LESSON L. THE ALARM CLOCK. 1. A lady, who found it not easy to wake in the morning as early as she wished,

THIRD READER. 131 bought an alarm clock. These clocks are so made as to strike with a loud whirring noise at any hour the owner pleases to set them. 2. The lady placed her clock at the head of the bed, and at the right time she found herself roused by the long, rattling sound. 3. She arose at once, and felt better all day for her early rising. This lasted for some weeks. The alarm clock faithfully did its duty, and was plainly heard so long as it was obeyed. 4. But, after a time, the lady grew tired of early rising. When she was waked by the noise, she merely turned over in bed, and slept again. 5. In a few days, the clock ceased to rouse her from her sleep. It spoke just as loudly as ever; but she did not hear it, because she had been in the habit of not obeying it. 6. Finding that she might as well be without it, she resolved that when she heard the sound she would jump up. 7. Just so it is with conscience. If we will obey its voice, even in the most trifling things, we can always hear it, clear and strong.

132 ECLECTIC SERIES. 8. But if we allow ourselves to do what we have some fears may not be quite right, we shall grow more and more sleepy, until the voice of conscience has no longer power to wake as.



LESSON LI.

SPRING.

1. The alder by the river Shakes out her powdery curls; The willow buds in silver For little boys and girls.

2. The little birds fly over, And oh, how sweet they sing! To tell the happy children That once again 't is Spring.

THIRD READER. 133

3. The gay green grass comes creeping So soft beneath their feet; The frogs begin to ripple A music clear and sweet.

4. And buttercups are coming, And scarlet columbine, And in the sunny meadows The dandelions shine.

5. And just as many daisies As their soft hands can hold, The little ones may gather, All fair in white and gold.

6. Here blows the warm red clover, There peeps the violet blue; Oh, happy little children! God made them all for you. Celia Thaxter.



134 ECLECTIC SERIES.

LESSON LII. TRUE COURAGE. One cold winter's day, three boys were passing by a schoolhouse. The oldest was a bad boy. always in trouble himself, and trying to get others into trouble. The youngest, whose name was George, was a very good boy. George wished to do right, but was very much wanting in courage. The other boys were named Henry and James. As they walked along, they talked as follows: Henry. What fun it would be to throw a snowball against the schoolroom door, and make the teacher and scholars all jump! James. You would jump, if you should. If the teacher did not catch you and whip you, he would tell your father, and you would get a whipping then; and that would make you jump higher than the scholars, I think. Henry. Why, we would get so far off, before the teacher could come to the door, that he could not tell who we are. Here is a snowball just as hard as ice, and George

THIRD READER. 135 would as soon throw it against the door as not. James. Give it to him, and see. He would not dare to throw it. Henry. Do you think George is a coward? You do not know him as well as I do.

Here, George, take this snowball, and show James that you are not such a coward as he thinks you are. George. I am not afraid to throw it; but I do not want to. I do not see that it

136 ECLECTIC SERIES. will do any good, or that there will be any fun in it. James. There! I told you he would not dare to throw it. Henry. Why, George, are you turning coward? I thought you did not fear anything. Come, save your credit, and throw it. I know you are not afraid. George. Well, I am not afraid to throw. Give me the snowball. I would as soon throw it as not. Whack! went the snowball against the door; and the boys took to their heels. Henry was laughing as heartily as he could, to think what a fool he had made of George. George had a whipping for his folly, as he ought to have had. He was such a coward, that he was afraid of being called a coward. He did not dare refuse to do as Henry told him, for fear that he would be laughed at. If he had been really a brave boy, he would have said, "Henry, do you suppose that I am so foolish as to throw that snowball, just because you want to have me? You may throw your own snowballs, if you please!"

THIRD READER. 137 Henry would, perhaps, have laughed at him, and called him a coward. But George would have said, "Do you think that 1 care for your laughing? I do not think it right to throw the snowball. I will not do that which 1 think to be wrong, if the whole town should join with you in laughing." This would have been real courage. Henry would have seen, at once, that it would do no good to laugh at a boy who had so bold a heart. You must have this fearless spirit, or you will get into trouble, and will be, and ought to be, disliked by all.

LESSON LIII.

THE OLD CLOCK.

1. In the old, old hall the old clock stands, And round and round move the steady hands; With its tick, tick, tick, both night and day, While seconds and minutes pass away.

138 ECLECTIC SERIES,

2. At the old, old clock oft wonders Nell, For she can't make out what it has to tell;



She has ne'er yet read, in prose or rhyme, That it marks the silent course of time.

3. When I was a child, as Nell is now, And long ere Time had wrinkled my brow, The old, old clock both by night and day Said,—"Tick, tick, tick!" Time passes away.

THIRD READER. 139



LESSON LIV. THE WAVES. 1. "Where are we to go?" said the little waves to the great, deep sea. "Go, my darlings, to the yellow sands: you will find work to do there." 2. "I want to play," said one little wave; "I want to see who can jump the highest." "No; come on, come on," said an earnest wave; "mother must be right. I want to work." 3. "Oh, I dare not go," said another; "look at those great, black rocks close to the sands; I dare not go there, for they will tear me to pieces." 4. "Take my hand, sister," said the earnest wave; "let us go on together. How glorious it is to do some work." 5. "Shall we ever go back to mother?" "Yes, when our work is done."

140 ECLECTIC SERIES. 6. So one and all hurried on. Even the little wave that wanted to play, pressed on, and thought that work might be fun after all. The timid ones did not like to be left behind, and they became earnest as they got nearer the sands. 7. After all, it was fun, pressing on one after another— jumping, laughing, running on to the broad, shining sands. 8. First, they came in their course to a great sand castle. Splash, splash! they all

THIRD READER. 141 went over it, and down it came. "Oh, what fun!" they cried. 9. "Mother told me to bring these seaweeds; I will find a pretty place for them," said one—and she ran a long way over the sands, and left them among the pebbles. The pebbles cried, "We are glad you are come. We wanted washing." 10. "Mother sent these shells; I do n't know where to put them," said a little fretful wave. "Lay them one by one on the sand, and do not break them," said the eldest wave. 11. And the little one went about its work, and learned to be quiet and gentle, for fear of breaking the shells. 12. "Where is my work?" said a great, full-grown wave. "this is mere play. The little ones can do this and laugh over it. Mother said there was work for me." And he came down upon some large rocks. 13. Over the rocks and into a pool he went, and he heard the fishes say, "The sea is coming. Thank you, great sea; you always send a big wave when a storm is nigh. Thank you, kind wave; we are all ready for you now."

