Merry's Book Of Puzzles - free ebook by J. N. (John Newton) Stearns

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Merry's Book Of Puzzles

J. N. (John Newton) Stearns

59 chapters

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59 chapters

PREFACE.

PREFACE.

The innumerable readers of Merry’s Museum will here meet with many familiar faces, lighted up by pleasant smiles, and hear the same old jovial laughter that greeted them in the olden time. Our motto is that of our noble State—“ Excelsior! ” Our readers will see that we have not buried the talents of our contributors in napkins—but seek to bring them out into the bright day: For Genius—like the lamp of Aladdin—needs constant polishing to bring out its lustre and full effect. Our object has been t

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LEAP FROG.

LEAP FROG.

159. This is a most excellent pastime. It should be played in a spacious place, out of doors, if possible, and the more there are engaged in it, provided they be of the same height and agility, the better is the sport. We will suppose a dozen at play:—Let eleven of them stand in a row, about six yards apart, with all their faces in one direction, arms folded, or their hands resting on their thighs, their elbows in, and their heads bent forward, so that the chin of each rests on his breast, the r

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SEE-SAW.

SEE-SAW.

262. Several things are necessary to make this sport safe and pleasant. First , a strong bar on which to balance your board or plank. Secondly , a strong, straight-grained board or plank, which will not crack nor twist. Thirdly , an equal weight at each end, or nearly so. Fourthly , a clear head, and a steady hand, or foot, to keep up an even motion. With these all right, you will go up and down as easily and smoothly as men of business do, or political parties;—but, hallo there, boys, John has

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SINGLE HANDED ALPHABET.

SINGLE HANDED ALPHABET.

269. The deaf and dumb converse with each other, and with their teachers, by signs made with their hands. There are two ways of making the letters with the fingers; in one, both hands are used; in the other, only one. Above, you see how the letters are made with one hand. 270. When are the letters like the keys of a piano? 271. Up and down two buckets ply A single well within; While the one comes full on high, One the deeps must win. Full or empty, never ending, Rising now, and now descending, A

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CHRISTMAS TREE.

CHRISTMAS TREE.

310. This is a very curious and interesting kind of a tree. It is found, loaded with every variety of strange fruit , on tables, bare floors, or carpets. It has no roots, but is most wonderful for its yielding powers, though it bears only once a year, and that always on Christmas Eve. The last one that I saw was at Uncle Hiram Hatchet’s. Cousin Hannah thus describes it: “At last, when none of us expected it, he (Uncle H.) threw open the folding doors, and let us into the little parlor. There was

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES.

1. The rose shall cease to blow, The eagle turn a dove, The stream shall cease to flow, Ere I will cease to love. The sun shall cease to shine, The world shall cease to move, The stars their light resign, Ere I will cease to love. 2. Short shoes and long corns to the enemies of freedom. 3. The rope-maker. 4. Because they can not be got off without a bow (beau). 5. Because he stops at the sound of wo. 6. One takes the dish with the egg. 7. One, after which his stomach is not empty. 8. The smalles

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PREFACE.

PREFACE.

In presenting to the public this New Book of Puzzles , I must present my thanks for the many kind expressions received in regard to those already published. It has been compiled during my leisure moments of the past season, for the benefit of the numerous readers of Merry’s Museum , and contains, in a compact form, many of the Puzzles, Enigmas, Hieroglyphics, etc., which have appeared in the Museum , together with many new ones; and is presented with the hope that it may be the means of interest

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TOWNS IN NEW YORK.

TOWNS IN NEW YORK.

55. A color and a mineral. 56. An element and a game. 57. Part of a gun and a liquor. 58. An animal. 59. A color and part of a house. 60. A hole and a heap....

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SHRUBS, FLOWERS, ETC.

SHRUBS, FLOWERS, ETC.

61. A vehicle, and where it takes you. 62. A traitor, and the place where he died. 63. To hurt, a nickname, and an engine of war. 64. Take a (1) life preserver; (2) decapitate it and show a mode of using it; (3) again transpose and show how it has been used; (4) transpose and show what is used with it; (5) transpose and give a Greek letter; (6) transpose the original word and make a famous rock; (7) transpose and make a locomotive power; (8) transpose and make it dull; (9) transpose and it will

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CHARADE.

