FROGS AT SCHOOL. GEORGE COOPER. [Deliver in an imitative, descriptive manner.] Twenty froggies went to school, Down beside a rushy pool; Twenty vests all white and clean. Master bullfrog, grave and stern, Showed them how to say, "Ker-chog!" Also, how to dodge a blow From the sticks which bad boys throw. Twenty froggies grew up fast; TWO SOMEBODIES. ANON. [To be delivered in a natural, colloquial style.] I know somebody who always appears to be miserable, and this is the way she contrives to be so: she is always thinking about her. self; constantly wishing for that she has not; idling her time; fret ting and grumbling. I know somebody who is much happier, and this is the way she contrives to be so-thinking of others-satisfied with what her Heavenly Father has judged best for her. Which somebody are you? GIVE THE LITTLE BOYS A CHANCE. GEORGE COOPER. [Deliver in a spirited, proud manner.] Here we are! don't leave us out But we step by step advance; Never slight us in your play— You were once as small as we; Then, perhaps, our power you'll see. Little hands will soon be strong On our toes you needn't dance; THE JOVIAL FARMER BOY. ANON. [Speak with boldness and spirit.] A jovial farmer boy I'll be, As free as birds that sing; I'll carol forth my songs of glee Among the flow'rs of spring. With "Whoop-ho-hoy!" to drive my team To drink, and lave in the silver stream- No place for me the crowded town, I'll go and 'come a farmer's boy, From city perils free; I'll crack my whip, and cry, "Whoop-hoy !" A farmer boy I'll be. ROBIN REDBREAST. WILLIAM ALLINGHAM. [Deliver expressively and tenderly.] Good-bye, good-bye to summer! The garden smiling faintly, Cool breezes in the sun; But Robin's here, in coat of brown Robin sings so sweetly In the falling of the year. Brignt yellow, red and orange The leaves come down in hosts; But soon they'll turn to ghosts. Hang russet on the bough; And what will this poor Robin do The fireside for the cricket, The wheat stack for the mouse, The branches plumed with snow- Oh, Robin dear! And a crumb of bread for Robin, WHO I LIKE. W. O. C. [Speak simply.] "I am a little boy and don't know much; but I can tell P from Q, and I know who I like. I like Uncle Jabez, because he always has peanuts in his pockets, and gives me some. But my Uncle Jeremiah always looks cross out of his eyes, and says: "Out of the way there, little boy!" And I like my grandma, because her cheeks smell like pineapples, and she always gives me ginger snaps when I go to see her. When I speak next time I'll tell you who I like best -it's my mother! A VERY NICE PAIR. ANON. [Render this in as droll a manner as possible.] Two magpies sat on garden rail, As it might be Wednesday week; And, doubling like a fist his little claw-hand, This is more than flesh and blood can stand Of magpie or any other bird. So they pecked and they scratched each other's little eyes, Till all that was left on the rail Was the beak of one of the little magpies WHEN I AM BIG. M. E. H. EVERETT. [To be recited in a bold, manly way.] When I am big, what do you think Why, I shall have a splendid house- With carpets fine, and pictures, too, All in the very nicest room |