142 ECLECTIC SERIES. 14. Then the waves all went back over the wet sands, slowly and carelessly, for they were tired. 15. "All my shells are safe," said one. 16. And, "My seaweeds are left behind," said another. 17. "I washed all of the pebbles," said a third. 18. "And I—I only broke on a rock, and splashed into a pool," said the one that was so eager to work. "I have done no good, mother—no work at all" 19. "Hush!" said the sea. And they heard a child that was walking on the shore, say, "O mother, the sea has been here! Look, how nice and clean the sand is, and how clear the water is in that pool." 20. Then the sea, said, "Hark!" and far away they heard the deep moaning of the coming storm. 21. "Come, my darlings," said she; "you have done your work, now let the storm do its work."

THIRD READER. 143

LESSON LV.

DO N'T KILL THE BIRDS.

1. Do n't kill the birds! the little birds, That sing about your door Soon as the joyous Spring has come, And chilling storms are o'er.

2. The little birds! how sweet they sing! Oh, let them joyous live; And do not seek to take the life Which you can never give.

3. Do n't kill the birds! the pretty birds, That play among the trees;

144 ECLECTIC SERIES.

For earth would be a cheerless place, If it were not for these.

4. The little birds! how fond they play! Do not disturb their sport; But let them warble forth their songs, Till winter cuts them short.

5. Do n't kill the birds! the happy birds, That bless the field and grove; So innocent to look upon, They claim our warmest love.

6. The happy birds, the tuneful birds, How pleasant 't is to see! No spot can be a cheerless place Where'er their presence be.



LESSON LVI.

WHEN TO SAY NO.

1. Though "No" is a very little word, it is not always easy to say it; and the not doing so, often causes trouble.

THIRD READER. 145 2. When we are asked to stay away from school, and spend in idleness or mischief the time which ought to be spent in study, we should at once say "No." 3. When we are urged to loiter on our way to school, and thus be late, and interrupt our teacher and the school, we should say "No." When some schoolmate wishes us to whisper or play in the schoolroom, we should say "No." 4. When we are tempted to use angry or wicked words, we should remember that the eye of God is always upon us, and should say "No." 5. When we have done anything wrong, and are tempted to conceal it by falsehood, we should say "No, we can not tell a lie; it is wicked and cowardly." 6. If we are asked to do anything which we know to be wrong, we should not fear to say "No." 7. If we thus learn to say "No," we shall avoid much trouble, and be always safe.



3.10.

146 ECLECTIC SERIES. LESSON LVII. WHICH LOVED BEST?

"I love you, mother," said little John; Then, forgetting work, his cap went on, And he was off to the garden swing, Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

2. "I love you, mother," said rosy Nell; "I love you better than tongue can tell;"

THIRD READER. 147

Then she teased and pouted full half the day, Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

3. "I love you, mother," said little Fan; "To-day I'll help you all I can; How glad I am that school does n't keep!" So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

4. Then, stepping softly, she took the broom, And swept the floor, and dusted the room; Busy and happy all day was she, Helpful and cheerful as child could be.

5. "I love you, mother," again they said— Three little children going to bed; How do you think that mother guessed Which of them really loved her best? Joy Allison.

LESSON LVIII.

JOHN CARPENTER. 1. John Carpenter did not like to buy toys that somebody else had made. He liked the fun of making them himself. The thought that they were his own work delighted him. 2. Tom Austin, one of his playmates, thought a toy was worth nothing unless it cost a great deal of money. He never tried to make anything, but bought all his toys.

148 ECLECTIC SERIES. 3. "Come and look at my horse," said he, one day. "It cost a dollar, and it is such a beauty! Come and see it." 4. John was soon admiring his friend's

horse; and he was examining it carefully, to see how it was made. The same evening he began to make one for himself. 5. He went into the wood shed, and picked

THIRD READER. 149 out two pieces of wood—one for the head of his horse, the other for the body. It took him two or three days to shape them to his satisfaction. 6. His father gave him a bit of red leather for a bridle, and a few brass nails, and his mother found a bit of old fur with which he made a mane and tail for his horse. 7. But what about the wheels? This puzzled him. At last he thought he would go to a turner's shop, and see if he could not get some round pieces of wood which might suit his purpose. 8. He found a large number of such pieces among the shavings on the floor, and asked permission to take a few of them. The turner asked him what he wanted them for, and he told him about his horse. 9. "Oh," said the man, laughing, "if you wish it, I will make some wheels for your horse. But mind, when it is finished, you must let me see it." 10. John promised to do so, and he soon ran home with the wheels in his pocket. The next evening, he went to the turner's shop with his horse all complete, and was told that he was an ingenious little fellow

150 ECLECTIC SERIES. 11. Proud of this compliment, he ran to his friend Tom, crying, "Now then, Tom, here is my horse,—look!" 12. "Well, that is a funny horse," said Tom; "where did you buy it?" "I did n't buy it," replied John; I made it." 13. "You made it yourself! Oh, well, it's a good horse for you to make. But it is not so good as mine. Mine cost a dollar, and yours did n't cost anything." 14. "It was real fun to make it, though," said John, and away he ran with his horse rolling after him. 15. Do you want to know what became of John? Well, I will tell you. He studied hard in school, and was called the best scholar in his class. When he left school, he went to work in a machine shop. He is now a master workman, and will soon have a shop of his own.

THIRD READER. 151

LESSON LIX.

PERSEVERE.

1. The fisher who draws in his net too soon, Won't have any fish to sell; The child who shuts up his book too soon, Won't learn any lessons well.

