HOW BLUE-EYES WATCHED FOR THE NEW YEAR.

Little Miss Blue-Eyes shook her head At nurse's call, "Come, time for bed!" "Oh, no! oh, no indeed! not yet! I'm 'stonished at you! you forget That I and all my family Must watch the Old Year out, you see, And I must be the first to say To all, 'A happy New Year's Day!'" "Oh, bless your little heart, my dear!" Said nurse, "the New Year won't be here Till midnight hour: your curly head Must long ere then be snug in bed." But Blue-Eyes answered, "No, no, NO! Please, nursie, do not make me go! I mean to keep awake, and hear The bells that ring in the New Year." But, when the nurse came back to peep, A minute later, sound asleep Was little Blue-Eyes on the floor; And still she slept while nursie bore Her softly to the pretty bed Which waited for the curly head. And the New Year was bright with sun, Ere little Blue-Eyes' sleep was done.

Then the gay sunbeams kissing her Caused the small, drowsy limbs to stir, Caused the blue eyes to open wide, And see her mother at her side: And "Happy New Year!" all things said To this same little sleepy head, Who meant to be the first to say, "To all a happy New Year's Day!"