Year by year, the same sweet story
You to other ears will tell:
Now we leave you, yet we love you ;
Gentle river, fare ye well."

THE SPIDER AND THE FLY.

"WILL you walk into my parlour?" said the Spider to the Fly,

""Tis the prettiest little parlour that ever you did spy; The way into my parlour 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 awhile, 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 have 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, [your eyes How handsome are your gauzy wings, how brilliant are

I have a little looking-glass upon my parlour 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 turn'd 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 he came out to his door again, and merrily did sing, "Come hither, hither, pretty Fly, with the 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 jump'd the cunning Spider, and fiercely held her fast, He dragg'd her up his winding stair, into his dismal den, Within his little parlour-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 counsellor close heart and ear and eye, And take a lesson from this tale, of the Spider and the Fly.

THE GOOD CHILDREN.

WEARY and faint, the blind man came
Unto the cottage-door-

He'd walk'd so far, his feet were lame,
And his dog could run no more.

The sun was shining bright and clear,
But he could not see the sun;
The rich ripe grapes were hanging near,
But he perceived not one.

Kind little Mary saw him come,
And so did John her brother;
And quick into the house they run,
To tell their loving mother.
But soon the little girl appear'd

With a bowl of milk and bread,
And Rover's cars were both uprear'd,
When he heard her gentle tread.
He watch'd the bowl with wistful eye,
And plain as looks could speak,
He said his tongue was very dry,

And he had nought to eat.

Then John brought out some wholesome food,

He was a generous boy;

And in his heart it did him good
To see poor Rover's joy.

The blind old man was very glad
When his dog received his share;
Full fervently he bless'd the lad,
And thank'd kind Mary's care.
And as he rose up to depart,
He to the children said,

"May each preserve a loving heart,
When age has bleach'd the head.

"And this shall be my daily prayer-
For I cannot, if I would,

Ask greater blessings for your share,
Than the love of doing good."