2. If you would have your learning stay, Be patient,—do n't learn too fast: The man who travels a mile each day, May get round the world at last.

LESSON LX.

THE CONTENTED BOY. Mr. Lenox was one morning riding by himself. He got off from his horse to look at something on the roadside. The horse broke away from him, and ran off. Mr. Lenox ran after him, but soon found that he could not catch him. A little boy at work in a field near the road, heard the horse. As soon as he saw him running from his master, the boy ran

152 ECLECTIC SERIES.

very quickly to the middle of the road, and, catching the horse by thc bridle, stopped him till Mr. Lenox came up. Mr. Lenox. Thank you, my good boy, you have caught my horse very nicely. What shall I give you for your trouble? Boy. I want nothing, sir. Mr. L. You want nothing? So much the better for you. Few men can say as much. But what were you doing in the field? B. I was rooting up weeds, and tending the sheep that were feeding on turnips. Mr. L. Do you like to work? B. Yes, sir, very well, this fine weather. Mr. L. But would you not rather play? B. This is not hard work. It is almost as good as play. Mr. L. Who set you to work? B. My father, sir. Mr. L. What is your name? B. Peter Hurdle, sir. Mr. L. How old are you? B. Eight years old, next June. Mr. L. How long have you been here? B. Ever since six o'clock this morning. Mr. L. Are you not hungry? B. Yes, sir, but I shall go to dinner soon.

THIRD READER. 153

Mr. L. If you had a dime now, what would you do with it? B. I do n't know, sir. I never had so much. Mr. L. Have you no playthings?

154 ECLECTIC SERIES. B. Playthings? What are they? Mr. L. Such things as ninepins, marbles, tops, and wooden horses. B. No, sir. Tom and I play at football in winter, and I have a jumping rope. I had a hoop, but it is broken. Mr. L. Do you want nothing else? B. I have hardly time to play with what I have. I have to drive the cows, and to run on errands, and to ride the horses to the fields, and that is as good as play. Mr. L. You could get apples and cakes, if you had money, you know. B. I can have apples at home. As for cake, I do not want that. My mother makes me a pie now and then, which is as good. Mr. L. Would you not like a knife to cut sticks? B. I have one. Here it is. Brother Tom gave it to me. Mr. L. Your shoes are full of holes. Do n't you want a new pair? B. I have a better pair for Sundays. Mr. L. But these let in water. B. I do not mind that, sir. Mr. L. Your hat is all torn, too. B. I have a better one at home.

THIRD READER. 155 Mr. L. What do yon do when it rains? B. If it rains very hard when I am in the field, I get under a tree for shelter. Mr. L. What do you do, if you are hungry before it is time to go home? B. I sometimes eat a raw turnip. Mr. L. But if there is none? B. Then I do as well as I can without. I work on, and never think of it. Mr. L. Why, my little fellow, I am glad to see that you are so contented. Were you ever at school? B. No, sir. But father means to send me next winter. Mr. L. You will want books then. B. Yes, sir; each boy has a Spelling Book, a Reader, and a Testament. Mr. L. Then I will give them to you. Tell your father so, and that it is because you are an obliging, contented little boy. B. I will, sir. Thank you. Mr. L. Good by, Peter. B. Good morning, sir. Dr. John Aiken

156 ECLECTIC SERIES.

LESSON LXI.

LITTLE GUSTAVA.

1. Little Gustava sits in the sun, Safe in the porch, and the little drops run From the icicles under the eaves so fast, For the bright spring sun shines warm at last, And glad is little Gustava.

2. She wears a quaint little scarlet cap, And a little green bowl she holds in her lap, Filled with bread and milk to the brim, And a wreath of marigolds round the rim: "Ha! ha!" laughs little Gustava.

3. Up comes her little gray, coaxing cat, With her little pink nose, and she mews, "What's that ?" Gustava feeds her,—she begs for more, And a little brown hen walks in at the door: "Good day!" cries little Gustava.

4. She scatters crumbs for the little brown hen, There comes a rush and a flutter, and then Down fly her little white doves so sweet, With their snowy wings and their crimson feet: "Welcome!" cries little Gustava.

5. So dainty and eager they pick up the crumbs. But who is this through the doorway comes?

THIRD READER. 157

Little Scotch terrier, little dog Rags, Looks in her face, and his funny tail wags: "Ha! ha!" laughs little Gustava.



6. "You want some breakfast, too?" and down She sets her bowl on the brick floor brown, And little dog Rags drinks up her milk, While she strokes his shaggy locks, like silk: "Dear Rags!" says little Gustava.

7. Waiting without stood sparrow and crow, Cooling their feet in the melting snow.

158 ECLECTIC SERIES.

"Won't you come in, good folk?" she cried, But they were too bashful, and staid outside, Though "Pray come in!" cried Gustava.

8. So the last she threw them, and knelt on the mat, With doves, and biddy, and dog, and cat. And her mother came to the open house door: "Dear little daughter, I bring you some more, My merry little Gustava."

9. Kitty and terrier, biddy and doves, All things harmless Gustava loves, The shy, kind creatures 't is joy to feed, And, oh! her breakfast is sweet indeed To happy little Gustava! Celia Thaxter.



LESSON LXII.

THE INSOLENT BOY.

1. James Selton was one of the most insolent boys in the village where he lived. He would rarely pass people in the street without being guilty of some sort of abuse.

THIRD READER. 159 2. If a person were well dressed he would cry out, "Dandy!" If a person's clothes were dirty or torn, he would throw stones at him, and annoy him in every way. 3. One afternoon, just as the school was dismissed, a stranger passed through the village. His dress was plain and somewhat old, but neat and clean. He carried a cane in his hand, on the end of which was a bundle, and he wore a broad-brimmed hat. 4. No sooner did James see the stranger, than he winked to his playmates, and said, "Now for some fun!" He then silently went toward the stranger from behind, and, knocking off his hat, ran away. 5. The man turned and saw him, but James was out of hearing before he could speak. The stranger put on his hat, and went on his way. Again did James approach; but this time, the man caught him by the arm, and held him fast. 6. However, he contented himself with looking James a moment in the face, and then pushed him from him. No sooner did the naughty boy find himself free again, than he began to pelt the stranger with dirt and stones.

