C4*££t^ ^ tf^rZ^O > /y/ ,-- *_^L-y Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2012 with funding from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill http://www.archive.org/details/childsownpictureOOgran TiKlIE ©HDLP'i ©WW ncmi km mm IS fe selected and arranged, FROM TnE BEST AUTHORITIES, BY A "GRANDFATHER." ILLUSTRATED WITH ONE HUNDRED ENGRAVINGS. $cto gorh: JAMES MILLER, ±36 BROADWAY H.DOI 0.1 i I « Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 1858, By James Miller, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York. NEW YORK : BILLIN AND BROTHER, PRINTERS, XX, NORTH WILLIAM ST. CONTENTS THE SHEPHERD AND HIS DOG, . THE MISER AND HIS TREASURE, . THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE, THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE ACORN, THE LITTLE FISH, THE ASS, THE CATS AND THE MONKEY, THE BEAR AND THE HERMIT, THE SATYR AND THE TRAVELLER, THE CASCADE AND THE RIVER, THE ASS AND THE LION, . THE BEES AND THE DRONES, THE ROSE AND THE AMARANTH, THE ROSE'S LOOKING-GLASS, ONE LITTLE BOY, ANOTHER LITTLE BOY, THE BEE AND THE BUTTERFLY, THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOVE, THE CAT AND THE BAT, . THE ASTRONOMER AND THE FLY, PAGE 9 ii 13 »5 17 l 9 21 23 2 5 27 29 31 33 35 37 39 4i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i 53 55 57 59 61 63 65 6 7 6 9 7i 73 75 77 79 81 83 85 87 89 9i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i35 i37 139 141 H3 H5 '47 149 151 i53 i55 i57 159 161 163 ,65 167 CONTENTS. THE CASTLE AND THE COTTAGE, THE ASS AND THE FARMER, THE FARMER AND THE STAG-, THE APPLE-TREE, .... THE GNAT AND THE OX, THE WOLF AND THE LAMB, THE BOY AND THE CHERRIES, THE FOX AND THE SWALLOW, THE DIAMOND AND THE PEBBLE, THE FIG-TREE AND FLOWERING SHRUB, FORTUNE AND VICE, THE MILKMAID, .... THE LION AND THE APE, THE TWO SONS, .... THE FISH AND THE CORMORANT, THE WOLF AND SHEPHERDS, THE EAGLES AND THE OWL, PAGK 169 171 173 175 177 179 l8l 183 I8 5 187 I89 I 9 I 193 195 197 199 20I CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. THE SHEPHEKD AND HIS DOG. A Doa his master so deceived, He was tlie best of curs believed ; And on the sheep in secret preyed. The master, finding ont his crime, A rope about his neck did twine. " Ah !" said the Dog, " mercy, I pray ! "You pardoned, once, the Wolf; you may Forgive me, too." " Wretch ! the Wolf declares Hostility, and boldly dares His prey to take. You trusted were, and now I'll hang you by the neck on yonder bough." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 11 THE MISEE AND HIS TKEASUKE. A Miser some money together had got, And he dug a great hole in a wild, lonely spot — Concealed there the treasure. One morning he found That a thief had been there, and his cries did resound: " My treasure ! my money ! Ah, me, it is gone P A stranger passed by while that he did mourn. " Pray, sir," he inquired, " did you want it to pay For rent or provisions V " What !" the Miser did say, " Spend it ! No, friend ; to look at the gold, Was the reason I hid it in this gaping hole." " Oh, then," said the stranger, "with stones fill it now ; For they are as good for your purpose, I vow." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 13 THE TRAVELLERS AND THE PURSE. FIRST TEAVELLEE. See, comrade, see what I have found ; A purse, here, lying on the ground. SECOND TRAVELLER. Nay, then, say we, for you must see This treasure belongs, too, to me. But hark, what noise now greets my ear ? Stop thief! 's the cry. They're coming here. FIRST TRAVELLER. Alas ! alas ! we now are lost. SECOND TRAVELLER. We ; nay, 'tis you, for to your cost You did refuse good luck to share, So you alone the blame must bear, 2 CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND* VERSE BOOK. 15, THE PHILOSOPHER AND THE ACORN. PHILOSOPHER. Great Oak Tree, are you sure 'tis just, That bear small Acorns now you must, While here upon this little vine Great Pumpkins grow ? OAK TREE. 'Tis time That you, vain man, should plainly see That all is good God does decree. I drop an Acorn on your head ; If it were as a Pumpkin grown, The heavy weight would strike you dead ; So, all's quite right, you now will own. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 17 THE LITTLE FISH. " Thou little Fish, poor simple thing ! Make not toward the hook a spring. 