Part 9 (2/2)

For a whole day the girl was very busy, and did everything that she was told to do.

On the second day she began to be lazy, and on the third day she was still worse.

She would not get up in the morning.

The bed was never made, or shaken, so the feathers could fly about.

At last Mother Frost grew tired of her and told her that she must go away.

This was what the lazy girl wanted, for she felt sure that now she would have the golden shower.

Mother Frost led her to the great gate, but she pa.s.sed under it, a kettle full of black pitch was upset over her.

[Ill.u.s.tration]

”That is what you get for your work,” said the old woman, as she shut the gate.

The idle girl walked home, covered with pitch.

When she went into the farmyard the c.o.c.k on the roof cried out:

”c.o.c.k-a-doodle-doo!

Our sticky lady has come home, too.”

The pitch stuck so fast to the girl that, as long as she lived, it never came off.

WILLIAM AND JACOB GRIMM

IF EVER I SEE

If ever I see, On bush or tree, Young birds in their pretty nest; I must not, in play, Steal the birds away, To grieve their mother's breast.

My mother, I know, Would sorrow so, Should I be stolen away; So I'll speak to the birds In my softest words, Nor hurt them in my play.

And when they can fly In the bright blue sky, They'll warble a song to me; And then if I'm sad It will make me glad To think they are happy and free.

LYDIA MARIA CHILD

[Ill.u.s.tration]

WHY THE BEAR'S TAIL IS SHORT

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