CHARADE.

73. A preposition my first; My second’s a number; My third a brisk motion That drives away slumber; My whole is a service For which dearly we pay; At least, ’tis charged so In hotel bills they say....

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DUTCH PUZZLE.

DUTCH PUZZLE.

74. Add 2 strokes to | | | | and make nothing. 75. What bird most resembles a peddler? 76. 92....

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SCRIPTURAL ENIGMA.

SCRIPTURAL ENIGMA.

93. Who cowardly a prince did kill? 94. Who built a city on a hill? 95. Whose son profane his life did lose? 96. What Persian queen preserved the Jews? 97. What Jewish king a leper died? 98. Whose wicked mother “Treason” cried? 99. The initial letters, joined aright, A famous Jew will bring to light....

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HOW TO MAKE ANAGRAMS.

HOW TO MAKE ANAGRAMS.

“Now that’s too bad!” exclaimed little Bess, striking her pencil down quickly on the slate, which had for five minutes been shaded by her brown curls, as she bent earnestly over it. “I do say it’s too bad.” “ What is too bad, Bess?” asked her oldest sister, Mary, who, apparently occupied with her history, had been stealing occasional glances at the animated face over the slate, and watching with pleasing interest the busy fingers putting down letters, and tripping back and forth among them with

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SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC ILLUSTRATED SO AS TO BE EASILY LEARNED.

SIGNS OF THE ZODIAC ILLUSTRATED SO AS TO BE EASILY LEARNED.

The puzzle is, to get from the Entrance to the Center Bower, by following the space between the lines without crossing the lines....

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ANSWERS TO PUZZLES.

ANSWERS TO PUZZLES.

1. W hair over each eye (i) n gander or a bound will p over t and v ice beef hound. (Where overreaching and error abound, will poverty and vice be found.) 2. A little patients over a parent wr on g spree vents great miss under stand in-g-s between men. (A little patience over apparent wrongs, prevents great misunderstandings between men.) 3. Crisis. 4. Mankind. 5. The excellent effects of a mild and (hand less h) tender civility are unquestionable. 6. Trice, rice, ice. 7. Pink, ink, in, pin. 8.

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ROBERT MERRY’S BOOK OF RHYMES.

ROBERT MERRY’S BOOK OF RHYMES.

Merry nephews, merry nieces, Merry cousins all, Merry aunts, with merry faces. Merry uncles, take your places Round the merry hall. Here’s a book of merry jingles, Made for merry times; Merry here with Merry mingles, Merry groups, and Merrys single, "Merry’s Book of Rhymes." Aunt Sue glowing, Fleta flashing, Uncle Joe in smiles, Mattie warbling, Buckeye dashing, Older crowing, Hatchet slashing, Each in his own style. Merry nephs and nieces, meeting Wheresoe’er you may, Robert Merry sendeth greet

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THE NEST BUILDERS.

THE NEST BUILDERS.

Oh! beautiful, beautiful things! How they range at will through the sky! Dear Mary, if I could have wings, Oh! wouldn’t I, wouldn’t I fly? I would float far away on the cloud, All vailed in the silver mist; And perhaps I should feel so proud, I shouldn’t come back to be kissed. But see, sis, the sweet little creatures Have each a straw in his beak; A lesson of duty to teach us, As plainly as birds can speak. We think they are only playing, As they roam to and fro in the sky; But these busy fello

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KINDNESS.

KINDNESS.

A rose was faint, and hung its head, One sultry summer’s day, When a Zephyr kindly fann’d its cheek, Then sped upon its way. That Zephyr now, where’er it roams, Delicious perfume brings. So kindness gathers, as it goes, A fragrance for its wings. Aunt Sue....

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SNOW-FLAKES.

SNOW-FLAKES.

Are the snow-flakes pearly flowers That in the skies have birth, And gently fall in gleaming showers Upon this barren earth? Or, are they fleecy locks of wool, From sheep that wander by The silver streams, that, singing, roll Through valleys in the sky? Or, are they downy feathers, cast By little birds above, And hurried earthward by the blast, Bright messengers of love? No, they are pearly blossoms, flung From heaven’s airy bowers, To recompense us for the loss Of summer’s blooming flowers. Mat

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SPRING FLOWERS.