'Twill pierce, 'twill rend thy throat, indeed ; 'Twill give thee pain, 'twill make thee bleed ! A Boy sits there, but not for play ; Poor little Fish, swim swift away !" The Fish he thought he knew the best ; He saw the rich, bright bait alone ; He thought that only for a jest The Boy the line had thrown ; So swimming up, the bait he took ; •Poor thing, how soon he found the hook ! 2* CHTLD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 19 THE ASS. Get on, you Ass ! why, I declare, Like any snail yon are creeping there ! ASS. Well, if I don't go galloping on, I honestly take my burden along ! Of divers service the master has need ; I bear the burden, he rides the steed. Now when the long day's work was o'er The Ass came to the stable door ; He found his stall the steed's beside ; His crib with fodder was supplied ; And on his straw, with grave delight, He calmly slept the livelong night. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 21 THE CATS AKD THE MONKEY. A Moitcey once weighing a nice piece of cheese, (Which two Cats had stolen to eat at their ease, And wished it divided in two parts quite fair, So neither would have more nor less than his share,) Kept biting off pieces .the right weight to find, Till, when it weighed even, nothing was left but rind. So often in lawsuits the clients discover, When the lawyers are paid, there is nothing left over. CHILD 'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK 23 THE BEAR AND THE HEEMIT. BEAE. My benefactor slept. A wicked fly Has lighted on his face. I now will try To brush him off, lest, tickling his dear nose, He drives away my master's sweet repose. HEEMIT. Oh, dear ! oh, dear ! you wicked "bear, You've torn my face to pieces. Just see there, You've scratched my nose, nearly put out my eye, In striving to dislodge a harmless fly. Beware, in future, e'en when motives good ; Direct your actions, lest you ill intrude. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 25 THE SATYR A]N T D THE TRAVELLER: TEAVELLEE. Oh, dear ! 'tis cold, my fingers I must blow To warm ; they are frozen in this snow. My friend, your soup is good, but 'tis too hot ; I'll blow, and cool it. That's better, is it not 8 SATYR. Good day, sir, leave my hut. I'll entertain No guest who can't from silly jest refrain ; I am no fool, and need not to be told One breath can not blow hot and cold. 3 CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 2? THE CASCADE AND THE EIYEK. CASCADE. How tame and wearisome is thy course, Dear River ; why not nse your force To drive, as I do, with turmoil and haste, And the precious sweets of excitement taste ? See how my waters dash down from the hill, And the noise of my song increaseth still. The River flowed on in her quiet way, And there came to the two a summer's day ; The sun's intense heat the Cascade dried, But the still, deep River its power defied. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 29 THE ASS AND THE LION. An Ass once went, on hunting-day, To scare the beasts with horrid bray. The lion, concealed quite near, then made A prey of those the noise dismayed. Satiate with sport, the Ass he calls, And bids him cease his horrid brawls. He, puffed with self-importance, said : " Sir, to some purpose I have brayed !" " No Ass more famously could do," The Lion says, " but thee I knew, Or I might have been frighted too." 3* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 31 THE BEES AND THE DKONES. Befoee the Wasp the Drones once laid A cause, for honey the Bees had made. He — asked at once for his decision — Made, then, to both this proposition : " You each shall take a hive, and here Some honey make ; 'twill then be clear Whose honey-comb shall likest be To this you claim." The Bees agree ; The Drones refuse. The judge, at last, Upon the case this sentence passed : " 'Tis plain to whom belongs this hoard ; To the Bees let it be restored." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. THE KOSE AND THE AMAKANTH. ROSE. .Neighbor, friend Amaranth, just see, None pass without observing me ; While I perceive that very few Seem any note to take of you. AMARANTH. Sweet Kose, I know you stand alone, The Queen of Beauty, all must own. Far be such vanity from me, My merit sole is constancy. Less exquisite, I longer last, Unchanged and fresh when you have passed. