s her!" says the raven,
"Oh! you cannot match her;"
Swallows fly about her head,
Kittens do not scratch her.

For she is so gentle,
All the folks obey her;
Even little tom-tit comes
His respects to pay her.

FROM THE GERMAN.

[Illustration]

WALTER'S DISAPPOINTMENT.

"HERE is the last white rose in my garden," said Laura to her brother
Walter; "and you shall have it if you will be a good boy."

"I don't want a white rose," said Walter; "and, if I can't go with Jim
Bacon and the other fellows on the pond, I'll not be a good boy: I'll
make myself as disagreeable as I can."

"Why, Walter, what a threat!" said Laura, laughing; "but you are a good
deal like the minister's dog Bunkum, who barks terribly, but never
bites."

"See what I get for being a good boy!" replied Walter. "The first time a
chance for a little fun comes along, then it's, 'O Walter! you and the
other boys are too young to be trusted alone on the water.'"

Hardly had Walter given utterance to these words, when there were cries
from the roadside near by; and men and women were seen running towards
the pond. What could be the matter?

It soon was made known what the matter was. The little fellows in the
boat had upset it; and five of them were floundering about in the water.
Fortunately no life was lost. All were saved, but not until all were wet
through to the skin.

"Now, Walter," said Laura, "are you going to fret, and make yourself
disagreeable, because you did not get a ducking with the other boys?"

"Sister," said Walter, with a smile, "I think I will accept that
beautiful white rose you offered me just now."

DORA BURNSIDE.

THE BOASTING BOY.

I KNEW a boy in our town, whose name was Billy Hood:
He had a sword all made of tin, a musket made of wood.
His drum would always let you know when Billy Hood was coming;
For all the neighbors used to say, "I wish he'd stop that drumming."

Now, very brave this Billy was,--at least, so Billy thought;
And he was not afraid,--not he,--of any thing that fought.
"With this good sword and gun," said he, "I'll fight until I die:
Let man or beast come on! Who fears? Not Billy Hood! Not I!"

But ah! one day this Billy went where six old geese were straying,
And on his noisy drum began somewh