160 ECLECTIC SERIES.

7. But he was much frightened when the "rowdy," as he foolishly called the man, was struck on the head by a brick, and badly hurt. All the boys now ran away, and James skulked across the fields to his home. 8. As he drew near the house, his sister Caroline came out to meet him, holding up

THIRD READER. 161 a beautiful gold chain and some new books for him to see. 9. She told James, as fast as she could talk, that their uncle, who had been away several years, had come home, and was now in the house; that he had brought beautiful presents for the whole family; that he had left his carriage at the tavern, a mile or two off, and walked on foot, so as to surprise his brother, their father. 10. She said, that while he was coming through the village, some wicked boys threw stones at him, and hit him just over the eye, and that mother had bound up the wound. "But what makes you look so pale?" asked Caroline, changing her tone. 11. The guilty boy told her that nothing was the matter with him; and running into the house, he went upstairs into his chamber. Soon after, he heard his father calling him to come down. Trembling from head to foot, he obeyed. When he reached the parlor door, he stood, fearing to enter. 12. His mother said, "James, why do you not come in? You are not usually so bashful. See this beautiful watch, which your uncle has brought for you." 3, 11.

162 ECLECTIC SERIES, 13. What a sense of shame did James now feel! Little Caroline seized his arm, and pulled him into the room. But he hung down his head, and covered his face with his hands. 14. His uncle went up to him, and kindly taking away his hands, said, "James, will you not bid me welcome?" But quickly starting back, he cried, "Brother, this is not your son. It is the boy who so shamefully insulted me in the street!" 15. With surprise and grief did the good father and mother learn this. His uncle was ready to forgive him, and forget the injury. But his father would never permit James to have the gold watch, nor the beautiful books, which his uncle had brought for him. 16. The rest of the children were loaded with presents. James was obliged to content himself with seeing them happy. He never forgot this lesson so long as he lived. It cured him entirely of his low and insolent manners.



THIRD READER. 163

LESSON LXIII.

WE ARE SEVEN.

1. I met a little cottage girl: She was eight years old, she said; Her hair was thick with many a curl, That clustered round her head.

2. She had a rustic, woodland air, And she was wildly clad: Her eyes were fair, and very fair;— Her beauty made me glad.

3. "Sisters and brothers, little maid, How many may you be?" "How many? Seven in all," she said, And, wondering, looked at me.

4. "And where are they? I pray you tell." She answered, "Seven are we; And two of us at Conway dwell, And two are gone to sea.

l64 ECLECTIC SERIES.

5. "Two of us in the churchyard lie, My sister and my brother; And, in the churchyard cottage, I Dwell near them with my mother,"



6. "You say that two at Conway dwell, And two are gone to sea, Yet ye are seven! I pray you tell, Sweet maid, how this may be."

THIRD READER. 165

7. Then did the little maid reply, "Seven boys and girls are we; Two of us in the churchyard lie, Beneath the churchyard tree."

8. "You run about, my little maid, Your limbs, they are alive; If two are in the churchyard laid, Then ye are only five."

9. "Their graves are green, they may be seen," The little maid replied, "Twelve steps or more from mother's door, And they are side by side.

10. "My stockings there I often knit, My kerchief there I hem; And there upon the ground I sit, And sing a song to them.

11. "And often after sunset, sir, When it is light and fair, I take my little porringer, And eat my supper there.

12. "The first that died was sister Jane; In bed she moaning lay,

166 ECLECTIC SERIES.

Till God released her from her pain; And then she went away.

13. "So in the churchyard she was laid; And, when the grass was dry, Together round her grave we played, My brother John and I.

14. "And when the ground was white with snow, And I could run and slide, My brother John was forced to go, And he lies by her side."

15. "How many are you, then?" said I, "If they two are in heaven?" Quick was the little maid's reply, "O master! we are seven."

16. "But they are dead; those two are dead! Their spirits are in heaven!" 'T was throwing words away: for still The little maid would have her will, And said, "Nay, we are seven." William Wordsworth.



THIRD READER. 167

LESSON LXIV.

MARY'S DIME. 1. There! I have drawn the chairs into the right corners, and dusted the room nicely. How cold papa and mamma will be when they return from their long ride! It is not time to toast the bread yet, and I am tired of reading. 2. What shall I do? Somehow, I can't help thinking about the pale face of that little beggar girl all the time. I can see the glad light filling her eyes, just as plain as I did when I laid the dime in her little dirty hand. 3. How much I had thought of that dime, too! Grandpa gave it to me a whole month ago, and I had kept it ever since in my red box upstairs; but those sugar apples looked so beautiful, and were so cheap—only a dime apiece—that I made up my mind to have one. 4. I can see her—the beggar girl, I mean—as she stood there in front of the store, in her old hood and faded dress, looking at the candies laid all in a row. I wonder

168 ECLECTIC SERIES. what made me say, "Little girl, what do you want?" 5. How she stared at me, just as if nobody had spoken kindly to her before. I guess

she thought I was sorry for her, for she said, so earnestly and sorrowfully, "I was thinking how good one of those gingerbread rolls would taste. I have n't had anything to eat to-day."

THIRD READER. 169 6. Now, I thought to myself, "Mary Williams, you have had a good breakfast and a good dinner this day, and this poor girl has not had a mouthful. You can give her your dime; she needs it a great deal more than you do." 7. I could not resist that little girl's sorrowful, hungry look—so I dropped the dime right into her hand, and, without waiting for her to speak, walked straight away. I'm so glad I gave her the dime, if I did have to go without the apple lying there in the window, and looking just like a real one.



LESSON LXV. MARY DOW.

1. "Come in, little stranger," I said, As she tapped at my half open door; While the blanket, pinned over her head, Just reached to the basket she bore.

170 ECLECTIC SERIES.

2. A look full of innocence fell From her modest and pretty blue eye, As she said, "I have matches to sell, And hope you are willing to buy.



