NURSE TELLING HARRY A TALE,
ABOUT CATCHING FLIES.

Now, Harry, I've a tale to tell,
So sit upon this chair;
It is of what one day befell
A little maid so fair.

She had a trick of catching flies,
And as I understand,
Regardless of their shape or size,
Would clasp them in her hand.

A sly young bee that knew the way
Some window-plants to gain,
Yet choosing an unwise delay
Was creeping on the pane:

The thoughtless child, on mischief bent,
Soon caught him by the wing;
But she, on cruelty intent,
Was punished with a sting.

Nurse heard a cry of pain and grief,
And tho' it seems quite funny,
The little girl soon found relief
From poultice made of honey.[3]


A little Boy who was afraid in the dark. pa 32.