■JPlCLE HeRBE^5?' ■PE/IKEK^ WIWIIIIililMMMiriilWIIIMIIflWirwiWUCWnmiMHWWWMiWII miticmcJcicfcrcrcretcitmcicwwTww^ Autograph JJlbum Verses. mm mmmt tmmtm mmm WiiMMMiiiM^ s " ' / ■/• .0 o. './^•^^<^ t ' ''■■^,. ^' .^ -^■i'. ■^*o ^'' "^ 9' ^<^^, ->^' .^^ "^. ^^ ^^^ A^" V ^0 o . ^ VC HNGLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER Autograph- Album Verses, A CHOICE COLI,ECTION CAREFULLY SELECTED AND ARRANGED UNCLE HERBERT -.1 SOLD BY SUBSCRIPTION ONLY. . J,^ 25 I f J. A. RUTH & CO., Philadelphia and Chicago. 1886. 1/ o\ ^''^^ Copyright, 1886, By J. A. Ruth & Co. Manufactured by J. A. Ruth & Co's Publishing House. PREFACE. ^'TPHE selections for this volume have been made with d^j very great care. Nothing that could in the shghtest degree prove objectionable has been admitted. All the pieces are pure in language, lofty in sentiment, pithy, bright, sparkling. None dull or prosy. Beginning with the short simple pieces for the "httle prattlers," the book gradually runs into those for older children ; thus about one-third of the Speaker is given to pieces suitable for children under eight years of age, one-third for children from eight to twelve years old, and the remainder for older ones. The little ones will memorize the short pieces by hearing them read, and thus early acquire the love for reciting and the confidence and knowledge of ability to perform, so essential to their development and success in life. The large number and great variety afford suitable selections for children of all ages and for all occasions; and though especially designed for school and parlor recitations, will also prove a treasure around the fireside, affording instruction, amusement and recreation for young and old. III. IV. PREFACE. Who has not been at a loss for an appropriate subj ect when asked to contribute a line, verse or page to an Autograph- Album? Who is always ready to ''take the facile pen and write as if with fairy's magic wand"? The verses of this collection are so numerous and varied that a suitable one may be readily found for any requirement. Here are Friendship, Affection, Wit, Miscellany; every verse, as given, is appropriate to precede a signature, or can, by a little ingenuity, be changed to an original form — "In thought the same, the language only changed. " The utility and necessity for a suitable collection of Recitations and Autograph-Album verses are too obvious to require argument or apology, and the Publishers feel the assurance that this little volume will meet with universal favor. The modesty of the Author prompts him to with- hold his name, and he will be known to the world only as "Uncle Herbert." That he has performed his work con- scientiously and well, and that he has added a valuable contribution to the standard literature of the time we submit to an indulgent, appreciative, albeit critical Public. THE PUBLISHERS. CONTENTS. PAGE. A FiEST Impeession, ----- 26 A Child's Thought, - - - - - 42 A Little Boy's Lectuee, - - - . 83 A Boy's Teoubles, - - - - - - 50 A Boy's Deeam, ------ 56 A Mite Song, ----- - 55 A Little Giel's Speech, - - - - 44 A Bit of Potteey, ------ .148 A Housekeepee's Tragedy, - - - - 277 A Yisit FEOii St. Nicholas, - - - - 114 A Geoegia Yolunteee, . - - . 299 A Lawyee's Poem to Seeing, - - - - 120 A Life on the Ocean Wa^e, - - - - 124 A Little Boy's Speech, - - - - - 35 A Butteefly on Baby's Geave, - - - 79 Addeess to a Teachee, - - - - - 109 Afton Watee, - - - - - - 118 All Things Loye Me, - - -. - - 27 An Oeation foe a Boy, - - - _ 47 An Opening Addeess, - - - - - 19 Aunt Silya Meets Young Mas'e John, - - 212 Aunt Tabitha, - - - - - -110 Baby is a Sailoe, ----- 82 BiEDiE AND Baby, - - - - - - 30 Beight Little Dandelion, - - - - 15 Beauty Eveeywheee, - - - - - 68 Baby, ------- 64 Baby, -- - - - - - -14 CONTENTS. VI. Paqe. Bessie Bo-Peep, - - - - - - 153 Be Pleasant, .---.. 34 Baby Sister, ------- 49 BuEiAL OF Sir John Mooke, - - - - 135 Bill and I, - - - - - - - 275 Bachelor's Hall, ~ - - - - 210 Bustin' the Temperance Man, - - - - 316 Burial of The Dane, ----- 257 Charlie's Speech, - - - - - - 51 Chubby Fist, ------ 95 Christmus Comin', - - - - - - 191 Civil War, - - - - - - 301 Charge of the Light Brigade, - - - - 150 Catiline's Defiance, ----- 259 Dickie Bird! Dickie Bird! - - - - 93 Deeds of Kindness, ----- 98 Doing Nothing, - - - - - - 52 Did Not Pass, ------ 163 Dot Baby off Mine, - - - - - 292 Der Baby, --...