It's strange how little boys' mothers, Can find it all out as they do, If a fellow does anything naughty, Or says anything that's not true! They'll look at you just a moment, Till your heart in your bosom swells, And then they know all about it-- For a little bird tells! Now, where the little bird comes from, Or where the little bird goes, If he's covered with beautiful plumage, Or black as the king of the crows. If his voice is as hoarse as a raven, Or clear as the ringing of bells, I know not--but this I am sure of-- A little bird tells! The moment you think a thing wicked, The moment you do a thing bad, Are angry, or sullen, or hateful, Get ugly, or stupid, or mad, Or tease a dear brother or sister-- That instant your sentence he knells, And the whole to mamma in a minute That little bird tells! You may be in the depths of a closet, Where nobody sees but a mouse, You may be all alone in the cellar, You may be on the top of the house, You may be in the dark and the silence, Or out in the woods and the dells-- No matter! wherever it happens The little bird tells! And the only contrivance to stop him, Is just to be sure what you say-- Sure of your facts and your fancies, Sure of your work and your play; Be honest, be brave and be kindly, Be gentle and loving as well, And then--you can laugh at the stories The little bird tells! [Illustration] THE WOLF AND THE SEVEN KIDS. There was once an old goat, who had seven kids, whom she loved as dearly as any mother could. One day she wished to go into the wood, to fetch some provision; so she called them all together, and said, "My dear children, I am going into the wood; but while I am gone, pray take care of the wolf; if he comes in here he will devour you, skin and all. He often disguises himself; but you will always be able to know him by his gruff voice and black feet." The little kids replied, "Mother, dear, you may go without any fear, for we will take all possible care of ourselves." So the old goat bleated, to express her satisfaction, and went away without mistrust. Before long, a knock was heard at the door, and a voice said, "Open the door, dear children; your mother is here, and has brought something for each of you." But the little kids discovered very easily by the gruff voice who it was, and cried out, "No, no; we shall not open the door, you are not our mother; she has a gentle, loving voice, but yours is harsh; for you are the wolf."