ON THE GATE.

Where are you going? Have you got Any thing good to eat In that big basket? Let me peek! Do you live on our street? I'm six years old to-day; aren't you Surprised? I wish you'd wait! I'll tell you something, if you will, And swing you on our gate. This is my grandpa's house. I wish He was your grandpa too! I guess your mother'll let you come And stay with me; don't you? I'm making patchwork: it's to keep The heathens warm. I hate To keep in-doors. I wish I could Swing all day on the gate! Have you a doll? Yes? Mine got drowned: Joe threw her down the well; But pretty soon I'm going to buy A new one; don't you tell! My bank is almost full; I'll let You shake it, if you'll wait: Pa said he'd fill it if I would Stop swinging on the gate.

We've got some kittens in the barn; They're way up in the loft: I like to hold them in my lap, They feel so warm and soft. Joe broke my little spade one day, Digging the earth for bait: Does your big brother call you names, And pull you off the gate? I go to school. I'm at the head: You ought to hear me spell! I and another girl are in The class. There goes the bell! I'll have to run, and get my books. Oh, dear! I shall be late: Another scolding I shall get For swinging on the gate!