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 35 THE ROSE'S LOOKING-GLASS. A Blush Rose once, in Beauty's pride, Bloomed by a little river's side. With pleasure gay, and haughty air, She saw her beauty mirrored there. But oh ! alas ! there came a storm, And tore the leaves from her fair form. She saw the stalk, its beauty flown, Still mirrored in the ruthless stream ; And mourned, alas ! her beauty gone, And wished she had more modest been. The head so raised with pomp and pride, More modest bowed, the storm's power had defied. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 37 ONE LITTLE BOY. I'm a little gentleman, Play, and ride, and dance I can ; Very handsome clothes I wear, And I live on dainty fare ; And whenever out I ride, I've a servant by my side. And I never, all the day, Need do any thing but play ; Nor even soil my little hand, Because I am so very grand : O, I'm very glad, I'm sure, I need not labor, like the poor. For I think I could not bear Such old shabby clothes to wear. 4 CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 39 ANOTHER LITTLE BOY. I'm a little husbandman, Work and labor hard I can ; I'm as happy all the day At my work, as if 'twere play ; When to work I go along, Singing loud my morning song, With my wallet on my back, Or my wagon whip to smack ; O, I am as happy then, As the idle gentleman. Down I lie content, and say I've been useful all the day. I'd rather be a plough-boy # than A useless little gentleman. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 41 THE BEE AND THE BUTTERFLY A Buttekfly said unto a Bee, " My dearest friend, I cannot see Why you devote such constant care, Your wax and honey to prepare. Why not, like me, from every flower, Draw just enough to please each hour ?" " Ah," said the Bee, " a life like mine Is of more use than such as thine. I can to others pleasure give ; You, for yourself alone, would live. My name is linked with industry and care, Your pleasures are as volatile as air." 4* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 43 THE HUNTSMAN AND THE DOYE. A Huntsman aiming at a Dove, Who to her mate cooed soft of love, Was, by an adder in the grass, Bitten, as near him he did pass. The venom spread : the man, who found That he must die there on the ground, Cried, " Just is my sentence, thus to fall When I another's death proposed : I could not hope to live unpunished long, And by my cruelty my life is closed." CHILD S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 45 THE CAT AND THE BAT. A Bat who flying once by day, By Tabby soon was caught as prey ; But hard she pleaded for her life, — " I am no mouse, madam, you see, And I am sure you'll not eat me, When rats and mice are rife." Pussy replied, " You speak most true, For, as a mouse, I'll not eat you, On that I give my word : For who to eat a mouse would care, When they might have more sumptuous fare, By feeding on a bird ?" CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 47 THE ASTRONOMER AND THE FLY. " Heee is a new planet, my fortune is made," A star-gazing wiseacre exultingly said ; " It is large, it is black, it is dazzling and new, I hope no one else will discover it, too. Yet stop ; to be sure I distinctly have seen, My glass I'll unscrew, and every part clean : Ah, me ! with despair I am likely to die, My planet, I find, is a poor little fly Who here is imprisoned, and my magnifier Has enlarged him, my gigantic hopes to inspire." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 49 THE GOLDFISH AND THE TOAD. GOLDFISH. Do you not envy us, O Toad, Who bear'st of ugliness a load, While we in sparkling splendor live, And pleasure to all gazers give ? TOAD. I envy not your brilliant lot : I dwell beside a humble cot, Stroll through the garden, breathe free air, And all the sweets of freedom share. 5 CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 51 THE CEANE AND THE CROW. CEO W Long-legged, ugly, whooping Crane, Of yonr fine feathers be not vain ; Strut round and swagger as you may, Folks won't admire your plumage gay. CEANE, I may be ugly, as you say, But your black coat is not so gay ; A whooping Crane I'm called, I know, But I am not a Carrion Crow ! CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 53 THE OSTKICH AND THE PELICAN. OSTRICH. Poor Pelican, that from your bosom's blood, Dost feed your little foolish brood, I think the world won't deem you wise, To squander thus your energies. PELICAN. If the world praises such as you, I hope it will not praise me, too. To gad about, and " scatter dirt," Your unborn offspring you desert. 