3. "A penny a bunch is the price, I think you'll not find it too much; They are tied up so even and nice, And ready to light with a touch."

4. I asked, "'What's your name, little girl?" "'Tis Mary," said she, "Mary Dow;"

THIRD READER. 171

And carelessly tossed off a curl, That played on her delicate brow.

5. "My father was lost on the deep; The ship never got to the shore; And mother is sad, and will weep, To hear the wind blow and sea roar.

6. "She sits there at home, without food, Beside our poor, sick Willy's bed; She paid all her money for wood, And so I sell matches for bread.

7. "I'd go to the yard and get chips, But then it would make me too sad To see the men building the ships, And think they had made one so bad.

8. "But God, I am sure, who can take Such fatherly care of a bird, Will never forget nor forsake The children who trust in his word.

9. "And now, if I only can sell The matches I brought out to-day, I think I shall do very well, And we shall rejoice at the pay."

172 ECLECTIC SERIES,

10. "Fly home, little bird," then I thought, "Fly home, full of joy, to your nest;" For I took all the matches she brought, And Mary may tell you the rest.



LESSON LXVI. THE LITTLE LOAF. 1. Once when there was a famine, a rich baker sent for twenty of the poorest children in the town, and said to them, "In this basket there is a loaf for each of you. Take it, and come back to me every day at this hour till God sends us better times." 2. The hungry children gathered eagerly about the basket, and quarreled for the bread, because each wished to have the largest loaf. At last they went away without even thanking the good gentleman. 3. But Gretchen, a poorly-dressed little girl, did not quarrel or struggle with the rest,

THIRD READER. 173



but remained standing modestly in the distance. When the ill-behaved girls had left, she took the smallest loaf, which alone was left in the basket, kissed the gentleman's hand, and went home. 4. The next day the children were as ill behaved as before, and poor, timid Gretchen received a loaf scarcely half the size of the one she got the first day. When she came home, and her mother cut the loaf open, many new, shining pieces of silver fell out of it.

174 ECLECTIC SERIES. 5. Her mother was very much alarmed, and said, "Take the money back to the good gentleman at once, for it must have got into the dough by accident. Be quick, Gretchen! be quick!" 6. But when the little girl gave the rich man her mother's message, he said, "No, no, my child, it was no mistake. I had the silver pieces put into the smallest loaf to reward you. Always be as contented, peaceable, and grateful as you now are. Go home now, and tell your mother that the money is your own."

LESSON LXVII.

SUSIE AND ROVER. 1. "Mamma," said Susie Dean, one summer's morning, "may I go to the woods, and pick berries?"

THIRD READER. 175 2. "Yes," replied Mrs. Dean, "but you must take Rover with you." 3. Susie brought her little basket, and her mother put up a nice lunch for her. She tied down the cover, and fastened a tin cup to it. 4. The little girl called Rover—a great Newfoundland dog—and gave him a tin pail to carry. "If I bring it home full, mamma," she said, "won't you make some berry cakes for tea?" 5. Away she tripped, singing as she went down the lane and across the pasture. When she got to the woods, she put her dinner basket down beside a tree, and began to pick berries. 6. Rover ran about, chasing a squirrel or a rabbit now and then, but never straying far from Susie. 7. The tin pail was not a very small one. By the time it was two thirds full, Susie began to feel hungry, and thought she would eat her lunch. 8. Rover came and took his place at her side as soon as she began to eat. Did she not give him some of the lunch? No, she was in a selfish mood, and did no such thing.

176 ECLECTIC SERIES. 9. "There, Rover, run away! there's a good dog," she said; but Rover staid near her, watching her steadily with his clear brown eves.

10. The meat he wanted so much, was soon eaten up; and all he got of the nice dinner, was a small crust of gingerbread that Susie threw away. 11. After dinner, Susie played a while by

THIRD READER. 177 the brook. She threw sticks into the water, and Rover swam in and brought them back. Then she began to pick berries again. 12. She did not enjoy the afternoon as she did the morning. The sunshine was as bright, the berries were as sweet and plentiful, and she was neither tired nor hungry. 13. But good, faithful Rover was hungry, and she had not given him even one piece of meat. She tried to forget how selfish she had been; but she could not do so, and quite early she started for home. 14. When she was nearly out of the woods, a rustling in the underbrush attracted her attention. "I wonder if that is a bird or a squirrel," said she to herself. "If I can catch it, how glad I shall be!" 15. She tried to make her way quietly through the underbrush; but what was her terror when she saw it large snake coiled up before her, prepared for a spring! 16. She was so much frightened that she could not move; but brave Rover saw the snake, and, springing forward, seized it by the neck and killed it. 17. When the faithful dog came and rubbed his head against her hand, Susie put her 3, 12.

178 ECLECTIC SERIES. arms 'round his neck, and burst into tears. "O Rover," she cried, "you dear, good dog! How sorry I am that I was so selfish!" 18. Rover understood the tone of her voice, if he did not understand her words, and capered about in great glee, barking all the time. You may be sure that he had a plentiful supper that evening. 19. Susie never forgot the lesson of that day. She soon learned to be on her guard against a selfish spirit, and became a happier and more lovable little girl. Mrs. M. O. Johnson—Adapted.

LESSON LXVIII. THE VIOLET.

1. Down in a green and shady bed, A modest violet grew; Its stalk was bent, it hung its head, As if to hide from view

THIRD READER. 179



2. And yet it was a lovely flower, Its colors bright and fair; It might have graced a rosy bower Instead of hiding there.

3. Yet there it was content to bloom, In modest tints arrayed, And there it spread its sweet perfume, Within the silent shade.

4. Then let me to the valley go, This pretty flower to see; That I may also learn to grow In sweet humility. Jane Taylor.

