Nearer, nearer to the cross. When the soul has borne sorrow. Purified from every dross. See the crown of Hope then coming To it kneeHng at the cross. Sweet Simplicity. 43 On life's voyage we are sailing, On its waves here we toss ; When it's ended, may Christ find us Calmly kneeling at the cross. SWEET SIMPLICITY. SCHOOL RECITATION. When I see a little girl Running on the street, Free from everything that's vain, In her shoeless feet; 44 The Children's Bouquet. See her tiny little hands Holds a sweet bouquet ; She has in the meadows been, Singing on the way. With her, too, sweet dolly is, Precious you can see ; Oh, 'tis then my heart cries out, " Sweet Simplicity ! " When I meet a tiny boy, Playing train of cars, I really think he does outshine The ancient god of Mars. They Cut the Baby's Wings. 45 When he's talking to his sled That will unruly be, — Is not the crown these children wear, Sweet Simplicity ? THEY CUT THE BABY'S WINGS. MISCELLANEOUS. One day I saw a little tot Sitting on the sand ; Her tiny mouth was puckered up ; She could not understand 46 The Children's Bouquet. Why her pretty socks and shoes. Those dainty Httle things, Folks should take away as means To cut her baby wings. Her little toes were pink and white, Like rosebuds in the sun ; Without her dainty little shoes How could a baby run Far away on stony streets. And scamper out of sight. And keep her mamma all the time In a dreadful fright? Who Will Think as Mother Does? 47 Of course she'd into danger run, Then all your joys were wrecked ; Now, from a tot but two years old What can you expect ? WHO WILL THINK AS MOTHER DOES? SCHOOL RECITATION. Who will think as mother does^ When her child's in tears, Of all the sweet and pretty things That will calm its fears ? 48 The Children's Bouquet. Who will feel as mother will, When you're ill with pain ? Who can watch as mother will, 'Till you're well again ? Who can laugh as mother can, When a joke you give ? And though years may onward roll. Still that laugh will live. Who will smooth life's troubles here. When they come, you know, Like as mother used to do When ill winds would blow ? Who Will Think as Mother Does? 49 Who'll feel proud as mother will When this world avow The honors you have fairly won, Should rest upon your brow ? Who'll pray for you as mother will, Against the tempter's snare, When she kneels before her God With supplicating prayer ? Who will weep as mother will. When you're called to die. When the last farewell is said. When the last good-by ? 50 The Children's Bouquet. SENT ADRIFT. Out on the streets he's playing, Sent adrift to roam ; Homeward he's returning, To find he's left alone. His home is all deserted, Liquor has caused this blight ; Where will this weary child of God Lay down his head to-night ? Sent Adrift. 51 No downy pillow awaits him, The doorstep is at hand, Yet precious is this child to God As the richest in the land. Liquor has crushed his parents' love. Deep in its sinful trail ; And has changed their hearts to seem Dark, inhuman, fraiL His heavenly Father o'er him watch, The angels o'er him bend ; The morning breaks, the child awakes To see he's found a friend. 52 The Children's Bouquet. I AM BUT A TINY GIRL. CHURCH RECITATION. I AM but a tiny girl, And don't quite understand All the pretty things I'm told About the spirit land. I know that Jesus was a child. And quite lowly born ; And was laid where oxen feed, On a Christmas morn. I Am But a Tiny Girl. 53 While shepherds watched their sheep one night, All resting on the ground. An angel came from God to them. And glory shone around. He pointed to a lovely star, 'Neath where the baby lay ; The shepherds sought the place to find Before the break of day. They found it, and 'twas sacred ground, Everywhere they trod ; Then kneeling down, they gazed upon The Holy Child of God. 54 The Children's Bouquet. This child, I know, to manhood grew. And died for us through love ; He rose again, and now as king Reigns in our home above. 9 LOST IN THE SHADE. When I meet the aged. Tottering on the way, Down the hill of life Soon to pass away ; Lost in the Shade. 55 Where are youth's bright visions ? All too brief to last ; Lost in life's shade, Through the shadows of the past. Where are youth's light footsteps, Once so buoyant led ? Lost within the shade. Now forever fled. Where are dreams of happiness. All that made life fair ? Lost within the shade, Lost forever there. 56 The Children's Bouquet. Second childhood coming. The bUght o'er youth is cast ; All that's left to follow Is the shadow of the past. Spring-time had its visions, Summer took its stand ; Autumn slowly fading, Winter is at hand. When Grandma is Gone Away, ^y WHEN GRANDMA IS GONE AWAY. MISCELLANEOUS. Who will fill the armchair ? Who will mend the clothes ? Who knows how to darn socks As grandma only knows ? Who will hide my piece of pie. Far away from sight ? Who'll take my part like grandma, Every time Tm right? 