SPRING FLOWERS.

With what a lavish hand God beautifies the earth, When everywhere, all o’er the land, Sweet flowers are peeping forth! Down by the babbling brook, Up in the silent hills, The glen, the bower, the shady nook, Their breath with fragrance fills. They creep along the hedge, They climb the rugged height, And, leaning o’er the water’s edge, Blush in their own sweet light. They seem to breathe and talk; They pour into my ear; Where’er I look, where’er I walk, A music soft and clear. They have no pride

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TOP PHILOSOPHY.

TOP PHILOSOPHY.

Children must be busy, Always something learning; Toys and trinkets, for their secrets, Inside-outward turning. While the top is spinning, Boys are wondering all, How it stands erect unaided, Why it does not fall. While the top is humming, Still the wonder grows, By what art the little spinner Whistles as it goes. Children learn while playing; Children play while learning; Pastimes, often more than lessons, Into knowledge turning. While the top is humming, Still the wonder grows, By what art the

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GENTLE WORDS.

GENTLE WORDS.

Kind words revive the weary soul, And cheer its saddest hours, As dew refreshes drooping leaves, And brightens fading flowers. They fall, like sunshine, round the path Of those who weary roam, And are the "open sesame" To every heart and home. We know the spring will soon appear, When round us flies the swallow, So kind words should be harbingers Of gentle deeds which follow. Upon the brow of want and care The joys of life they fling, And change the soul’s dark night to-day, Its winter into spri

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THE FROST.

THE FROST.

The Frost looked forth one still, clear night, And whispered, “Now I shall be out of sight; So through the valley and over the height In silence I’ll take my way. I will not go on like that blustering train— The wind and the snow, the hail and the rain, Who make so much bustle and noise in vain; But I’ll be as busy as they.” Then he flew to the mountain, and powdered its crest; He lit on the trees, and their boughs he dress’d In diamond beads; and over the breast Of the quivering lake he spread

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SKATING—WOMAN’S RIGHTS.

SKATING—WOMAN’S RIGHTS.

Why may not a woman skate? She can walk, and run, and ride— In dance, or hop, she’s always great— Prithee why not skate or slide? Skating is a useful art, Full of dignity and grace; Exercises limb and heart, Gives the blood a healthful pace. Why may not a woman skate? Swan-like grace and queenly sway Mark the vigorous, blooming Kate, Sailing down yon glittering way. Look! what conscious grace and power In those broad, out-sweeping strides, As down the silver-gleaming floor, With still increasing

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SCHOOL SONNET.

SCHOOL SONNET.

Spell, spell, spell! A dozen words or more; To your task and learn it well— School days will soon be o’er. Write, write, write! A page all bright and clean; Seize the moments in their flight, No lost one fall between. Learn, learn, learn! Some useful thing each day. From early morn till night returns, Waste not your time in play. Learn, learn, learn! Some useful thing each day. From early morn till night returns, Waste not your time in play....

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THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS.

THE LANGUAGE OF FLOWERS.

It is said that the flowers, as well as the birds, Have a language peculiar, with phrases and words; And that oft, in the hush of a warm summer day, You may hear, if you listen, whatever they say. I have doubted till lately, and thought it was all The whim of some dreamer, whom poet they call; But since the sweet seventh of June, fifty-one, My doubts have all vanished, like mists in the sun. As I walked in the garden I saw a sweet rose, Such as seldom on this side of Paradise grows, With a deep,

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THE SONG OF THE EXILE.

THE SONG OF THE EXILE.

Blow, blow, ye winds, from the wide blue sea! Oh, cool the heat of this fevered brow, And still this heart with such melody As your fluttering wings are wafting now! Bear on, bear on, from that distant shore, The loving tones of a household band Whose cherished, forms I see no more, Ye voices dim from my fatherland! Such sad, sweet thoughts to me ye bring Of my own far home with its ivied walls, Of the vine-wreathed porch, where the zephyr sings Through the rustling leaves, and the sunbeam falls

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THE HARVEST.

