The Project Gutenberg eBook of Rhymes for Harry and His Nurse-Maid
Title: Rhymes for Harry and His Nurse-Maid
Author: Maria Arthington
Release date: March 18, 2014 [eBook #45168]
Most recently updated: October 24, 2024
Language: English
Credits: Produced by Chris Curnow, Chris Whitehead and the Online
Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
The cover image was restored by the transcriber and is placed in the public domain.
Frontispiece.
to "Rhymes for Harry and his Nurse-Maid".
Nursery Furniture. pa 21.
When sober prose is spurn'd;
The charm of rhyme beguiles the time,
And still a lesson's learn'd.
RHYMES
FOR
HARRY
AND
HIS NURSE-MAID.
A simple tale will oft prevail,
When sober prose is spurn'd;
The charm of rhyme beguiles the time,
And still a lesson's learn'd.
Thus lines for youth, in simple truth,
We never will despise;
For maxims old, tho' frequent told,
May still assist the wise.
LONDON:
WILLIAM DARTON AND SON,
HOLBORN HILL.
PREFACE.
It is with feelings of great humility, from a sense of her own deficiency in the important duties of a mother, that the writer of the following rhymes submits them to the public. Her wish is to convey a few useful hints to nurse-maids, as well as to those mothers who have had but little experience in the care of children.
Many young mothers, more especially in the middle circles of life, have scarcely leisure to make education a study; while others, perhaps, do not reflect on the very great importance of early habits; to such persons, the few practical observations contained in the notes, may not be unacceptable.
The subjection of the will, in the first place, by mild yet firm and persevering conduct, will generally ensure success to the parent, and will save the child hours and even days of fretfulness and sorrow.
The employment of a nurse-maid is a responsible one; those who really perform their duty from pure and conscientious motives, will not lose their reward; and though such may feel themselves to be placed in a very humble situation, they are, in reality, laying the foundation for future happiness or misery. In the first three years of childhood, that basis is often formed upon which the conduct of future life is built. If self-will, and a spirit of contradiction, be allowed to take deep root in the infant mind, Divine Grace only can counteract their evils. But, on the other hand, if good feelings be cherished, and the evil passions (which all have more or less, by nature,) be gradually subjected, early blossoms of virtue will appear; and, by the blessing of Providence, those beautiful fruits will be matured, by which the tree may be known to be good; and by which, from the cradle to the grave, the designs of the benevolent Creator will be accomplished.
Nurse's first thoughts about her baby. pa 7.
Finding a Pin which had pricked baby. pa 8.
The writer only wishes to say, that these rhymes were undertaken at the particular request of a valued friend of hers, who has bestowed much of his time, with truly benevolent intentions, in adding to the instruction and amusement of the rising generation; and she cannot but acknowledge the obligation she feels for the kind assistance he has lent her in several of the subjects which occupy the following pages.
The design of the writer is, that each piece shall convey some hint which may tend to the physical or moral advantage of the child, in those duties which immediately devolve upon a mother, and her nurse-maid; so that, while they are amusing their little ones with the recital of a simple narrative, adapted to the most humble capacity, they may sometimes be pleasantly reminded of their own obligations.
M. A.
RHYMES, &c.
NURSE'S FIRST THOUGHTS ABOUT
HER BABY.
Naked, trembling, and forlorn,
My hand the willing help supplies,
To ease thy pain, and soothe thy cries;
Nor can I tell thee little dear,
How much we're pleased to see thee here.
O, it will be my sweet delight
To serve thee with this milk so white!
But tho' my babe so nicely feeds,
I'll only give just what it needs;
If I the spoon too often fill,
'Twould make my baby sick and ill.
Mamma too will be able soon
To feed her babe without a spoon,
And that we know is better far
Than milk and barley-water are.
FINDING A PIN WHICH HAD
PRICKED BABY.
Tho' it seemed so nicely sleeping;
Sure its wrapping is not right!
I fear there is some string too tight.
Ah! now I find the reason why,—
My precious baby well might cry.
Upon its bosom, close within
The barrow-coat, I've found a pin;
But I can tell thee o'er and o'er,
No pin shall ever prick thee more;
Some buttons shall be snugly set
Upon the flannels of my pet.