- 285 Dot Maid wid Hazel Hair, - - - - 192 Dying Confession of Paddy McCabe, - - 288 Destruction of Sennacherib, - - - - 200 English History in Bhyme, - - - - 147 For a Small Boy, - - - - - - 42 For a Small Boy, - - - - - 33 For a Very Small Girl, - - - - - 26 For a Small Girl, ----- 26 For a Very Little Boy, - - - - - 19 Frowns and Sneers, ----- 24 Faults of Others, - - - - - - 30 For a Little Girl, ----- 46 Funny, Isn't It? - - - - - - 65 Fanny's Mud Pies, ----- 133 Farewell, Old Shoe, - - - - -1^2 For Vacation, ------ 109 Flea Powder, - - - - - - 207 Farm-yard Song, - - - . - 166 CONTENTS. VII. Page. Good Night, - - - - - - - 89 Good Night and Good Mokning, - - - 172 God Sees, -------83 Good Night, Little Star, . . . _ 22 Give the Little Boys a Chance, - - - 62 Gettysbueg Cemeteey, - - _ . 238 Holiday Speech, - - - - - - 47 How THE Babies Grow, - . _ . 59 Happy is My Name, - - - - - - 51 HoE Your Own Row, ----- 43 Hurrah! - - - - - - - 49 Hundreds! ------ 82 hohenlinden, - - - - - - 143 HOSANNA, ------- 152 Half-past Eight and Half-past Four, - - 16 Housekeeper's Soliloquy, - - - _ 161 It's Not Worth While to Hate, - . , . - 113 "I Can't and I Can," ----- 79 " I Can't and I Can," - . - - . - 91 "Isn't God Upon the Ocean?" - - - 84 I'm Very Young, - - - - - - 62 It Snows,- __..-- 159 It's Good to Have a Mother, - - - - 93 Jack and the Rabbit, ----- 95 Katydid, -.._... 134 Little Brown Bushy-Tail, - - - - 103 Little Things. - - - - - - 86 Little Blue Bell, ----- 34 Little, but " Spunky," - - - - - 20 Little Whimpy, ------ 45 Little Foxes, - - - - - - 63 Little Toddlekins, ----- 39 Leedle Yawcob Strauss, - - - - - 199 Little Midget, - - - - - - 58 Little Brown Hands, - - - - - 157 Liberty or Death, ----- 242 Lake of the Dismal Swamp, - - - - 188 Make Your Mark, - - - - - 48 Viu. CONTENTS. Page. Mamma's Boy, - - - - - - - 73 MoTHEE Goose's Tea Party, - - - - 101 Miss Fket and Miss Laugh, - - - - 91 MOENING, ------- 52 My Week, ------- 60 My Little Husband, ----- 44 Miss Tidy, - - - - - - - 46 Mamma's Kisses, _.---■ 23 Mr. Tongue, ------- 33 My Kittens, -.-._- 28 My Sweetheart, - - - - - - 125 My Mother's Hymn, ----- 168 Mill Eiver Kide, - - - - - - 279 Me. Socrates Snooks, - - - - - 216 Marco Bozzaeis, - - - - - - 233 Nevee Put Off, - ^ - - - 94 Nine Paets of Speech, - - - - - 87 Nevee Give Up, - - - - - 217 No Good Eeason, - - - - - - 41 Nobody's Dog, ------ 41 No Baby in the House, - - - - - 26 One of His Names, ----- 90 Only a Baby Small, - - - - - 21 Old Speckled Hen, - - - - - 71 On Time, ------- 38 OuE Jim, ------- 85 Only Five, - - - - - - - 56 OvEE THE Eiver, ----- 135 Our Country, - - - - - - 176 Our Charley, ------ 106 Old- School Punishment, - - - - - 164 One Night with Gin, ----- 266 Playing Barber, - - - - - - 74 Popping Corn, ------ 128 Presentation Speech, - - - - - 178 Presentation Speech, ----- 177 Prescription for Spring Fever, - - - 39 Queer Little Stitches, - - - - 96 CONTENTS. IX. Page. Eemember, ------ 73 KuNNiNG Away, - - - - - - 121 Kain on the Koof, ----- 173 Rock Me to Sleep, - - - - - - 222 RiENZi's Addkess, - - - - - 261 EOET O'MOEE, - - - - - - 203 Some of the Children, - - - - 100 Smiles and Teaks, - - - - - - 90 Suppose, ------- 78 Sunbeams, -------86 Speech foe a Small Boy, - - - . 25 Spring has Come, - - - - - - 37 Silly Little Mary, ----- 16 Speech for a Boy, - - - - - - 31 Six Little Mice, - - . - . 13 Speak the Truth, - - - - - - 58 Stop, Stop, Pretty Water, . - . - 64 Sour Grapes, - - - - - - 46 Song of the Corn Popper, - - - - 149 Song of the Camp, ------ 290 Somebody's Darling, ----- 115 Smiting the Eock, ------ 254 Sally in Our Alley, ----- 179 Speech for a Little Girl, - - - - 35 Sheridan's Eide, - - - - - 302 Sample Eooms, ------ 271 Shylock to Antonio, - - - - - 310 Soliloquy of King Eichard III., -• - - 298 South Carolina and Massachusetts, - - 235 The Morning Call, - - - - - - 32 The Three Little Kittens, - - - - 36 The Little Dutchman, - - - - - 36 The Thrush, ------ 14 The Toad, ------- 24 The Bumble Bee, - - - . _ 72 The Little Dreamer, - - - - - 58 The Chickens, - - - - - .57 The Baby Sleeps, - - - - - - 65 X. CONTENTS. Pagb. The Lake, ---... 70 The Early Birds, - - - - - - 54 The Stars, .--..