dying to vindicate the honor of the loveliest of ladies, and as his antagonist now stood in the place of the one who had given the offence, he wished him in the presence of the assembly to retract what had been said, "Certainly," exclaimed the General, "it is with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction I here declare that Miss Katy, when she said she did,' spoke simply and only the truth." Upon this Colonel Bumble Bee, turned upon one side, and closing his eyes, exclaimed "I die content," immediately expired. 6 The assembly then retired, overwhelmed with grief and admiration at this interesting scene. The next day, at the general Congress of Bugs, it was unanimously voted to attend Colonel Bumble Bee's funeral, and in testimony of their high respect for his memory, that each member should wear a black string on the left leg for thirty days. For myself, I have ever since felt very melancholy, and to while away my leisure hours I have employed myself in preparing this history of my misfortunes. Let me then conclude, by intreating all my young friends to shun the fault, that they may escape the misfortunes of their sorrowful friend Katy Did. MISS CATHERINE E. BEECHER, QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS. WHO showed the little ant the way And spend the pleasant summer day The sparrow builds her clever nest Who taught the busy bee to fly 'Twas God who showed them all the way, And gave their little skill, And teaches children, if they pray, To do His holy will. THREE LITTLE EGGS. HERE's a nest in the hedge row, Half hid by the leaves, And the sprays, white with blossom, Bend o'er it like eaves. Look in very softly Between the green boughs, While the mother is absent, God watches the house. Straw walls, and a lining Well wrought the small mason, Three eggs, blue and speckled, But more dear to the mother She is happy and thankful God gave them their lodging, Ah, when your rich blessings, My child, you forget, When for some little trouble You murmur and fret, Hear the sweet voices singing In hedges and trees, Will you be less thankful, Less trustful than these? THE CAPTIVE BLUEBIRD. "SWEET little mistress, let me go, do; Indeed, you know not what you I'll tell you all, and tell you true : I've left some young ones on the tree, In a soft nest; there are one, two, three. ""Tis two hours now since Billy was fed, 66 'Perhaps some cat, in prowling round, Will see and seize them at a bound; The cruel pussy I might scare With my shrill note, if I were there. "Ah me! no more at early morn Shall I rest my foot on the stooping thorn, "No more shall I, with eager bill, "But my sad notes have touched your heart, EVENING. THE day is past, the sun is set, And the white stars are in the sky; While the long grass with dew is wet, And through the air the bats now fly. The lambs have now lain down to sleep, On the hill side the old wood rests. |