Ah, baby dear, so feeble, fair!
Thou call'st forth many an anxious care!
Thou canst not speak thy pain or wo,
Or tell me whence thy pleasures flow;
Then o'er my babe a watch I'll keep,
And guard it when 'tis fast asleep.
The crust.—Teething. pa 15.
Babes are fretful when suddenly aroused from sleep. pa 16.
BABY ASLEEP AGAIN IN THE COT.
Make baby cry or start again,
I'll warm its feet before the fire,
Or see what else it may require;
Over my shoulder gently throw
And rock my baby to and fro.
And now, asleep within the cot,
It must be neither cold nor hot.
If cold, I know it shortly will
Awake, and feel itself quite ill;
And if 'tis wrapp'd too tight and warm,
Tho' babe may feel no present harm,
'Twill be relax'd, and feeble grow,
And shortly lose its healthy glow.
But with a blanket warm, yet light,
And pillow not too great a height,
With nothing else to tease or cumber,
Baby will most sweetly slumber.
WASHING.
With cap and pinafore complete;
I'll daily sponge its little head,
And wash its skin, so soft and red.
My seat must not be over high,
Lest babe roll off my lap, and cry:
Upon my knee, I'll safely hold,
And do it quick for fear of cold.
Hush, hush, my dear! I'll not be long;
Washing will make thee stout and strong:
Thy little nerves 'twill help to brace,
'Twill make thee have a rosy face.
Some helpless babes scarce ever get
A wholesome washing, like my pet;
Then weak, and weaker still, they grow,
No sprightliness or pleasure show;
Whereas, by constant daily care,
With skin so fresh, and clean brush'd hair,
They might have stouter grown, and stronger,
And liv'd in cheerful health much longer.
RESTLESS NIGHTS.
"Child's cordial" will soothe it to sleep, it is said;
And ignorant people, who know not its harm,
Think this dangerous stuff has a powerful charm.
But one drop of such poison I never will give,
Because I would rather my darling should live;
And I know very well, if this cordial I try,
That baby will want more and more, till it die.
Tho' made with such art as to lull and give ease,
It lays the foundation for lasting disease;
No mother deserves a sweet babe for her prize,
Who would poison her infant, to silence its cries.
And a nurse who loves baby, or values her place,
Will ne'er use this drug; 'tis a sin and disgrace;
Well then, I will try with much patience and care,
To soothe my dear babe, or some food to prepare;
And the true satisfaction of doing my best
Will repay all my labour and sweeten my rest.
A WALK IN THE COUNTRY.
Where are spencer and hat?
Why, my Harry looks pleas'd,
When I tell him of that!
Not saunter and stay;
Then we catch the fresh breeze
As it hastens away.
Let us open it, dear;
We have got to the field,
And the daisies appear.
Make it look yellow;
Must I pluck one, to give
To my sweet little fellow?
Baby asleep again in the cot. pa 9.
Washing. pa 10.
Ah! now he has caught it;
Well really, my Harry,
I scarce could have thought it!
He is bearing the prize,
Ah! I see very well
That I have not been wise.
On the stalk or the leaves;
I must take it away,
Though my darling it grieves.
Note.—Children are sent out into the country for the benefit of fresh air and exercise; but it is impossible to say what evils arise through the thoughtlessness of some nurse-maids, who will even let their helpless babes sit upon the cold grass, in order that they may loiter with their associates.
A WALK IN THE TOWN.
When babe and I together stray!
Among the fields and daisy-flowers,
We love to spend the happy hours;
But when Mamma shall send us down
To make her markets in the town,
Much we shall see to please the boy
And make him almost jump for joy:
Horses and carts will please him well,
And twenty things we need not tell.
But then we must not stop too long,
Mamma would say that we did wrong.
We must not saunter in the street,
Or chatter with the folks we meet,
But hasten homeward with our store,
Until we reach the well-known door:
With dirty feet we'll not be seen,
For Mary's steps are neat and clean.
