Lesson:

1. 'I love you, mother,' said little John;


Then, forgetting work, his cap went on,


And he was off to the garden swing,


Leaving his mother the wood to bring.





2. 'I love you, mother,' said rosy Nell;


'I love you better than tongue can tell;'


Then she teased and pouted full half the day,


Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.





3. 'I love you, mother,' said little Fan;


'Today I'll help you all I can;


How glad I am that school doesn't keep!'


So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.





4. Then, stepping softly, she took the broom,


And swept the floor, and dusted the room;


Busy and happy all day was she,


Helpful and cheerful as child could be.





5. 'I love you, mother,' again they said—


Three little children going to bed;


How do you think that mother guessed


Which of them really loved her best?





Joy Allison.