him more closely. 5.  The Wind having thus tried his utmost power in vain, the Sun began. 6.  Bursting through a thick cloud, he darted his sultry beams so forcibly upon the traveler’s head, that the poor fellow was almost melted. 7.  “This,” said he, “is past all bearing.  It is so hot, that one might as well be in an oven.” 8.  So he quickly threw off his cloak, and went into the shade of a tree to cool himself. 9.  This fable teaches us, that gentle means will often succeed where forcible ones will fail.

Third reader. 61

Lesson XXIII.

SUNSET.

        62 Eclectic series,

LESSON XXIV.

Beautiful hands. 1.  “O Miss Roberts! what coarse-looking hands Mary Jessup has!” said Daisy Marvin, as she walked home from school with her teacher.

Third reader. 63 2.  “In my opinion, Daisy, Mary’s hands are the prettiest in he class.” 3.  “Why, Miss Roberts, they are as red and hard as they can be.  How they would look if she were to try to play on a piano!” exclaimed Daisy. 4.  Miss Roberts took Daisy’s hands in hers, and said, “Your hands are very soft and white, Daisy—­just the hands to look beautiful on a piano; yet they lack one beauty that Mary’s hands have.  Shall I tell you what the difference is?” 5.  “Yes, please, Miss Roberts.” 6.  “Well, Daisy, Mary’s hands are always busy.  They wash dishes; they make fires; they hang out clothes, and help to wash them, too; they sweep, and dust, and sew; they are always trying to help her poor, hard-working mother. 7.  “Besides, they wash and dress the children; they mend their toys and dress their dolls; yet, they find time to bathe the head of the little girl who is so sick in the next house to theirs. 8.  “They are full of good deeds to every living thing.  I have seen them patting the tired horse and the lame dog in the street.

        64 Eclectic series,

They are always ready to help those who need help.” 9.  “I shall never think Mary’s hands are ugly any more, Miss Roberts.” 10.  “I am glad to hear you say that, Daisy; and I must tell you that they are beautiful because they do their work gladly and cheerfully.” 11.  “O Miss Roberts!  I feel so ashamed of myself, and so sorry,” said Daisy, looking into her teacher’s face with tearful eyes.

Third reader. 65 12.  “Then, my dear, show your sorrow by deeds of kindness.  The good alone are really beautiful.”

Lesson XXV.

Things to remember. 1.  When you rise in the morning, remember who kept you from danger during the night.  Remember who watched over you while you slept, and whose sun shines around you, and gives you the sweet light of day. 2.  Let God have the thanks of your heart, for his kindness and his care; and pray for his protection during the wakeful hours of day. 3.  Remember that God made all creatures to be happy, and will do nothing that may prevent their being so, without good reason for it. 4.  When you are at the table, do not eat in a greedy manner, like a pig.  Eat quietly, 3,5