THE LITTLE VOYAGERS. THE lake was smooth and not a breath Stirr'd through the sleeping grove ; The oak tree hung as mute as death Upon the hills above:

"Come, sister," said the young Arnest, While sporting on the bank;

"Come, o'er this water's silvery breast Let's sail upon this plank."

"Yes, brother," and the plank she drew Along the slippery sand,

Around his neck her arms she threw -
And they drifted from the land.
Poor children! though these waters lie
Sleeping in sunshine bright,

That ray, which dazzles now the eye,
Shall melt away in night.

Yet forth they drifted, till the lake,
Roused by the evening breeze,
Around the plank began to break,
And swell in little seas:
"Alas, my brother!" cried Florelle,
And raised a piteous scream ;
Till both grown sick and dizzy, fell
Into the treacherous stream.

The puppy had an uncle,

A sober quiet dog,

Who said "I wish that urchin
Had a muzzle or a clog;

"Dear sister, if you don't, in time,
Your little pet restrain,

Your visitors will quit your house,
And never come again.

"You let him tumble you about,

Jump up, and knock you down; You laugh at all his rudeness,

When you rather ought to frown.

*I think it right to laugh and romp,
When by yourselves at home;
But you should check the little brat,
When other people come."

He went away; the mother cried,
"Your uncle 's very cross;
But, bless me! here are visitors,
Good morning, Mr Horse.

"My worthy neighbor, Billy Goat,
And Mrs Goose behind;
Come in, I'm glad to see you all;
Now this is very kind."

The uncle's prudent caution was,
of no avail;

It seems,

The puppy jump'd about the horse,
And twitch'd him by the tail.

He nearly sprain'd the goose's leg,
(Such pranks were never heard,)
And then ran barking to the goat
And pull'd him by the beard.

Politeness made them bear it once,
But when it was renew'd

They thought the puppy's conduct
Was insufferably rude:

The horse's kick, goat Billy's horn,
And from the goose a bite,

Soon sent him yelping from the place;
I think they served him right.

The puppy's mother frown'd and said:
"Dear Mr Horse, I fear

You are not fond of young folks,
As you snub my little dear."

The horse replied," Why really, ma'am,
I do not like them rude;

But I love them very dearly, ma'am,

When well behaved and good."

MORAL.

Now that is what I say myself,
And many think with me;
'Tis sweet to sport with children
But we likewise love to see,

That they can shew good manners
In the parlor or at table ;'
And I hope my youthful readers all
Will profit by my fable.

SLOTH.

THE whole structure of our nature, and the whole condition of our being, prove that our Maker intended us, not for a life of indolence, but for one of active exertion. All the organs of the body, and all the faculties of the mind, are instruments of action, and are to be employed in the vigorous pursuit of happiness.

It is only by constant exercise, that these powers can be preserved in a sound and healthful state. If the body be suffered to remain long inactive, it will lose its strength and become a prey to disease; at the same time, the mental faculties will be gradually enfeebled, and the whole fabric of human happiness be undermined by fretfulness and spleen.

It is, on the contrary, a matter of constant experience, that a regular course of bodily exercise is conducive to health, exhilarates the spirits, and contributes to the easy and successful employment of the intellectual powers.

THE ART OF HAPPINESS.

A GOOD temper is one of the principal ingredients of happiness. Almost every object that attracts our notice, has its bright and its dark side. He that habituates himself to look at the displeasing side, will sour his disposition, and consequently impair his happiness; while he who constantly beholds it on the bright side, insensibly ameliorates his temper, and in consequence of it, improves his own happiness, and the happiness of all around him. By this practice, we may arrive at that easy benevolence of temper, which the world calls good-nature, and the scriptures charity, whose natural, and never failing fruit is happiness.