Aunt Jo's Scrap-Bag, Vol. 5 / Jimmy's Cruise in the Pinafore, Etc.

tures; for he wasn't a happy man, though he had many friends, much money, and the beautiful gift of writing songs that everybody loved to sing. He had

r himself nor others; found no beauty in the world, no happiness anyw

he afternoon sunshine streaming in, and the busy

ws, and your cares are very light. All summer you live gayly together; and

is saying?" cried a swallow, peeping over the edge of her n

l chirp, like a scornful laugh. "We work harder than he does any day. Did he build his own house, I should like to know? Does he get his dai

od. Much he knows about the anxieties of a parent." And the little mother bust

he knew how my nest fell, and all my children were killed; how my dear husband w

ly you help us with our little ones; how cheerfully you serve your friends; how faithfully you love

the little beaks met, the other birds gave a grateful and approving murmu

ings; but, upon my word, I think they are vastly inferior to us. Now, look at that man, and see how he wastes his life. There nev

ome; so don't be too severe, Sister Wing." And the white tie of the little widow's cap

ry which that man might help, if he'd only forget himself a little. It's my opinion he'

g him how he may find comfort. Poor soul! I wish he could understand

irp, which did comfort him; for, being a poet, he could understand them, and

me; so I enjoy your chat immensely. I'm interested in your views on this subject, and beg you'll tell me what

ily flights about the place, I see a great deal of poverty and trouble, and often wish I could lend a hand. Now, this man has plenty of money and time; and he might do more good than I can tell, if he'd only set about it

birds in a chorus; for several more

man. Why don't that lazy creature take him home, and care for him, the little while he has to live? Pretty Nell is working day and night, to support her father, and is too proud to ask help, though her health and courage are going fast. The man might make hers the gayest heart alive, by a little help. There in a lonely garret lives a young man studying his life away, longing for books and a teacher. Th

artily wish some persons could hear you, it would do 'em a deal of good," said Mrs. Skim; while

in my small way, and found great satisfaction in it," began little Madame Dart, in

end, the learned raven; and so I spelt out some of the words. One was, 'Love thy neighbor;' and as I sat there, looking down on the people, I wondered how they could see those words week after week, and yet pay so little heed to them. Goodness k

im; for Wing was an excellent bird, in spi

give advice on the subject as one having authority; and,

, neighbors, and good night," said the man, as he left the barn,

rd every thing we said," cried Mrs. Wing, n

uarded in my remarks," replied Mrs. Sk

did I say?" cried Mrs. W

r strong, I must confess; but I don't think any harm will come of it. We are of too lit

king; and a bird may teach a man, if the bird is the wisest. He may destroy my nest, and take my life; but I feel that I

eped over the beam, to be sure the man was gone before she called him

d happened flew from nest to nest, and every bird was anxious to know what reve

e blamed her. Her husband lectured; the young birds chirped, "Chatterbox, chatterbox," as she passed; and her best

l hours. If any one entered the barn, dozens of little black heads peeped cautiously over the edges of the nests, and ther

mney-swallow came to call on Mrs. Wing; and, th

r trying position,-indeed I do, and came

Wing, covering her brood with trembling

great house, and am in the way of seeing and hearing all that goes on there. No fire is lighted in the study now; but my landlord still sits on the hearth, and I can overhear every word he says. Last evening, after my darlings were asleep, and my

than pulling the place down, as I planned at first. Those swallows

d entirely away. Madam Sooty-back was quite satisfied with

chimney-sweeps. One can't expect good manners from persons brought up in mud houses,

hey hadn't tickled her with a feather, and fanned her so violently

l we do?"

t away without leaving our children, for they can't fly yet. Let us wait, and see wha

afternoon of the same day, Dr. Banks, a sand-swallow, who lived in a subterranean village over b

d him ask her to take care of it for a time. He paid her well, and she seemed glad to do it; for Will needs help, and now he can have

denly gave a skip, and flapped her wings, with a shrill

ll kinds of blame, injustice, and disrespect? Yes, indeed! the man saw the sense of my words; he took my advice; he will

ed and chirped, and made a great noise; but no one would give up, and all went to roost in a great state of uncertainty. But, the next day, it became evident that Mrs. Win

by her wisdom and courage. She was much elated by all this; but her fright had been of service, and she bore her honors more meekly than one would have supposed. To be sure, she cut Mrs. Sooty-back when they met; assumed an injured ai

loor, and left food at many doors. No dog or boy or gun marred the tranquillity of the birds, insects, and flowers who lived on the great estate. No want, care, or suffering, that love or money could prevent, befell the poor folk whose cottages stood near the old house. Sunshine and pe

waited for that happy time to come, he made his life a cheery song,-as every one may do, if they will; and went about dropping kind words and deeds as silently and sweetly as the sky drops sunshine and dew. Every one was his friend, but his

heir friend. But the fields were bare, the frosts began to pinch, and the young ones longed to see the world; so they must go. The day they started, the whole flock flew to the great house, to say

rounded by the books he loved, was the poor young man, happy as a king now, and learning many things which no book could teach him; for he had found a friend. Then, down below was Will's mother, working like a bee; for she was housekeeper, and enjoyed

Will was up from his bed at last, and hopped nimbly on his crutches, knowing that soon even they would be unneeded. Little Nan was as plump and rosy as a baby should be, and ba

rs. Dart, glad to see that he

to see such a happy family," added Mr

uth feeling that I leave an enviable reputation behind me." And Mrs. Wing plumed herself wi

t they were about to go. Gratefully they ate, and chirped their thanks; and the

allow, neigh

n your aut

oment at

ftly your

ummer day

uties are

ppy homes

n empty,

allow, neigh

ady for yo

feather cloa

ttle caps

g wings stro

urney thro

in early

en, good-by