I think he has rewarded them already by making them very happy while they were doing this kind deed. P. [Illustration] THE COOPER'S SONG. I AM the cooper: I bind the cask: The sweat flows down as I drive my task; Yet on with the hoop! And merry's the sound As I featly pound, And with block and hammer go travelling round, And round and round. I am the cooper: I bind the cask; And gay as play is my nimble task; And though I grow crooked with stooping to pound, Yet merry's the sound As with block and with hammer I journey round And round and round. I am the cooper: I bind the cask: Am healthy and happy--what more shall I ask? Not in king's palaces, I'll be bound, Such joy is found, Where men do nothing, and still go round, And round and round. So I'll still be a cooper, and bind the cask: Bread for children and wife is all I ask; And glad will they be at night, I'll be bound, That, with cheerful sound, Father all day went a-hammering round, And round and round. FROM THE GERMAN. "GOOD-MORNING, SIR!" THERE was once a little robin that grew to be so tame, that it would come to my sister Helen's door every morning for a few crumbs. Sometimes it would perch on the table. What a power there is in kindness! It is very pleasant to form these friendships with birds; so that they learn to trust you and to love you. The sound of the human voice often seems to have a strange effect on animals, as if they almost understood your words. My sister would say, "Good-morning, sir! Come in! Don't make yourself a stranger. Hard times these; but you will find plenty of crumbs on the table. Don't be bashful. You don't rob us. Try as you may, you can't eat us out of house and home. You have a great appetite, have you? Oh, well, eat away! No cat is prowling round." [Illustration] The little bird, as if he knew that my sister was talking to him, would chirp away, and seem quite happy. As soon as the warm weather came, his visits were not so frequent; but, every now and then, he would make his appearance, as if to say, "Don't forget me, Helen. I may want some more crumbs when the cold weather comes." IDA FAY. PLAYING APRIL-FOOL. IT was the last evening in March, and raining drearily out of doors; but in mamma's sitting-room all was bright, warm, and cosey. Jim and his big brother Rob were stretched out on the rug, feet in the air, watching the blazing fire, and talking of the tricks they meant to play next day.