Now he is old, you must take care of him." The man took the horse home. He was kind to him. "I am glad I put the bell there," said King John. "I am glad the horse rang the bell." THE BELL OF ATRI. The King Had a great bell hung in the market-place Beneath a roof, projecting some small space, Then rode he through the streets with all his train, * * * * A knight said: "What is the use or need * * * The King then said: "As this steed Served you in youth, henceforth you shall take heed To comfort his old age, and to provide Shelter in stall, and food and field beside." -Longfellow. THE LEAVES. How pretty the leaves were! One wore a yellow dress. One wore a brown dress. The very little one had a red dress. The leaves were not happy. I will tell you why.. "You are getting tired," said the old tree. "Little red is very tired. It is time for you to go to bed." The leaves did not want to go to bed. This is what they said: "We do not want to go to bed. Let us stay a little longer. It is such a sunny day. We want to play. Dear father Tree, please let us stay." So the tree let them stay. They were very happy. They danced in the sunshine. The wind helped them dance. 66 "Perhaps the tree will forget," said they. Perhaps he will let us stay till Spring. Don't say anything to him. Just keep on play ing. Perhaps he will let us stay till Spring." The old tree heard what they said. He smiled at the little leaves. He shook his head. All the leaves dropped from the tree. The snow spread a blanket over them. Soon they were all fast asleep. |