TIT, TAT, TOE!

Tit, tat, toe! Three in a row! The heavy schoolroom clock strikes loud and slow. "Now every little one May go and take his fun," The gentle teacher cries, "for the school is done."

Tit, tat, toe! All in a row! Out through the open door the merry children go, Leaving only three, Sad as sad can be,— Wretched little culprits with their Spellers, as you see!

Tit, tat, toe! Three in a row!— Billy Bumble, Benny Bell, and little Kitty Coe. Little Kitty sighs; Little Benny cries; And little Billy Bumble pokes his fingers in his eyes.

Tit, tat, toe! Three in a row! That's the game they played upon their slate, you know: The 0's were made by Kate; The crosses, by her mate; While Billy kept the tally at the bottom of the slate.

When their class was heard, They couldn't spell a word: They put an "i" in burly, and they put a "u" in bird! So, according to the rule, They must study after school, Or by and by they'll have to sit upon the dunce's stool.

Tit, tat, toe! Three in a row! The teacher's pencil taps on the desk broad and low. "Now come," she says, "and spell; I'm sure you'll do it well; By the brightening of your faces, I readily can tell."

Tit, tat, toe! Three in a row! Straight to the teacher's desk the willing children go: They say their lesson o'er, Not missing as before, Then fly away, determined to be idle never more.

Tit, tat, toe! Three in a row! Is a fascinating pastime the little people know; But oh! it never pays To walk in folly's ways; For pleasure quickly passes, while pain much longer stays.

Olive A. Wadsworth.