A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XIX, Issue VII, 7 August 1897, Page 223

A VOYAGE OF DISCOVERY.

Oh, I have had a splendid play. The nicest times that ever were 1 I’ve made believe, the whole long day, I was a great discoverer. You see, I skated all around The pond, and down the ice-brook, too, And oh, such pretty things I found ! I’ll tell them all to you.

First. I discovered near the shore A little frozen waterfall, Poor thing ! it used to splash and pour, But now it cannot stir at all. And next I found an island wee; I felt just like Columbus then ! The only native I could see Was one brown winter wren.

And then a tiny cave I found, Where all along the rocky wall The icicles were hung around Like spears in some old robber’s hall. And then I spied a fairy bower, All made of grasses, dry and white. Each frosted like a silver flower, Or diamonds sparkling bright.

But soon as in the hemlock-boughs The evening star began to show, Then I discovered our own house As fast as ever I could go. For when the sun has gone behind The winter woods, and night has come, The nicest place that I can find Is just my own dear home.

A great part of philosophy consists in knowing how to do without things. A horse, for example, enjoys his food best when he hasn’t a bit in his mouth. Judith was a very mischievous little girl. One day she was in the room adjoining the one where mamma sat sewing. She was out of sight, and was very quiet. •Judith I Judith !’ called mamma. ‘ what are you np to ?’ The answer came slowly and reluctantly : ‘ I’m up to the bureau, mamma I’