- 62 The Lost Doll, - - - - - - 92 The Little Artist, ----- 94 The Bust Bee and Mule, - - - - - 104: The Little Things, - . - _ _ 99 The Courageous Boy, - - - - - 105 The Pig and the Hen, ----- 80 The First Pair of Breeches, - - - - 105 The Long Sermon, ----- 84 The Robin and the Chicken, - - - - 87 The Little Shepherdess, - - . - 33 The Bee and the Butterfly, - - - - 31 The Violet, - - - - - - 40 The Minutes, - - - - - - 61 The Busy Bee, ------ 61 The Watermillion, - ----- 77 The Queen in Her Carriage, - . . 60 The Dead Moon, - - - - - - 167 The Smack in School, ----- 132 The Eagle, - - - - - - - 131 The Little Girls, - - - - - 161 The Rain, ------- 67 The Wind in a Frolic, - - - - 154 The Cobbler's Secret, - - . - - 127 The Bachelor Sale, ----- 126 The Farmer Sat in His Easy Chair, - - - 122 The Boy and the Boot, .... 130 The Ship of State, - - - - - 145 The Dumb Wife, - - _ - 119 The Groves, - - - - - - - 123 The Oyster Man, - - - - _ 138 The Remorseful Cakes, - - - - - 140 The Quail's Song, ----- 114 The Miser, - - - - - - - 136 The Love of Country, - - - _ 146 The Little Boys, - - - - - - 162 CONTENTS. XI. Page. The Modekn Belle, - - - - - 111 The Feost, - - - - - - - 155 The Two Squieeels, ----- 107 The Conqueeed Banner, - - - - - 224 The Lovees, - - - - - - 197 The Foueth of July, - - - - - 187 The Blue and the Geax, - - - - 229 The Old Oaken Bucket, - - - - - 228 The Picket Guaed, ----- 226 The Polish Boy, ------ 249 The Two Eoads, ----- 246 The Old Sexton, - - - - - - 190 The Mountains of Life, - - - - 218 The O'Lincoln Family, ----- 221 The Philosophee's Scales, - - - - 204 The Counteesign, ------ 193 The Maeinee's Dee am, ----- 183 The Ivy Geeen, - - - - - - 219 The Seminole's Eeply, . _ - ^ 307 The Black Regiment, ----- 263 The Gladiatoe, ------ 311 The Main Teuck, - - - - - ♦ - 309 The Cumbeeland, . . - - - 273 The Geeat Atteaction, - - - - - 314 The Buening Peaiete, ----- 304 The Maniac, - - - - - - - 294 The Chinese Excelsioe, - - . - - 289 The New Chuech-Oegan, ----- 280 The Faithful Loyees, ----- 284 The Beave at Home, - - - - - 272 The Misee's Will, - - - - - 269 Tom, -------- 296 Twenty Feogs at School, - - ' - - 75 Theowing Kisses, - - - - - - 22 Twinkle, Twinkle, ----- 77 Tale of a Dog and a Bee, - - - - 66 "They Say," ------ 44 Ten Teue Feiends, - - - - - - 92 XII. CONTENTS. Tommy's Plan, . - - Tkip Lightly, . . - To Bed, - _ . . Two Little Magpies on a Wall, That Gkumbling Old Woman, Tkuth, in Parenthesis, Total Annihilation, Upside Down, - - . Useful Little Woeds, Uncle Ned's Defense, - Valedictoey, - - . . Valley Foege, - - - Wouldn't Eat Ceusts, What is Man? - - - What the Snowdeop Says, We Little Boys, When Mamma was a Little Giel, What the Daisy Said, - Wheee is Mamma? - Woeds of Welcomjs, Welcome, . _ . . What Willie Said, "When I am Big," - - - WoEK while You Work, Washing Dishes, . - - Whip-Pooe-Will, We All Like Sheep, - - Wateeloo, - - _ Woeds and theie Uses, Waeeen's Addeess, What a Little Leaf Said, " YouES Truly, Sir," - Page. 106 25 - 18 53 - 165 131 - 117 70 - 59 213 - 108 239 - 75 90 - 86 104 - 88 76 - 20 18 - 22 37 - 69 68 - 69 144 - 137 231 - 209 175 - 171 56 Uncle Herbert's Spesker. SIX LITTLE MICE. IX merry little mice, — ^As lively as you please, Went out to take a walk one day, And came across a cheese. Said Mousie Number One To Mousie Number Two, "Let's go and take a nibble," Said Number Three, '*0h, do!'' Said Number Four, "I never saw A cheese so very nice; 1 think I'll take some morsels home To my three little mice!" Said Number Five, 'T'll think a while, Nor nibble here in haste, Although I'm sure, this nice, large cheese, Must have delicious taste!" But while the five were talking, Believe it, if you please. Industrious little Number Six, Had carried off the cheese! 13 14 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. THE THRUSH. O ONGSTER of the russet coat, ^-^FuU and liquid is thy note; Plain thy dress, but great thy skill, Captivating at thy will. Small musician of the field, Near my bower thy tribute yield, Little servant of the ear. Ply thy task, and never fear. I will learn from thee to praise God, the Author of my days; I will learn from thee to sing, Christ, my Saviour and my King; Learn to labor with my voice. Make the sinking heart rejoice. ' BABY. LXJHERE did you come from baby dear? Out of the everywhere into here. Where did you get those eyes so blue? Out of the sky as I came through. What makes the light in them sparkle and spin? Some of the starry spikes left in. Where did you get that little tear? I found it waiting when I got here. UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. 