But the spider is on its guard. To and fro it swings, letting itself
down a little bit, but never so far as to be in any danger; and then,
just as the enemy prepares to snap at it, it climbs nimbly into its
secure network.

The second Tantalus of our picture, the little dog, has, also, small
prospects of reaching the object on which his heart is set. At some
distance from him on the ground lies a bone, which he longs to get; but
the chain which fastens him, prevents his going near enough to seize it.
Both the dog and the chicken are _tantalized_, you see.

Let us keep down our desires, try to reach only what is fairly ours, be
content with little, and never betray confidence. Then shall we avoid
the fate of Tantalus.

UNCLE CHARLES.




[Illustration: Musical Score]

GIRLS & BOYS

T. CRAMPTON


1. In all the land by field and town,
The boys and girls go up and down.