Suddenly the door was opened by the children's mother. You should have seen her. She was frightened almost to death. But the youngest boy laughed and said, “We are playing soldiers, mother." And just then the bear's master came running up and led him away. Adapted. THREE BUGS BY ALICE CARY Three little bugs in a basket, And one was yellow, and one was black, The space was small, no doubt, for all; Three little bugs in a basket, And hardly crumbs for two; So the strong ones said, "We will eat the bread, And that is what we'll do." Three little bugs in a basket, And the beds but two would hold; He that was left in the basket, Or a thread to wrap himself withal, Pulled one of the rugs from one of the bugs, So there was war in the basket Ah! pity 'tis, 'tis true!— But he that was frozen and starved, at last, Now, when bugs live in a basket, Though more than it well can hold, It seems to me they would better agreeThe white, and the black, and the gold— And share what comes of the beds and crumbs, And leave no bug in the cold! DAMON AND PYTHIAS FROM GREEK HISTORY Many years ago two young men lived in Greece. They were great friends. Their names were Damon and Pythias. The ruler of the country was a cruel man. He put Pythias into prison and set a day for his death. Pythias had done nothing wrong. He had only displeased the ruler. The father and mother of Pythias lived in another part of the country. "May I go home to tell them good-by?" he asked. The ruler laughed. to ask," said he. back." 66 That is a strange thing "You would never come At that Damon stepped up. "I am his friend," "Let me stay in prison till Pythias re he said. turns." Then the ruler said, "Suppose Pythias does not return?" "I will die for him," said Damon. This surprised the ruler very much. He put Damon in prison and Pythias went home. Time went by and Pythias did not return. day came. The last So Damon was led out to be put to death. He said, "I have not lost my faith in Pythias. He will yet come if he is alive." Just then soldiers ran up shouting, "Here he comes! Here he comes!" Yes, there was Pythias. He had been shipwrecked, and reached the shore many miles away. He had walked all those miles to get back in time. The ruler looked at the two friends. "You are both free," said he. "I would give all I have for one such friend." LITTLE WHITE LILY BY GEORGE MACDONALD Little white Lily Sat by a stone, Drooping and waiting Till the sun shone. Little white Lily Little white Lily Is lifting her head. Little white Lily Said, "It is good; Little white Lily's Clothing and food." Little white Lily Dressed like a bride! Shining with whiteness, And crowned beside! |