Shun Bad Company is a story we can all take to heart, regardless how old we are. We might not see it at first, but some people are just best to cut out of your life, no matter how hard that might be.
Shun Bad Company
Poor Charley is sad; and what ails the lad?
He says he don’t wish me to tell:
He wants to go down on the green in the town,
And play with that naughty Jack Bell.
Now, Jack, I have heard, will oft use a bad word;
And he smokes a cigar every day.
Ah, Charley, take care! of bad boys beware,
And keep from all evil away.
The spider is sure every fly to allure
Who happens to come in her way.
Just so with Jack Bell: no good boy can tell
How soon Jack will lead him astray.
Now, Charley, come here; wipe away every tear;
For mother is soon coming back;
And what would she say if she found you away,
And playing with naughty boy Jack?
To-night we will find some game to our mind
Much better than those on the street;
And, when we are through, I know what we’ll do:
We’ll have nuts and apples to eat.
Aunt Clara
I think it sounds like much more fun to hang out with Aunt Clara than to hang out with Jack Bell. Besides, I bet he doesn’t have the good things to eat that Aunt Clara has.
The second ‘story’ of the day is more play-like in nature. It’s very unique!
Holding the Skein
Emma — What a boy you are, John! You cannot even hold a skein of yarn for me without having your book before you.
John — I am in the midst of the story of Capt. Kane, just where his vessel is fixed firmly in the ice.
Emma — But you cannot do two things at once, and do them both well. So get out of the ice at once. I could wind my yarn twice as fast if you would attend to what you are about.
John — Well, Emma, you are right; and I will put by my book. “Work while you work, and play while you play,” is the best plan. There! now wind away.
Emma — You take my advice so well, that I would like to give you some more.
John — What is it now? I like to hear good advice.
Emma — But you are sure it will not hurt your feelings if I say—
John — If you say what, Cousin Emma? Tell me my faults, as many as you please.
Emma — Well, then, John, in the first place I think you might sit up straighter without its hurting you.
John — That is not a bad hint. I will sit up straight. Will that do?
Emma — That will do very well.
John — Now, what more can I do to please you, Cousin Emma?
Emma –You can go to the barber’s, and get him to cut your hair.
John — I will do it this very minute, Cousin Emma.
Emma — And John —
John — Do not stop me.
Emma — If you would get a new pair of shoes on the way, it might be well.
John — Good-by. I must not stay any longer, Cousin Emma.
Alfred Selwyn
Emma saw so many faults in John, I wonder if she is as perfect as she thinks she is?
What do you think? Do you think John was leaving to get a haircut, or was he leaving because Emma was so critical of him? Say so in the comments!