THE YOUTH’S CABINET.

357

 

Katydid.

 

BY MRS. E. A. COMSTOCE.

 

All snugly hid, a Katydid
Piped her ne’er-ending tune ;

And softly slid, the fern amid,
One pleasant night in June.

Now little Jane came down the lane,
Without her cousin Kate,
Because again she tried in vain,
To wake her up so late.

It seemed once more some gate or door,
Was open left by Kate,

Who o’er and o’er, as oft before,
Declared she shut the gate.

So little Jane was sent again
To do as she was bid ;

*Tis all in vain, said little Jane,
To say that“ Katydid !”

Now Jane did stare, and say, “ Who’s there ?”
But all was still and hid ;

“Tt is not fair,” cried Jane, “ aware —
They are that”-——* Katydid !”

“ T know she did! but keep not hid,
And raise your shrilly voice

My friends amid, that they may bid
My’stricken heart rejoice.

You say she did, and you’ve been hid
Close by the wide-stretched gate ;
Thus I am chid, and always bid
To right what’s wronged by Kate.”

While Jane thus talked, the insect walked
In terror quick away.

“I see I’m balked, I might have talked
Until the break of day.

Some roguish boy, who would annoy,
Is hid amid the trees.

I know with joy I should employ
My time, my friends to please.

To grumble so is wrong I know,
Oh dear, how will it sound ;
I’m sure ’twill go, both to and fro,

The country all around.

The wind has blown, it can’t be known
Who really oped the gate ;

What rage I’ve shown, and rudely thrown |
The blame on little Kate.” _ * |

Jane reached the gate, but strange to state,
The gate was fastened tight !

“ Poor little Kate! next time I'll wait
To see if I am right !”

Now up the lane returned cross Jane,
And reached her father’s door ;

With blushing shame and timid pain,
She told her story o’er. |

Her father knew what hid from view,
Her peevish words did hear ;

For her and you he wisely drew,
A moral from her fear.

« A child should try, when none are by,
To feel that God is near ; 0
The arching sky is not so high
He cannot see or hear.”

ee

The Ten Commandments in verse.

. Thou'shalt have no more gods but me ;
. Before no idol bow thy knee ;

. Take not the name of God in vain ;

. Nor dare the Sabbath day profane ;

. Give both thy parents honor due ;

_ Take heed that thou no murder do;
Abstain from words and deeds unclean ;
. Nor steal, though thou art poor and mean ;
Nor make a wilful lie, nor love it ;

. What is thy neighbor’s, dare not covet.

Aanrrwbs

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S ©