15 What makes your forehead so smooth and high? A soft hand stroked it as I went by. What makes your cheek Hke a warm white rose? I saw something better than any one knows. Whence that three-cornered smile of bHss? Three angels gave me at once a kiss. Where did you get this pearly ear? God spoke and it came out to hear. Where did you get those arms and hands? Love made itself into bonds and bands. Feet, whence did you come, you darling things? From the same box as the cherubs' wings. How did they all just come to be you? God thought about me, and so I grew. But how did you come to us, you dear? God thought about you, and so I am here. George Macdonald. \ ♦ — ♦ BRIGHT LITTLE DANDELION. 1Q RIGHT little dandeHon^ J^ Downy yellow-face, Peeping up among the grass With such gentle grace. Minding not the April wind Blowing rude and cold, Brave little dandelion. With a heart of gold! q 16 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. HALF-PAST EIGHT AND HALF-PAST FOUE. ALF-PAST eight, half-past eight! School-bell's ringing — don't be late! Get your books, and pens, and papers; Don't be cutting truant capers. Half-past eight, half-past eight! School-bell's ringing — don't be late! Half-past eight, half-past eight! Who is he for whom we wait? Lazy Jack! — why this folly! Why d'ye look so melancholy? Don't hang back — march out straight, School-bell's ringing — school won't wait! Half-past four, half-past four! Bell is ringing — school is o'er! Master Jack is blithe and ready: Needn't hurry. Jack — march steady. See the rogue, he runs about; He's the very first boy out. Half-past four, half-past four! Bell is ringing — school is o'er. SILLY LITTLE MARY. O ILLY little Mary, ^-^ Sulking all the day, While the other children Run about and play. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 17 Silly little Mary Wears a peevish look, When she sees the others Laughing at the brook. Silly little Mary Will not skip or swing, Won't at puss-in-corner play, Won't do anything. Silly little Mary Hides behind the bank, In among the roots and weeds. All so thick and rank. FOR A SMALL GIEL. |HE other girls and boys in .school All said I was too young To stand up here, like them, and use My hands, and feet, and tongue. But 7tow I guess they'll own that I Am quite as smart as they, For all my speech is not as long As some the rest may say. 18 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. WOEDS OF WELCOME. LTIND friends and dear parents, we welcome you ^J here To our nice pleasant school-room, and teacher so dear; We wish but to show how much we have learned, And how to our lessons our hearts have been turned. But hope you'll remember we all are quite young, And when we have spoken, recited and sung, You will pardon our blunders, which, as all are aware, May even extend to the President's chair. Our life is a school time, and till that shall end. With our Father in heaven for teacher and friend, O let us perform well each task that is given, Till our time of probation is ended in heaven. TO BED. T KNOW a httle boy. And have often heard it said That he never was so tired That he wished to go to bed. Though he scarcely can hold up His drowsy little head. Yet this very foolish boy Cannot bear to go to bed. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. X9 When the big golden sun Has lain down to sleep; ' When the lambs every one Are lying by the sheep; When underneath its wing Every chick tucks its head, — Still this odd little boy Does not like to go to bed. FOR A VERY LITTLE BOY. IT'S very hard, kind friends, for me To stand up here, with trembling knee, And see so many people's eyes Cast on a boy of my small size; But then I thought I'd take my place, And, soldier-like, the music face. I've tried my hardest to please you. You may believe me this is true; Your kind attention (ere we part) I thank you for with all my heart! AN OPENING ADDRESS. I am a very little boy (or girl), and I suppose that is why the teacher puts me first to-day. But I am big enough to tell you that we are very glad to see you. I hope you will like our school very much. We will sing our best songs, and say our prettiest verses, and be just as good as we can all the time you stay, for we want you to come again. 