Childhood's Favorites and Fairy Stories Part 26

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

GOOD NIGHT AND GOOD MORNING

A fair little girl sat under a tree Sewing as long as her eyes could see; Then smoothed her work and folded it right, And said, "Dear work, good night, good night!"

Such a number of rooks came over her head, Crying, "Caw, caw!" on their way to bed, She said, as she watched their curious flight, "Little black things, good night, good night!"

The horses neighed, and the oxen lowed, The sheep's "Bleat! bleat!" came over the road; All seeming to say, with a quiet delight, "Good little girl, good night, good night!"

She did not say to the sun, "Good night!"

Though she saw him there like a ball of light; For she knew he had G.o.d's time to keep All over the world and never could sleep.

The tall pink foxglove bowed his head; The violets courtesied, and went to bed; And good little Lucy tied up her hair, And said, on her knees, her favorite prayer.

And, while on her pillow she softly lay, She knew nothing more till again it was day; And all things said to the beautiful sun, "Good morning, good morning! our work is begun."

RICHARD MONCKTON MILNES (LORD HOUGHTON)

THE WIND

I saw you toss the kites on high And blow the birds about the sky; And all around I heard you pa.s.s, Like ladies' skirts across the gra.s.s-- O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song!

I saw the different things you did, But always you yourself you hid.

I felt you push, I heard you call, I could not see yourself at all-- O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song!

O you that are so strong and cold, O blower, are you young or old?

Are you a beast of field and tree, Or just a stronger child than me?

O wind, a-blowing all day long, O wind, that sings so loud a song!

ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON

THE SPIDER AND THE FLY

"Will you walk into my parlor?" said the spider to the fly; "'Tis the prettiest little parlor that ever you did spy.

The way into my parlor is up a winding stair, And I have many curious things to show when you are there."

"Oh no, no," said the little fly; "to ask me is in vain, For who goes up your winding stair can ne'er come down again."

"I'm sure you must be weary, dear, with soaring up so high.

Will you rest upon my little bed?" said the spider to the fly.

"There are pretty curtains drawn around; the sheets are fine and thin, And if you like to rest a while, I'll snugly tuck you in!"

"Oh no, no," said the little fly, "for I've often heard it said, They never, never wake again who sleep upon your bed!"

Said the cunning spider to the fly: "Dear friend, what can I do To prove the warm affection I've always felt for you?

I have within my pantry good store of all that's nice; I'm sure you're very welcome--will you please to take a slice?"

"Oh no, no," said the little fly; "kind sir, that cannot be: I've heard what's in your pantry, and I do not wish to see!"

"Sweet creature!" said the spider, "you're witty and you're wise; How handsome are your gauzy wings; how brilliant are your eyes!

I have a little looking-gla.s.s upon my parlor shelf; If you'll step in one moment, dear, you shall behold yourself."

"I thank you, gentle sir," she said, "for what you're pleased to say, And, bidding you good morning now, I'll call another day."

The spider turned him round about, and went into his den, For well he knew the silly fly would soon come back again: So he wove a subtle web in a little corner sly, And set his table ready to dine upon the fly; Then came out to his door again, and merrily did sing: "Come hither, hither, pretty fly, with pearl and silver wing; Your robes are green and purple; there's a crest upon your head; Your eyes are like the diamond bright, but mine are dull as lead!"

Alas, alas! how very soon this silly little fly, Hearing his wily, flattering words, came slowly flitting by; With buzzing wings she hung aloft, then near and nearer drew, Thinking only of her brilliant eyes and green and purple hue, Thinking only of her crested head. Poor, foolish thing! at last Up jumped the cunning spider, and fiercely held her fast; He dragged her up his winding stair, into the dismal den-- Within his little parlor--but she ne'er came out again!

And now, dear little children, who may this story read, To idle, silly, flattering words I pray you ne'er give heed; Unto an evil counselor close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale of the spider and the fly.

MARY HOWITT

LET DOGS DELIGHT TO BARK AND BITE

Let dogs delight to bark and bite, For G.o.d hath made them so; Let bears and lions growl and fight, For 'tis their nature to;

But, children, you should never let Your angry pa.s.sions rise: Your little hands were never made To tear each other's eyes.

Let love through all your actions run, And all your words be mild; Live like the blessed Virgin's Son,-- That sweet and lovely child.

His soul was gentle as a lamb; And as his stature grew, He grew in favor both with man And G.o.d his father, too.

Now, Lord of all, he reigns above; And from his heavenly throne, He sees what children dwell in love, And marks them for his own.

ISAAC WATTS

CHILD'S EVENING HYMN