If Harry for my basket begs,
I must not let him break my eggs,
Or lose my curds, or spill, or waste;
But find some toy to suit his taste:
Then Harry, nurse, and basket-store,
Will safely land at home once more.
TEETHING.
And bite their little thumbs;
Aught they can seize, they'll often try
To carry to their gums.
With bells all hung together;
And some will give them glass to bite,
Or ivory, or leather.[2]
Mamma approves of never;
They grieve and hurt poor babes, alas!
And make them worse than ever.
In finding what will please,
A crust of bread, if they're inclined,
Will nourish and not tease.
With care about their dress:
Lancing, when teeth are nearly thro,'
Makes babies suffer less.
BABIES ARE FRETFUL WHEN SUDDENLY
AROUSED FROM SLEEP.
Has slept rather long,
But now that he's waking
I'll sing him a song.
I must not be forgetful,
That suddenly rousing
Makes Harry quite fretful.
Toss my baby about,
If I make too much noise
I shall grieve him, I doubt.
My bosom shall hide thee;
I'll pat thee, and kiss thee,
No fear shall betide thee.
Now I've gained all my ends;
For my baby and I
Can soon make-up good friends.
Learning to walk. pa 17.
In-doors play. pa 18.
LEARNING TO WALK.
And loves to stand upon his feet;
But then 'tis only when I hold
His finger, that he feels so bold;
Until his limbs are firmer grown
I must not let him stand alone;
I'll notice every new desire,
That, while I teach, I may not tire;
His little wants with care supply,
And guard against each danger nigh.
We'll sometimes walk, and sometimes rest,
Just as my darling likes the best:
For ah! his legs are young and slender,
His tripping toes are soft and tender;
Much at once he cannot bear,
Needing patience, thought, and care.
Yet frequent walking, not too long,
Will make his little limbs grow strong.
IN-DOORS PLAY.
Pelting upon the window panes!
We'll shut them till the storm is o'er,
Lest it should rain upon the floor.
When all above seems clear and dry,
Again we'll throw the windows high;
The shower makes all look green and fair,
And wholesome is the freshen'd air.
Come, Harry, get his ball the while—
(Harry loves play, it makes him smile.)
We'll roll it on the floor, and then
Quickly we'll fetch it back again.
And, if I think his looks betray
Some anxious wish for change of play,
We'll try a hundred little tricks,
We'll fetch his horse, his cart, his bricks;
And, when he seems well pleas'd, we'll strive
To keep good-temper all alive:
With kindness and obliging aim
I'll join in every childish game,
Nor interrupt with thoughtless air,
Aught that has claim'd my Harry's care.
See how my Harry hangs his head. pa 19.
Bed-time.
Now, on the little cap we'll put. pa 20.
Never grieve one to please another. pa 22.
Warm Feet. pa 24.
HARRY HAS A SISTER.
Harry was two years old;
His dimpled cheeks and lively air
A cheerful temper told.
As she the babe would dress.
And, though he kiss'd or patted her,
Too hard he did not press.
His pinafore to loose,
Now on he'd nicely put his socks,
And clasp his little shoes.
At nurse or mother's call;
But then, he took fast hold the while,
Lest he should get a fall.
BED-TIME.
And rubs his little peepy;
'Tis time to trot up stairs to bed
When babies are so sleepy.
Jane's rattle, and her dolly;
We must not leave all things awry,
To make more work for Molly.
—A kiss for dear Mamma;
Hark, hark, she says "farewell my sweet,"
And Harry says, "ta, ta."
Me stop a little longer?"
Indulgence soon would spoil her pet,
And make his will grow stronger.)
And let the curtains down;
Now, on the little cap we'll put,
And now the sleeping gown.
The bed-clothes nice and even;
"Ta, ta,"—he'll soon be fast asleep,
For, hark! the clock strikes seven.
Harry has a Sister. pa 19.
And, though he kiss'd or patted her,
Too hard he did not press. pa 19.
NURSERY FURNITURE.
Just at his own desire;
But once he was a careless boy,
And went too near the fire.
Beheld, and quickly turn'd
His pinafore had caught the flame,
His hair had all been burn'd.
