A NEW YEAR'S DIALOGUE.
HARRY.
Loud from the north the wild wind blows;
It sweeps the blue sky clear,
And parts, amid the drifting snows,
The path of the New Year;
The glad New Year that always brings
So many bright delightful things,
Gay holidays and merry plays,
And loving wishes from our friends.
A "Happy New Year" let us make,
And keep it "happy" till it ends,
By trying every day to see
What good, good children we can be.
KATE.
Last year, when any thing went wrong,
I used to fret the whole day long,
And sometimes sob and cry aloud,
Dark-looking as a thunder-cloud;
But, even in a gloomy place,
I now must keep a sunny face;
For, all this year, I mean to see
How bright and cheerful I can be.
MARY.
Last year, the flitting butterfly
Was not so idle as was I;
I liked my sports and frolic well,
But would not learn to read and spell:
Now I must change my ways at once,
Or I shall surely be a dunce.
This glad New Year that has begun,
Must leave me wiser when 'tis done.
JAMES.
Last year, my temper was so quick,
My angry words came fast and thick,
And brother Tom I'd scold and strike
When he did what I did not like.
I am so sorry! Loving words
Are sweeter than the song of birds;
And, all this year, I mean to see
If I a gentle child can be.
ALL. (Four or more.)
The past is past; the year is new:
We will be patient, brave, and true;
When we are bidden, quick to mind;
Unselfish, courteous, and kind;
And try in every place to see
What good, good children we can be.
MARIAN DOUGLAS.
