In books, or work, or healthful play, Let my first years be passed, That I may give for every day Some good account at last. [Illustration] THE SWING. "Oh! is it not a nice swing!" said Amy to her little brother; "how cool it makes you to swing in the shade! I love papa for fixing this swing, don't you? We will kiss him when he comes home." Amy loves to swing her little brother better than to swing herself; but sometimes she swings, and holds little Eddie in her lap. What nice times little children have, when they love each other, and try to please! [Illustration] THE POOR BEGGAR. "Mother, I am so hungry," said Charley Gray, as he returned from school. "Why!" said his mother, "did you not eat the dinner that you carried with you?" "No, dear mother; as I was going to school, I saw, sitting by the roadside, a poor old man and a little girl; they looked so sad and tired that I stopped to speak to them; they said they were very hungry--so I gave them my dinner, and went without myself. I am glad I did it, for it must be dreadful to suffer from hunger." [Illustration] THE DIRTY BOY. Here is a poor boy; he is going to have a wash at the pump. His clothes are all torn and soiled, but he can keep his face clean, and he will soon be old enough to earn some better clothes. Some little boys who have good clothes, and kind parents to keep them clean, hate to be washed. I have heard of a boy who had to be hired to have his face washed, and he would often cry about it, as though it was a dreadful thing. Children, to be loved, should be nice and clean. SUMMER TIME. I love to hear the little birds That carol on the trees; I love the gentle murmuring stream, I love the evening breeze. I love to think of Him who made These pleasant things for me; Who gave me life, and health, and strength, And eyes, that I might see. I love the holy Sabbath-day, So peaceful, calm, and still; And O! I love to go to church, And learn my Maker's will.