For Our Young Readers.

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XXIV, Issue 29, 13 November 1896, Page 19

For Our Young Readers.

ADAM NEVER WAS A BOY. Ok all the men the world has seen Since Time his rounds began, There's one I pity every day — Earth's first and foremost man ; And then I think what fun he missed By failing to enjoy The wild delights of youthtime, for He never was a boy. He never stubbed his naked toe Against a rock or stone, He never with a pin-hook fished Along the brook alone. He never sought the bumble bee Among the daisies coy, Nor felt its business end. because He never was a boy. He never hockey played, nor tied The ever-ready pail. Down in the alley, all alone. To trusting Fido"s tail. And when he home from swimming came, His happiness to cloy, No slipper interfered, because He never w r as a boy. He never cut a kite-string, no ' Nor hid an Easter egg. He never ruined pantaloons A-playing mumble peg. He never from the attic stole A coon hunt to enjoy. To find his papa watching, for He never was a boy. I pity him. Why should I not ? I even drop a tear : He did not know how much he missed ; He never will, I fear, And when the scenes of " other days " My growing mind employ, I think of him. earth's only man Who never was a boy.