Must we take a nice walk?--
Where are spencer and hat?
Why, my Harry looks pleas'd,
When I tell him of that!
We must trip rather briskly,
Not saunter and stay;
Then we catch the fresh breeze
As it hastens away.
And now for the gate,--
Let us open it, dear;
We have got to the field,
And the daisies appear.
The cowslips and buttercups[1]
Make it look yellow;
Must I pluck one, to give
To my sweet little fellow?
Come, look at this flower--
Ah! now he has caught it;
Well really, my Harry,
I scarce could have thought it!
And now, to his mouth,
He is bearing the prize,
Ah! I see very well
That I have not been wise.
Some insect may lurk
On the stalk or the leaves;
I must take it away,
Though my darling it grieves.
[1] The writer has been told that one species of the buttercup is
poisonous: and there are many flowers which it would be hurtful for
children to suck.
NOTE.--Children are sent out into the country for the benefit of
fresh air and exercise; but it is impossible to say what evils arise
through the thoughtlessness of some nurse-maids, who will even let
their helpless babes sit upon the cold grass, in order that _they_ may
loiter with their associates.
[Illustration: Baby asleep again in the cot. _pa 9._]
[Illustration: Washing. _pa 10._]