LITTLE POT SOON HOT.
Fume and fury! I have cause
To tear about and break the laws.
But, on the whole, I'd better not;
"Little pots are soon hot."
Little souls slights discover;
Big souls pass 'em over.
Big souls bear their trouble;
Little souls sizz and bubble.
Little souls oft ferment;
Big souls are content.
Big souls tumble slowly;
Little souls—roly poly!
Big souls, like as not,
When it's fitting, do get hot.
But "little pots" all grandeur spoil.
I'll think a bit before I boil!
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NELL'S NOTIONS.
Three-year-old Nell by the window-pane stood,
A good little girl, and as pretty as good,
Watching the snow come down—
Falling so lightly,
So swiftly and brightly,
It whitened all the town.
"See, Aunty!" she cried, in a joyous strain,
"Oh, Aunty, look out! and see the popped rain!
The air is as full as can be;
And it never stops,
But it jumps and hops,
Like the corn that you pop for me."
Winter passed on; and Spring-time was here—
Spring with its flowers, its brightness and cheer,
And the birds were wild with song.
Ah, sweet was the note
From each tiny throat!
Nell listened the whole day long.
"Tell me, dear Aunty, what do they eat,
These dear little birds, that they sing so sweet?"
Nell asked, in her wonder and glee.
"Oh, Aunty, I think
They have sky to drink,
And flowers for their breakfast and tea."
The quick, green-winged katydids filled her with awe,
Such wonderful creatures she'd ne'er seen before;
For hours she would question and tease,
Till, "They're leaves!" she said,
"With legs and a head,
And they're huntin' about for their trees.
"Why, Aunty, hold still! there's a girl in your eyes!"
And queer little Nell fairly screamed with surprise.
"Why, Aunty, it's Nell in there!
I can see it as plain—
There! I see it again!
Why, you're full of me everywhere!"
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Never a night so dark and drear,
Never a cruel wind so chill,
But loving hearts can make it clear,
And find some comfort in it still.