180 ECLECTIC SERIES. LESSON LXIX. NO CROWN FOR ME. 1. "Will you come with us, Susan?" cried several little girls to a schoolmate. "We are going to the woods; do come, too." 2. "I should like to go with you very much," replied Susan, with a sigh; "but I can not finish the task grandmother set me to do." 3. "How tiresome it must be to stay at home to work on a holiday!" said one of the girls, with a toss of her head. "Susan's grandmother is too strict." 4. Susan heard this remark, and, as she bent her head over her task, she wiped away a tear, and thought of the pleasant afternoon the girls would spend gathering wild flowers in the woods. 5. Soon she said to herself, "What harm can there be in moving the mark grandmother put in the stocking? The woods must be very beautiful to-day, and how I should like to be in them!" 6. "Grandmother," said she, a few minutes afterwards, "I am ready, now." "What, so

THIRD READER. 181 soon, Susan?" Her grandmother took the work, and looked at it very closely. 7. "True, Susan," said she, laying great stress on each word; "true, I count twenty turns from the mark; and, as you have never deceived me, you may go and amuse yourself as you like the rest of the day." 8. Susan's cheeks were scarlet, and she did not say, "Thank you." As she left the cottage, she walked slowly away, not singing as usual. 9. "Why, here is Susan!" the girls cried, when she joined their company; "but what is the matter? Why have you left your dear, old grandmother?" they tauntingly added. 10. "There is nothing the matter." As Susan repeated these words, she felt that she was trying to deceive herself. She had acted a lie. At the same time she remembered her grandmother's words, "You have never deceived me." 11. "Yes, I have deceived her," said she to herself. "If she knew all, she would never trust me again." 12. When the little party had reached an open space in the woods, her companions ran about enjoying themselves; but Susan sat on

182 ECLECTIC SERIES.

the grass, wishing she were at home confessing her fault. 13. After a while Rose cried out, "Let us make a crown of violets, and put it on the head of the best girl here." 14. "It will be easy enough to make the crown, but not so easy to decide who is to wear it," said Julia. 15. "Why, Susan is to wear it, of course," said Rose: "is she not said to be the best girl in school and the most obedient at home?" 16. "Yes, yes; the crown shall be for Susan,"

THIRD READER. 183 cried the other girls, and they began to make the crown. It was soon finished. 17. "Now, Susan," said Rose, "put it on in a very dignified way, for you are to be our queen." 18. As these words were spoken, the crown was placed on her head. In a moment she snatched it off, and threw it on the ground, saying, "No crown for me; I do not deserve it." 19. The girls looked at her with surprise. "I have deceived my grandmother," said she, while tears flowed down her cheeks. "I altered the mark she put in the stocking, that I might join you in the woods." 20. "Do you call that wicked?" asked one of the girls. "I am quite sure it is; and I have been miserable all the time I have been here." 21. Susan now ran home, and as soon as she got there she said, with a beating heart, "O grandmother! I deserve to be punished, for I altered the mark you put in the stocking. Do forgive me; I am very sorry and unhappy." 22. "Susan," said her grandmother, "I knew it all the time; but I let you go out, hoping

184 ECLECTIC SERIES. that your own conscience would tell you of your sin. I am so glad that you have confessed your fault and your sorrow." 23. "When shall I be your own little girl again?" "Now," was the quick reply, and Susan's grandmother kissed her forehead.



LESSON LXX.

YOUNG SOLDIERS.

1. Oh, were you ne'er a schoolboy, And did you never train, And feel that swelling of the heart You ne'er can feel again?

2. Did you never meet, far down the street, With plumes and banners gay, While the kettle, for the kettledrum, Played your march, march away?

THIRD READER. 185



3. It seems to me but yesterday, Nor scarce so long ago, Since all our school their muskets took, To charge the fearful foe.

4. Our muskets were of cedar wood, With ramrods bright and new; With bayonets forever set, And painted barrels, too.

5. We charged upon a flock of geese, And put them all to flight— Except one sturdy gander That thought to show us fight.

186 ECLECTIC SERIES.

6. But, ah! we knew a thing or two; Our captain wheeled the van; We routed him, we scouted him, Nor lost a single man!

7. Our captain was as brave a lad As e'er commission bore; And brightly shone his new tin sword; A paper cap he wore.

8. He led us up the steep hillside, Against the western wind, While the cockerel plume that decked his head Streamed bravely out behind.

9. We shouldered arms, we carried arms, We charged the bayonet; And woe unto the mullein stalk That in our course we met!



THIRD READER. 187

10. At two o'clock the roll we called, And till the close of day, With fearless hearts, though tired limbs, We fought the mimic fray,— Till the supper bell, from out the dell, Bade us march, march away.



LESSON LXXI.

HOW WILLIE GOT OUT OF THE SHAFT. 1. Willie's aunt sent him for a birthday present a little writing book. There was a place in the book for a pencil. Willie thought a great deal of this little book, and always kept it in his pocket. 2. One day, his mother was very busy, and he called his dog, and said, "Come, Caper, let us have a play."

188 ECLECTIC SERIES. 3. When Willie's mother missed him, she went to the door and looked out, and could not see him anywhere; but she knew that Caper was with him, and thought they would come back before long. 4. She waited an, hour, and still they did not come. When she came to the gate by the road, she met Mr. Lee, and told him how long Willie had been gone. Mr. Lee thought he must have gone to sleep under the trees. So they went to all the trees under which Willie was in the habit of playing, but he was nowhere to be found. 5. By this time the sun had gone down. The news that Willie was lost soon spread over the neighborhood, and all the men and women turned out to hunt. They hunted all night. 6. The next morning the neighbors were gathered round, and all were trying to think what to do next, when Caper came bounding into the room. There was a string tied round his neck, and a bit of paper tied to it. 7. Willie's father, Mr. Lee, took the paper, and saw that it was a letter from Willie. He read it aloud. It said, "O father! come to me. I am in the big hole in the pasture."

THIRD READER. 189 8. Everybody ran at once to the far corner of the pasture; and there was Willie, alive and well, in the shaft. Oh, how glad he was when his father caught him in his arms, and lifted him out!

