Page 453 - The model orator, or, Young folks' speaker : containing the choicest recitations and readings from the best authors for schools, public entertainments, social gatherings, Sunday schools, etc. : including recitals in prose and verse ...

A t the door of a mansion a child, thinly clad,
While the cold wind blew fiercely, was begging for bread ;
A rich man passed by her as trembling she stood,
And answered her coldly, “ T would if I could.11

The scholar receiving his teacher's advice,
The swearer admonished to quit such a vice,
The child when requested to try and be good,
Oft give the same answer, 'T would if I could.”

But if we may credit what good people: say,
That where there's a will, there is always a w a y;
And whatever ought to be, can be, and should—
We never need utter, “ I would it 1 eouid.”

MEASURING THE BABY*

“T T E measured the riotous baby
y S l Against the cottage wall— -
A lily grew at the threshold,
And the boy was just as tall
A royal tiger lily,
With spots of purple and gold,
And .a heart like a jewelled chalice,
The fragrant dew to hold.

Without, the bluebirds whistled
High up in tile old roof trees,
And to and fro at the window
The red rose rocked her bees;
And the wee pink lists of the baby
Were never a moment still!
Snatching at shine and shadow
That danced on the lattice-siLL