Lesson:

1. ‘I love you, mother,’ said little John;

Then, forgetting work, his cap went on,

And he was off to the garden swing,

Leaving his mother the wood to bring.

2. ‘I love you, mother,’ said rosy Nell;

‘I love you better than tongue can tell;’

Then she teased and pouted full half the day,

Till her mother rejoiced when she went to play.

3. ‘I love you, mother,’ said little Fan;

‘Today I’ll help you all I can;

How glad I am that school doesn’t keep!’

So she rocked the baby till it fell asleep.

4. Then, stepping softly, she took the broom,

And swept the floor, and dusted the room;

Busy and happy all day was she,

Helpful and cheerful as child could be.

5. ‘I love you, mother,’ again they said—

Three little children going to bed;

How do you think that mother guessed

Which of them really loved her best?

Joy Allison.