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Clement C. Moore

A The Smack in School.

DISTRICT SCHOOL, not far away, 'Mid Berkshire hills, one winter's day, Was humming with its wonted noise Of threescore mingled girls and boys; To bite both morning, noon, and night, was very well inclined; Some few upon their tasks intent, But more on furtive mischief bent.

The while the master's downward look Was fastened on a copy-book; He began upon his mistress' dress, which trailed some way behind.

When suddenly, behind his back, Rose sharp and clear a rousing smack!

As 'twere a battery of bliss When he had torn the hem and braid for a full hour or more, Let off in one tremendous kiss!

And made some fifty tiny holes, and jags about a "What's that?" the startled master cries; "That, thir," a little imp replies, score, "Wath William Willith, if you pleathe- I thaw him kith Thuthanna Peathe!"

She said, "This darling little dog is growing quite a bore!"

With frown to make a statue thrill, The master thundered - "Hither, Will!"

She scolded in a gentle voice, and drove him right away:

Like wretch o'ertaken in his track, With stolen chattels on his back, He thought this most delightful fun-a perfect game of play, Will hung his head in fear and shame, And to the awful presence came- A great, green, bashful simpleton, And only wished the game would last throughout the livelong day.

The butt of all good-natured fun.

With smile suppressed, and birch upraised, The threatener faltered: "I am amazed He bit the corners of the cloths, the cushions, stools, and chairs, That you, my biggest pupil, should The edges of the carpets that were laid upon the stairs; Be guilty of an act so rude!

And ill befell the book or glove that dropped down Before the whole set school to bootunawares.

What evil genius put you to 't?" "'Twas she herself, sir," sobbed the lad; "I did not mean to be so bad ; Sometimes he had the great good luck a boot or shoe to see; But when Susannah shook her curls, And whispered, I was 'fraid of girls, And dursn't kiss a baby's doll, I couldn't stand it, sir, at all, But up and kissed her on the spot!

I know-boo-hoo-I ought to not, But, somehow, from her looks-boo-hoo- I thought she kind o' wished me to!"

Anon he scampered off with it, his heart quite full of glee, And gnawed it all to little shreds beneath the cedartree. One day his master's just washed linen, fresh and snowy white,