PERSEVERANCE.


y master says this is done well,

How glad, how proud am I!

For I shall see a joyful smile

In mother's dear kind eye.

She'll lay her hand upon my head,

And kiss my forehead too,

And whisper softly in my ear,

"Did I not tell you true?"

For when I said, "Oh dear, I can't!"

And breathed a heavy sigh,

My mother said, "Nay, do not fear;

Come, let me see you try.

"For if you will I'm very sure

It will not be in vain;

You know a hard task really learnt

Is more than double gain."

I've learned it all, and written it

Without the least mistake,

And mother said, "I am right glad

To see the pains you take."

I did not know how pleasant 'twas

To study hard before;

But now, I'm very sure, I'll ask

For easy tasks no more.