“WON'T TAKE A BAFF,” 61

friendly ties with our Government. Wars will be
avoided; peace and good-will toward those who
¥ecognize in their children faculties capable of
cultivation toward the best and truest things, will
be the inevitable result.

The years speed us on, taking many opportunities
for good in their relentless grasp. Shall we resign
this idly ?— the effort to aid in the bringing up of
the Indian children and youth toward the light a
loving Creator designed for all?

“WON’T TAKE A BAFF,”

By MarcGaret EYTINGE.

 

 

 

 

al the brook in the green meadow dancing,
The tree-shaded, grass-bordered brook,
For a bath in its cool, limpid water,
Old Dinah the baby boy took.

She drew off his cunning wee stockings,
Unbuttoned each dainty pink shoe,

Untied the white slip and small apron,
And loosened the petticoats, too.

And while Master Blue Eyes undressing,
She told him in quaintest of words

Of the showers that came to the flowers,
Of the rills that were baths for the birds.

And she said, “Dis yere sweetest of babies,
W’en he’s washed, jess as hansum ’Il be
As any red, yaller or blue bird
Dat ebber singed up in a tree.

* An’ sweeter den rosies an’ lilies,
Or wiolets eder, I guess—”

When away flew the mischievous darling,
In the scantiest kind of a dress.

“Don’t care if the birdies an’ fowers,”
He shouted, with clear, ringing laugh,

“Wash ’eir hands an’ ’eir faces forebber
An’ ebber, me won’t take a baff.”