Do not imagine that, like a great spider, I will give you a hard gripe,
and infuse venom to blow you up. No; I mean to catch you gently,
whisper in your ear,
Be good, and you will be beloved,
Be good, and you will be happy,
and then release you, to frisk about in pursuit of your innocent
pastimes.
Dear little creatures! enjoy your sports; be as merry as you will; but
remember the old proverb,
“Be merry and wise.”
Your whole duty is contained in one short precept,
Obey readily and cheerfully.
Happy little creatures! you will never taste such careless hours as you
do now; when you grow up, you will have many cares; you may have many
sorrows; yet assure yourselves, if you be good, you will be happy; be
happy for ever. Remember this, my dear little readers, from
Your Friend,