Thirdreader. 143

Lesson LV.

Do n’t kill the birds.

1.  Do n’t kill the birds! the little birds,
That sing about your door
Soon as the joyous Spring has come,
And chilling storms are o’er.

2.  The little birds! how sweet they sing! 
Oh, let them joyous live;
And do not seek to take the life
Which you can never give.

3.  Do n’t kill the birds! the pretty birds, That play among the trees;

        144 Eclectic series.

For earth would be a cheerless place,
If it were not for these.

4.  The little birds! how fond they play! 
Do not disturb their sport;
But let them warble forth their songs,
Till winter cuts them short.

5.  Do n’t kill the birds! the happy birds,
That bless the field and grove;
So innocent to look upon,
They claim our warmest love.

6.  The happy birds, the tuneful birds,
How pleasant ’t is to see! 
No spot can be a cheerless place
Where’er their presence be.

LESSON LVI.

When to say no.

1.  Though “No” is a very little word, it is not always easy to say it; and the not doing so, often causes trouble.

Third reader. 145 2.  When we are asked to stay away from school, and spend in idleness or mischief the time which ought to be spent in study, we should at once say “No.” 3.  When we are urged to loiter on our way to school, and thus be late, and interrupt our teacher and the school, we should say “No.”  When some schoolmate wishes us to whisper or play in the schoolroom, we should say “No.” 4.  When we are tempted to use angry or wicked words, we should remember that the eye of God is always upon us, and should say “No.” 5.  When we have done anything wrong, and are tempted to conceal it by falsehood, we should say “No, we can not tell a lie; it is wicked and cowardly.” 6.  If we are asked to do anything which we know to be wrong, we should not fear to say “No.” 7.  If we thus learn to say “No,” we shall avoid much trouble, and be always safe.

3.10.

146 Eclectic series. 
Lesson LVII. 
Which loved best?

“I love you, mother,” said little John;
Then, forgetting work, his cap went on,
And he was off to the garden swing,
Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

2.  “I love you, mother,” said rosy Nell; “I love you better than tongue can tell;”

        Thirdreader. 147

Then she teased and pouted full half the day,
Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

3.  “I love you, mother,” said little Fan;
 “To-day I’ll help you all I can;
How glad I am that school does n’t keep!”
So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.