56 A NURSERY REMINISCENCE. 



While Mamma, my form caressing, — 

 In her eye the tear-drop stood — 



Read me this fine moral lesson, 

 " See what comes of being good ! '' 



I remember, I remember, 



On a wet and windy day, 

 One cold morning in December, 



I stole out and went to play. 



I remember Billy Hawkins 

 Came, and, with his pewter squirt, 



Squibb*d my pantaloons and stockings 

 Till they were all over dirt ! 



To my mother for protection 



I ran, quaking every limb : 

 She exclaimed with fond affection, 



" Gracious Goodness I look at Jem ( " 



Pa' cried, when he saw my garment, 

 — 'T was a newly purchased dress — 



" Oh ! you nasty little warment, 

 How came you in such a mess ? " 



Then he caught me by the collar, 



— Cruel only to be kind — 

 And, to my exceeding dolour. 



Gave me several slaps behind. 



Grandmamma, while yet I smarted, 



As she saw my evil plight. 

 Said — 't was rather stony-hearted — 



" Little rascal ! sarve him right ! '* 



I remember, I remember. 



From that sad and solemn day, 

 Never more in dark December 



Did I venture out to play ! 



And the moral which they taught — I 

 Well remember: — Thus they said, 



" Little boys, when they are naughty. 

 Must be whipped and sent to bed ! " 



Blackwood's Magazine. 



