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Page 105—Value Of Books

BOOKS give to him descriptions of
The world in which we live,
Of the universe around us,
And better still they give.
BOOKS give to him the greatest thoughts
Of all the good and wise;
BOOKS treasure human knowledge up,
And so it never dies.
BOOKS show him all that men have done,
What they have thought and said;
BOOKS show the deeds and wisdom of
The living and the dead.
BOOKS show him all the hopes and fears
Of every race and clan;
BOOKS clearly prove beyond a doubt
The brotherhood of man.
BOOKS give him hopes beyond the grave
Of an immortal life;
BOOKS teach that right and truth and love
Shall banish every strife.
BOOKS teach and please him when a child
In youth and in his prime;
BOOKS give him soothing pleasure when
His health and strength decline.
BOOKS please him in his lonely hours,
Wherever he may roam:
BOOKS please when read aloud among
His loving friends at home.
BOOKS like strong drink will drown his cares,
But do not waste his wealth;
BOOKS leave him better, drink the worse,
In character and health.
BOOKS therefore, are, of all man buys,
The choicest thing on earth,
BOOKS have, of all his household goods,
The most intrinsic worth.
BOOKS are the greatest blessing out,
The grandest thing we sell,
BOOKS bring more joy, BOOKS do more good
Than mortal tongue can tell.
E. W. Cole

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Page 106—Old Woman Tales

The Old Woman Who Lived In A Shoe
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe,
She had so many children—such naughty ones too!
She cried, "Oh, dear me, I don't know what to do,
Who would be an old woman and live in a shoe?"
Once ninety little fellows sat down on the floor
And lustily screamed, "We won't cry any more!"
"Then stop crying now," the old woman said,
"The noise you are making goes right through my head."
"Then she gave the boys broth without any bread,
And whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed.
She scolded the girls, and said, "Don't make a noise,
Or you shall be served just the same as the boys."

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Page 107—Old Woman Tales