Kind, good-hearted, gouty Uncle John! how well I remember all the kindness and affection which my mischievous propensities so ill repaid—his bright blue coat and resplendent gilt buttons—his "frosty pow" si bien poudré—his little quill-like pigtail!—Of all my praiseworthy actions—they were "like angels visits, few and far between"—the neverfailing and munificent rewarder; of my naughty deeds—they were multitudinous as the sands on the sea-shore—the ever-ready palliator; my intercessor, and sometimes even my defender against punishment, "staying harsh justice in its mid career!"—Poor Uncle John! he will ever rank among the dearest of my
[NURSERY REMINISCENCES.]
I remember, I remember, When I was a little Boy, One fine morning in September Uncle brought me home a toy.
I remember how he patted Both my cheeks in kindliest mood; "Then," said he, "you little Fat-head, There's a top because you're good!"
Grandmama—a shrewd observer— I remember gazed upon My new top, and said with fervour, "Oh! how kind of Uncle John!"
While Mama, my form caressing,— In her eye the tear-drop stood, Read me this fine moral lesson, "See what comes of being good!"
I remember, I remember, On a wet and windy day, One cold morning in December, I stole out and went to play;
I remember Billy Hawkins Came, and with his pewter squirt Squibb'd my pantaloons and stockings Till they were all over dirt!