| The mountain and the squirrel |
| Had a quarrel, |
| And the former called the latter "Little Prig." |
| Bun replied, |
| "You are doubtless very big; |
| But all sorts of things and weather |
| Must be taken in together, |
| To make up a year |
| And a sphere. |
| And I think it no disgrace |
| To occupy my place. |
| If I'm not so large as you, |
| You are not so small as I, |
| And not half as spry. |
| I'll not deny you make |
| A very pretty squirrel track; |
| Talents differ; all is well and wisely put; |
| If I cannot carry forests on my back, |
| Neither can you crack a nut." |
| |
| Ralph Waldo Emerson. |
| Suppose, my little lady, |
| Your doll should break her head, |
| Could you make it whole by crying |
| Till your eyes and nose are red? |
| And wouldn't it be pleasanter |
| To treat it as a joke, |
| And say you're glad "'Twas Dolly's |
| And not your head that broke"? |
| |
| Suppose you're dressed for walking, |
| And the rain comes pouring down, |
| Will it clear off any sooner |
| Because you scold and frown? |
| And wouldn't it be nicer |
| For you to smile than pout, |
| And so make sunshine in the house |
| When there is none without? |
| |
| Suppose your task, my little man, |
| Is very hard to get, |
| Will it make it any easier |
| For you to sit and fret? |
| And wouldn't it be wiser |
| Than waiting like a dunce, |
| To go to work in earnest |
| And learn the thing at once? |
| |
| Suppose that some boys have a horse, |
| And some a coach and pair, |
| Will it tire you less while walking |
| To say, "It isn't fair"? |
| And wouldn't it be nobler |
| To keep your temper sweet, |
| And in your heart be thankful |
| You can walk upon your feet? |
| |
| And suppose the world don't please you, |
| Nor the way some people do, |
| Do you think the whole creation |
| Will be altered just for you? |
| And isn't it, my boy or girl, |
| The wisest, bravest plan, |
| Whatever comes, or doesn't come, |
| To do the best you can? |
| |
| Phoebe Cary. |