flect, they
will see that amendment is no very difficult thing, when once they form
a sincere resolution to accomplish it.

Rosina was the joy of her parents until the seventh year of her age, at
which period the glowing light of reason begins to unfold itself, and
make us sensible of our infantine faults; but this period of life had a
different effect on Rosina, who had then contracted an unhappy
disposition, which cannot better be described, than by the practices of
those snarling curs that grumble incessantly, and seem always ready to
run and bite at those that approach them.

If a person touched any of her playthings, though it were by mistake,
she would be out of temper for hours, and murmur about the house as
though she had been robbed. If any one attempted to correct her, though
in the most gentle manner, she would fly into a rage, equalled only by
the fury of contending elements, and the uproar of the angry billows of
the ocean.

Her father and mother saw this unaccountable change, with inexpressible
sorrow; for neither they, nor any in the house, could now bear with her.
Indeed, she would sometimes seem sensible of her errors, and would often
shed tears in private, on seeing herself thus become the object of
contempt to every one, not excepting her parents; but an ill habit had
got the better of her temper, and she consequently every day grew worse
and worse.

One evening, which happened to be new year's eve, she saw her mother
going towards her room with a basket under her cloak. Rosina followed
her mother, who ordered her to go back to the parlour immediately. As
Rosina went thither, she threw about all the stools and chairs that
stood in her way.

About half an hour after, her mamma sent for her; and great indeed was
her surprise on seeing the room lighted up with a number of candles and
the table covered with the most elegant toys.

Her mother called her to her, and desired her to read, in a bit of paper
which she gave her, for whom those toys were intended, on which she read
the following words, written in large letters; "For an amiable little
girl, in return for her good behaviour." Rosina looked down, and could
not say a word. On her mother's asking her for whom those toys were
intended, she replied, with tears in her eyes, that they could not be
intended for her.

Her parent then showed her another paper, desiring her to see if that
did not concern her. Rosina took it, and read as follows: "For