Mama, see what a pretty book
My dear papa has brought,
That I may at the pictures look,
And by the words be taught.
He knew I had been good, you said,
And had learnt all my spelling;
I'm very much obliged to you,
My dear mama, for telling.
And that when I am better taught,
And read with greater ease,
Some more new books shall then be bought,
His little girl to please.
My dear papa, he is so kind,
I dearly love a book;
And dearly too, I love to find
These pictures--pray do look!
And, O, dear, if I could but read
As fast as I can spell,
How very happy I should be,
I love to read so well.
I know mama, you'll tell me that
To practice is the way,
So will you kindly let me, now,
Another lesson say.
[Illustration]