“IF." 



IF I had been made a rooster, 

Of course I could only crow; 

If I were a chicken or a hen, 

I'd have to cackle, you know. 

If I had been made a pussy cat, 

I could only say, "Mew, mew;" 

If I were a dog, to bark and howl 

Would be all that I could do. 

But do you see! I am none of these, 

I'm a little talking girl, 

And mother says that every word 

From my lips should be a pearl,— 

Bright and polished with cheery tones, 

And set in a loving smile; 

Think of the pearls in a single day,— 

For I'm talking all the while! 





—Youth's Companion.