"When softly sings the mother,
Within her downy nest,
We think she's gently hushing
Her little ones to rest.

"But this remember, darling,
The birds are always kind;
A cross or angry songster
I never yet could find.

"And you may learn a lesson
From their sweet notes of love;
Like them be always gentle,
And please the God above."

[Illustration]

[Illustration]




THE MONKEY.


[Illustration: Letter O.]

"O Mother! here's the organ-man,
And here's the monkey, too!