THE FAIR.
JamesandEdward Franklin, with theirSisters, had leave to walk about, and amuse themselves in a fair. They saw a great many people who seemed very happy, many children merry and joyous, jumping about, and boasting of their toys. They went to all the stalls and bought little presents for those who were at home. They saw wild beasts; peeped in show-boxes; heard drums, trumpets, fiddles, and were as much pleased with the bustle around them, as you, my little reader, would have been, had you been there.
Mrs.Franklinhad desired them not to ride in a Merry-go-round, lest they should fall and hurt themselves.
Did you ever see a Merry-go-round? If you never passed through a country fair, I dare say you never did.
As they passed by, the children who were riding called, “will you ride? will you ride?”
James.No, I thank you, we may not.
Edward.I should like it, if I might.
One girl called, “See how we ride!” One said, “O! how charming this is!” One boy said, “You see we do not fall!”
James.I am not fearful; but my mother forbade us to ride.
One boy shouted aloud, “Come, come, you must ride; it will not be known at home. I was bid not to ride, but you see I do.”
Just as he spoke, the part upon which he sat broke, and down he fell.
In another part of the fair, the boys saw some children tossed about in a Toss-about.
They were singing merrily the old nurse’s ditty:
“Now we go up, up, up,“Now we go down, down, down,“Now we go backward and forward,“Now we go round, round, round.”
“Now we go up, up, up,“Now we go down, down, down,“Now we go backward and forward,“Now we go round, round, round.”
“Now we go up, up, up,“Now we go down, down, down,“Now we go backward and forward,“Now we go round, round, round.”
“Now we go up, up, up,
“Now we go down, down, down,
“Now we go backward and forward,
“Now we go round, round, round.”
The voices sounded pleasantly toNed’sear; his heart danced to the notes; jumping, he called to his brotherJames, “DearJames! look! if I thought our mother would like it, I would ride so.”
James.My dearNed! I am sure that mother would object to our riding in that.
Ned.Did you ever hear her name the Toss-about?
James.I am certain that if she had known of it, she would have given us the same caution as she did about the Merry-go-round.
Nedpaused a moment; then said,“How happy am I to have an elder brother who is so prudent!”
Jamesreplied—“I am not less happy that you are willing to be advised.”
When they returned home, each was eager to relate his brother’s good conduct; each was happy to hear his parents commend them both.