5* CHILHS OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 55 THE COCK AKD POLAE BEAK. COCK, Steai^gee, shaggy, rough and drear, That com'st our cheerful cot so near, Whence do you come 1 BEAR. From my wooden cage I've just escaped, and would engage In pleasant talk with Chanticleer. With us the day lasts half the year, And Cock's shrill voice we never hear. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 57 THE LION AND THE BEASTS. "Whe^ in alliance with the strong, The weak are sure to suffer wrong. A Lion, in a royal whim, Took other beasts to hunt with him, A stag entangled in their toil, He into three divides the spoil ; Then in these words the lordly beast His humble company addressed : " This portion I as strongest claim ; This, because lion is my name ; And as for the remaining share, To touch it, let me see who dare ! " Thus, as it ever will befall, The greedy tyrant seized on all. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 59 THE WOLF AND THE CRANE. A Wolf across his greedy throat, One day a pointed bone had got, With promises he lured in vain, Each creature to relieve his pain ; At last his oaths a Crane persuade, With venturous beak to give him aid ; The hardy cure when well effected, Longshanks, the promised fee expected : a What," says the Wolf, " your neck you draw, In safety, from my hungry maw, And dare demand another prize ? Ungrateful ! fly, if thou art wise." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 61 THE STAG AT THE FOUNTAIN". A Stag upon a fountain's side, Beheld his branching horns with pride ; While of his spindle-shanks, ashamed, Their disproportion d form he blamed ; Sudden he hears the hunter's cries, And to the forest nimbly flies ; The woods receive their well-known guest, His tangled horns his feet arrest ; The hounds approach, and seize their prey, Who, dying, thus was heard to say : m Wretch that I am • too late I learn, How little we the truth discern ! What would have saved me, I despised, And what has been my ruin, prized ! " CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 63 THE LION WOBN WITH AGE. When fate and fortune cease to smile, Prepare for insults from the vile. Worn out, and in a dying way, A venerable Lion lay ; The Boar came on with rankling tooth, For some offence received in youth ; The Bull then ventured with his horn, To gore him for an ancient scorn ; The sorry Ass, O last disgrace ! Approached and kicked him in the face, Then he, expiring, — " ■ Tis severe, The insults of the brave to bear : But, wretch ! when spurned by thee I lie, High time it is indeed to die ! " CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 65 THE TRAVELLER A1STD THE LARK. TEAVELLEE. How early, Lark, hast thou begun Thy song of triumph to the sun ? LAEK. To the clear God I sing — thus raise To him my thanks, to him my praise ; It is a custom old of mine ; Is it not, Traveller, also thine ? And as so loud in air he sang, And as the Traveller onward sprang, How blithe, how bright did all appear, In that clear, sunny atmosphere ! And God, well-pleased, in heaven above, Received their hymns of praise and love. 6* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. THE BOY AND THE BUTTERFLY. BOY. Sunshine-roving Butterfly ! Flower-loving Butterfly ! Say, upon what dost thou fare, Always fluttering in the air ? BUTTERFLY. Flower-odors and sunshine Are the food of me and mine. While the Child to seize it thought, Fearing, trembling, it besought, " Do not so, dear Child ! I pray, In the sunshine let me play ; Ere has passed the evening red, Thou may'st find me cold and dead ! CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 69 THE JACKDAW AND THE PEACOCK. A Jackdaw, empty, pert, and vain, Who held his equals in disdain, One day some beauteous feathers found, Left by a Peacock on the ground. When in the gaudy plumage dressed, The shallow thing his fortune blessed : With stately gesture strode along, And boldly joined the Peacock throng ; Who, his impertinence to pay, First stripped him, and then chased away. The crest-fall'n coxcomb homeward sneaks, And his forsaken comrades seeks ; Where'er he conies with scorn they leave him, And not a Jackdaw will receive him. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 71 THE DOG AND HIS SHADOW. Who others' property invade, With loss of theirs are justly paid. A Spaniel swimming with his food, Believed his shadow in the flood A real dog ; and while he tries, Him of his dinner to surprise, From his loosed jaws down dropped his own; And shade and substance both were flown. