Who likes to have a birthday frolic And eats until he has a colic, That for the time is diabolic? Our boy. Who is the dearest little lad, That aunt or mother ever had, To love when gay and cheer when sad? Our boy. May angels guard him with their wings, And all brave, good and happy things, Make nobler thou than crowned kings. Our boy. March 28th, 1875. John, the original of Daisy in "Little Women," received in his babyhood days from Aunt Louisa, some tiny blue stockings with this verse: Two pair of blue hose, For Johnny's white toes, So Jack Frost can't freeze em, Nor darned stockings tease em, So pretty and neat I hope the small feet Will never go wrong, But walk straight and strong, The way father went. We shall all be content, If the dear little son Be a second good John. On his tenth birthday, both Grandpa and Grandma Alcott sent these characteristic greetings to their younger grandson: Grandma Alcott to Johnny. 10th birthday. June 24th. 1875. Giving song, all day long, Under the elm or willow; With sunshine shed On the little head That rests on Grandma's pillow. To and fro, Let it go, While inside piping cheery, As he takes his rest In his hang-bird's nest Lies Grandma's little deary. * * * * * Grandpa Alcott to Johnny. June 24th. 1875. A fine little sword For gallant Capt. Jack, As he marches down the hill His army at his back. No giants will it kill Since its only made for show, And the best way to fight, Is a kiss for a blow. In these days of private secretaries, labor-saving devices, and specialization, it is difficult to comprehend the obstacles that Louisa Alcott encountered in writing. Her day was filled with other tasks, housework, sewing, teaching, nursing--yet the pen was never idle, the busy brain was never still. Her power of concentration made it possible for her to write under harassing conditions. This is her own description of her methods of work: My methods of work are very simple and soon told. My head is my study, and there I keep the various plans of stories for years sometimes, letting them grow as they will till I am ready to put them on paper. Then it is quick work, as chapters go down word for word as they stand in my mind, and need no alteration. I never copy, since I find by experience that the work I spend the least time upon is best liked by critics and speakers.