BLACKBERRY GIRL.

“What have you in that basket, child?” “They are blackberries, Miss, all picked to-day; They’re very nice, and fully ripe;—Do look at them, and taste them, pray.” “Oh, yes, they are very nice indeed! Here’s four-pence, that will buy a few, Not quite so many as I could eat; However, I must make them do.” “No, Miss; but you must take the whole.” “I can’t, indeed, my money’s spent; I should be glad to buy them all, But I have not another cent. “And if you had a thousand, Miss, I’d not accept of one from you; Pray take them! they are all your own, And take the little basket, too. “Have you forgot that little girl You last year gave a bonnet to? You may, perhaps, but ever will That little girl remember you. “For ever since I’ve been to church,— And much do I delight to go,— For there I learned the way to heaven, Which I so long had wished to know. “One day I thought within myself, That pretty basket Billy wove I’ll fill with fruit for that dear Miss, For sure ’t will be a work of love. “And so, this morning, up I rose, While yet the fields were wet with dew, And picked the nicest I could find, And brought them fresh and sweet to you. “I know the gift is small, indeed, For such a lady to receive; But yet, I hope you’ll not refuse All that poor Phebe has to give.”