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 73 THE GOLDFINCH AND STABLING. " Tell me, my pretty Starling, why Thus from your gilded cage you fly ? Here, every want was satisfied, Now for your own you must provide. To give you all that you could ask, Has ever been our master's task ; Now you must seek throughout the street, For every seed, or grain, you eat :" A Goldfinch to a Starling said, Who from his master's cage had fled. " 'Tis true," the Starling said, " less good Will be my lodgings, and my food ; But nothing will my wings confine, And native liberty be mine." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 75 THE POECUPIKE AOT) SERPENTS. A Porcupine, by dogs sore prest, Sought refuge in a Serpent's nest: Their hospitality they gave, From his pursuers him to save. But, finding that his quills, so keen, When thrown pierced through their tender skin, They told him that, the danger over, He had best seek another cover. u Ah," said th' intruder, " here I stay, Defying you to send me away ; You cannot sting me, for my dart Can pierce your tongue in every part." The Serpents, finding contest vain, Had to permit him to remain. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 77 THE EAGLE AND THE OWL. " Why sit you blinking in that hole ?" Once said an Eagde to an Owl. " Come out, 'tis time to fly, not sleep ; This is no hour your bed to keep ; The sun shines bright, the day is clear, So, prithee, stay no longer here." " Ah," said the Owl, " for you, 'tis true, The gairish light of clay may do ; But, for my part, this hollow tree Provides the light which best suits me ; While you are sleeping, then, to-night, I, for my prey, will wing my flight. Pass on, our natures can never agree, What you delight in, would be death to me." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK 79 THE LYNX AND THE MOLE. A Lynx, once seated near a Mole, Began thus with him to condole : u Your blindness, friend, a sore cross must be ; I'm sure, if I should lose the power to see, My foes would soon destroy my life, indeed ; But now they dare not come to make me bleed." " Beware," the Mole cried, " for danger now is near, Which, though I cannot see, I surely hear." Before the Lynx, from where he stood, could flee, The hunter pierced him from behind a tree. Thus self-sufficient, vaunting of his eyes, He fell the skillful hunter's ready prize. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK 81 THE MULES AND THE KOBBEES. Two Mules, with each a heavy load, Journeyed together on the road ; One carried gold, and went before, The other sacks of barley bore. With crest erect the leader strode, And the bells jingled as he trode : The other meekly trudged along. A troop of robbers round them throng, The humble barley who 4espise, Intent to seize the richer prize. The first was wounded in the fray, And his rich lading borne away, Wailing his ills with sad lament, While t'other trotted on content ; " The scorn," he says, " I can endure, That makes my sacks and hide secure." CHILL? S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE LOOK. 83 THE TEEES PKOTECTED BY THE GODS. In days of yore, each god selected A Tree by him to be protected : Phoebus the Bay ; the Oak was Jove's ; The beauteous Mother of the Loves The Myrtle chose ; the Poplar tree, Alcides : the Pine, Cybele. " Why," says Minerva, " do you please To choose such unproductive trees V " Because," says Jove, " we would not seem To give for profit our esteem." Pallas replies, u Say what you will, I love my useful Olive still, For its good fruit." Then father Jove, — " O wisest of the powers above ! TIkmi well hast said ! true worth alone B\ its utility is shown/' CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 85 THE ASS AND THE GIPSIES. Him whom the fates to misery doom, Disgrace pursues beyond the tomb. Gipsies, to bear their baggage, led An Ass, o'ercharged and scantly fed : Of blows and poverty he died. The Gipsies stripped the wretch's hide To make a drum ; which, beaten still, Seemed a continuance of ill. CHILL'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 87 THE STKAIS T GEE. Who knocks so loudly at the gate ? The night is dark, the hour is late, And the full moon is down ! O, 'tis a stranger gone astray ! That calls to -ask the nearest way To yonder little town. Why, 'tis a long and dreary mile, For one o'ercome with cold and toil ; Go to her, Charles, and say, Good lady ! here repose to-night, And with the morning's earliest light, We'll guide you on your way. