_James_ and _Edward Franklin_, with their _Sisters_, had leave to walk
about, and amuse themselves in a fair. They saw a great many people who
seemed very happy, many children merry and joyous, jumping about, and
boasting of their toys. They went to all the stalls and bought little
presents for those who were at home. They saw wild beasts; peeped in
show-boxes; heard drums, trumpets, fiddles, and were as much pleased
with the bustle around them, as you, my little reader, would have been,
had you been there.
Mrs. _Franklin_ had desired them not to ride in a Merry-go-round, lest
they should fall and hurt themselves.
Did you ever see a Merry-go-round? If you never passed through a
country fair, I dare say you never did.
As they passed by, the children who were riding called, “will you ride?
will you ride?”
_James._ No, I thank you, we may not.
_Edward._ I should like it, if I might.
One girl called, “See how we ride!” One said, “O! how charming this
is!” One boy said, “You see we do not fall!”
_James._ I am not fearful; but my mother forbade us to ride.
One boy shouted aloud, “Come, come, you must ride; it will not be known
at home. I was bid not to ride, but you see I do.”
Just as he spoke, the part upon which he sat broke, and down he fell.
In another part of the fair, the boys saw some children tossed about in
a Toss-about.
They were singing merrily the old nurse’s ditty:
“Now we go up, up, up,
“Now we go down, down, down,
“Now we go backward and forward,
“Now we go round, round, round.”
The voices sounded pleasantly to _Ned’s_ ear; his heart danced to the
notes; jumping, he called to his brother _James_, “Dear _James_! look!
if I thought our mother would like it, I would ride so.”
_James._ My dear _Ned_! I am sure that mother would object to our
riding in that.
_Ned._ Did you ever hear her name the Toss-about?
_James._ I am certain that if she had known of it, she would have given
us the same caution as she did about the Merry-go-round.
_Ned_ paused a moment; then said, “How happy am I to have an elder
brother who is so prudent!”
_James_ replied—“I am not less happy that you are willing to be
advised.”
When they returned home, each was eager to relate his brother’s good
conduct; each was happy to hear his parents commend them both.