SONGS for CHILDREN, SONG XXIII

What a pretty kitten's here, See how playful 'tis my dear; Well does she the time beguile, Tho' you're ill, she'd make you smile.

But behold in all her pride, Sitting by the fire side: As if full of thoughts of weight, Grave old Puss is plac'd in state.

Ev'ry thing the kitten views, Sportive, happy, she pursues; Mouse or paper cork and firing, All alike can pleasure brag.

Once her mother, full of game, Play'd and frisk'd, and did the same; To a mouse ev'n now inclin'd, Still "The cat is after kind."

Time has all the diff'rence made, The pow'r of Time's in all display'd; You, tho' full of merry play, Will be grave another day.

Youth's the time for joy and mirth, Youth will give all pleasures birth; None your pleasures will despise, Be but MERRY, child, and WISE.