20 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. WHERE IS MAMMA? T CANNOT find my mamma! Where do you think she can be? She said she was going down to the store, To buy a pound of tea. And I'm sure she's been gone a hundred years, I'm as lonesome as I can be! Please tell her if you see her. To hurry home to me. I'm tired of my doll and the kitty. And the baby just cries and cries; I've tried and tried to rock him to sleep, But he won't even shut his eyes. So, please, if you see my mamma. Tell her to hurry home to me, For I'm sure I want her very much more Than she wants a pound of tea. LITTLE, BUT ''SPUNKY." T AM Httle, but I'm ''spunky," As you now may plainly tell; All the session I have studied Every lesson very well. Now I'm glad that school is over. And with books and work I'm done, For I want to take vacation, And have "lots'' of play and fun. UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. 21 ONLY A BABY SMALL. [QjNLY a baby small, ^ Dropped from the skies; Only a laughing face, Two sunny eyes; Only two cherry lips, One chubby nose; Only two little hands Ten little toes. Only a golden head, Curly and soft; Only a tongue that wags Loudly and oft; Only a little brain, Empty of thought; Only a little heart, Troubled with nought. Only a tender flower Sent us to rear; Only a life to love While we are here; Only a baby small, Never at rest; Small, but how dear to us, God knoweth best. 22 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. GOOD-NIGHT LITTLE STAR. QOOD-NIGHT, little star! ^^ I will go to my bed And leave you to burn While I lay down my head. On my pillow I'll sleep Till the morning light, Then you will be fading And I shall be bright. WELCOME. TT'IND friends, we welcome you to-day, J With songs of merry glee, Your loving smiles we strive to win. Each face we love to see. Sweet welcomes then to one and all, And may your smiles approve; And may we never miss the light Of faces that we love. THROWING KISSES. 'OON'T think, dear friends, that I'm too small ^^ To fill a place like this; I'm big enough to love you all, And throw you all a kiss. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 23 A little word, a look, a smile, Will never come amiss; Takes but a moment, as you see, To throw you all a kiss. It may be that you have at home Some boy, or little sis. Who laughs, and peeps, and when you go Throws after you a kiss. MAMMA'S KISSES. 7] KISS when I wake in the morning, (g) A kiss Avhen I go to bed, A kiss when I burn my fingers, A kiss when I bump my head. A kiss when my bath is over, A kiss when my bath begins; My mamma is full of kisses, As full as a nurse is of pins. A kiss when I give her trouble, A kiss when I give her joy; There's nothing like mamma's kisses To her own little baby boy! r 24 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. THE TOAD. 'VE heard a song about the frogs, And bees with pretty wings, And what a very pleasant note The Httle robin sings. But oh! no poet ever yet Has greatly praised the toad, Oft seated on his haunches, A-winking in the road! He's neither tall nor stately, And he looks very old; . His skin all wrinkled, tough and brown — It keeps out wet and cold. He's very strange, ugly and coarse, And surely very odd; He sets all the children laughing When he leaps o'er the sod. But the old toad is quite friendly, And he seems very wise Coming out from the old door-stone To catch the little flies. L7icj S. Riiggles. FKOWNS AND SNEERS. 1Z700LISH things are frowns and sneers. For angry thoughts reveal them. Rather drown them all in tears, Than let another feel them. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 25 SPEECH FOR A SMALL BOY. "Oobody knows how hard I've tried J To learn a speech to say, And be up with the other boys, Who all show off to-day. But now I'm here, I am afraid I never will get through; For I am badly scared, you see, And scarce know what to do. I haven't much to say, because I am so very small, But anything is better than To make no speech at all. TRIP LIGHTLY. n^RIP lightly over trouble. J^ Trip lightly over wrong; We only make it double, By dwelling on it long. Trip lightly over sorrow, * Though this day may be dark, The sun may shine to-morrow, And gayly sing the lark. Fair hope has not departed. Though roses may have fled; Then never be down-hearted. But look for joy instead. 26 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. A FIRST IMPRESSION. 