Mrs. Turner's Cautionary Stories Part 4

THE NEGLECTED TURK

Miss Alice was quietly seated at work When Susan, her cousin, came quite in a hurry, Exclaiming, "Come, Alice, and look at a Turk, Oh, if you don't see him, I shall be so sorry.

"His dress is so grand, but you don't seem to stir."

"I cannot," said Alice, "mamma has requir'd me To stop in this room; I am waiting for her, And hope I shall finish the work she desir'd me."

"All nonsense," said Susan, "I beg you will come"; But Alice resolv'd on obedient behaviour, For which she felt glad, when her mother came home, And gave her a smile of approval and favour.

PRIDE AND PRIGGISHNESS

"See, f.a.n.n.y," said Miss Charlotte Pride, "How fine I am to-day: A new silk hat, a sash beside; Am I not very gay?

"Look at my necklace--real pearls!

My ear-rings, how they s.h.i.+ne; I think I know some little girls Would like to be as fine."

Said f.a.n.n.y, "Your papa, 'tis true, Your dress can well afford; But if you think I envy you, I don't--upon my word.

"My father loves to see me dress Quite modest, neat, and clean; In plain white muslin, I confess, I'm happy as a queen.

"_Your_ Parents after pleasures roam, Not like papa, for he Delights to stay with me at home-- _Now_ don't you envy me?"

HOW TO LOOK WHEN SPEAKING

"Louisa, my love," Mrs. Manners began, "I fear you are learning to stare, To avoid looking bold, I must give you a plan, Quite easy to practise with care.

"It is not a lady's or gentleman's eyes You should look at, whenever address'd, Whilst hearing them speak, or in making replies, To look at the _mouth_ is the best.

"This method is modest and easy to learn, When children are glad to be taught; And ah! what a pleasure it is in return, To speak and to look as you ought!"

ISABELLA'S PARACHUTE

Once as little Isabella Ventured, with a large umbrella, Out upon a rainy day, She was nearly blown away.

Sadly frighten'd then was she, For 'twas very near the sea, And the wind was very high, But, alas! no friend was nigh.

Luckily, her good mamma Saw her trouble from afar; Running just in time, she caught her Pretty little flying daughter.

_Note._--This story recalls the adventures of Robert at the end of _Struwwelpeter_. Robert, however, was not caught.

MARIA SNUBBED

Maria had an aunt at Leeds, For whom she made a purse of beads; 'Twas neatly done, by all allow'd, And praise soon made her vain and proud.

Her mother, willing to repress This strong conceit of cleverness, Said, "I will show you, if you please, A honeycomb, the work of bees!

"Yes, look within their hive, and then Examine well your purse again; Compare your merits, and you will Admit the insects' greater skill!"

MATILDA'S EXTRAVAGANCE

That beautiful cottage not far from the road In holiday time was Matilda's abode, Who, taken one day by her aunt to the town, Had put in her purse rather more than a crown: 'Twas either to keep, or to give, or to spend In what she lik'd best, for herself or a friend: Soon trinkets and ribbons in turn made her stop To purchase a trifle at every shop, Before she remember'd the canvas and wool She intended to buy when her purse appear'd full; Then wanted to borrow, a favour her aunt Refus'd, because very improper to grant.

Young ladies' extravagance ought to be met By teaching them--_never to run into debt_.

PAPA'S WATCHFULNESS

Mamma had ordered Ann, the maid, Miss Caroline to wash; And put on with her clean white frock A handsome muslin sash.

But Caroline began to cry, For what you cannot think: She said, "Oh, that's an ugly sash; I'll have my pretty pink."

Papa, who in the parlour heard Her make the noise and rout, That instant went to Caroline, To whip her, there's no doubt.

ISABELLA'S DEFEAT

"Mamma, I quite dislike these shoes, I hope you'll send them back; They are so ugly! I should choose Much prettier than black!

"I thought you mention'd blue or buff When ordering a pair, Or green I should like well enough, But black I cannot bear!"

Young Isabella's prattle o'er, Her mother soon express'd A wish that she would say no more, Since _black_ ones suited best.