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 89 THE FKOG KKD THE OX. When little folks will ape the great, 'Tis easy to forsee their fate. A Frog a well-fed Ox had seen, And, envying much his goodly mien, She puffed and swelled her wrinkled hide, And to her brood in triumph cried : " Well ! do I equal him in size \ " " Ah, no ! " a little one replies. Again her stretched-out sides dilate ; The difference still, they said, was great. One effort more, in fate's despite, She desperate made with all her might : 'Twas all in vain. The reptile, curst With envy and ambition, burst. 8* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 91 THE DOG &KD THE CROCODILE. Who to the wise false counsel give, Their labor lose, aud scorn receive. The dogs, 'tis said, that lap the Nile, Kun, to avoid the Crocodile. One, who concealed in sedges lay, Cries to a Hound — " Here ! hark you ! stay ! Drink at your leisure of the stream, Nor of imagined dangers dream !" " I thank you, sir ; you well advise f At distance due the Dog replies, " 'Tis what I certainly should do, Had I no cause to fly from you." CHILI/ S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 93 THE FOX AND THE CRANE. Reynakd one day, in merry vein, To dine invited neighbor Crane ; He gave her neither frogs nor fish, But mince-meat in a shallow dish ; So that while Reynard lapt his fill, No morsel passed her pointed bill, And sad and fasting she went home. Next day she asked the Fox to come And sup ; and gave, for only food, A hash that smelt .extremely good, Served in a jar with narrow neck, Where Longshanks just could put her beak. The Crane supped well ; her famished guest By no means relishing the feast. " No malice," says the Crane, " adieu ! Remember, I was taught by you." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 95 THE KITE AjSJD THE CHICKENS, Chickens 'neath their mother's sway- Had 'scaped the Kite from day to day ; From force despairing of his prize, The rogue assumed a friendly guise ; Advised she should a treaty make, And him for their protector take : u Than whom," he says, " none better knows, To guard them from surrounding foes." The harmless hen his lies believe, The robber for their guard receive : k Who soon with beak and talon shows What a vile patron she had chose. Says one, whom chance had still preserved, " 'Tis what your folly has deserved !" CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK 97 THE FOX AND THE GOAT. When dangers press, a cunning man Escapes by any means lie can. A Fox had falTn into a pit, And conld no way get out of it ; A thirsty Goat hard by who stood, Ciies, " Neighbor, is the water good V " So excellent," the Fox replied, " I here remain unsatisfied ; Come down, my friend, take my advice." Long-beard went down, and in a trice, Reynard climbed out upon his head, And left him prisoner in his stead. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 99 THE SPORTSMAN AND THE OLD HOUTSTD. A Dog renowned in many a chase, Long foremost in his master's grace, Began through age his strength to lose. One morning he a boar pursues, And catches ; but his teeth, grown old, The vigorous savage could not hold. The master storms. " Sir," says the Hound, " If bad my teeth, my heart is sound. Your wrath, now I can do no more, Marks what you thought of me before." Philetes ! thou too well wilt see, Why I address this tale to thee. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 101 THE HAKES WEAKT OF LIFE. Those who are ready to despair, May from example learn to bear. The Hares, as in their forms they lay, Some noise alarmed : with dire dismay, Weary to live in constant dread, They think it better to be dead ; And to a neighboring lake repair, To end at once their terrors there. The frogs leaped trembling from the side, In the green pool their heads to hide. " These," says a Hare, " fear more than we ; Come, then, as patient let us be." 9* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 103 THE LION AND THE MOUSE. Some Mice at play, Where once a slumb'ring Lion lay, A young one, giddier than the rest, Leaped on and waked the royal beast. Caught in his. paws, she grace implored. Leo forgave her, and restored To liberty. Ere