1 RECOLLECT a nurse called Ann Who carried me about the grass, And one fine day a fine young man Came up and kissed the pretty lass. She did not make the least objection. Thinks I, "Ah, When I can talk I'll tell mamma" — And thafs my earliest recollection. FOR A VERY SMALL GIRL. I AM a merry little girl. And if I had my way, I'd never go to school at all, But with my dollies play. I wish some one would come along And steal the school-house key. Then all the boys and girls could play- How happy we would be! I hope the audience will excuse The shortness of my speech; And now I'm done, I'll say good-bye, And kiss my hand to each. 5 NO BABY IN THE HOUSE. O baby in the house I know, 'Tis far too nice and clean. UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. 27 No toys, by careless fingers strewn, Upon the floors are seen. No finger-marks are on the panes, No scratches on the chairs; No wooden men set up in rows. Or marshalled ofT in pairs; No little stockings to be darned, All ragged at the toes; No pile of mending to be done, Made up of baby-clothes; No little troubles to be soothed; No little hands to fold; No grimy fingers to be washed; No stories to be told; No tender kisses to be given; No nicknames "Dove," or "Mouse;" No merry frolics after tea — No baby in the house. Clara G. Dolliver. ALL THINGS LOVE ME. /Qj LITTLE flowers! you love me so, ^^ You could not do without me; O little birds that come and go! You sing sweet songs about me; C little moss, observed by few, That round the tree is creeping! You like my head to rest on you. When I am idly sleeping. 28 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. MY KITTENS. Tyr Y dear little kittens! — my five little darlings! — (s) I loved you — the gray ones, the spotted, the white; I brought you your breakfast of warm milk each morning, And saw you all lap it with keenest delight. You played, too, so rrierry and cunning together; Your mother would watch while she laid in the straw A-winking her eyes in the warm sunny weather, And giving you sometimes a tap with her paw. You would pull at her tail, at her ears you would nibble; You had no respect for her gray hairs at all; I am sure, though, she liked it, but sometimes she scolded. And said, in cat-language, "Be off with you, all!" But one day poor Whitey, the prettiest darling Of all these five kittens, grew sick and then died ; I never again could have such a sweet kitten, And oh how I grieved, and how sadly I cried! I went out and dug her a grave in the garden, And lined it all softly with leaves and with moss: UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 29 I brought to the burial her brothers and sisters, Thinking that they, too, would mourn for her loss. But the heartless things capered and whisked all around me — They chased a bright butterfly, searched for a mouse, Jumped for the bird that sang up in the pear tree; I whipped them and sent them all back to the house. Then I filled up the grave and I rounded it over. And made it a border of white pearly stone. And on it I planted a nice root of catnip, Then I left little Whitey to sleep all alone. One day, Tom, the bad boy who lives round the corner, Stole Spotty and Grayback — I called help too late! He never would tell where he carried the darlings. And I sigh when I think of their probable fate. Then I had but two left me, and these a good neighbor Adopted and brought up with kindness and care; Their mother and I were both sorry to lose them, But we knew it was best for them both to be there. W! 30 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. BIRDIE AND BABY. HAT does little birdie say, In her nest at peep of day? "Let me fly," says little birdie, "Mother, let me fly away." "Birdie, rest a little longer, Till the little wings are stronger," So she rests a little longer, Then she flies away. What does little baby say, In her bed at peep of day? Baby says, like little birdie, "Let me rise and fly away," "Baby, sleep a little longer, Till the little limbs are stronger. If she sleeps a little longer, Baby, too, shall fly away." FAULTS OF OTHERS. T T THAT are others' faults to me? I've not a vulture's bill. To peck at every flaw I see, And make it wider still. It is enough for me to know I've follies of my own; And on my heart the care bestow, And let my friends alone. