MARY'S LITTLE LAMB

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 51, 28 August 1926, Page 20

MARY'S LITTLE LAMB

STORY OF AN OLD-TIME POEM.

Everyone knows the first verse of "Mary Had a Little Lamb," and a good many people have some recollection of the second, while again a few may have a vague idea that possibly there was some basis of fact behind tho thrilling incidents recorded in the rhyme. But comparatively few could recite the poem through its three verses, or tell all about the different claims made as to where it was written and who were its. author and its heroine (says the "Christian Science Monij tor"). The recent purchase by Mr. Henry Ford of three stones taken from as many corners of the old country sehoolhouse at Sterling (Massachusetts), believed by many to be the scene of the lamb and school episode, brings up once more tho controversy between this town and Newport (New Hampshire) as to these points. Maybe it will never be settled whether Mary. Sawyer was the heroine, and John Eoulstone, a Harvard student, its author, or Sarah Joseph Bueir'Hale, both its author and heroine; and really it makes but little difference. The third verse, however, is decidedly pretty, and carries a good moral: — "What makes the lamb love Mary so?" The eager children cry, "O, Mary loves tho lamb, you know," , The teacher did reply; "And you each gentle animal. In confidence may bind, And make them follow at your call, I If you are always kind." .. '