58 The Children's Bouquet. Who will dress my sister's dolly ? Who will tie my brother's kite ? Who can tell such pretty stories, Every winter's night ? And when mother goes to town. Who shall with us stay. And sit in the armchair. When grandma's gone away ? Attention. 59 ATTENTION, SCHOOL RECITATION. Little hearts, pure and tender, I would have you always so ; Crowned with innocence forever. In this world where'er you go. Young recruits, I'd love to have you Swift to answer duty's call, When your teacher in the schoolroom Gently cries, "Attention all." 6o The Children's Bouquet. Then with cheerfulness surrender. Then for knowledge minds prepare ; So like dewdrops it may fall. Making sweet impressions there. Grasp each precious golden moment, Time has wings and flies away ; Put not off until to-morrow What you ought to do to-day. Trust your teacher, she is wiser ; Cast your playful mood from sight ; Let your banner high be streaming, "We are battUng for the right." Attention. 6 1 Shun temptation, as a serpent ; Kindly feel for all you meet, Young or aged, poor or weary, In your homes and on the street. Love the right, trust it ever ; 9 Evil has its doubts and fears ; Should its seed in young hearts bud, It will grow through coming years. Let your aim in life be noble. And to duty ever tend ; Hold firm to the reins of honor, If you'd be your own best friend. 62 The Children's Bouquet. Do not sneer at honest labor. Though its wages be but small ; It will help you up life's ladder, If you mean to climb at all. A BOY'S DELIGHT. MISCELLANEOUS. " What is a boy's delight ? " you say, A pretty sled on a winter's day : Hurrah ! hurrah ! see him go, Down the hill and over the snow. A Boy's Delight. 63 Three on a runner, thrown out flat, What ! do you think boys mind that ? Soon for another coast you'll find They're dragging up hill, their sleds behind. Hark ! there comes the firemen's call, Slap bang go sleds and all ; Down the street and over the snow. The boys are oflF to the fire, you know. If the firemen would only get out of the way, " They'd put the fire out themselves," they say; At all this fun, laugh while you can. To-day's he's a boy, to-morrow a man. 64 The Children's Bouquet. See ! there's a band coming in sight. This is indeed a boy's delight ; If the world was a hill of sand He'd certainly climb it, to follow the band. A fishing-rod he must have too, To a base-ball game he's never untrue •, With a bicycle now coming in sight, I'll finish at present the boy's delight. At all this fun, laugh while you can. To-day he's a boy, to-morrow a man. What God Desires. 65 WHAT GOD DESIRES. CHURCH RECITATION. That our lives be pure and holy. Free from every wanton sin, If the joys of heaven hereafter We expect to ever win. For the smallest sin committed Here, our God can always see ; Though the heavenly host surround Him, He still watches over thee. 66 The Children's Bouquet. Life is like a thread here given. By our Master's Hand, that takes All things to Himself in heaven ; None can tell how soon it breaks. Man for sin first had to answer, Then on woman God did call ; 'Twill be the same on judgment day When He'll come to judge us all. Let us here be ever mindful, God loves nothing but the just. That some day we'll be lying Out of sight, beneath the dust. A Thoughtful Child. 67 A THOUGHTFUL CHILD, SCHOOL RECITATION. Little Mae, one morning woke. And as her daily rule. She listened for her mother's call To hurry up for school. " I fear," she thought, " that mother's ill. Or perhaps her head does ache ; For through the night the baby cried, And she must have been awake. 68 The Children's Bouquet. I'll steal on tip-toe to her door, I hope she will not hear me ; Then I will make a slice of toast. And bring a cup of tea. ^^ God bless my child," her mother said, " My head does really ache : How thoughtful is your little mind. To plan this for my sake." What some little hands have done. Other little hands can do ; Then some loving heart will say. What a thoughtful child are you ! A Broken Flower. 