BOOKS give to him the greatest thoughts Of all the good and wise; BOOKS treasure human knowledge up, And so it never dies.
BOOKS show him all that men have done, What they have thought and said; BOOKS show the deeds and wisdom of The living and the dead.
BOOKS show him all the hopes and fears Of every race and clan; BOOKS clearly prove beyond a doubt The brotherhood of man.
BOOKS give him hopes beyond the grave Of an immortal life; BOOKS teach that right and truth and love Shall banish every strife.
BOOKS teach and please him when a child In youth and in his prime; BOOKS give him soothing pleasure when His health and strength decline.
BOOKS please him in his lonely hours, Wherever he may roam: BOOKS please when read aloud among His loving friends at home.
BOOKS like _strong drink_ will drown his cares, But do not waste his wealth; BOOKS leave him _better_, drink the _worse_, In character and health.
BOOKS therefore, are, of all man buys, The choicest thing on earth, BOOKS have, of all his household goods, The most intrinsic worth.
BOOKS are the greatest blessing out, The grandest thing we sell, BOOKS bring more joy, BOOKS do more good Than mortal tongue can tell.
[Illustration: Old Woman Who Lived in A Shoe.]
There was an old woman who lived in a shoe, She had so many children--such naughty ones too! She cried, "Oh, dear me, I don't know what to do, Who would be an old woman and live in a shoe?"
Once ninety little fellows sat down on the floor And lustily screamed, "We won't cry any more!" "Then stop crying now," the old woman said, "The noise you are making goes right through my head."
"Then she gave the boys broth without any bread, And whipped them all soundly and sent them to bed. She scolded the girls, and said, "Don't make a noise, Or you shall be served just the same as the boys."
Old Mother Goose, when She wanted to wander, Would ride through the air On a very fine gander.
Mother Goose had a house, 'Twas built of wood, Where an owl at the door For sentinel stood.
She had a son Jack, A plain-looking lad, He was not very good, Nor yet very bad.
She sent him to market; A live goose he bought; Here, mother, says he, It will not go for nought.
Jack's goose and her gander They grew very fond; They'd both eat together, Or swim in one pond.