Volume 9 — The Pearl And The Poison.

From The French.

Chanced it, where along the strand Softly foaming broke the sea, Lay an oyster on the sand 'Mid her neighbors merrily: And her shelly doors, ablaze With the sapphire's thousand rays, She had opened to the sigh Of the zephyrs flitting by. Fell into her bosom there Just a single drop of rain— Just a rain-drop dull and plain: When, behold! a jewel rare— A sudden pearl exceeding fair! Chanced it on the heath hard by That a viper, lurking dread, Uttered then her hissing cry— To the zephyr raised her head: When upon her dart accurst Fell a rain-drop like the first: Just a drop of poison more To recruit her venom's store. With twofold nature are our hearts endued, Nor open less to evil than to good: Responding kindly to the tiller's care, The soil becomes what skilful hands prepare. Dear parents, take you heed. If yours the will To guard your children's sacred innocence, Be timely care and foresight the defence; And drop by drop instil Into their little spirits thoughts of good, To be their daily food. If you are wise, through years to come A pearl of a child will make you blest: If not, you'll cherish in your home A very poison to your rest.