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Samuel Rogers

The Brave Little Maid. 'M not afraid of anything," Cried little Bessie Brown, Who thought herself the bravest lass In all Northampton town. " I know a girl who's scared at mice, While rats would make her shriek; I'm not afraid of rats, not I, I love to hear them squeak. "And look at Cousin John! it makes Me laugh to see him run When Uncle's turkey-cock appears; It is the greatest fun ! "I'm not afraid of turkey-cocks, Although they gobble so.

I'm not afraid of anything; But, then, I'm brave, you know!"

One day this hearty little maid To see her granny went, A well-filled basket on her arm With gifts by mother sent.

But what is this? A noisy flock Of geese are hissing loud; They threaten with their horny bills- A most unpleasant crowd.

Then Bessie's heart began to quake, And puckered grew her brow. "Oh, Cousin John, dear Cousin John, Do come and help me now!" "Why, Bessie!" cries the laughing boy; "And can it really be That you are frightened of a bird, Although you laughed at me?" ( Then Bessie sobbed, "Don't blame me, John; It really is no use.

I'm not afraid of anything, Except, perhaps, a goose!"

The Pumpkin.

FRUIT loved by boyhood! the old days recalling; When wood-grapes were purpling and brown nuts were falling!

When wild, ugly faces were carved in its skin, Glaring out through the dark with a candle within !

When we laughed round the corn-heap, with hearts all in tune, Our chair a broad pumpkin, our lantern the moon, Telling tales of the fairy who travelled like steam In a pumpkin-shell coach, with two rats for her team ! Then thanks for thy present!-none sweeter or better E'er smoked from an oven or circled a platter!

Fairer hands never wrought at a pastry more fine, Brighter eyes never watched o'er its baking than thine! And the prayer, which my mouth is too full to express, Swells my heart that thy shadow may never be less, That the days of thy lot may be lengthened below, And the fame of thy worth like a pumpkin-vine grow, And thy life be as sweet, and its last sunset sky Golden-tinted and fair as thy own pumpkin-pie!