OLD-FASHIONED GIRLS

The Wonders

"MAMMA, dear mamma,” cried, in haste, Mary Anne,

As into the parlour she eagerly ran,

"I hear that a giant is just come to town, So tall, he is often oblig'd to stoop down;

O pray let us see him, O do let us go;

Indeed, dear mamma, he's a wonderful show."

"You are earnest, my love, and shall not be denied," Her truly affectionate mother replied.

"A lady this morning is also arrived,

Who of arms and of legs, from her birth was depriv'd,
And yet in a number of ways is expert,

As if she were blest with these limbs to exert.

"We'll visit Miss Beffin to-morrow, and then
I'll speak of the giant and lady again;
You are not mistaken, his overgrown size
We cannot behold, without feeling surprise,
Whilst Beffin's example most forcibly stands
A silent rebuke to all-indolent hands."

Elizabeth Turner.

Maria's Purse

ARIA had an Aunt at Leeds,

ΜΑ

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!"

Elizabeth Turner.

How to Write a Letter

MARIA intended a letter to write,

But could not begin (as she thought) to indite; So went to her mother with pencil and slate, Containing "Dear Sister," and also a date.

"With nothing to say, my dear girl, do not think
Of wasting your time over paper and ink;
But certainly this is an excellent way,

To try with your slate to find something to say.

'I will give you a rule," said her mother, "my dear, Just think for a moment your sister is here,

And what would you tell her? consider, and then, Though silent your tongue, you can speak with your pen."