Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1867 edition. Excerpt: ...its downy snow-flakes shed. The water ouzel skimmed along the stream, The raven sought his mate on Haytorr's height; The heron left the shallows with a scream, And noisy rooks winged home their straggling flight; The shadows lengthened on the fern-clad hill, As Jan and Girzie left their love tiyst there, But some how in the lanes they lingered still, For Girzie never got to Morton fair. FOOLS. TO MY CHILDREN. Children, listen to my lay--This is April's All-Fool's day; Fittest day in all the year While I speak for you to hear. Many winters have I seen, Time has blanched my beard, I ween; Long, long years I've been to school, I can teach you who's a fool. 'Twas my chance a man to know, Who, though not accounted so, After sixty years had past Found himself a fool at last. Ancient Greeks a proverb knew, I believe the maxim true--"Lips of fools can wisdom teach;" List to me, then, while I preach. Great and little fools there be, Fools of high and low degree; Fools by chance, and fools by fate, Workhouse fools, and fools in state. He's a fool with cash in store Who but frets and toils for more, Losing rest, and marring health, Living but to heap up wealth. He who, frittering time away, Wasting life in drink and play, Makes himself the devil's tool, He's a most egregious fool. She who sells herself for gold, Coupling with some dotard old; Feigning love, for lucre's sake, She's a fool and no mistake. He who courts the rich and grand, Bowing, with his cap in hand, While they count him but a lout, He's a fool beyond a doubt. She who plays a fickle part, Trifling with some honest heart, When it might be hers alone, She's a little fool, you'll own. He who, lured by golden ray, Turns aside from honour's way, Loving riches more than truth, ...
