LESSON XXVI.
THREE LITTLE MICE.
1. I will tell you the story of three little mice,
If you will keep still and listen to me,
Who live in a cage that is cozy and nice,
And are just as cunning as cunning can be.
They look very wise, with their pretty red eyes,
That seem just exactly like little round beads;
They are white as the snow, and stand up in a row
Whenever we do not attend to their needs;—
68 ECLECTIC SERIES.
2. Stand up in a row in a comical way,—
Now folding their forepaws as if saying, "please;"
Now rattling the lattice, as much as to say,
"We shall not stay here without more bread and
cheese,"
They are not at all shy, as you'll find, if you try
To make them run up in their chamber to bed;
If they do n't want to go, why, they won't go—ah! no,
Though you tap with your finger each queer little
head.
3. One day as I stood by the side of the cage,
Through the bars there protruded a funny, round tail;
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Just for mischief I caught it, and soon; in a rage,
Its owner set up a most pitiful wail.
He looked in dismay,—there was something to pay,—
But what was the matter he could not make out;
What was holding him so, when he wanted to go
To see what his brothers upstairs were about?
4. But soon from the chamber the others rushed down,
Impatient to learn what the trouble might be;
I have not a doubt that each brow wore a frown,
Only frowns on their brows are not easy to see.
For a moment they gazed, perplexed and amazed;
Then began both together to—gnaw off the tail!
So, quick I released him,—do you think that it pleased
him?
And up the small staircase they fled like a gale.
Julia C. R. Dorr.
LESSON XXVII.
THE NEW YEAR. 1. One pleasant New-year morning, Edward rose, and washed and dressed himself
70 ECLECTIC SERIES. in haste. He wanted to be first to wish a happy New Year. 2. He looked in every room, and shouted the words of welcome. He ran into the
street, to repeat them to those he might meet. 3. When he came back, his father gave him two bright, new silver dollars. 4. His face lighted up as he took them. He had wished for a long time to buy some pretty books that he had seen at the bookstore.