THE HARVEST.

Trusting in the patient earth For the coming need, Went the hopeful sower forth, Bearing precious seed. Precious seed and full of hope, Scattered far and wide, O’er the plain—along the slope— And by the river side. Softened by the vernal rain, Quickened by the sun, Every little planted grain Peep’d forth, one by one. Nourished by the rain and dew, And the genial light, Blade by blade it upward grew, Growing day and night. Waving in the summer gales, Bowing to the blast, O’er the teeming interval

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THE SNOW-HOUSE.

THE SNOW-HOUSE.

See, Charlie, out there, by the elm tree, The snow has been eddying round, And has made, for our winter snow-house, A broad and beautiful mound. Come, Charlie, bring out your shovel, And soon we will let them see How nice, how snug, and how cosy, Our winter palace can be. The door shall be arched and lofty, The room within shall be round; And we’ll have a fireplace and chimney, And a carpet of straw for the ground. Then we’ll have a magnificent party, And all our friends receive, With chestnuts,

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COLD WATER.

COLD WATER.

Cold water, pure, sparkling, and bright, Cold water forever for me; Cold water you , too, must drink to-night, Who have come to our apple spree. For nothing else you will get to drink, Of that most sure you may be; No wine , no brandy will we allow At our red-apple spree. No cider , no rum , no lager bier , Or any such stuff will you see; But pure cold water, fresh from the pump, We will have at our apple spree. Drink as much as you will, good friends and true, For nothing it costs, you see, And

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THE GOOD OLD PLOW.

THE GOOD OLD PLOW.

Let them laud the notes that in music float Through the bright and glittering hall, While the amorous whirl of the hair’s bright curl Round the shoulders of beauty fall; But dearest to me is the song of the tree, And the rich and the blossoming bough— Oh! these are the sweets which the rustic greets, As he follows the good old plow. All honor be, then, to those gray old men, When at last they are bowed with toil; Their warfare then o’er, they battle no more, For they’ve conquered the stubborn so

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WINTER.

WINTER.

Who does not love the Winter, When all on earth below, The houses, streams, the trees, and rocks, Are covered o’er with snow— When all is fair which once was bare, And all is bright and gay, When down the hillside rush the sleds, Nor stop till far away? And then the noise of all the boys, When snow-balls fly around— The snow-king in the meadow-field, With icy jewels crowned— And sparkling as the purest gold, The scepter in his hand, While icy courtiers, grim and still, Await his high command. An

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JUNE.

JUNE.

’Tis a truth that earnest students, With books and nature who commune, Are in thought and feeling quickened By the skies and breath of June. While in boyhood, what could match it? Schoolmates call so opportune; “Come with me and range the forest— Recreate, this day of June.” Sister-schoolmates, gathering posies, Stop to hear the red-breast’s tune, And laugh at pretty squirrels running Up the trees, in leafy June. After-life, for prizes striving, The student toils for lengthened rune— Spirit (so

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WORK AND PLAY.

WORK AND PLAY.

With mamma for a teacher, ’Tis easy to learn; Her eye gives her boy courage, As hard pages turn. She says, “Now, my dear Freddy, Learn every word right; If you’re patient, the hard spots Will vanish from sight. “When this task is well finished, Your work will be done; Then the time comes for playing, Says every one. “Your fleet rock-horse is waiting; And baby shall see.” Freddy learned well his lessons, And rides full of glee. “When this task is well finished, Your work will be done; Then the ti

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THE BUTTERFLY.

THE BUTTERFLY.

“Don’t kill me,”—caterpillar said, As Clara raised her heel, Upon the humble worm to tread, As though it could not feel. “Don’t kill me—I will crawl away, And hide me from your sight, And when I come, some other day, You’ll view me with delight.” The caterpillar went and hid In some dark, quiet place, Where none could look on what he did, To change his form and face. And then, one day, as Clara read Within a shady nook, A butterfly, superbly dressed, Alighted on her book. And then, one day, as C

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COLD WATER.

COLD WATER.