9. Now I will tell you how Willie came to be in the shaft. He and Caper went to the pasture field, and came to the edge of the shaft and sat down. In bending over

190 ECLECTIC SERIES. to see how deep it was, he lost his balance, and fell in. He tried very hard to get out, but could not. 10. When the good little dog saw that his master was in the shaft, he would not leave him, but ran round and round, reaching down and trying to pull him out. But while Caper was pulling Willie by the coat sleeves, a piece of sod gave way under his feet, and he fell in too. 11. Willie called for his father and mother as loud as he could call; but he was so far away from the house that no one could hear him. 12. He cried and called till it was dark, and then he lay down on the ground, and Caper lay down close beside him. It was not long before Willie cried himself to sleep. 13. When he awoke it was morning, and he began to think of a way to get out. The little writing book that his aunt had given him, was in his pocket. He took it out, and, after a good deal of trouble, wrote the letter to his father. 14. Then he tore the leaf out, and took a string out of his pocket, and tied it round Caper's neck, and tied the letter to the

THIRD READER. 191 string. Then he lifted the dog up, and helped him out, and said to him, "Go home, Caper, go home!" The little dog scampered away, and was soon at home.



LESSON LXXII. THE PERT CHICKEN.

1. There was once a pretty chicken; But his friends were very few, For he thought that there was nothing In the world but what he knew: So he always, in the farmyard, Had a very forward way, Telling all the hens and turkeys What they ought to do and say. "Mrs. Goose," he said, "I wonder That your goslings you should let Go out paddling in the water; It will kill them to get wet."

192 ECLECTIC SERIES,



2. "I wish, my old Aunt Dorking," He began to her, one day, "That you would n't sit all summer In your nest upon the hay. Won't you come out to the meadow, Where the grass with seeds is filled?" "If I should," said Mrs. Dorking, "Then my eggs would all get chilled." "No, they wo n't," replied the chicken, "And no matter if they do; Eggs are really good for nothing; What's an egg to me or you?"

3. "What's an egg!" said Mrs. Dorking, "Can it be you do not know

THIRD READER. 193

You yourself were in an eggshell Just one little month ago? And, if kind wings had not warmed you, You would not be out to-day, Telling hens, and geese, and turkeys, What they ought to do and say!

4. "To be very wise, and show it, Is a pleasant thing, no doubt; But, when young folks talk to old folks, They should know what they're about." Marian Douglas.



LESSON LXXIII.

INDIAN CORN.

1. Few plants are more useful to man than Indian corn, or maize. No grain, except rice, is used to so great an extent as an article of food. In some countries corn is almost the only food eaten by the people.

3, 13

194 ECLECTIC SERIES. 2. Do you know why it is called Indian corn? It is because the American Indians were the first corn growers. Columbus found this grain widely cultivated by them when he discovered the New World. They pounded it in rude, stone bowls, and thus made a coarse flour, which they mixed with water and baked. 3. Indian corn is now the leading crop in the United States. In whatever part of this land we live, we see corn growing every year in its proper season. Yet how few can tell the most simple and important facts about its planting and its growth! 4. Corn, to do well, must have a rich soil and a warm climate. It is a tender plant, and is easily injured by cold weather. The seed corn does not sprout, but rots, if the ground is cold and wet. 5. To prepare land properly for planting corn, the soil is made fine by plowing, and furrows are run across the field four feet apart each way. At every point where these furrows cross, the farmer drops from four to seven grains of seed corn. These are then covered with about two inches of earth, and thus form "hills" of corn.

THIRD READER. 195 6. In favorable weather, the tender blades push through the ground in ten days or two weeks; then the stalks mount up rapidly, and the long, streamer-like leaves unfold gracefully from day to day. Corn must be carefully cultivated while the plants are small. After they begin to shade the ground, they need but little hoeing or plowing. 7. The moisture and earthy matter, drawn through the roots, become sap. This passes through the stalk, and enters the leaves. There a great change takes place which results in the starting of the ears and the growth of the grain. 8. The maize plant bears two kinds of flowers,—male and female. The two are widely separated. The male flowers are on the tassel; the fine silk threads which surround the ear, and peep out from the end of the husks, are the female flowers. 9. Each grain on the cob is the starting point for a thread of silk; and, unless the thread receives some particle of the dust which falls from the tassel flowers, the kernel with which it is connected will not grow. 10. The many uses of Indian corn and its products are worthy of note. The green

196 ECLECTIC SERIES. stalks and leaves make excellent fodder for cattle. The ripe grain is used all over the earth as food for horses, pigs, and poultry. Nothing is better for fattening stock. 11. Green corn, or "roasting ears," hulled corn and hominy, New England hasty pudding, and succotash are favorite dishes with many persons. Then there are parched corn and pop corn—the delight of long winter evenings. 12. Cornstarch is an important article of commerce. Sirup and sugar are made from the juice of the stalk, and oil and alcohol from the ripened grain. Corn husks are largely used for filling

THIRD READER. 197 mattresses, and are braided into mats, baskets, and other useful articles. 13. Thus it will be seen how varied are the uses of Indian corn. And besides being so useful, the plant is very beautiful. The sight of a large cornfield in the latter part of summer, with all its green banners waving and its tasseled plumes nodding, is one to admire, and not to be forgotten.

LESSON LXXIV. THE SNOWBIRD'S SONG.

1. The ground was all covered with snow one day, And two little sisters were busy at play, When a snowbird was sitting close by on a tree, And merrily singing his chick-a-de-dee.

198 ECLECTIC SERIES.

2. He had not been singing that tune very long Ere Emily heard him, so loud was his song; "O sister, look out of the window!" said she; "Here's a dear little bird singing chick-a-de-dee.



3. "Poor fellow! he walks in the snow and the sleet, And has neither stockings nor shoes on his feet: I wonder what makes him so full of his glee; He's all the time singing his chick-a-de-dee.

4. "If I were a barefooted snowbird, I know, I would not stay out in the cold and the snow; I pity him so! oh, how cold he must be! And yet he keeps singing his chick-a-de-dee.

THIRD READER. 199

5. "O mother; do get him some stockings, and shoes, And a nice little frock, and a hat if he choose: I wish he'd come into the parlor, and see How warm we would make him, poor chick-a-de-dee!"

6. The bird had flown down for some sweet crumbs of bread, And heard every word little Emily said: "What a figure I'd make in that dress" thought he, And laughed as he warbled his chick-a-de-dee.

