em," said the eldest wave.
11. And the little one went about its work, and learned to
be quiet and gentle, for fear of breaking the shells.
12. "Where is my work?" said a great, full-grown wave.
"this is mere play. The little ones can do this and laugh over
it. Mother said there was work for me." And he came down
upon some large rocks.
13. Over the rocks and into a pool he went, and he heard
the fishes say, "The sea is coming. Thank you, great sea; you
always send a big wave when a storm is nigh. Thank you,
kind wave; we are all ready for you now."

142 ECLECTIC SERIES.
14. Then the waves all went back over the wet sands,
slowly and carelessly, for they were tired.
15. "All my shells are safe," said one.
16. And, "My seaweeds are left behind," said another.
17. "I washed all of the pebbles," said a third.
18. "And I--I only broke on a rock, and splashed into a
pool," said the one that was so eager to work. "I have done
no good, mother--no work at all"
19. "Hush!" said the sea. And they heard a child that was
walking on the shore, say, "O mother, the sea has been here!
Look, how nice and clean the sand is, and how clear the
water is in that pool."
20. Then the sea, said, "Hark!" and far away they heard
the deep moaning of the coming storm.
21. "Come, my darlings," said she; "you have done your
work, now let the storm do its work."

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LESSON LV.

DO N'T KILL THE BIRDS.

1. Do n't kill the birds! the little birds,
That sing about your door
Soon as the joyous Spring has come,
And chilling storms are o'er.

2. The little birds! how sweet they sing!
Oh, let them joyous live;
And do not seek to take the life
Which you can never give.

3. Do n't kill the birds! the pretty birds,
That play among the trees;

144 ECLECTIC SERIES.

For earth would be a cheerless place,
If it were not for these.

4. The little birds! how fond they play!
Do not disturb their sport;
But let them warble forth their songs,
Till winter cuts them short.

5. Do n't kill the birds! the happy birds,
That bless the field and grove;
So innocent to look upon,
They claim our warmest love.

6. The happy birds, the tuneful birds,
How pleasant 't is to see!
No spot can be a cheerless place
Where'er their presence be.

LESSON LVI.

WHEN TO SAY NO.

1. Though "No" is a very little word, it is not always easy
to say it; and the not doing so, often causes trouble.

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2. When we