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Stories and ballads for young folks

Chapter 49: CRUEL!
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About This Book

A mixed collection of short narratives and lyrical pieces aimed at young readers, blending domestic vignettes, playful adventures, and brief moral sketches. Many items focus on childhood scenes—games, family interactions, small acts of kindness and perseverance—while others drift into fairy-tale or fanciful territory with giants, princesses, and imaginative escapades. Interspersed ballads and poems celebrate nature, simple joys, and consolation, shifting tone between humor, tenderness, and gentle instruction. The pieces are concise and varied, alternating story and verse to amuse, soothe, and offer mild ethical reflections appropriate for a youthful audience.

CRUEL!

She tried to scratch out both my eyes
(It is true!)
Tried to pull off both my ears,
My nose, too;
Scolded me—I thought she said
She would leave upon my head
Not a solitary hair—
Meant it, laughing—didn’t care!
Well, it rather hurt, but I
Murmured not, nor made outcry;
Let her pull, and scratch, and scold;
(She is only six months old).