That fitted round a fire;
He order'd one for Harry's room,
With closely platted wire.
And fearless of all harm;
And yet he can, on Winter days,
His little fingers warm.
Is fasten'd to the wall;
For candles, on a table put,
Might quickly get a fall.
With water from the well,
Plac'd on a little frame of wood,
Suit nurse and Harry well.
With things that will not spoil;
Mamma too kind and thoughtful is
To make much care or toil.
At liberty and ease,
And still, in having useful things,
Takes care they do not tease.
NEVER GRIEVE ONE TO PLEASE
ANOTHER.
Why sobs her little heart?
She cries, because she wants to have
Her brother's nice new cart.
Unloading all his store,
She must, my darling, wait awhile,
Until his game is o'er.
Not rob and grieve another;
Justice should always be our guide,
And feeling for the other.
Will freely give or lend;
If we oblige them to be kind,
We soon defeat our end.
And other thoughts excite;
We'll try, with tender care, to lead,
The infant wish aright.
For every useful lesson;
We must enforce from earliest years
The practice of submission.
N. B.—A little publication, entitled "Hints for the Improvement of Early Education," the writer recommends to the increased attention of every conscientious mother.—These rhymes make but very humble pretensions, and are likewise much limited, from various considerations; so that many of the more important subjects of education could not be touched upon.
WARM FEET.
Harry is so cold and chill,
Nurse does almost think, and fear,
Something's the matter with her dear.
Let me feel his little feet,
If they're nicely warm, my sweet!
Ah! they are both damp and cold;
And that should never be, I'm told.
Let us fetch the little tub,
And water warm, his feet to rub;
We'll bathe them well; then by and by
We'll wash them clean, and wipe them dry.
If feet are cold, Mamma can tell
Her children will not long be well;
And often have I heard her say,
"That case admits of no delay."
HARRY AT DINNER.
At dinner as I wish;
He sometimes is a dainty boy,
Unless he likes the dish.
Nurse telling Harry a tale, about catching flies. pa 27.
The girl who hurt herself with the table. pa 30.
His pudding and his meat,
If, on the sideboard he can see
A pie or custard sweet.
Should follow ways like these;
And if his plate he does not clean,
He has no pie nor cheese.
Her boy, is always good;
And she is never pleas'd to hear
Remarks about his food.
Has nought whereon to feed!
While happy Henry, day by day,
Has all that he can need.
Note. What a privilege those children enjoy who are allowed to take their meals with their parents! Many children are really brought up in habits of daintiness and gluttony, through the mistaken kindness of nurses, who are not aware that they are laying the foundation for future misery. And who is more miserable than the epicure? surrounded by the blessings of a bountiful Giver,—and yet dissatisfied with all! Surely poverty, with thankfulness, is not half so wretched a condition!
TAKING MEDICINE.
'Tis senna-tea: come, drink it up.
Now come, my little Harry, haste;
What! say he does not like the taste?
These raisins, with a crust of bread,
Will make a pleasant taste instead,
There! now 'tis gone,—both taste and smell;
My little boy has managed well;
Mamma shall know her darling can
Drink senna-tea, just like a man:
For, tho' it is not nice to take,
Med'cine oft cures both pain and ache.
Some naughty children will not try
To drink their senna-tea, but cry;
Then worse and worse they grow, instead,
And often lie for weeks in bed,
When early care, without delay,
Might send their poorliness away.
When nurses have a sickly charge,
Their stock of patience should be large;
Their kindness and obliging care,
Should teach them peevishness to bear;
But then, in what is needful,—right,
Their hold should be both firm and tight;
Then love and confidence would still
Meet in obedience to their will,
And children would not dare to be
Unruly with their senna-tea.
Note. The practice of giving children sweet things, such as comfits and lozenges, cannot be too much reprobated. They fill children with ill-humors, by impairing digestion; they disorder the bowels, by producing an unnatural fermentation; they prevent the relish and enjoyment of plain food, and create in the little sufferer a continual craving for indulgencies. A little dried fruit, on proper occasions, is not unwholesome.
NURSE TELLING HARRY A TALE,
ABOUT CATCHING FLIES.