hat he had deceived his friends
and neighbors, and grieved over the loss of his pet lamb.

The truth itself is not believed,
From one who often has deceived.

44 ECLECTIC SERIES.

LESSON XIV.

THE LITTLE BIRD'S SONG.

1. A little bird, with feathers brown,
Sat singing on a tree;
The song was very soft and low,
But sweet as it could be.

2. The people who were passing by,
Looked up to see the bird

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That made the sweetest melody
That ever they had heard.
3. But all the bright eyes looked in vain;
Birdie was very small,
And with his modest, dark-brown coat,
He made no show at all.
4. "Why, father," little Gracie said
"Where can the birdie be?
If I could sing a song like that,
I'd sit where folks could see."
5. "I hope my little girl will learn
A lesson from the bird,
And try to do what good she can,
Not to be seen or heard.
6. "This birdie is content to sit
Unnoticed on the way,
And sweetly sing his Maker's praise
From dawn to close of day.
7. "So live, my child, all through your life,
That, be it short or long,
Though others may forget your looks,
They'll not forget your song."

46 ECLECTIC SERIES.

LESSON XV.

HARRY AND ANNIE.
1. Harry and Annie lived a mile from town, but they went
there to school every day. It was a pleasant walk down the
lane, and through the meadow by the pond.
2. I hardly know whether they liked it better in summer or
in winter. They used to pretend that they were travelers
exploring a new country, and would scatter leaves on

THIRD READER. 47
the road that they might find their way back again.
3. When the ice was thick and firm, they went across the
pond. But their mother did not like to have them do this
unless some one was with them.
4. "Do n't go across the pond to-day, children," she said,
as she kissed them and bade them good-by one morning; "it
is beginning to thaw."
5. "All right, mother," said Harry, not very good-
naturedly, for he was very fond of running and sliding on the
ice. When they came to the pond, the ice looked hard and
safe.
6. "There," said he to his sister, "I knew it had n't thawed
any. Mother is always afraid we shall be drowned. Come
along, we will have a good time sliding. The school bell will
not ring for an hour at least."
7. "But you promised mother," said Annie.
8. "No, I did n't. I only said 'All right,' and it is all right."
9. "I did n't say anything; so I can do as I like," said
Annie.