THE DONKEY.

Just look at that donkey, how patient he stands,
And eats the coarse thistles and grass;
Some say he is silly and stupid, but all
May learn some good truths from an ass.

How steady to market he carries the milk,
In barrels slung on at each side;
Till we are more useful and active than he,
'T would wiser be not to deride.

Sometimes in a neat little carriage he draws
The invalid sickly and pale;

With slow equal steps, to receive the fresh air,
That he soon may be healthy and hale.

Yon old man so poor, drives his donkey around,
And gathers sticks, stubble, and straw;

He just earns a living, and loves the good beast,
And says ne'er a finer he saw.

P.M.

Though the ass has long ears, and a rough rugged coat, "Tis naughty to put him to pain,

To beat him with sticks, or to pelt him with stones. God made not one creature in vain.

THE FIRE.

I have a dreadful tale to tell,
And of it pray take heed,
An accident that once befel,
Most sorrowful indeed.

A little boy was left alone,
Beside the parlour fire,
And very soon to play with it
He had a strong desire.

He with the poker touch'd the bars,

And then he nearer came ;

At last a spark flew out, and set

His pinafore in flame.

C.M.

To teach them with care, to supply them with food;

O what a most desolate lot!

To such you should ever be kind,

And feel a more brotherly love;

To cheer up their hearts, and awaken their smiles, And make their days happily move.

Of all things, pray never forget

Most thankful to heaven to be,

For parents so good, and so kind, and so true,

And ever most dutiful be;

And seek the good favour of God,

And to His instructions attend,

That when parents, and friends, and kindred are dead, He may be to you parent and friend.

PITY TO THE AFFLICTED.

We always should be very kind,
To people deaf, or lame, or blind;
And pity give to their distress,
And try to make them feel it less.

L.M.