OLD ROVER.

YOU naughty old dog Just run right away! For Annie and I Are going to play. And then Minnie struck Old Rover's thick hide With her dimpled hand As he stood at her side. "Why, Minnie! how can you?" Said sweet Annie May. "Have you never been told Of that terrible day When the waters went mad With foaming and strife, And Rover, good dog, Saved your dear little life? "All night the Delaware Rose; and then While papa was gone For boats and for men, Mamma, she cuddled you Safe and warm, And left you for Rover To guard from harm "While she tried to save A few things more. But when she returned Through the water's roar, Your cradle was gone! And old Rover, too. Poor mamma! she cried 'Oh what shall I do!' "Papa came back and took us away, Searching for you The rest of the day. At night, a fisherman Sailed o'er the deep, With you in your cradle Fast asleep! "He found old Rover Towing you down To a little island Near the town. All day careful vigil Rover had kept, While you, all unconscious, Had smiled and slept." Now Rover was hugged! And blue eyes were wet, As Minnie said, low, "I shall never forget! When I've anything good He shall have a big part; And a great big place All his own, in my heart." S. R. Sill.