Part 29 (1/2)

_Four_ from _six_ leaves two, Mamma!

Now I have it right.

Well! upon my word, I think I wasn't very bright.

Dear Mamma, before I go, Here's a kiss for you.

Four from six leaves two, hurrah!

Four from six leaves two!

GRANDFATHER DEAR.

[_Written for Decoration Day._]

Jonquil and daffodil mine, Lift me your golden-crowned heads!

c.o.c.ks...o...b..and peony fine, Lend me your lordliest reds!

Tying my posy up here, I must have flowers at will; They are for Grandfather dear, There where he sleeps on the hill.

Grandfather dear was a soldier, Gallant and handsome and young.

Flowers, I'll show you his picture, Over the shelf where 'tis hung.

Yes, and his sword hangs beneath it, The sword that he waved as he fell, Fighting on Winchester Field,-- The field he was holding so well.

So when the year's at the sweetest, Mother and Grandmother dear And I, we go gathering flowers, So sweet as they're blossoming here.

And when Grandfather looks down from heaven, As he looks, and looks lovingly still, He smiles as he sees his own flowers, All s.h.i.+ning and sweet on the hill.

GATHERING APPLES.

Down in the orchard, down in the orchard, Under the gold-apple tree, One little maid and two little maids Frolic, merry and free.

Brown as a berry, red as a rose, Sweeter maidens n.o.body knows.

”What are you doing, Marjorie?

Marjorie, tell to me?”

Up she lifted her curly head, (Oh, but her cheeks were rosy-red!) Shaking her curls right saucily, ”I'm gathering apples!” said she, said she, ”I'm gathering apples!” said she.

Down in the orchard, down in the orchard, Under the gold-apple tree, Softly treading, the farmer came, Peeping so warily.

Six feet high from his head to his toes; A jollier farmer n.o.body knows.

”What are you doing, farmer, pray?

Jolly old farmer, say!”

Up he caught them both in his arms; Oh, the shrieks, the merry alarms!

Closer clasping them lovingly, ”I'm gathering apples!” said he, said he, ”I'm gathering apples!” said he.