PREFACE.

HE children's rhymes of ancient times
Were jingles without reason;

The present rhymes for modern times
Are rhymes, and also reason.

I've twisted and untwisted them

To suit the present season,

And given each a pleasant turn

May none declare it treason!

Here each will find some dear old chum,
And smile, too, when he sees him;
To meet again the friends of youth
Grown up is sure to please him.
Fresh morals freely are dispensed,

So sweet, each cries Give me some!'
Whilst errors have been swept away

With a remorseless besom!