WHEN MOTHER IS ILL.

When mother is ill, you ought to see

How kind and loving I try to be.

I step about in the gentlest way;

I bathe her head, and I set her tray

With the best of tea and the brownest toast,

And whatever I think will tempt her most;

And I keep the little ones, oh, so still!

You ought to see me when mother is ill!

I carry the baby up the stair;

I let him play with my dollies there--

I give him the one that I keep on the shelf;

And I rock him to sleep just my own self.

I never scold, and I never fret;

I call him a darling, a pink, a pet.

And I'm ever so kind to Jack and Will,

Ever so patient when mother is ill.

When mother is ill, I take her place,

As well as I can, with a sober face.

I go to the door when father goes,

And bid him good-by on my tip-toes;

I watch for the doctor, and let him in,

And he's sure to tip me under the chin;

I help when Bridget is making cake,

And a taste of the cookies she lets me take;

And I baste in my dress a nice white frill,

For I try to be neat when mother is ill.

What's that you are saying? You think that Nell

Should do those things when mother is well?--

Should sit in the corner, like a mouse,

And mind the baby, and help keep house,

And be as dear as a child can be,

As sweet as a lily! Oh, you shall see,

Just watch me now, and I know you'll tell

The folks I'm good when mother is well.

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