You may boast of your brandy and wine as you please, Gin, cider, and all the rest; Cold water transcends them in all the degrees, It is good —it is better —’tis BEST. It is good to warm you when you are cold, Good to cool you when you are hot; It is good for the young—it is good for the old, Whatever their outward lot. It is better than brandy to quicken the blood, It is better than gin for the colic; It is better than wine for the generous mood, Than whisky or rum for a frolic. ’Tis the best of

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THE TELEGRAPH—ITS SECRET.

THE TELEGRAPH—ITS SECRET.

Looking up in musing wonder At the silent wires above him, And profoundly meditating, Suddenly says Mike—that’s Michael— Suddenly says Pat—that’s Patrick— “Can you show me, can you tell me, How it is that news and letters, How it is that big newspapers, Full of news, and fun, and wisdom, Travel ever back and forward, Travel with the speed of lightning— Always going, always coming, And yet never interfering; While we, sitting under, watching, Can not see them, can not hear them, Can not draw thei

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THE UMBRELLA, AND THE APRIL SHOWER.

THE UMBRELLA, AND THE APRIL SHOWER.

Keep close—we’ll crowd the closer, The harder it shall pour; ’Tis seldom one umbrella Is called to shelter four; But ours is large and generous, And has a heart for more. Yet faster, and yet faster, The pelting sheets arrive, And our one good umbrella Is bound to shelter five, For we are packed as snugly As bees within a hive. Now let it come in torrents— We’re snug as snug can be; What cares our brave umbrella For five, or four, or three? On every side ’tis shedding The rain in careless glee. T

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THE OSTRICH.

THE OSTRICH.

Let the fur-clad Laplander boast Of the reindeer’s bird-like speed; Let the Arab, for riding post, Bet high on his mettlesome steed; Let the Briton talk loud of the chase With the fox, or the hare, or the stag; Let the Yankee, stark mad in the race, Count miles by the minutes, and brag; The bird of the desert is ours— Competitors all we defy— A bird of such wonderful powers— We scarce know if we ride or we fly. You have all of the hippogriff heard, For mettle and speed a rare thing, Half-breed b

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THE PLOWMAN.

THE PLOWMAN.

Turn up the generous soil— ’Tis rich in hidden wealth, And well repays your earnest toil With plenty, peace, and health. Plow with a bold, strong hand— Drive deep the glittering share; No surface-scratching will command Earth’s treasures rich and rare. Then, if you’d freely reap, With bounteous freedom sow— And while you wake, and while you sleep, The precious grain will grow. Then, if you’d freely reap, With bounteous freedom sow— And while you wake, and while you sleep, The precious grain will

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ON A GOOD HOUSE-DOG CALLED "WATCH."

ON A GOOD HOUSE-DOG CALLED "WATCH."

Poor faithful Watch! thy watch of life is o’er, And mute and senseless near the kitchen door Thou lay’st, a breathless corpse, Where thou stood to guard before; Thy pliant temper, known and praised by all, Thy prompt obedience to thy master’s call; Whether to climb the hill, or scour the plain, Or drive encroaching hogs from out the lane; Thy quick return, on motion of his hand, To guard the door, or wait a fresh command; Thy joy to meet at eve, with fawning play, Domestic faces, absent but a da

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GONE—ALL GONE!

GONE—ALL GONE!

By the bubbling fount ’mid the greenwood shades, In the leafy world of the forest glades, No more the birds, at the blush of morn, Trill their sweet notes; they are gone—all gone! Voices of summer, I’ve listed long For the witching strains of your matin song; Through the woodland dim, o’er the rustling lawn, I have sought you oft; but you’re gone—all gone? No more do you start in your still retreat At the thundering tramp of the horses’ feet, Or the wandering note of the bugle horn; But the wood

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THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

THE CHRISTMAS TREE.

The Christmas tree! The Christmas tree! O gather around it now; Its fruits are free For you and for me, And they hang from every bough. Its flowers are bright, And they grew in a night, For yesterday it was bare Did ever you see An evergreen tree So fruitful and so fair? Look! here is a rose! And who would suppose An orange and a pear Would grow by the side Of the garden’s pride? But here, you see, they are. And, stranger yet, Here’s a bon-bon, set On the same identical stem, With two plums, so

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MY MOTHER’S BIRTHPLACE.