7. "I am grateful," said he, "for the wish you express, But have no occasion for such a fine dress; I rather remain with my little limbs free, Than to hobble about, singing chick-a-de-dee.

8. "There is One, my dear child, though I can not tell who, Has clothed me already, and warm enough, too. Good morning! Oh, who are so happy as we?" And away he flew, singing his chick-a-de-dee. F. C. Woodworth.



200 ECLECTIC SERIES.

LESSON LXXV. MOUNTAINS. 1. The Himalayas are the highest mountains on our globe, They are in Asia, and separate India from Thibet. They extend in a continuous line for more than a thousand miles. 2. If you ever ascend one of these mountains from the plain below, you will have to cross an unhealthy border, twenty miles in width. It is, in fact, a swamp caused by the waters overflowing the river banks. 3. The soil of this swampy border is covered with trees and shrubs, where the tiger, the elephant, and other animals find secure retreat. Beyond this border, you will reach smiling valleys and noble forests. 4. As you advance onward and upward, you will get among bolder and more rugged scenes. The sides of the mountains are very steep, sometimes well wooded to quite a height, but sometimes quite barren. 5. In crossing a river you must be content with three ropes for a bridge. You will find the streets of the towns to be simply stairs

THIRD READER. 201 cut out of the rock, and see the houses rising in tiers. 6. The pathways into Thibet, among these mountains, are mere tracks by the side of

foaming torrents. Often, as you advance, you will find every trace of the path swept away by the failing of rocks and earth from above.

202 ECLECTIC SERIES. 7. Sometimes you will find posts driven into the mountain side, upon which branches of trees and earth are spread. This forms a trembling foothold for the traveler. 8. In the Andes, in South America, the sure-footed mule is used to carry travelers. Quite often a chasm must be crossed that is many feet wide and hundreds of feet deep. The mule will leap across this chasm, but not until it is sure it can make a safe jump. 9. "One day," says a traveler, "I went by the worst pass over the Andes Mountains. The path for seventy yards was very narrow, and at one point it was washed entirely away. On one side the rock brushed my shoulder, and on the other side my foot overhung the precipice." 10. The guide told this man, after he was safely over the pass, that, to his knowledge, four hundred mules had fallen over that precipice, and in many instances travelers had lost their lives at that terrible spot.

THIRD READER. 203



LESSON LXXVI.

A CHILD'S HYMN.

1. God make my life a little light, Within the world to glow; A little flame that burneth bright Wherever I may go.

2. God make my life a little flower, That giveth joy to all, Content to bloom in native bower, Although its place be small.

3. God make my life a little song, That comforteth the sad; That helpeth others to be strong, And makes the singer glad.

4. God make my life a little hymn Of tenderness and praise; Of faith—that never waxeth dim In all His wondrous ways.

204 ECLECTIC SERIES,

LESSON LXXVII. HOLDING THE FORT. 1. While Genie was walking slowly down street one day, she heard an odd rapping on the pavement behind her. Looking round, she saw Rob Grey hobbling on crutches. 2. "Why, what is the matter?" cried Genie. "I have n't seen you for a week, and now you are walking in that way." 3. "I shall have to walk in this way as much as a week longer, Genie. I sprained my ankle by stopping too quick— no, not too quick, either, for there was something in my way." "What was it?" asked Genie. 4. "One of the Commandments," replied Rob. "You remember how that lecturer talked to us about 'holding the fort'? Well, I thought I should like to do it; but it's a pretty long war, you know—all a lifetime, and no vacations— furloughs, I think they call them." 5. "If there was nothing to fight, we should not need to be soldiers," said Genie. 6. "Well, I thought I would try; but the

THIRD READER. 205 first day, when we came out of the schoolhouse, Jack Lee snatched my books out of my hand, and threw them into the mud. 7. "I started after him as fast as I could run. I meant to throw him where he had

thrown the books, when, all of a sudden, I thought of the Commandment about returning good for evil. 8. "I stopped short—so short, that, somehow,

206 ECLECTIC SERIES. my foot twisted under me. So, you see, it was one of the commandments." 9. "If one must stumble at them, it is a good thing to fall on the right side," said Genie, with a wise nod of her head. 10. "The whole thing puzzles me, and makes me feel— well, like giving it up," said Rob. "It might have served me right when I was chasing Jack; but when I thought of the Commandment, I really tried to do the right thing." 11. "You did do it, Rob," said Genie. "You 'held the fort' that time. Why, do n't you see—you are only a wounded soldier." 12. "I never thought of that," said Rob. "If I believe that way—" He began to whistle, and limped off to school without finishing the sentence. But Genie knew, by the way he behaved that day, that he had made up his mind to hold the fort.

THIRD READER. 207

LESSON LXXVIII.

THE LITTLE PEOPLE.

1. A dreary place would be this earth, Were there no little people in it; The song of life would lose its mirth, Were there no children to begin it;

2. No little forms, like buds to grow, And make the admiring heart surrender; No little hands on breast and brow, To keep the thrilling love chords tender.

3. The sterner souls would grow more stern, Unfeeling nature more inhuman, And man to utter coldness turn, And woman would be less than woman.

4. Life's song, indeed, would lose its charm, Were there no babies to begin it; A doleful place this world would be, Were there no little people in it.

John G. Whittier.



208 THIRD READER.

LESSON LXXIX.

GOOD NIGHT.

1. The sun is hidden from our sight, The birds are sleeping sound; 'T is time to say to all, "Good night!" And give a kiss all round.

2. Good night, my father, mother, dear! Now kiss your little son; Good night, my friends, both far and near! Good night to every one.

3. Good night, ye merry, merry birds! Sleep well till morning light; Perhaps, if you could sing in words, You would have said, "Good night!"

4. To all my pretty flowers, good night! You blossom while I sleep; And all the stars, that shine so bright, With you their watches keep.

5. The moon is lighting up the skies, The stars are sparkling there; 'T is time to shut our weary eyes, And say our evening prayer. Mrs. Follen.

THE END