69 A BROKEN FLOWER. SCHOOL RECITATION. A SCENE IN A HORSE CAR. ^' Oh, naughty man ! see what youVe done ! You broke my flower in two ! I'm very, very angry now, — I'm really mad with you ! " The man was then collecting fares. But instantly did stand. And, stooping down, the child's flower raised, And placed it in her hand. 70 The Children's Bouquet. A smile came o'er her sweet young face, Then banished seemed its pain ; While eagerly she watched for him To pass her by again. His face betrayed some hidden grief, His eyes from weeping, red. I — Fm very sorry I scolded you. Forgive me, please," she said. (C " And take these flowers to your little girl Is she as tall as me ? — Fm sure she'll like them very much ; They are pretty, don't ^you see ? " A Boy at Sea. 71 " My little girl was just your age,. But to-day was laid at rest ; ril take your offering sweet, dear child. And place it on her breast." A BOY AT SEA. SCHOOL RECITATION, " I THINK, papa," said little Fred, " An admiral I will be ; And then like Dewey I'll command A great fleet on the sea. 72 The Children's Bouquet. '' YouVe said when Dewey was a boy He often looked like me, — With tattered jacket, rimless hat. And pants turned to his knee. " And that he oft a-fishing went. In many a running brook. For nothing seemed to please him more Than a fishing-rod and hook. " In every game that boys played, Dewey always led ; They made him captain, don't you see, That placed him at the head ? A Boy at Sea. 73 " Perhaps Til be a banker yet. And have heaps of gold ; Then I can't want for anything — » Not even when I'm old. " I'll surely have an automobile. Then won't I have some fun. To see the boys smile and stare When the automobile will run ! " Or if to mining I should go, A millionaire I'd be; Then I could travel o'er this world, Its grandeur all to see." 74 The Children's Bouquet. "My boy, don't raise your hopes too high. Or build castles in the air ; For often when our castles fall We are driven to despair. ^' If you will find true happiness, The way now to begin, Climb step by step the hill of life; With patience you may win." Little Willie's Letter to Santa Claus. 75 LITTLE WILLIE'S LETTER TO SANTA CLAUS. SCHOOL RECITATION. My dear Mr. Santa Claus, I am going to write to you : I want you to bring me a pretty sled, And paint it all in blue. ril want a pair of little skates ; For when the ice and snow Will freeze the pond the boys will skate, And of course I'll want to go. 76 The Children's Bouquet. Please bring my brother a little drum. And a dolly for sister's sake — Not one that will cry like baby. And keep us all awake. My papa makes a dreadful fuss. And mamma does often weep ; For papa says, " No man on earth Can work without his sleep," I really fink the baby Would be better off with you ; He might not then cry all the time — He'd find something else to do. Nellie's Last Request. j"] Good-by, dear Mr. Santa Claus, I hope we'll all see you. Please don't forget my little sled. And paint it all in blue. NELLIE'S LA3T REQUEST. MISCELLANEOUS. Oh, bring that dress to-night, mother, In tears you laid away ; The one you said I ne'er should see Until my dying day. 78 The Children's Bouquet. It cannot harm me now, mother. As on that piercing night. When the howHng winds held mournful tune. Yet all the world seemed bright. The balhoom had its charms for me. Although you pleaded long ; I closed my heart, for I still wished To join the glittering throng. I heard Affection's pleading voice Through tears that dimmed your sight. Ah ! mother, if Vd heeded then, rd not be ill to-night. Nellie's Last Request. 79 Teach little sister when I'm gone The things you loved of me ; And bear bravely for my father's sake. When he returns from sea. I long to see his loving face ; To me he's always mild. His heart and hopes on me were set — I was his favorite child. The winds are howling, mother, dear. The world seems sad to-night; The angels, I feel, are coming soon To bear me from your sight. 8o The Children's Bouquet. Come nearer, mother, — nearer still Fm weary — let me rest My head, as when a little child. Upon your loving breast. AUTUMN, CHURCH RECITATION. What quaint-like scenes, thou, Autumn, brings. What an artist thou art here ! To change each scene from verdure hue To golden that appear. Autumn. 8 1 With fairy tread, with brush in hand, Thou cam'dst to us unseen, And hung thy dainty paintings round Of gold among the green. We hear thee tripping on thy way Through forest, vale, and dell ; Thy power comes through our Master's hand. Who doeth all things well. We hear thee sigh, a tear let fall Upon thy heaving breast ; For Summer's gifts you know full well Will soon be laid at rest. 82 The Children's Bouquet. To slumber with those of the past, Now hidden from our sight ; The joy that once had crowned them here Will spread no more its light. Thy charming art and wondrous power, With nature softly blend ; This lesson here in life you teach. That all things have an end. The lovely sun will farther seem, Yet some will heed it not. When out upon the icy pond All trouble seems forgot. Autumn. 8 When they slide with jingling bells, Or dance to music light, 'Tis then you hear old Winter laugh Upon a moonlight night. 84 The Children's Bouquet ONLY A NEWSBOY. MISCELLANEOUS. Only a newsboy, small and slim. Hurrying round his pennies to win ; " New York World, only a cent," He called to the crowd as they homeward went. Some heeded his cry, some hastened their pace, Some gave no thought to the pale young face That anxious looked, and marked with pain. In the howling winds and frozen rain. Only a Newsboy. 