MY MOTHER’S BIRTHPLACE.

It was just outside of the village, In a cool, sequestered nook, On the right was the murmuring forest, On the left was the babbling brook. Behind, the o’ershadowing mountain Reared its gray old head to the sky, While before it, the widening valley Stretched out like a sea to the eye. ’Twas a rare, sweet spot, and a lovely As ever this fair world knew; There spring came earliest always, And summer the latest withdrew. Day reluctantly left it at evening, And hastened to greet it at dawn, And star

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THE SONG OF BOB LINCOLN. BY UNCLE TIM.

THE SONG OF BOB LINCOLN. BY UNCLE TIM.

It was a beautiful morning, quite early in May, The fathers all plowing, the children all play; The mothers all spinning, as busy as bees, And the birds quite as busy all round in the trees; While some were singing songs over and over, Sometimes in the tree-tops, then down in the clover, Young Robert was trying his very best notes, And the strength of his song by the length of his throat. Chorus —Envy me, envy me, Cordially, cordially, Fiddlesticks, fiddlesticks! Just act your pleasure, sir.

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A WILL AND A WAY.

A WILL AND A WAY.

A Lapland merchant must needs, one day, To a distant market go; But he had no horse, and he had no sleigh, To carry him over the snow. "Yet go I must," said the sturdy man— "There is a way for every will— Each new necessity has its plan, For the earnest mind to fulfill." So he drew, from the ice-bound river, a scow, And lined it with furs and moss, Then harnessed a reindeer to its prow, With a rope his horns across. No track was there—but the traveler knew The way over valley and plain; Like a w

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BLOWING BUBBLES.

BLOWING BUBBLES.

The boys were blowing bubbles, Bright red, and green, and blue, And every changing color That ever mortal knew. They floated in the window, And glided past my chair, But in a moment perished, And faded in the air. The boys, with shouts and laughter, Blew till quite out of breath, While high in the leafy maple The bubbles gleamed till death. Too much like earthly pleasure Seemed the bubbles, bright and gay; They charm a fleeting moment, Then vanish, away—away. Sweet love’s ecstatic potion Our spi

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AFTER SCHOOL.

AFTER SCHOOL.

Just look upon that group of boys, Brim full of frolic, spunk, and noise, When, at the word, "The school is done," They rush to liberty and fun. Pell-mell, they run, and jump, and leap, Tumbling in one promiscuous heap, Until you wonder by what token They ’scape with heads and limbs unbroken. Bold, reckless, cunning, cool, or sly, What won’t they do? what won’t they try? They’re up to every kind of scheme, To test their strength, and let off steam. ’Tis an epitome of life, Without its shades of

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THE NIGHTINGALE.

THE NIGHTINGALE.

Sweet bird! that through the shadows Of the night, so sad and lone, Warblest thy notes of gladness, With softly thrilling tone. ’Tis when the gloom is deepest, And all is hushed in fear, Save that night-winds are moaning Through the stillness dark and drear; ’Tis then thy voice is sweetest, And seems wafted from above, As to the sad and sorrowing Come words of hope and love. Thou’rt heard within the casement, Through the weary night of pain; And thy warble is an earnest That the day will come ag

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LEAP-FROG.

LEAP-FROG.

That’s right, Benny, go it strong, Go it high, and go it long, Swiftly run, and boldly leap, Froggy Charles is quite a heap. Charley Frog, now take your jump; Benny, make yourself a lump; ’Tis a wholesome sport and rare— Rest and toil an equal share. Now you’re down, and now you’re up; Now you leap, and now you stoop; Now you rest, and now you run; Any way, ’tis right good fun. Now you’re down, and now you’re up; Now you leap, and now you stoop; Now you rest, and now you run; Any way, ’tis right

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A WORLD OF LOVE AT HOME.

A WORLD OF LOVE AT HOME.

The earth hath treasures fair and bright, Deep buried in her caves, And ocean hideth many a gem With his blue, curling waves; Yet not within her bosom dark, Or ’neath the dashing foam, Lives there a treasure equaling A world of love at home! True, sterling happiness and joy Are not with gold allied, Nor can it yield a pleasure like A merry fireside. I envy not the man who dwells In stately hall or dome, If, ’mid his splendor, he hath not A world of love at home. The friends whom time hath proved

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I MUST HASTEN HOME.

