One day, when Frank and John were going to school, they saw an old man with a flute. 66 Will you please play a tune for us, sir?" said Frank. 66 Yes, boys, I will play for you. Are you fond of music ?" 66 Yes, sir, we like music. You used to play your flute when I went with mamma' to see you." "O you are the little boy who had your flute with you, are you?" 66 Yes, sir, and I have learned to play a little on it." 66 Well, I am glad to again, my boy. "I will play you a tune, and then you must play for me." "But my flute is at home, sir." "O well, you can use mine. is a good one." It The old man played a tune for the boys, and then gave the flute to Frank to play. Frank played a tune, and did it very well. "How well you play!" said the old man. "You are very kind to say that, but I wish I could play as well as you do," said Frank. "O you will soon do that. All you will have to do is to try." PEARLS IN VERSE.* Be the matter what it may, Do your best, your very best, Little children, love each other, If your brother speak in anger, Early to bed and early to rise, * It is intended that these selections shall be memorized by pupils, but as they do not form any part of the reading lessons, the words not heretofore used are not regarded as new words." 66 Suppose your task, my little man, Is very hard to get? Will it make it any easier For you to sit and fret ? Then wouldn't it be wiser Than waiting like a dunce, To go to work in earnest And learn the thing at once? Speak the truth, and speak it ever, Cost it what it will; He who hides the wrong he did, To do to others as I would That they should do to me, Will make me honest, kind, and good, As children ought to be. When mother says, "Do this," or "that," "What for?" and "Why?" Don't say, But let her hear your gentle voice Say, "Mother dear, I'll try." |