The poor chimney-sweep wept—­for so much kindness had touched his heart, and he sobbed out his thanks as well as he could, and took his leave after receiving some small pieces of silver, which.  Charley’s mother gave him to help him in his toil; for it was a toilsome life he had to lead—­that poor sweep; so young, too.  It made Charley very sorry to see his tears, and he sat a long time with his head bent upon his breast, and never spoke one word.  At last his mother said—­

“What troubles you, dear?  Are you thinking of the unfortunate chimney-sweep?  Then learn a lesson of gratitude for your own happy lot, and be humble; for remember that this poor sweep is as good as you, and perhaps far better in the sight of God, who looks at the heart and not at the outward appearance.  See how much he must suffer in his poverty; he may have feelings attuned in beautiful accord with all things noble and charming in nature.  He is really very intelligent-looking.  He makes me think of the little boy that ran through the streets of a large city all of one cold winter, and then became a great artist, but he was so poor and inexperienced in the ways of the world, that he had to suffer a long time before his genius was discovered.  Some time I will tell you about him, that you may know that true genius and worth may be found among the lowest children of earth, and, like the diamond, they will shine when they are polished.”

[Illustration]

PLEASANT AMUSEMENTS.

* * * * *

“Let us go over our first steps again,” said Marian to her sister; “there is nothing like beginning right.  When we learn to dance or to sing, or indeed any thing else, we must be sure to learn our first lesson well, and then we shall be sure to improve; and dancing is certainly a very useful and pleasing amusement.  It is useful because it is a healthy exercise.  It is called ‘the poetry of motion,’ and I have read that the great philosopher Locke speaks of it as of the greatest importance in the education of young people, and he says it cannot be learned too early.”

“And I think,” said the mother of these young misses, “he is very right; for as we grow older we have more pressing and important uses to perform.  Every thing in its own time, my children; as I have told, you before, dancing, as well as music, is a most delightful accomplishment; but we must not neglect our other duties for these.”

THE CAGED BIRD.

* * * * *

  I.

  Pretty bird! pretty bird! 
    Singing so sweet;
  Art wishing for freedom—­
    Bird-friends to meet?

  II.

  Dost thou guess what it is—­
    Living in trees? 
  And to sleep in a nest
    Rocked by the breeze?

  III.

  Thou wert born in a cage,
    My own dear bird! 
  But, I fancy, new longings
    Thy heart have stirred.