I MUST HASTEN HOME.

I must hasten home, said a rosy child, Who had gayly roamed for hours; I must hasten home to my mother dear— She will seek me amid the bowers. If she chides, I will seal her lips with a kiss, And offer her all my flowers. I must hasten home, said a beggar girl, As she carried the pitiful store Of crumbs and scraps of crusted bread, She had gathered from door to door; I must hasten home to my mother dear— She is feeble, and old, and poor! I must hasten home, said the ball-room belle, As day began

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THE EVENING PRAYER.

THE EVENING PRAYER.

With meek and simple faith, A child’s confiding love, The infant cherub kneels to breathe His prayer to God above. And all the host of heaven is there, To listen to that infant prayer. "God, bring dear father home, God, make dear mother well, God, make me good, and let us come All in Thy house to dwell." Then, while their watch good angels keep, "God giveth His beloved sleep."...

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ACROSTIC.

ACROSTIC.

Roses and tulips, with all their gay train, O’er garden and landscape cause beauty to reign. By the brook, or the hillside, or light woody grove, Enchanted—delighted—on, smiling, we rove; ’Rapt up in fond thoughts of the verdure and bloom, ’Till autumn’s cold frost sweeps the whole to the tomb. My emotions, when life seems thus passing and vain, Even wisdom and prudence can hardly restrain. Rude winter now comes, and with sleet, hail, and snow, Right and left sends his arrows, as shivering we go

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OUR NEBBY.

OUR NEBBY.

Sure I am, I do not know Why we love our Nebby so; But I am sure, as sure can be, Nebby knows why he loves me. Mattie feeds Neb every day, And ’tis as good as any play, Just to see his pranks and freaks, When to Nebby Mattie speaks. When I go home from the store, Nebby meets me at the door, And says, most eloquently dumb, "Nebby’s glad that you have come." Nebby is a little pet; Nebby don’t know how to fret; But he knows the tenderest part Of our Mattie’s tender heart. And says, most eloquently

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THE NEW SONG.

THE NEW SONG.

Whence that sweet, inspiring strain, Pealing on my ravished ear? Hark! its thrilling notes again From the courts of heaven I hear— “Hallelujah to the Lamb, Who hath bought us with His blood! Honor, glory to His name, We through Him are sons of God.” Angels fain their notes would join With that vast, triumphant song; But their harps, though all divine, Ne’er can reach that wondrous song Learned on earth, and new in heaven, Only they its chords can know Who to God by grace are given, Ransomed from

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THE CHINAMAN.

THE CHINAMAN.

The Chinaman his life consumes, On opium regaling— The Yankee his tobacco fumes With equal zest inhaling— Though trembling nerves and fitful glooms Warn them that health is failing. For almost everything that’s done Some reason wit supposes, But for the smoker’s faith, not one The keenest wit discloses; ’Tis filthy, vulgar, costly fun, Hateful to all good noses. ’Tis filthy, vulgar, costly fun, Hateful to all good noses....

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AN INDIAN DANDY.

AN INDIAN DANDY.

Well, isn’t that a funny dress? You think he must be cruel, With human bones set round his crown, And skulls in place of jewels. Yet in his countenance you see Nothing severe or savage, As if, with cannibal intent, Our whole domain he’d ravage. There’s no accounting for our tastes, (" De gustibus ," and so forth;) Some dote on very slender waists, Some like hooped cisterns go forth. Sneer not at Indian or Malay, Nor get into a passion; He does as you do day by day— Follows the latest fashion. Wh

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THE SHADOW.

THE SHADOW.

One sunny day a child went Maying— When lo, while ’mid the zephyrs playing, He saw his shadow at his back! He turned and fled, but on his track The seeming goblin came apace, And step for step gave deadly chase! Weary at last, with desperate might The urchin paused and faced the fright, When lo, the demon, thin and gray, Faded amid the grass away! ’Tis thus in life—when shadows chase, If we but meet them face to face, What seemed a fiend in fear arrayed, Sinks at our feet a harmless shade. Peter

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