Then their father gathered them around him, and told them stories of
the evil consequences he had known follow from being severely
frightened.

The children all promised him never to commit such a fault again;
and I believe they kept their word.

"But I am too long, and am growing prosy."

"So you are," bounced the musket.

"An ugly, impertinent contrivance, called a grate, was introduced in
lieu of us--black, dirty coal was burned instead of beautiful oak
and walnut, to warm the dear family. We were no longer of any use.
Poetry went away with the andirons, sentiment and refinement are
obsolete, and here we stand, the head and foot-stones, as it seems
to me, at the grave of the dear old-fashioned buried past.

"I have done. Please, friend tea-kettle, favor us with your
experiences."

"My story has nothing extraordinary in it," said the tea-kettle.
"Like most of my friends, I have had my ups and downs in the world.

I had the honor of being made in the mother country. I am of the
very best of tin; what there is left of me is still pretty good.
When that little girl's parents were married, I first took my place
in the family, and contributed my part to the adornment of the
kitchen closet. I was kept as bright as silver, and was carried,
twice a day, into the parlor, and set upon some red-hot coals, where