PERSEVERANCE.

* * * * *

My master says this is done well,
How glad, how proud am I!
For I shall see a joyful smile
In mother's dear kind eye.

She'll lay her hand upon my head,
And kiss my forehead too,
And whisper softly in my ear,
"Did I not tell you true?"

For when I said, "Oh _dear_, I can't!"
And breathed a heavy sigh,
My mother said, "Nay, do not fear;
Come, let me see you try.

[Illustration: THE PERSEVERING BOY.]

"For if you will I'm very sure
It will not be in vain;
You know a hard task _really_ learnt
Is more than double gain."