many days The woodlands as by night he strays, Caught in a toil, the hills around Rebellow with his roar ; the sound Soon draws the grateful Mouse, who said : " Fear nothing, sir, I bring you aid, " For kindness past :" and with these words, She set to work to gnaw the cords That bound the toil, and persevered Till Leo was from durance cleared CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 105 THE TRUMPETER TAKEN PRISONER. A Tkumpeter, in battle ta'en, Pleading for quarter, urged in vain, That none he ever killed or wounded. His plea by all was judged unfounded — " That he who to the war excites Is more to blame than he who fights ; That like the rest must be his lot" — And the poor Trumpeter was shot. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 107 THE WOLF IN SHEEP'S CLOTHING. The rogue is doubly vile who plies His trade in honesty's disguise. A Wolf a straggling Wether slew, And round himself the sheep-skin threw. As thus he near the sheepfold hovered, He by the shepherd was discovered ; Who knew him wolf not sheep to be, And caught and hanged him on a tree. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 109 THE FIR-TREE AND THE THORN. The lowly and contented state Is farthest from the wounds of fate. A Fir upon a humble Thorn From his high top looked down with scorn. " For loftiest fanes we grow," she said, " Of us the tallest masts are made, While thou, poor Bramble, canst produce Nothing of ornament or use." " Great tree," the modest Thorn replied, " When the sharp axe shall pierce your side, In vain you then may wish to be Unsought-for, and unknown like me." 10 CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. Ill THE SICK LION, With age his vigor worn away, When Leo could not hunt his prey, Who long had o'er the forest reigned, In policy he sickness feigned; And gave it out he was at home To all the beasts who chose to come. The Fox, invited by a friend The royal levee to attend, Replies, " I would my court have paid But for a late remark I made ; The den's approach I see impressed With vestiges of many a beast ; But all the footsteps inward go, Nor outward points a single toe " CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 113 THE ANT AND THE DOYE. A thiesty Ant approached to drink Too near, and slij)ping from the brink, Had perished, but a pitying Dove Saw her misfortune from above ; And in the stream some foliage cast, On which to land she safely passed. A hunter with a cross-bow came, And marked the Stock-dove for his game. The Amt, observant of her danger, Flew in an instant on the stranger, And bit him, as he drew his bow, So sharply, that he missed his blow : And ere he shot again, the Dove Had sought the covert of the grove. 10* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 115 THE TURKEY AND THE FOWLS. We ne'er should discontented be With what the common lot we see. A Turkey once was turned to feed With cocks who were a fighting breed ; And beat and buffeted by these, The stranger was but ill at ease. But when he saw them fight each other, And brother pitted against brother, He ceased to grieve : " I can't," says he, " Expect you shall be kind to me, When with yourselves you disagree." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 117 THE CHAMELEON. A man had a Chameleon seen. It's color lie maintained was green : Another vehemently said, It's skin was of a lively red : To end the contest, they apply To a third traveller passing by. " Sirs, you are neither of you right," He cries, " the animal is white. The point to settle, I will show You one I caught an hour ago :" The creature from a bag he drew, And, wondering, they behold it blue. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 119 THE FAEMEE AND THE STOEK. The world of men will judgment give, From those with whom they're seen to live. One who set nets to guard his pease, A stork had caught amongst some geese. " Her life," she said, " he ought to spare, Who by mere accident was there ; No robber she." "It may be so," Replied the man, " for aught I know ; But whether 'twas design or fate Made you with thieves associate, I fear you must contented be To hang in their society." CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 121 THE HOESE AND STAG. The animals, within a plain, Could not agree in love ; But for the grass in one large spot, A horse and stag once strove. The horse, who was defeated quite, Resolved the stag