But pretty soon their play was o'er,
And each went in at the school-room door;
Then down came Bunny and ate their crumbs,
And then sat coolly wiping his thumbs.
A STORY FOR LIZZIE.
A little sparrow who had been very carefully, reared by her mother, was one day permitted to go off by herself to see a little of the great world. Delighted with her freedom, she hopped from bough to bough, and finally alighted near a school-house.
Kindly voices met her ears, and friendly faces soon came out to watch her motions. Without fear of molestation, she picked up the bread and cake scattered round, and eyed the children with her bright black eyes.
Soon after she came again, bringing a little mate; and together they chirped their thanks, and for a long time were regular and welcome visitors.
One morning, feeling less timid than usual, one of them hopped into the school-room, watching everything with a keen interest; but thinking he might intrude, he flew away, very much pleased with the song the children sung to him. It is so pretty, we will sing it now for those who did not hear it on that occasion.
[From the School Singer.]
"With your singing,
Pleasure bringing,
Come sweet lovely bird again;
Winter sighing
Off is hieing,
Joy again with you shall reign.
Fruits and berries,
Plums and cherries,
Now shall be your welcome meat;
Come to cheer us,
Do not fear us,
Glad indeed your songs we'll greet.