Just for mischief I caught it, and soon, in a rage, Its owner set up a most pitiful wail. He looked in dismay, there was something to pay, But what was the matter he could not make out; What was holding him so, when he wanted to go To see what his brothers upstairs were about? 4. But soon from the chamber the others rushed down, Impatient to learn what the trouble might be; I have not a doubt that each brow wore a frown, Only frowns on their brows are not easy to see. For a moment they gazed, perplexed and amazed; Then began both together to-gnaw off the tail! So, quick I released him,- do you think that it pleased him? And up the small staircase they fled like a gale. 1. One pleasant New-year's morning, Edward rose, and washed and dressed himself in haste. He wanted to be first to wish a happy New-year. 2. He looked in every room, and shouted the words of welcome. He ran into the street, to repeat them to those he might meet. 3. When he came back, his father gave him two bright, new silver dollars. 4. His face lighted up as he took them. He had wished for a long time to buy some pretty books that he had seen at the book-store. 5. He left the house with a light heart, intending to buy the books. 6. As he ran down the street, he saw a poor German family, the father, mother, and three children shivering with cold. 7. "I wish you a happy New-year," said Edward, as he was gayly passing on. The man shook his head. 8. "You do not belong to this country," said Edward. The man again shook his head, for he could not understand or speak our language. 9. But he pointed to his mouth, and to the children, as if to say, "These little ones have had nothing to eat for a long time." 10. Edward quickly understood that these poor people were in distress. He took out his dollars, and gave one to the man, and the other to his wife. 11. How their eyes sparkled with gratitude! They said something in their language, which doubtless meant, "We thank you a thousand times, and will remember you in our prayers." 12. When Edward came home, his father asked what books he had bought. He hung his head a moment, but quickly looked up. 13. "I have bought no books," said he, "I gave my money to some poor people, who seemed to be very hungry and wretchlig 14. "I think I can wait for my books till next New-year. Oh, if you had seen how glad they were to receive the money!" 15. "My dear boy," said his father, "here is a whole bundle of books. I give them to you, more as a reward for your goodness of heart than as a New-year's gift. 16. "I saw you give the money to the poor German family. It was no small sum for a little boy to give cheerfully. 17"Be thus ever ready to help the poor, and wretched, and distressed; and every year of your life will be to you a happy Newyear." M A FABLE. 1. One gloomy day, the clock on a church steeple, looking down on a sun-dial, said, |