Part 2 — PART II.
Reading edition
"What have you in that basket, child?" "Blackberries, Miss, all pick'd to-day; They're very large and fully ripe; Do look at them, and taste them pray."
"O yes: they're very nice, indeed. Here's fourpence—that will buy a few: Not quite so many as I want— However, I must make it do."
"Nay, Miss, but you must take the whole;" "I can't, indeed, my money's spent; I should he glad to buy them all, But I have not another cent."
"And if you had a thousand, Miss, I'd not accept of one from you. Pray take them, they are all your own. And take the little basket, too.
"Have you forgot the little girl You last year gave a bonnet to? Perhaps you have—but ever will That little girl remember you.
"And ever since, I've been to church, For much do I delight to go; And there I learn that works of love Are what all children ought to do.
"So then I thought within myself, That pretty basket, Billy wove, I'll fill with fruit for tha dear Miss, For sure 'twill be a work of love.
"And so one morning up I rose, While yet the fields were wet with dew,
And pick'd the nicest I could find, And brought them, fresh and sweet, for you.
"I know the gift is small indeed, For such a lady to receive; But still I hope you'll not refuse All that poor Phebe has to give."
[Illustration]
[Illustration: Good Children learning their Hymn.]