LESSON XXI. THE PAPER KITE.-A FABLE Iambic. Four feet, with a short syllable sometimes added. 15. It tugged and pulled', while thus it spoke, In vain it tried to soar away`; 20. It fluttered downward through the air`; The winds soon plunged it in the tide`. How oft I've wished to break the lines' 30. Thy wisdom for my lot assigns! For something more^, or something higher! A fall' thus dreadful' had been minè." LESSON XXII. THE BALL. Anapestic; first foot often an iambus or spondee. First, third, and fourth lines have four feet each; the second and fifth have three each. 1. My good little fellow', don't throw your ball therè ; 2. Harry thought he might safely continue his play^, So, forgetful of all that his father could say', 3. Already as far as to forty he rosé, And no mischief had happened at all; Onē mōre, and ōne mōre, he successfully throws`; 4. Poor Harry stood frightened`, and turning about', As the ball had popped in, so neighbor popped out,' 5. When little folks think they know better than great^, And what is forbidden them do^ We must always expect to seé, sooner or laté, LESSON XXIII. THE SPIDER AND HIS WIFE. 1. In a little dark crack half a yard from the ground, So pleasant and snug', and convenient 'twas found', 2. Of the cares, and fatigues, and distresses of life, So leaving those scenes of contention and strifé, 3. He thought that the little his wife would consumé, 4. For when', as sometimes it would chance to befall', Brush-came the great broom down the side of the wall', 5. One day, when their cupboard was empty and dry, If Said to him," Dear', go to the cobweb, and try`, you can't find the leg or the wing of a fly', As a bit of a relish for dinner." 6. Directly he went his long search to resumè Alas! little guessing his terrible doom`; 7. So while the poor fellow', in search of his pelf" The gentleman reached a long cane from the shelf', 8. Then presently poking him down to the floor, With one horrid crush the whole business was o'er; To the lasting distress of his widow! LESSON XXIV. POOR DONKEY'S EPITAPH. Iambic. First and third lines contain four feet; the second and fourth, three feet. Trochees and spondees sometimes substituted. 1. Down in this ditch poor Donkey lies', 2. No shelter had he for his head', 4. Each market-day he jogged along 5. A tuft of grass', a thistle green', 6. And as for sport-the sober soul' 7. But all his sport', and dainties toó, Last night so bleak a tempest blew', 8. He felt his feeble limbs benumbed, 9. Poor Dōn key! travellers passing bv', And 'twould be well', if all who dié LESSON XXV. A TALE.-A CHAFFINCH AND HIS MATE. Iambic. Same as last lesson. 1. IN Scotland's realms, where trees are few', Nor even shrubs abound', But wheré, however bleak their view', 2. For husband there^, and wife may boast' And false ones are as rare, almost', 3. In Scotland's realm', forlorn and baré, 4. The spring drew near`, each felt a breast With genial instinct filled`; They paired`, and only wished a nest^, 5. The heaths uncovered', and the moors', Sea-beaten rocks', and naked shores', 6. Long time a breeding place they sought', Till both grew vexed and tired`; At length a ship', arriving, brought' 7. A ship! Could such a restless thing' Or was the merchant charged to bring' 8. Hùsh!-Silent hearers profit most! Proved kinder to them than the coast`; * Bad grammar;-should be thou. |