"
"And I think," said the mother of these young misses, "he is very right;
for as we grow older we have more pressing and important uses to
perform. Every thing in its own time, my children; as I have told, you
before, dancing, as well as music, is a most delightful accomplishment;
but we must not neglect our other duties for these."
THE CAGED BIRD.
* * * * *
I.
Pretty bird! pretty bird!
Singing so sweet;
Art wishing for freedom--
Bird-friends to meet?
II.
Dost thou guess what it is--
Living in trees?
And to sleep in a nest
Rocked by the breeze?
III.
Thou wert born in a cage,
My own dear bird!
But, I fancy, new longings
Thy heart have stirred.
IV.
Or perhaps to the garden
Some bird has flown,
And taught thee of freedom,
Before unknown.
[Illustration]
V.
If I open thy cage
And bid thee to fly,
Wilt thou ever come back,
To gladden mine eye?
VI.
Shall I hear thy sweet song,
Morning and eve?
Or wilt thou forever
Thy mistress leave?
VII.
Well, dear little bird!
I'll open thy door:
Fly forth to the woods;
I'll cage thee no more.
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