to beat ; Applied to man, and by his aid His foe forced to retreat ; But when to go away he tried, The man he held him fast, " Now that I've found your use," he cried, " You'll serve me to the last." II CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK 123 THE DOG AND WOLF. WOLF. How sleek and fair your skin does look, I'm sure, sir, to speak by the book, You credit do unto your fare. DOG. I'm sure, sir, that, by your air, You envy me. Where do you dine ? Your fare may be the same as mine, If you'll agree to do no more Than keep the night thieves from the door ; "Tis true, you must prepare by day To be chained up, that you mayn't stray. WOLF. What do you say ? I would refuse A crown, my liberty to lose. CHILL? S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 125 THE MOCKING-BIRD AND OEIOLE. ORIOLE Tell me, dear bird, I pray you do, Why has our mistress caged up you ? Your plumage does not please, like mine, ISTor does with gold and ebon shine ; Wherefore, then, are you hung by me, When there is not any beauty in thee ? MOCKING-BIRD. 'Tis true, my coat is dull and brown, But my rich melody charms the town ; Every note that is sweet, and pure, and clear, You can listen to when my cage you come near. Of your brilliant plumage one soon may tire, But they never cease my song to admire. 11* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 127 THE EEED AND THE OAK. OAK. In truth, poor reed, thy hapless fate I cannot but commiserate ; The softest breeze does bend thy form, While I withstand the fiercest storm. REED. Thanks for thy pity, royal tree, You're kind to deign to notice me. I do not fear the strongest blast, For over me they all have passed ; I bend, 'tis true, but never break. A hurricane, while yet he spake, Rushed o'er the two ; by bending low The reed escaped the fatal blow ; But stern, resisting to the storm, The oak up by the roots was torn. CHILD S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK 129 THE TWO BEES. Bekeath a summer's noon, two Bees Honeyed the plants, and flowers, and trees. Sagacious and industrious one Took what he wanted and was gone ; The other, in pursuit of pleasure, Observing nor restraint nor measure. A vase with honey filled they see, Suspended from a blooming tree, To catch imprudent insects placed. The thoughtless Bee approached to taste ; His neighbor of the danger warned ; But he the wise remonstrance scorned, And plunging headlong in the sweets, The hapless insect ruin meets. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 131 THE EOCKET AND THE STAR. EOCKET. Behold ! how beautiful am I, Soaring in the clear blue sky ; The moon and stars before me pale, As in the firmament I sail. STAR. Beautiful, indeed, you are, Shining brighter than a star ; But how transient is your light, Bold, glaring, but soon lost to sight. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 133 THE KINGFISHER AND SPAEEOW. SPAEEOW. Why, on the lonely river's side, Halcyon fair, dost thou abide ? 1 love the busy haunts of men, In streets and courts a denizen. KINGFISHEE. Beneath the willow's shade live I, "Where sparkling waters hurry by ; I'm seldom seen, but much admired, While of your prattle all are tired. 12 CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 135 THE MAN AND PAKKOT. MAN. Pooe Poll, I pity your sad case, Caged and confined to this dull place. PAEEOT. 'Tis true, I cannot roam at will,' But live in one apartment still ; But I am petted and well fed, And birds of prey can't strike ine dead. Freedom was sweet on Cuba's shore, But ease and safety please me more. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 137 THE GARDENER AND THE ROSE. EOSE. Oh ! gardener, I am in despair : With tulips I can ne'er compare. How gay and brilliant they appear ! What could have made you bring them here ? GAEDENEE. Dismiss your fears, O lovely Rose ! The tulip's beauty transient glows, While yours, by grace of sun and dew, Lasts all the pleasant summer through. Her colors only please the sight : Your fragrance yields the soul delight. 12* CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 139 THE FATHER AJSTD SOK SON. Oh ! I am hurt : a wicked bee Has stung my hand, dear father, see. FATHEK. I saw you chase the harmless bee, To take away his liberty ; He only did himself defend. Learn hence your manners, son, to mend. CHILD'S OWN PICTURE AND VERSE BOOK. 141 THE PEACOCK AND PEASANTS. EOGEE. O ! Dakby,