"Mother will help him learn it," said his sister.

"Yes, I will try to learn it," said Edward.

"Do so, my child," said the Minister; "and I hope that when you grow
up you will become a wise man and a great orator."

Then the two children hurried on to school.

The speech was not hard to learn, and Edward soon knew every word of
it. When the time came for him to speak, his mother and the minister
were both there to hear him.

He spoke so well that everybody was pleased. He pronounced every word
plainly, as though he were talking to his schoolmates.

Would you like to read his speech? Here it is:--

Pray, how shall I, a little lad,
In speaking make a figure?
You're only joking, I'm afraid--
Just wait till I am bigger.

But since you wish to hear my part,
And urge me to begin it,
I'll strive for praise with all my heart,
Though small the hope to win it.