85 He thought of his little sister fair, With the deep blue eyes and golden hair ; Sitting in the old garret room alone, Watching and wishing he'd soon come home. 'Twas seven, the great city clock now told, Yet half of his stock remained unsold. When a voice he heard, he leaped with joy, " New York World, hurry up, my boy ! "O cruel parents, what a love you miss, To let a child out on a night like this ; So small, so pale, and thinly clad, I wish to God, he was my little lad." 86 The Children's Bouquet. "'Tis only a year, sir, since father died," The boy in a choking voice replied ; " And only six months, I remember the day. When beautiful mother was laid away. " She left little Jennie, my sister, to me ; For her I'm selling these papers, you see. Nothing in the world could make us part. If she died, too, 'twould break my heart." "Your name, my boy ! Why ! that's mine too, My brother when young looked just like you. I've landsj and gold plenty in store. Your sister and you shall never want more. A Little Sailor. 87 " The past is dead, I cannot recall The brother I loved more dearly than all. You have fought, my boy, neath the banner of right; And the angels have brought us together to- night." A LITTLE SAILOR. One lovely summer morning. As I walked along the shore, A little tot just two years old Ran from her cottage door. 88 The Children's Bouquet. A tiny boat was in her hand, She laid it on the beach ; A foaming wave came rolling in, And bore it out of reach. She laughed at every dancing wave. She clapped her hands with glee ; Yet I knew a moment more They'd bear her out to sea. I stole on tip-toe light and fast — I dared not call her name — But caught her quickly in my arms. Wouldn't you have done the same ? LofC. The Spanish Defeat at Boston. 89 THE SPANISH DEFEAT AT BOSTON, 1898. Old Marblehead was thrilled that day As never here before. When shot and shell from Spanish ship Came shrieking on her shore. The Spaniards claimed in '98 They dreamt of honors won ; But never dreamt they'd have to fight The boys of '61. 90 The Children's Bouquet. Their shells and hopes were here ahke Aimed far too high to win ; The lights upon the coasts were out — They dare not venture in. Old grand St. Michael's stood unscared Her horsemen dashing by. Saw hundreds of her sons that day Helpless and wounded lie. Oh, kindled was the fire of wrath Beneath injustice' sway ! And soon the Spaniards made retreat Away from Boston Bay. Crushed, Yet Living. 91 CRUSHED, YET LIVING. MISCELLANEOUS. Upon the wayside where all pass by, A flower was seen one day to lie ; 'Twas crushed, yet living so ; An evil hand sought that day. The sweetness of its life to stay. So the world might never know. The mission here its life must fill. Thro' sunshine and thro' tempests ill. Though crushed, still living yet ; 92 The Children's Bouquet. To rise above the fiendish art Which Satan plans in human heart. That life can ne'er forget. 'Twas cruel revenge, as a coward can, When life was only just a span. Yet here was bidden stay — Each drop of blood that pure heart bled. Will God demand as much instead. When all things pass away. The Child and the Skylark. 93 THE CHILD AND THE SKYLARK. MISCELLANEOUS. I THOUGHT the pretty skylark Would sing for me to-day^ So I arose quite early. To meet him on the way. Oh, see ! he's flying towards me ! Now doesn't he look sweet — Singing on that tree-top, With those leaves at his feet ? 94 The Children's Bouquet. I really fink he knows me ; I thought he called my name When I was picking violets Away down in the lane. I — I wonder if the angels Are listening now above To this pretty skylark Sing his song of love ? Affection's Tribute. 95 AFFECTION'S TRIBUTE. President McKinley. Sleep on ! dear soul of honor, sleep ! 'Tis best, 'tis best thou ne'er can see The grief that wrings the nation's heart, Her tears that freely jflow for thee. O priceless life ! whatever be thine Beyond life's troubled sea. Thy name within our hearts we shrine. And long revered will be. 96 The Children's Bouquet. O leader of the great republic ! Now honored by her heart and hand, Would God this fate had not been thine, And thou wert spared to thy dear land. O Christian hero, martyr, saint. Thou sought not glory here of earth. But sought the things most pure and true That came to crown thee from thy birth. " Lead, kindly light,'* lead him still on Through that peaceful home of rest ; So we may turn aside from grief To see him smiHng with the blest. Affection's Tribute. 97 Farewell, dear faithful, trusting soul ! Death could not hold for thee its fears ; Farewell, till we will meet again, , Beyond this sad, dark vale of tears. NOV 20 1901 11 lli lii)^ 1 018 602 498 9