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 31 SPEECH FOE A BOY. OOBODY knows the nerve it takes y To rise up in a crowd, And speak out so that all can hear, With voice both clearand loud, For often men of sense have failed, V\lh.Qn first they'd try to speak, And ere they could pronounce a word; Begin to feel quite weak. So you, therefore, must not expect Great things from one so small; I'd rather make a little speech Than to say none at all. No man can ever get to be Renown'd, or great, or wise. Unless, when he is small and young, He bravely strives to rise. I've done my very best, kind friends. This to my credit score; For you will readily agree, "Angels can do no more!'' THE BEE AND THE BUTTEEFLY. UT^EAR me, dear me," ^ Said a busy bee; "I'm always making honey. No time to play 32 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. But work all day; Isn't it very funny, Very, very funny?" "Oh, my, oh, my," Said a butterfly, "I'm always eating honey. And yet I play The livelong day, Isn't it very funny, Very, very funny?" THE MOENING CALL. A young lady comes on stage, zvalks to fro7tt, stops. Just then a knock is heard, and in walks a tiny miss, ( Young Lady.) ^LJLJONDER who is knocking; ^^ Why, Mamie, is it you? Walk, in, take off your bonnet, How does my darling do? (^Kissing her.) {Little Miss. ) "I'se pitty well, I thank 'ou, But twasn't nice at all. For 'ou to kiss me, auntie. Because I's come to call. "My name is Mrs. Gookins — My husband he is dead — UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. 33 Tse got twelve little chil'ren, They're all at home in bed. 'And now I must be going, I'se so much work, you see, Next time I'll bring my babies, And then we'll stay to tea. " ME. TONGUE. TX)^ fnend Mr. Tongue y He lives in my mouth, He's as red as a rose. And as warm as the south; He has not a foot, Yet how quickly he goes, My little friend Tongue, As red as a rose. FOR A SMALL BOY. n^HERE are some things that puzzle me, I Boy as I am; these things I see — For instance: Men who dress quite fine, They smoke cigars and drink rich wine; And others swill down lager beer. Till on the street they scarce can steer; And yet, when they go home, they swear, They haven't got a cent to spare; Their children need both bread and meat, 34 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. And shoes to cover naked feet; Their wives don't have a copper cent, Because they sew to pay the rent. Now these are things I daily see, And, as I said, they puzzle me. LITTLE BLUE BELL. /^FP where the meadow grass ^^ Leans toward the river, Stood little blue bell. All in a shiver. Oh, little blue bell, Do, then, look up; Some kind cloud will give you A drop in your cup. At dawn little blue bell Held gracefully up Her silent thanksgiving — The dew in her cup! BE PLEASANT. IJLJHEN little ones worry, Their parents are sorry, And all who are near them look sad: But when they are good, And smile as they should, Their friends are contented and glad. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 35 How much better it is To be cheerful and sing, Than to deserve to be called A cross old thing. ♦ ■ SPEECH FOR A LITTLE GIRL. I NEVER made a speech before; But that's no reason why, Because I never spoke before, I ought not now to try. There are some silly little girls, Who are afraid to speak, For fear some one will laugh at them; I think this very weak. I hope I'll always have the sense To do as I am to]d; Then people will not laugh at me, Or think I am too bold. A LITTLE BOY'S SPEECH. I AM a little boy, you see, Not higher much than pappy's knee; Some of the big boys said that I, To make a speech ought not to try. This raised my spunk, and I am here, Small as to you I may appear. And though my voice, I know is weak, I'll show these boys that I can speak. 36 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. THE THEEE LITTLE KITTENS. n^HREE little kittens met one day, J^ Right on top of a load of hay. They were black and white and brindle gray, And full of frolic, the livelong day. They arched their backs, and hissed and spit, And swelled their sides, till you'd think they'd split. So there they stood with glaring eyes, And tails like a dusting brush in size. Then three small voices cried: Mew! Mew! I don't know you, but how do you do! Well, they all rubbed noses, and made up friends, And so right here my story ends. THE LITTLE DUTCHMAN. (QjH, I'm a little Tuchman, ^^ My name is Van der Dose, An' vat I cannot get to eat, I smells it mit my nose. An' ven dey vill not let me blay, I takes it out in vork; An' ven dey makes me vork too hard, I soon de job will shirk. An* ven dey sends me off to ped, I lays avake all night; TIN CLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 