WILLIE’S FEARS.
Reading edition
PART II.
MOTHER.
Come, Willie, and tell me, my dear, What made you so foolish, last night; I am waiting this morning to hear The cause of your terrible fright.
WILLIE.
Biddie said that a wolf would come out And catch me if I was not good; That is what I was thinking about When I screamed just as loud as I could.
MOTHER.
And where would a wolf come from, pray; Biddy could not find one, should she try. ’T was a wicked thing for her to say,— She knew she was telling a lie. Examine your chamber, my dear; Look carefully round before night, And if you can find a wolf here, I will certainly leave you a light.
WILLIE.
Mamma, you are laughing at me, There’s no wolf anywhere to be found; I know there is nothing to see If I take all the day to look round.
MOTHER.
Then I hope you will not be afraid; Now tell me, my son, if you’re able, Of what mamma’s candles are made, You see one stand there on the table.
WILLIE.
Of tallow and cotton, mamma; The candles are run in a mould. I went up one day with papa To the factory where they are sold.
MOTHER.
Can tallow and cotton, my son, Protect you from harm thro’ the night, When into a mould it is run, And made in a candle to light?
WILLIE.
The candle could not see or hear, And I’ll try to remember to-night, That God my kind Father is near, Then, mamma, I’ll not ask for a light.