"Here! What does this mean?" he asked, sternly.
"I'm going back to work," replied Roswell, flushing up, but laughing at the same time.
"It is not possible you are tired of play?"
"No, not tired; but—"
"But you think it is more fun when sandwiched between work?"
"Yes, sir."
"I am glad you have made the discovery for yourself," said Mr. Hofford, with a smile. "Fun or play is never thoroughly enjoyable unless we have earned the right to it by hard work. A perfectly idle boy or man is never happy, and no person knows the absolute pleasure in work until they are deprived of it, It is a good lesson to learn, my son, and I am glad you have learned it so early."
[NEW YEAR'S DAY.]
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The aged and the young, man, woman, child, Unite in social glee; even stranger dogs, Meeting with bristling back, soon lay aside Their snarling aspect, and in sportive chase, Excursive scour, or wallow in the snow. With sober cheerfulness, the grandam eyes Her offspring 'round her, all in health and peace; And thankful that she's spared to see this day Return once more, breathes low a secret prayer, That God would shed a blessing on their heads. —James Grahame. |