37 An* ven.dey comes to vake me up, I shuts my eyes up tight. For I'm a Httle Tuchman, My name is Van der Dose, An' vat I do not know myself, I never vants to knows. WHAT WILLIE SAID. PEAR what a little child would say, Who comes to school each pleasant day. And tries to learn his lessons well, A good report at home to tell. I love the school, and teacher dear, And all the scholars gathered here; To each I say in simple rhyme, Be careful and not waste your time. For moments spent in life's young day. In useless or in thoughtless play, Will cast a shade o'er future years, And cause you many sighs and tears. SPRING HAS COME. OPRING has come back to us, beautiful spring! ^^ Blue-birds and swallows are out on the wing; Over the meadows a carpet of green Softer and richer than velvet are seen. 38 UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. Up come the blossoms so bright and so gay, Giving sweet odors to welcome the May. Sunshine and music are flooding the air, Beauty and brightness are everywhere. THE LITTLE SHEPHERDESS. /yr ARY had a little lamb, (g) Its fleece was white as snow, "Oh, we know that so well," you say, "Say something we don't know!" But you don't know this Mary, And though this lamb can play He never followed her to school, Never a single day! This Mary plays at shepherdess. And with her pretty crook. She guides her sheep in pleasant paths, Down by the shaded brook. ON TIME. I'M the boy who's "on time" through by day- light. When the sun wakes up in the morn- ing, he says, "Who's that 'round so early?" I guess he'd have to be spry to get his face washed before I do. As soon as the old roosters hear me up they all begin to crow. Who's afraid of a little snow or mud? They don't scare ME any; when the bell rings for school I'm THERE. UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. 39 LITTLE TODDLEKINS. fOOR little Toddlekins, ^ All full o' sketer-bites, Bodder him awful, Baby can't sleep o'nights. Buzzing all over him, Singing and tickling, In and out, round about, Nipping and prickling. Poor little Toddlekins, All full o' sketer-bites, Bodder him awful, Can't even sleep o' nights. PBESGRIPTION FOR SPRING FEVER. n^AKE the open air, J^ The more you take the better Follow Nature's laws. To the very letter. Let the doctors go To the Bay of Biscay, Let alone the gin, The brandy and the whisky. Freely exercise; Keep your spirits cheerful; 40 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. Let no dread of sickness Make you ever fearful. Eat the simplest food, Drink the pure cold water, Then you will be well, Or at least you ought to. THE VIOLET. 'OOWN in a green and shady bed ^^ A modest violet grew; Its stalk was bent, it hung its head As if to hide from view. And yet it was a lovely flower, Its colors bright and fair; It might have graced a rosy bowser Instead of hiding there. Yet there it was content to bloom, In modest tints arrayed; And there diffused its sweet perfume Within the silent glade. Then let me to the valley go, This pretty flower to see, That I may also learn to grow In sweet humility. Jane Taylor. , UNCLE HERBERT'S SPEAKER. 41 NO GOOD EEASON. I NEVER could find a good reason Why sorrow, unbidden, should stay, And all the bright joys of life's season Be driven unheeded away. Our cares would make no more emotion Were we to our lot but resigned, Than pebbles flung into the ocean, That leave scarce a ripple behind. NOBODY'S DOG. /TliNLY a dirty black and white dog! ^ You can see him any day. Trotting meekly from street to street. He almost seems to say. As he looks in your face with wistful eye, "I don't mean to be in your way." His tail hangs drooping between his -legs; His body is thin and spare; How he envies the sleek and well-fed dogs That thrive on their master's care! And he wonders what they must think of him And grieves at his own hard fare. Sometimes he sees a friendly face — A face that he seems to know; 42 UNCLE HERBERTS SPEAKER. And thinks he may be the master That he lost so long ago; And even dares to follow him home, For he loved his master so. Poor Jack! He's only mistaken again, And stoned and driven back; But he's used to disappointment now, And takes up his beaten track; Nobody's dog, for nobody cares For poor, unfortunate Jack. FOE A SMALL BOY. I AM quite small to go to school, But you can see I am no fool! I've studied hard this speech to say, And now I'll bow and go away. (Bows. ) A CHILD'S THOUGHT.